The Dreamer's POV

[00 Months: 30 Days: 21 Hours]

As I wandered through the dimly lit compound, the darkness seemed to amplify my thoughts, wrapping around me like a shroud.

The world had quieted down, leaving only the distant sounds of construction and the soft rustle of the early morning breeze.

I found myself reflecting on the whirlwind of events that had consumed my days and nights since the incident.

The Great Southern Dungeon, an opportunity I had been eagerly looking forward to, had slipped from my grasp.

I was so busy with everything else that I simply hadn't found the time to explore it.

I had been consumed by the rebuilding efforts of the Lyma Capital and the Lyma Estate. Managing the hired adventurers and mercenaries, supervising the minions, and pouring over the intricate details of construction were no small tasks.

Then there was the coordination with various craftsmen, architects, and suppliers, not to mention the constant vigilance required to maintain the magical barriers around the Estate and the Capital.

My responsibility to Theo had taken the majority of my time. Boosting his image and grooming him for leadership were tasks that required delicacy and subtlety.

While Drius was out traveling the land, consolidating support for the young heir, I was behind the scenes, pulling the strings, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

But I knew that this period of relative peace wouldn't last long.

Rival families and ambitious nobles would soon realize that Theo's rule was not as fragile as they might have hoped. They would begin to strike, in ways both overt and hidden, and I would have to be ready to counter them.

I felt a weight settle on my shoulders as I considered the complexity of the situation. It was like a grand game of chess, with moves and countermoves, strategy and tactics, allies and enemies.

But unlike a game, the stakes were real, and the consequences of a misstep could be dire.

A sense of loneliness crept over me as I realized that much of this burden rested solely on my shoulders. Yes, I had Theo and Drius, but it wasn't like I trusted them.

There were a lot of things I hid from them, either for their own benefit or for mine.

'I… don't think I can get too close to them.'

Not unless I wanted a repeat of what happened the last time.

I stopped and looked up at the night sky, the stars shimmering like distant beacons.

Was I doing the right thing? Was I on the right path? The questions lingered, unanswered, as I stood alone in the darkness.

'Instead of getting stronger as fast as I can… I'm stuck here. But, this is what I wanted isn't it?'

With a heavy sigh, I resumed my walk, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the night.

There was one last thing that troubled me. Perhaps it was the most pervasive thought that caused me unrest.

The looming shadow of the First Trial gnawing at my mind. The reality of what lay ahead had sunk in, and it was weighing on me like a heavy stone.

"The First Trial," I muttered to myself, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's coming soon, and I need to be prepared."

The clock was ticking, and the remaining time I had to spend on this Ground Floor was limited.

If the time within the Floors flowed the same as in the Ground Floor, as I suspected, it meant that the longer I was away, the more vulnerable Theo and the others would become in my absence.

I considered all the countermeasures I had put in place to protect them.

But were they enough? Could I trust that they would hold against Francis and the other enemies lurking in the shadows?

"Drius will be with Theo," I reassured myself, trying to quell the rising tide of anxiety. "He will watch over him. He will keep him safe."

But what good would that do? Natives were weak against Survivors.

Plus, it wasn't as if the System forcibly sent everyone to the First Floor. We had a month to challenge it before our Floor Pass expired.

'That means The Alliance can show up here while I'm away.'

The fear that something might go wrong, that something could slip through the cracks, was a persistent itch I couldn't shake.

"I can't take any chances," I growled, clenching my fists. "I must conquer the First Floor as quickly as possible. Every moment I'm away is a moment they're at risk."

I knew that my concerns were not unfounded. Francis had proven himself to be cunning and ruthless.

'I still don't know how many allies he has, and how much influence he has managed to accrue. Plus, now that I stopped his plan and killed a good number of his subordinates, he's bound to come for me eventually.'

One misstep, one moment of complacency, and everything could come crashing down.

I stared at the sky above, the uncertainty gnawing at me. I had never felt so burdened by responsibility.

The stakes were high, and the margin for error was thin.

'But somehow… why do I feel so impatient? It's almost as if I want them to come at me.'

"I'm going to do this," I whispered to myself, determination steeling my voice.

There was no turning back now. The path ahead was fraught with challenges and uncertainties, but it was the path I had chosen.

And I would see it through to the end.

*******

[00 Months: 30 Days: 23 Hours]

It was closely approaching dawn, and I found myself sitting in the almost barren garden within the Estate.

The once vibrant landscape was still in recovery, but its tranquil beauty still resonated with me. The garden's quiet solitude was a perfect backdrop for introspection.

I was alone with my thoughts, reflecting on everything that had transpired.

The weight of what lay ahead weighed heavily on me, and my mind kept returning to Lucy Fer.

I hadn't seen her since that fateful encounter, and I couldn't help but wonder how she was doing. Explore more stories with empire

"Have I really grown stronger?" I asked myself, my voice lost in the wind. "Am I prepared for what's coming?"

I felt a pang of doubt.

I knew I had come a long way, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I hadn't progressed as much as I should have.

"I must become stronger in this First Floor Trial," I resolved, determination welling within me. "

The thought of the Tower filled me with a sense of urgency. Time was running out, and I knew that I had to be prepared.

As if to remind me of the impending deadline, the system notification appeared before my eyes:

[System Notification: Tower of Trials - First Floor Opening in: 00:19:16]

The countdown was relentless, ticking away the seconds with cold precision.

The reality of what was coming was inescapable, and I felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

I stared at the numbers, watching them decrease, each tick a reminder of the impending challenge.

'I wonder what I'll face…'

At times like these, I wished I had the journal I used to keep of my dreams when I was much younger. Sure, I knew the future could be changed, but surely, the Trials would remain the same.

'If I could prepare beforehand, that would be nice.'

The first light of dawn slowly began to break, soon to cast a soft glow over the garden.

The time for preparation was drawing to a close, and the moment of truth was at hand.

With a deep breath, I rose from my seat, my eyes still fixed on the countdown. I knew what I had to do.

The first rays of sunlight were just beginning to spread across the sky, casting a golden glow over the garden.

It was a beautiful morning, filled with promise, yet tinged with a sense of urgency.

Just as the sun fully emerged, a System Notification appeared before my eyes, pulling me from my contemplation:

[System Notification]

<The First Floor of the Tower Of Trials is now open. Would you like to begin immediately?>

[Details]

~ The First Floor is a solo challenge and no companions are allowed.

~ Time within the Floor flows the same as on the Ground Floor.

~ Failure to complete within one month will result in automatic removal from the Floor.

~ Acceptance will lead to immediate transportation to the First Floor.

[Option: Accept / Refuse]

I stared at the notification, the details of the First Floor laid out before me. The choice was mine to make, and the moment had come to decide.

I thought back to my conversation with Theo and Drius, how I had informed them of my impending absence.

I had told them I needed to gather more funds and get stronger for our cause.

It wasn't a total lie, but it wasn't the complete truth either.

The countdown in my mind seemed to tick louder now, each second urging me to make a decision.

"There's no need to hesitate. I just have to accept and return as quickly as possible. I'll do my best."

Whatever happened after, even if it meant the destruction of this entire place, was already out of my control.

There was no use contemplating even further after I had done my damndest best.

"I'm ready," I whispered to myself, a newfound determination surging within me.

With a decisive movement, I selected 'Accept.'

The world around me seemed to pause for a moment, and then everything began to fade.

The garden, the Estate, everything I had come to know, all of it vanished as I was transported to the First Floor of the Tower of Trials.

I felt a strange sensation, a mix of excitement and trepidation as I was pulled into a new world.

The familiar surroundings were gone, replaced by the unknown.

'Alright, Mikey…' An unconscious smile formed on my face.

I didn't know why.

"... You can do this."

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[A/N]

Alright! The time has come for the First Trial.

I hope you're all ready.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!