Runic test (1)–the guide association....

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  [You’ve arrived on the first floor!]

  As the light from the teleportation faded, I stepped foot onto the first floor of the Tower.

  The environment instantly felt different from the tutorials.

  The air was cool, and the soft breeze rustled through the open plaza that stretched out in front of me.

  The sky above was gradually shifting into hues of purple and deep blue—evening was approaching.

  In front of me lay a bustling town, its streets lined with an assortment of buildings—some made of wood, others of polished stone—each with signs hanging above their entrances.

  The chatter of players filled the air, mixed with the occasional laughter or argument over trades.

  Stalls were set up along the sides, with players haggling over items, weapons, and strange trinkets.

  Behind me stood a large, imposing building made of white bricks and inscribed with faint glowing runes.

  Its entrance was wide, and a steady stream of players moved in and out.

  It was the Guide Association.

  A mandatory facility on every floor of the Tower, the Guide Association acted as the administrative heart of the game.

  Registration here was necessary to unlock certain mechanics and utilities.

  Aside from it, it was a place where fighting was not allowed.

  ‘Well, better get it over with.’

  I made my way toward it, weaving through groups of players standing in clusters.

  Some were comparing weapons.

  Others were sharing snacks they'd probably looted or cooked.

  A few sat on benches, catching their breath or scrolling through their system screens.

  As I walked up the stone steps and entered the building, a wave of warm air brushed against my face.

  The inside was brightly lit with hanging crystal lanterns.

  The atmosphere resembled a cross between a train station and a guild hall—crowded, loud, and filled with anticipation.

  Dozens of players stood in different lines, facing counters where junior guides in uniform were stationed, tapping away at magical consoles.

  Murmurs and the occasional shouts echoed in the air.

  I glanced around.

  Although it was crowded, it wasn’t unbearable.

  It had been five days since the tutorial phase ended, after all, so most players must’ve already proceeded to climb floors.

  That said, a few slower or more meticulous players were still here, either failed the floor quest or wete trying to gather as much information as possible.

  My eyes landed on a counter near the left wall, manned by a young-looking guide whose counter had no players.

  Perfect.

  I strode over.

  The junior guide looked up from his floating clipboard.

  He had short, neat brown hair, bright green eyes, and a polite but clearly tired smile.

  "How can I help you today?" he asked, adjusting his uniform collar.

  "I’m here to register," I replied plainly.

  The guide’s eyes lit up a little.

  “Oh! Wonderful. Then please place your hand on this crystal,” he said, rummaging under the desk.

  A moment later, he pulled out a blue crystal orb and gently placed it on the counter.

  "Okay," I said, stepping closer.

  I placed my palm on the orb.

  It was smooth and slightly warm.

  The moment my skin made contact, the orb began to glow, pulses of light rippling through it like gentle waves.

  [You can now open shop without help of any guide!]

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  [You can now rename items from inventory!]

  [You’ve gained access to community!]

  [Currently only message feature of community is unlocked!]

  [Congratulations! Your registration is complete!]

  The orb then displayed something in large glowing letters:

  [Rating: S+]

  The guide blinked, then leaned in slightly, eyes wide.

  “Wow! Your ratings is S+!” he said, visibly impressed. “That’s incredibly rare! Very few players achieve this.”

  Ratings were a way to estimate a player’s overall strength and capabilities—used because only the players themselves, and the creator of the system, could view actual stats.

  The creator…

  My father.

  A bitter thought passed through my mind.

  Even when I had gone on a rampage before, he hadn’t intervened. I doubted he would now either.

  ‘Well, if he does, it’ll be the end.’ I shrugged the thought off.

  The guide, oblivious to my wandering thoughts, cleared his throat and smiled again.

  “Now that your registration is complete, allow me to explain the Floor Quest system and other few things.”

  And so, the lecture began.

  He explained how every floor had a special quest—called the Floor Quest—that needed to be completed to access the next level.

  These quests happened at specific intervals, known as frequencies.

  If a quest had a frequency of 0, it could be attempted anytime.

  If it was 3, it would only activate every three days.

  He also explained about community.

  It was really important thing for players.

  It had bulletin boards, advanced guides, etc.

  But currently only message feature is unlocked.

  Thus feature allows players to message registered players.

  However each message cost points according to word count.

  “The frequency of the first floor is 1, that is, once every day. So the next Floor Quest will occur tomorrow,” he said. “Since your class is Rune Scribe, you’re required to attend the Rune Academy at 10 a.m. tomorrow for your challenge.”

  “Got it,” I nodded.

  He leaned in slightly and added, “Oh, and you can exchange TP (Tower Points) here for local currency—gold, silver and bronze coins. Inns and shops in town accept these. Also, if you want to trade TP with another player, just shake hands to initiate the transfer.”

  “Understood. Convert some of my points into gold, then,” I said.

  “Certainly. Please transfer the amount you’d like.”

  He extended his hand across the counter. I shook it, and through the system interface, transferred 5,550 points.

  The guide nodded as a faint light passed through our handshake.

  A moment later, he reached under the desk and handed me a pouch.

  “Here are your 4 gold coins, 15 silver coins and 5 bronze.”

  I accepted it, feeling the satisfying weight in my hand.

  The coins clinked against each other with a familiar metallic ring.

  “Anything else I can help you with?” he asked, still smiling professionally.

  “No. Thanks for the help,” I replied, turning away.

  I made my way out of the building, slipping past groups of chatting players, some checking quest boards, others loudly discussing item stats or forming parties.

  As I stepped back into the evening-lit plaza, the cool air greeted me once more.

  I took a deep breath.

  The Tower had officially begun.

  ---

  The sky was slowly turning darker, bathing the entire horizon in hues of deep orange and violet.

  A few stars began to peek through the fading daylight, twinkling like shy fireflies scattered across the sky.

  Night was coming.

  In front of me stretched a lively town, glowing under lanterns and magical lights strung between buildings and lamp posts.

  The contrast was striking—compared to the emotionless, rigid environment of the tutorial, this place felt alive. Real.

  A soft breeze brushed against my cheek as I walked forward, and I could hear the hum of conversation, laughter, and the occasional shout of a vendor.

  ‘It’s really different from the tutorials…’ I thought, taking it all in.

  Street vendors lined the roads, some standing behind small stalls with colorful awnings, others wheeling around wooden carts adorned with glowing signs and mouthwatering smells.

  One vendor was grilling skewered meat over an open flame, the scent drifting into the air, making my stomach grumble.

  Groups of players gathered here and there—some bartering for items, others eating at food stalls, or checking out equipment displayed in makeshift shops.

  I took my time strolling through the buzzing streets, my eyes scanning signs until one caught my eye.

  [Dazzle Inn]

  It was a modest, two-story building with warm light spilling from the windows and a wooden sign that gently creaked in the wind.

  Flowers lined the entrance in small pots, and the faint smell of roasted food wafted from inside.

  I pushed open the door and stepped in. A small bell above the door chimed.

  "Hello! Welcome to Dazzle Inn!" a cheerful voice greeted.

  Behind a polished wooden counter stood a middle-aged man with a welcoming smile and neatly combed black hair.

  He wore a crisp vest and a towel slung over his shoulder like a practiced innkeeper.

  "Can I get something to eat?" I asked, returning his smile.

  "Yes, of course! Please take a seat over there and have a look at our menu," he said, gesturing to an empty table near the window.

  "Sure," I nodded, walking over.

  I navigated between a few filled tables, where players were laughing and clinking their wooden mugs together, enjoying their evening.

  The inn felt cozy—low-hanging lamps gave off a soft golden light, casting gentle shadows across the wooden walls and floor.

  I settled into my seat and picked up the menu resting neatly at the center of the table.

  Flipping through it, my eyes scanned the items.

  Most dishes were hearty and filling—roasted meats, vegetable stews, rice platters, and grilled fish.

  But then one word caught my eye.

  ‘Coffee?’

  A slow smile formed on my lips. I leaned back slightly, feeling a wave of delight.

  ‘They sell coffee!’

  It was such a small thing, but after everything, it made me genuinely happy.

  A soft voice pulled me from my thoughts.

  "Your order, sir?" asked a young woman, holding a small notepad and pen.

  She had a warm, friendly face, light freckles across her nose, and wore the same uniform as the innkeeper.

  "One coffee, one plate of chicken with potatoes, and one plate of spicy garlic tofu," I said with a cheerful nod.

  She gave a slight bow. "Okay sir, please wait just a bit."

  As she moved away, I opened my status window while the gentle chatter of the inn surrounded me like a blanket.

  My level had risen up to 8 after those two boss hunts earlier.

  I spent a few moments redistributing my points, focusing on mana and stamina again. Then I opened the shop.

  This time, few skills were there.

  Although all were basic skills such as meditation.

  There were also new weapons and armors.

  Still no coffee though.

  I sighed. ‘Whatever… at least this place has it.’

  I held back a grumble and bought the skills anyway.

  [Your items have been transferred to your inventory!]

  I summoned my inventory window, and the new skillbooks sparkled faintly as they hovered in their slots.

  I could learn them myself or pass them to someone else later.

  "Here’s your order, sir."

  The waitress returned with a wide smile and placed the food gently on the table.

  "Thank you!" I said, genuinely pleased as I eyed the plates.

  Steam curled from the freshly made dishes.

  The chicken was roasted with crispy golden skin, resting over a bed of soft potatoes glistening with herb-infused oil.

  The spicy garlic tofu had a sharp, savory aroma, sprinkled with green onions and sesame.

  I picked up the fork and knife and took a bite.

  ‘Now this is the test…’

  The flavors exploded in my mouth.

  The chicken was tender and juicy, the potatoes soaked in a delightful mix of herbs and butter.

  The tofu was spicy, just the right kick to stir the appetite.

  After days of eating bland, dry roasted meat in the field, this was heaven.

  I slowed down, savoring each bite, chewing slowly as warmth spread from my mouth to my chest.

  The ambiance of the inn, the sound of clinking cutlery, and the dim glow of lanterns added to the charm.

  Finally, I picked up the coffee mug.

  Dark, warm, and aromatic.

  The very first sip sent a shiver down my spine.

  ‘Yup… that’s the taste.’

  With each sip, my mind relaxed, as if stress was draining away with the rising steam.

  [You’ve intake coffee!]

  [Your mana regeneration has increased temporarily!]

  [Your fatigue level has decreased drastically!]

  System messages popped up in the corner of my vision, confirming what I already felt.

  ‘Huh? Is this why coffee isn't available in the shops?’ I blinked, raising a brow.

  Most dishes had hidden effects, sure.

  But usually only when made by expert chefs.

  If coffee beans had this effect by default… no wonder they weren't in lower floor shops.

  They would be really popular on upper floors.

  Mana regeneration and fatigue reduction?

  Any player would kill for that.

  ‘Whatever. Looks like I just found another reason to love coffee,’ I thought with a smirk, taking another satisfying sip.

  Once I’d finished the meal and drained the last drop of coffee, I stood up and made my way to the counter, a comfortable warmth still lingering in my chest.

  "What’s the bill?" I asked, reaching into my pouch.

  The innkeeper glanced at a notepad.

  "100 points for the chicken potatoes, 80 points for the spicy garlic tofu, and 100 points for the coffee."

  "Okay! Here you go," I said, placing 3 silver coins on the counter.

  He began reaching for change, but I waved a hand.

  "Keep it as a tip."

  The man blinked, then beamed. "Thank you, sir!"

  I returned his smile. "By the way, is any room available?"

  "Yes, sir. For one night, it’ll be 600 points."

  "Alright. Book me one," I replied, handing over another 1 gold coins.

  He reached again for change, and again I stopped him with a raised hand.

  "That’s for you too."

  His eyes lit up with appreciation.

  "Much obliged, sir. You’ve got room number 3 on the second floor. Key is in the drawer—ah, here."

  He handed me a small brass key with the number etched into it.

  "Oh, and one last thing," I said, leaning a little closer. "Can you tell me anything about the themes of the first ten floors?"

  He straightened up and smiled knowingly.

  "Well, sure, sir. I’ve seen a lot of folks pass through. Here’s what you might want to know..."

  He began explaining, and I listened intently as the warm, cozy inn buzzed gently around us, my first real night on the tower’s first floor slowly beginning.