The Dreamer's POV

Tension wafted through the air as all our gazes fell on the otherworldly entity that floated above us.

Neither her gaze nor most of her body could be seen thanks to her massive wings blocking our sight, but her divine appearance was nonetheless glorious.

And so, with bated breaths and racing hearts, we hearkened to her words.

"[Upon the conclusion of my address, you will all be transported out of the Neutral Zone, and you will appear in random locations within the Ground Floor of the Tower of Trials]."

'The Ground Floor? Sounds familiar...' In fact, this entire scenario seemed very familiar.

I couldn't clearly tell, but it felt like I had seen something like this play out not just once or twice in my dreams.

I steeled myself as I continued to listen to her words.

"[A total number of 1,234,567 humans have survived the Tutorial and made it here. I render my congratulations to you all for being among the survivors]."

'What?! Just that amount??'

I knew a lot of people were transformed into Demons, and so those with the <Chosen One> Title were the ones who were selected to be eligible for the so-called 'Paradise'.

Still, to think that among all the humans on Earth—Eight billion, last I checked—we would all be reduced to a little over a million.

'What in the world...?!'

I didn't notice it earlier because a million was still quite a huge number, and looking at the sea of people around me, I thought we were actually a lot.

But to think so many people died...

'That's crazy!'

I didn't particularly feel bad about their demise. I mean, it wasn't like I really knew them personally.

I was certain no one would feel bad if I was to die in the same situation.

'It's just jarring that so many died.' And I wasn't expecting things to suddenly get easier in this new world.

"[Levels. Stats. Skills. Titles. Currency. It is assumed that you are all aware of their functions, considering you are all valuable survivors of the Tutorial.

None of those will be explained here]."

I was certain that not everyone actually understood those things. Even those who did could probably use some clarity.

Yet, the Seraph was just glossing over it. That was hardcore beyond words.

"[The issue that will be addressed is the Tower Of Trials, and as well as the expectations required of you all]."

I had already figured out most of what I could about my Status Window, so this was probably the thing I wanted to know the most.

What exactly did all this entail?

The fact that there wasn't just a random System Notification, but an actual angel popping up to tell us this stuff meant it was very important.

"[The Tower of Trials has 99 Floors, of course minus the Ground Floor. You are all required to clear at least one Floor within a month, else your Tower Pass will expire, and you will be evicted]."

What did she mean by 'evicted'? For the purposes of the Trial and this world's order, I had to assume it meant death.

'So if we don't put in the work and actively try to survive this time, we'll just die. This will be incredibly harsh for those who didn't do much in the Tutorial...'

If not for the strange suppression that the Seraph was probably using to ensure no one spoke, I was certain a lot of people would have burst out in understandable hysteria or sheer fear.

"[The purpose of the Tower Of Trials is to challenge and reward those who are deemed worthy. The ones who refuse to prove their worth are not necessary to it. The Tower does not tolerate parasites]."

My chest tightened and I narrowed my eyes, steeling myself with resolve.

"[The Tower Pass (F1) in your possession allows you to be eligible for both the Ground Floor and the First Floor. Should any you fail to meet your quota, it will be revoked, and you will be evicted.

The Ground Floor will serve as a home and settling ground for you. Compared to the other Floors wrought with danger, it is relatively safe. A perfect environment for growth, albeit limited.]"

'I see. So it's kind of like we'll be in the Ground Floor as a permanent residence, but we go to work in the upper Floors.'

However, since this Ground Floor was like the property of a company—courtesy of the Tower Of Trials—if we didn't make any progress in work, er would get fired, and lose out company house.

If I thought of it that way, it made sense. Unfortunately, this was a matter of life and death, so it wasn't that simple.

This system was too cruel.

"[Successes shall be rewarded, failure will be punished. Such is the nature of the Tower Of Trials]."

This wasn't foreign to everyone present. The concept of reward and punishment was rife on Earth as well.

The problem was the stakes. They were too high, and failure often resulted in death.

'... It's too cruel.'

"[A final word of advice. Beware of the challenges you encounter in the Tower. Not all monsters are Demons.

There are natives in the Tower of Trials, particularly the Ground Floor. Your survival might depend on your interactions with them.

Just as sentient existences take on several forms and shapes, so also do the natives]."

'Natives? Ah, I suppose that makes sense.' The Seraph said we would be scattered to different places, and we would have to survive and grow for a month.'

That meant this was a very vast world. If it was this vast, then it was pretty reasonable for people to inhabit it.

'People other than Users, huh? I wonder what they're like...'

In my dreams, I had visions of grotesque beings that I eventually found out to be Goblins, Orcs... even Elves.

I still wasn't sure if they were natives of the Ground Floor, or enemies I would fight in the upper Floors.

'But, I suppose I should simply keep an open mind and be wary.'

That was the best I could do, given the circumstances.

And if worst came to worst...

'I always have <Dream>.'

"[It is useless to ask why and how this happened to you and your world. You need not fill your minds with useless thoughts and worthless ideas. There is only one thing expected of you all...]"

My heart raced as I clenched my fist while glaring at the Seraph. The moment she uttered those words, I felt sudden rage boil within me.

The one behind the System. This Seraph. Who did they think they were to do all of this? Just what exactly did they consider our lives to be worth?

'Her tone just took a rather condescending turn. Finally showing your true colors, huh?' With a bitter smile, I maintained my glare at the angelic being.

Though at this point, all the allure and glory she had were inconsequential to me.

"[... Struggle and survive with all your might]."

In the end, we were nothing more than livestock being led to the slaughter.

'But I'll show you! I'll show you I'm more!'

"[You will be given a period of grace in the Ground Floor for a month. Grow stronger and become more accustomed to this world using that time.

The First Floor will be open after that period]."

A massive circle suddenly appeared underneath me—no, everyone. It covered the entire space where we all stood, and it began to glow in translucent light.

"[Farewell. And I wish you good fortune]."

The bright light enveloped all of us, and I felt my consciousness fade away again.

Everything around me became blank, and I felt myself get transported to a different space.

'Looks like this is it...' My thoughts echoed as I smiled to myself.

[00 Months: 00 Days: 00 Hours]

'... A new beginning!'

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[A/N]

And so the story really begins!!!

Thanks for reading.