Ash stepped through the massive doors along with the others.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the air changed.
He had messy, long black hair with white roots that fell around his face, sharp gray eyes, and tanned skin — slightly sun-kissed, as if shaped by years under an open sky. He wore a sleeveless black vest over a lean, muscular frame, loose white joggers, and dark boots.
Fresh wind brushed against his face. He stopped walking.
Before him stretched a vast open landscape — endless green fields swaying beneath a bright blue sky. Mountains rose in the distance like sleeping giants. Waterfalls spilled from cliffs, their mist drifting across forests of tall silver-leafed trees. The whole place looked peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Ash frowned. "What is this place…?"
Then—
Hello.
He froze. The voice hadn't come from around him. It had come from inside his head.
A translucent screen flickered into existence in front of his eyes — like a floating window only he could see. Lines of faint blue light formed symbols and text, and a small figure appeared at the corner of the display.
Hello. I am your Designated Intelligence Guide. But you may call me Dig.
Ash blinked several times. "What…?"
"You're… talking in my head."
Correct. A small chip was implanted within your brain before your arrival. It allows you to communicate with me and view information through a visual interface. You may think of it as a game window.
He rubbed his temple slowly, staring at the screen hovering at the edge of his vision. "So you're… a guide?"
I exist to assist you, Dig answered. I can provide information, display maps, explain rules, and answer most questions related to the Tower. However — I must inform you that all interactions between us are recorded. The Ruler has full access to this data.
Ash grimaced. "Of course he does." He glanced around. Other participants were already scattering into the fields — some sprinting toward the forest, others shouting in confusion, trying to make sense of where they were. He turned his attention back to the floating screen. "Is there a chance someone is listening to our conversation right now?"
Yes. Someone is listening at this very moment.
"Then I want whoever's listening to know something," Ash said coldly. "I will win this stupid game. And when I do — I'll make you all pay."
I am certain they received your message.
He watched the other participants a moment longer, reading the chaos around him. Everyone was lost. Everyone was afraid. Some were already forming small desperate clusters, grabbing strangers by the arm and asking questions nobody could answer. "So every participant has a guide?"
Correct.
"And is your allegiance with me… or with the Ruler?"
I was created to assist you and to place your needs above all else, Dig answered without hesitation. My allegiance will always be with you.
"Alright." Ash crossed his arms. "Final question. Where am I?"
The screen shifted, displaying a faint map outline of the surrounding terrain. You are currently on Floor One of the Tower of the Animal Kingdom. Like every floor, there is no time limit — however, most participants require approximately one to three months to clear this level.
"Clear it?"
To advance to the second floor, participants must develop three abilities related to their animal classification. For you is one passive ability and two active abilities. A brief pause followed. Your passive ability has already been unlocked.
Ash straightened slightly. "Already?"
Correct. A passive ability is one that does not require activation. Like in a video game, it remains active at all times.
Ash narrowed his eyes. "And what ability is that?"
Rather than answering directly, Dig spoke again. Let me ask you something.
Ash waited.
Do you remember the man who stood behind you in the chamber?
"Blonde hair. Tall. He received the lion mark."
Do you remember the participant two rows diagonally from you — the one wearing a green hoodie?
"He didn't say a word the entire time," Ash said slowly. "Didn't panic either."
Correct. Another pause. Do you remember the first sentence spoken by the Ruler?
"'Greetings, Participants.'"
Silence followed — just for a moment.
As expected.
Ash's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" The screen shifted, displaying a small black symbol at its center.
A crow.
Your animal classification is Corvus, Dig said. The crow. Crows are known for exceptional memory and intelligence.
A soft chime echoed from the screen.
Passive Ability Unlocked: Photographic Memory.
Ash inhaled sharply. For a moment he stood completely still — and then he felt it. A strange clarity settling deep inside his mind, like invisible doors opening one after another. Every detail from the chamber resurfaced at once. Every face. Every word. Every sound. Nothing blurred. Nothing faded. It was all just there, perfectly preserved, like the memory had been carved into glass.
You will not forget anything you experience within the Tower, Dig continued calmly. It may not appear as impressive as the strength of a lion or the reflexes of a spider. However — survival in the Tower does not rely on strength alone.
Ash looked toward the distant forest. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Good."
He started walking.
"Because I'm not planning on dying here."
© 2025 Moku. All rights reserved. The Tower of the Animal Kingdom is an original work by Moku. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.