章 2: Chapter 2: Han-Sung's Examination and the System

Chapter 2: Han-Sung's Examination and the System

Before the test concluded, Tryllo and Squidshark managed to pass Lero Ro's shinsu test despite their earlier struggles. After receiving healing for their injuries, the team was directed to wait in a wide, brightly lit corridor. The "sky" visible above them wasn't real but an artificial creation of shinsu unique to this floor. Kalon wondered if the next floor might simulate night instead.

"Next team, please," announced the second test administrator, a humanoid resembling a honeybee. Kalon struggled to recall her name—she was introduced in the story long ago but hadn't played a significant role since. Having arrived late with his teammates, Kalon hadn't even caught the start of the test.

While waiting, Tryllo and Squidshark wandered off to meet old acquaintances, including a rather peculiar Neon Plastic creature. Kalon stayed by the entrance, observing as the teams ahead nervously entered the test chamber.

Hearing their team's name called, Squidshark whispered nervously, "My friend said people who stayed longer than five minutes screamed—and might have failed."

Kalon raised an eyebrow. He had a guess who that "friend" might be. "This phase of the Tower is about testing resolve, teamwork, and decision-making. We can handle it if we stay calm," he thought to himself as the team approached the doors.

The room was suffused with quiet tension. Regulars could feel the intensity of the Test Administrator's presence. Hansung Yu, with his sharp eyes and serene demeanor, exuded an aura of authority as he sipped tea.

"Nice to meet you, Regulars," he began in an even tone. "I am Hansung Yu, your Test Administrator." His voice was calm, yet it carried a weight that demanded attention.

Kalon focused intently as Hansung outlined the rules: The task was to find and open the real door among twelve identical ones within ten minutes. A wrong choice would result in death.

Hansung concluded with a chilling, "Your time starts... now!"

Tryllo and Squidshark immediately dragged Kalon toward the doors, frantically examining them for clues. Their panic was palpable. Tryllo rubbed his chin in thought and asked, "Hey, Kalon, do you see anything different?"

"Just open any door," Kalon replied with a slight smile.

The two froze, turning to him in disbelief. "What do you mean, 'any door'? Are you crazy?" Squidshark hissed.

"Think about it," Kalon said patiently. "Squidshark, your friend mentioned passing within five minutes. Hansung gave us ten minutes. What could that mean?"

Squidshark hesitated before blurting, "That my friend was bad at math?"

Kalon slapped his forehead. "No. It means that all the doors are real within the first five minutes. After that, they all become fake."

Despite his explanation, Tryllo and Squidshark remained doubtful. With a sigh, Kalon stepped forward and kicked open a door.

"Noooo!" Tryllo screamed, expecting disaster. When no reaction came from Hansung, he slumped in despair, convinced they'd failed. Grabbing Kalon by the collar, he lifted him off the ground. "Do you realize what you've done?"

Unfazed, Kalon addressed Hansung over Tryllo's shoulder. "Mr. Hansung, are you waiting for me to get beaten before announcing the results?"

Hansung took another sip of tea and calmly said, "You passed."

Tryllo and Squidshark froze, their anger replaced by astonishment. "We... passed?" they stammered. Relief surged through them, and they lifted Kalon in celebration, tossing him into the air. Their change in attitude was so abrupt that Kalon couldn't help but chuckle. "Once a lizard, always a lizard," he muttered.

Hansung's curiosity was piqued. "Mr. Kalon, how did you know all the doors were real?"

"Let's just call it a lucky guess," Kalon replied with a cheeky grin.

Hansung smiled knowingly but said nothing further.

Upon reaching the waiting area for the next test, Kalon heard a soft Ding!

He almost cried with joy.

[Host has successfully met the requirements to activate the system.]

[System Activated.]

[Host has been rewarded: Immortal System.]

For a brief moment, Kalon's eyes glimmered gold before returning to normal.

The system's features displayed in his mind: Every technique observed can be stored in the system space. The host can enter this space, where time flows differently—1,000 years inside equals only an hour outside.

Kalon grinned uncontrollably, his elation evident.

"Why are you smiling so creepily?" Squidshark asked, looking unsettled.

"Oh, nothing," Kalon replied, quickly masking his excitement. But his twitching lips betrayed him.

Tryllo, intrigued, asked, "What's so funny?"

Kalon shrugged and quipped, "Why don't lizards ever play hide and seek? Because they're always spotted!"

Tryllo glared, clearly unimpressed. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

Kalon laughed, feeling invigorated. He had no time to argue. His focus was on the system. If he could start storing and mastering techniques, he would finally have a real chance to climb the Tower.