It took me a while to get my head on straight.
I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the glowing interface floating in front of me like it was the most normal thing in the world. I rubbed my temples, took a deep breath, and finally said, "Alright… Luna, right?"
"Affirmative, User Chosa."
Okay. Deep breath. One thing at a time.
I glanced at the interface and opened the menu. My eyes locked onto the Inventory tab. It flickered open, revealing a grid layout—clean and simple. Empty… for now.
"So I can store items in here?"
"Correct. This inventory space exists in a separate dimensional pocket. You may store mana stones, gear, consumables, and other material resources acquired from the Tower."
My lips curled into a small grin.
That alone was a game-changer. I wouldn't need to lug heavy gear around anymore—or risk having it stolen while I slept in alleyways. I could keep whatever I found… and actually use it.
I leaned forward. "What about the skill edit thing? How does that work?"
"To access the Skill Edit Protocol, a one-time-use override command is initiated to rewrite the parameters of your base ability—"
"Yeah, okay, can you… not talk like a robot?"
There was a pause. Then:
"Would you prefer a more humanized voice configuration?"
"Please."
A second passed. Then the interface shimmered slightly, and the voice returned—but this time, it was softer. Smoother. Like a young woman. Clear, confident, and eerily calm.
"How's this?" she asked.
"…Better," I muttered, scratching my head. "Alright, go on."
"The Skill Edit allows you to modify your core ability, 'Copy.' However, due to my limited access authorization without a Maker's credentials, the upgrade options are restricted."
I raised an eyebrow. "Restricted how?"
"You may now copy abilities from other individuals and store up to three of them at a time. These abilities are 'bookmarked'—meaning they can be swapped in or out. The copied abilities last based on power rank, ranging from 15 seconds to 24 hours depending on the strength and complexity of the skill."
I stared at her.
"…Wait. I don't have to die anymore to use Copy?"
She nodded. "Correct. That limitation has been bypassed with the interface override. You can now copy skills without fatal consequences."
I leaned back on my bed, blinking up at the ceiling.
I couldn't believe it.
All this time… this hell I was stuck in… and now, somehow, in a twisted, freakish way, I'd actually been given a chance in this forsaken world.
I exhaled slowly and looked back at Luna. "Alright. Let's do it. Edit the skill."
"Confirmed. Initiating skill rewrite protocol."
The interface buzzed and shifted in front of me. A line of text glowed brightly:
[Skill: COPY]
Old Condition: Activation upon fatal wound
New Condition: Non-fatal contact copying enabled
Storage Limit: 3 Skills
Duration Limit: 15s–24h based on skill tier
As the text finalized, Luna's voice returned. "Edit complete. Skill modification successful. You now have zero Edit Points remaining."
I nodded slowly. "Got it."
It felt surreal.
Everything I'd been through—all the crawling, bleeding, nearly dying just to scrape together mana stones—and now I had something real.
Something usable.
I got up and started getting dressed—gear wasn't much, just the cheap armor scraps I'd collected over time—but I paused and asked, "Hey… why couldn't Yomi see you?"
Luna answered without hesitation. "The interface is only visible to the user whose consciousness is synced. You are the sole recipient of this system."
Relief washed over me like a wave. The last thing I needed was people thinking I'd lost it, walking around Tokyo with a floating screen only I could see.
I slipped on my boots and stepped outside, the rusted door of our apartment creaking shut behind me.
The city was already alive, buzzing with people heading off to their jobs, their training, or their raids. Tower-watchers hovered near screens outside shops, analyzing any public footage of the floors. Raiders in light armor strolled by, swords strapped to their backs or pistols holstered at their hips.
I made my way to the heart of the city—where it all came together.
The Raiders Government Guild stood tall like a symbol of false hope in central Tokyo. A wide, gleaming structure made of obsidian glass and white steel. Inside was a massive hub of activity—vendors hawking gear, bulletin boards filled with party recruitment notices, and giant digital boards showing Tower updates.
As I stepped in, the cool air hit my face, and I glanced around. Luna's voice spoke again.
"What are you looking for?"
"I want to see if any low-rank groups are forming parties to enter Floor 1." I scanned the room, eyes flicking from post to post. "If I'm going to get stronger, I need to start taking skills. Might be something worth copying out there."
I kept searching—then something changed.
The massive TVs lining the walls cut their usual broadcasts and a new message blared from the speakers.
"Attention all Raiders. Update on Tower Progression. Guild 'Divine' has officially reached the highest known floor… Floor 30."
The room paused.
Eyes turned.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
I narrowed my gaze at the screen.
Only Floor 30?
The Tower had 100 floors.
It had been years since the Towers arrived, and the best this world could do was reach 30?
That was the true cruelty of this world. No one had even come close to the top. And yet…
"Two months."
I blinked. "What?"
"If you grow at a consistent and accelerated pace, based on current data, you could reach Floor 30 in two months."
I turned toward Luna. "That's… insane. You serious?"
"I am."
I stared back at the screen. Raiders clapped. Some celebrated. But all I could think was how far we had to go.
"How?" I asked.
"Each floor offers rewards. Gear, potions, enhancements. At Floor 5, a Shop function will be unlocked within the interface. If you progress wisely, you can evolve faster than the average Raider."
I clenched my fists.
Finally… a real path forward.
I opened my mouth to ask more, but Luna cut me off before I could even speak.
"If you are about to ask about the Makers… I cannot answer."
I paused.
"…Why not?"
"Those answers are sealed. As you ascend the Tower and unlock higher system permissions, more of the truth will become available."
I nodded slowly.
Then I looked back at the party boards.
If I was going to climb this cursed Tower… I needed to get stronger—fast.