When that man exploded, everyone realized that Tartarus wasn't joking with anyone. A heavy silence filled the air.
The Angel of Death—Tartarus—began explaining the floors in a firm, commanding voice.
He said:
"Each floor has a BOSS. These bosses are the generals of the king of the final floor."
Then he continued:
"Our king, Hades, is one of the strongest beings in this world. Even the gods cannot oppose him. So become as strong as you can, because Lord Hades despises the weak. We watch your every move, and there is no escape… except defeating Lord Hades. Now go, and prove your worth!"
After Tartarus stepped away with his terrifying presence and chilling warnings, every participant suddenly felt an electric shock run through their body. A moment later, a glowing screen appeared in front of them—a transparent window with a metallic, robotic voice saying:
"System activated. Loading player information…"
On the screen appeared details such as:
Level
HP
XP
Special Skills
Obtained Rewards
But the main part—the skills—clearly showed that a real battle was coming.
• Main Skills:
1. Magic Skills (can be upgraded with training and items):
Fire Magic: destructive attacks
Healing Magic: restores HP for yourself and others
Plant Manipulation: creates barriers, traps, or suffocates enemies
2. Swordsmanship
Single Sword: high accuracy and speed
Dual Sword: stronger and wider attacks
3. Archery
Only one style, but based on talent it splits into Precision, Speed, or Explosive.
4. Level Appraisal
Only a rare few had this. It allows users to see monster levels…
• Special (Hidden) Skills:
Only those with natural talent or extreme luck could unlock one.
Special skills only activated after defeating a floor boss.
In the heavy silence, only the trembling of the virtual windows and whispered fear could be heard…
Then a voice echoed again in everyone's mind:
"The choice is yours… Survive, or become another stepping stone for others."
---
With the system interface now visible, chaos spread among the crowd. Some screamed with excitement, others panicked at their low HP, and many just stared at the "Level Appraisal" skill…
And then Tartarus's voice echoed again:
"Do not underestimate the bosses of each floor…
Each one has the power of rank S or A.
This isn't a game—this is survival."
---
When the leveling system fully activated, everyone waited for the results. A few seconds later, a glowing letter appeared above each participant, representing their power rank.
Power Rank Categories:
• Rank S (Special):
Only 15% of participants.
Prodigies with legendary skills, capable of fighting higher-floor bosses and even changing the game's flow.
Level: 1
HP: 150
XP: 100
• Rank A (Advanced):
Around 25% of participants.
Powerful warriors capable of teamwork and heavy combat.
Level: 1
HP: 120
XP: 100
• Rank C (Normal):
49% of players. Average fighters with basic skills; survival depends on teamwork, luck, and strategy.
Level: 1
HP: 100
XP: 100
• Rank E (Defective):
Only 1%. Completely powerless.
No combat or magic skills—only one weak ability: Level Appraisal, barely useful in real fights.
They were basically dead weight…
The most likely to die first.
Level: 1
HP: 50
XP: 100
In the minds of all players, a cold message echoed:
"If you're Rank E… just run."
---
Everyone formed their teams, except for the Rank E players.
No one wanted them.
People said they didn't deserve a place here—that they were nothing but stepping stones to help others escape this hell.
As I was leaving, someone grabbed my arm and said:
"Where are you going in such a hurry?"
I looked at him with eyes full of rage.
He instantly flinched and let go without meaning to.
While everyone was busy forming their teams, the only people left out were the Rank E players. No one approached them. Rank E was like a stain—proof of weakness. The only reason anyone might take one in… was to use them as bait.
Among all the disgusted and indifferent stares, there was only one person who wasn't afraid of being Rank E…
Someone who had spent his entire life on this game.
Everyone saw him as a "weak player," but his devilish smile said otherwise.
He was thrilled.
Because he was the only one who knew how Rank E could evolve.
The system screen showed nothing about how Rank E could level up.
For ranks C, A, and S, the method was clear—defeat bosses above their tier.
But for Rank E?
Nothing.
No guide.
No instructions.
No hope.
And that was where he was different—
He knew the dark secret hidden deep in the game.
The secret of evolving Rank E…
All the teams were formed. Weapons chosen. Strategies planned.
And the ones left outside the circle… were the Rank E players.
Someone from Rank A shouted:
"They don't belong here! They're just steps for us to climb out of this place!"
Everyone agreed. They wanted to use the Rank E's as sacrifices.
In that noise, I was searching for my friend, Yuji… but he was nowhere.
I tried to slip past the crowd quietly to get outside—to escape the insults, the stares…
But just as I walked past, someone blocked me.
A cold, mocking voice whispered:
"Where do you think you're going, little Rank E?"
I turned around, meeting his eyes with silent anger.
His fingers trembled and released me instantly.
I walked away and stepped outside.
Once outside, I couldn't hold back my smile.
I was thrilled—counting the moments until revenge.