As Kaun swung his spear, a sudden hand shot out of nowhere and snapped the weapon like a twig. His eyes widened in shock as a voice, calm but echoing with undeniable authority, filled his mind.
"I knew it! That trap could never hold your true self. I've been waiting for you, my precious seed," the voice said, reverberating through the chamber like a storm contained within stone walls.
Kaun's gaze sharpened instantly. He recognized that tone—powerful, unyielding, ancient. "You… you're still alive?" he demanded, his voice a mix of disbelief and fury. He could hardly believe it. One of the Tower bosses he had thought defeated centuries ago was standing before him in some form, testing him.
"You underestimate me, my seed," the voice replied, smooth yet heavy with authority. "That was only my puppet, a mere test. A measure of your strength, your resolve, your determination."
Kaun's jaw clenched. "Then why hide? Come forth! Let me see if I can destroy your true self, or if all this power is merely a shadow!" His voice trembled with a mixture of anger and excitement, his entire being radiating years of honed power, experience, and survival instinct. Centuries of battles had forged him; he would not be intimidated by shadow tricks.
A hint of amusement laced the reply. "I wish I could, my seed, but even I have limits. The LIUNETH Universe is bound by laws that cannot be bent, even by me. There are rules that cannot be broken."
Kaun's grip on the remaining spear handle tightened, veins bulging along his forearm. "Rules? I know the Tower is merciless, but I will not bow to riddles or intimidation. Speak plainly—or step aside!"
The voice shifted, softening, coaxing, as if offering comfort wrapped in danger. "My offer still stands. Accept me as your God, and I will grant strength beyond imagining. The power to restore worlds, to achieve everything you desire."
Kaun's eyes narrowed, the weight of temptation pressing against centuries of restraint. He knew the offer's price: submission, eternal servitude, the loss of freedom he had fought so long to preserve. He hesitated only for a heartbeat before his will crystallized. He would not kneel to false gods.
A glowing, ethereal page manifested before him, hovering in the air, golden letters scrolling slowly across it:
[ #@&##@& CREATOR wants to form a pact with you.
Will you accept this pact?
YES NO ]
Kaun's heart thumped, his pulse echoing in his ears. Acceptance meant chains, obedience, slavery. He understood the stakes perfectly. His resolve solidified, his lips barely parting as he pressed NO.
Instantly, Kaun sprang into action. The two figures before him—the manipulative puppets of the Trap of Desire—fell to his attacks before they could react. He moved with precision and force born of centuries of combat, intent on destroying every last trace of the trap. But reinforcements arrived faster than he expected. Survival demanded retreat.
Decades blurred into centuries. He ran. He evaded, fought, survived. Every encounter tested his strength, every battle pushed him to the limits of endurance. And finally, after centuries of ceaseless vigilance and blood-soaked trials, he was cornered. Forced to submit to the CREATORs, he became the Tower Manager—a position of immense authority, yet a gilded cage. His resentment never faded, his grudge simmered. He waited, watching, hoping for a moment, a chance… and then he found Shiddharth.
Shiddharth's voice broke the silence. "So… what do you want from me?"
Kaun's eyes, hard yet patient, met his. "Nothing beyond guidance. But listen carefully: do not wish for Earth's revival. It is impossible. Instead, wish for power. Power to surpass those who would destroy you, to protect your comrades, to endure where others will fail."
Shiddharth's brows knitted in suspicion. "Why should I trust you? You are part of the Tower. You could be lying."
Kaun's stare never wavered. "I will prove my words. Follow my instructions, and you will see. Disobey, and you will pay the price. Knowledge is survival, and survival is the only truth here."
A white, radiant page appeared, floating between them, shimmering as if alive. Words etched themselves clearly, the gravity of the Tower's authority weighing upon them:
[ Contract
The Tower Manager, Kaun, will provide evidence of the Tower's truths and of the other world.
In return, Shiddharth must follow Kaun's instructions until the 99th floor, and use the Wish Gem solely for gaining power. Shiddharth shall not accept any CREATOR's pact until reaching the 99th floor.
Breaking the contract invokes Tower punishment.
The contract ends upon Shiddharth defeating the 99th Floor Boss.
Tower Seal ]
Shiddharth read the words carefully, his mind sharp with calculation. "Why mention the CREATOR pact here? You said they cannot form pacts inside the Tower."
Kaun's gaze was steady, commanding. "Normally, yes. But loopholes exist. Hidden Bosses, ancient runes, corrupted floors… They can manipulate conditions if given a chance. Understanding this is crucial ignorance could cost you your life."
Shiddharth's eyes flicked with curiosity. "The Riyan Kingdom… that's the first floor where new hunters appear?"
Kaun nodded. "Everything within the Tower reflects the LIUNETH Universes. Real, but carefully controlled. Allies may be alive in hidden corners; friends may yet survive. You must remain vigilant, always."
Shiddharth drew his sword, a test of both rules and trust. "Before moving, I need to check something." With a precise motion, he slashed across Kaun's face.
The Tower responded instantly:
[ You have attacked Tower Manager Kaun ]
[ You have violated the contract ]
[ Tower punishment: Zeus' Thunderbolt ]
[ Due to skill: Defy The Tower Law ]
[ You will not receive punishment ]
[ Contract broken. Contract ends immediately ]
Kaun's eyes softened, a small, approving smile forming. "Why did you do that?" he asked, his voice calm yet curious.
Shiddharth sheathed his sword. "I needed to test the rules. To ensure I could act if something threatened me. Now I know. Let's renew the contract—properly, with understanding."
Kaun's approval was clear. "Very well. You are cautious. Smart. Go to the 51st floor. Hidden treasures await for you."
Kaun's tone became sharp again, filled with warning. "And remember: never, under any circumstance, accept a CREATOR's pact. The Tower punishes disobedience mercilessly, and the CREATORs will exploit it. Trust only yourself and your instincts."
Shiddharth nodded, absorbing the weight of the words. The Tower's stakes had never been higher. Yet now, armed with knowledge, guidance, and the Wish Gem, he was ready to step forward—not as a pawn of fate, but as a force capable of reshaping destiny itself.