The Dreamer's POV

[Time Left: 30 Days, 23 Hours]

<Current Number of Participants: 401>

~DING!~

Just as I was internalizing the Information I had just received from the System, another ping echoed in my ears.

'Hm?' A different Window appeared in front of me, and I was greeted with an extended sheet explaining what was going on.

[Trial Details]

[Floor 1 - Forest of Whispers]

<Scenario>

{The beginning of your journey into the Tower of Trials. A dense forest where the trees seem to whisper secrets. The air is thick with mystery and the unknown.}

[System Requirements to Pass]

~Defeat the Whispering Treant Boss.

~Find three Ancient Runes hidden within the forest.

[Quests Associated with Floor]

<Secrets of the Trees>: Learn a secret from the trees by communicating with them through magic or intuition.

<Lost Traveler>: Rescue a lost traveler entrapped by the forest's magic.

<Runic Message>: Combine the three Runes found to unlock something in the forest.

[End Of Information]

"Whoah! This is a lot!" I instantly blurted out once I saw everything that was written in front of me.

'Now I understand why this would take a month to complete...'

Not only was the mission more complex than anything the System had ever thrown at us, but it also didn't appear easy to do either.

'The requirements are more than just fighting monsters.'

We had to defeat a Boss and find runes. Talk of a twisted game.

'And what's with these Quests? There are three in total. None of them are a requirement to pass, so I'm guessing completing them will simply give you bonus scores.'

Those who were in a hurry to pass, either because they were too weak or simply out of time, were probably going to ignore the Quests.

It was also in our best interests to clear the Floor as fast as possible for more Rewards.

Thinking about it rationally, it made more sense to focus on what would guarantee you victory first of all before going after anything else.

'But I'm different!'

One could call me greedy, but I truly couldn't stand the idea of a reward existing and me not taking advantage of it.

'That's why I'm going to complete all the Quests and fulfil the Requirements to Pass, while also being as fast as possible!'

Since that was the plan, there was no use wasting time any further.

"First of all, I'll search for the three Runes scattered in the Forest. Then, I'll make sure to complete the three Quests. After everything has been concluded, I'll face the Boss."

I currently didn't know my left from right in this Floor, and if I had more Currency, I could have gotten a map, but since I was broke, that wasn't an option.

Regardless, I wasn't planning on falling behind at all.

"<Fallen Foe>."

In that moment, five shadows began to squirm beneath me, all of them rising from their blackened depths.

Slowly, they ascended, forming the shapes of the creatures I had made my minions.

One Elite Shadow.

Three Wyverns.

... And one Dragon.

"You all know what to do..." I spoke to all five of my Minions, my gaze lingering on as I walked ahead, a smile etched on my face.

Watching the gaint monstrosities bow before me, their heads hanging low, somehow gave me a sense of satisfaction.

Their darkened skin glinted under the sunlight, and the veiny-red marks that decorated their skin warbled every second.

"Split up in multiple directions. Take the East, West, North, and South."

Thanks to their flight capabilities, I was going to to have more coverage over the entire landscape.

It was perfect.

Each Wyvern would go in the direction that was away from me, while the Dragon was going to fly in the same direction that I would be heading in.

'They're linked to me, so I can obtain any information they obtain. For now, I'll just make them scout the area to properly u derstand the terrain. If they find anything interesting, that'll be a bonus.'

It was a shame I couldn't make more minions. Even after upgrading my Skill, the limits were five.

However, the new perk that came with the Skill was a shared consciousness that boosted my link with the minions and also allowed me to perceive anything they sensed.

As a result, by spreading my minions all over the forest, I was allowing myself to take in my entire playing field.

"Who needs a map when you can do that?" A smirk formed on my lips as I took another step forward.

"Shadow, you'll remain here and set up camp. Also keep a lookout for anything that might occur."

From what I could guess, this was the only clearing in the entire forest, which made it my fort.

'Since it's the starting point, it should be relatively safer than the other areas.'

Shadow was the weakest of my Minions, but since it was the most intelligent, and also the stealthiest, it had its uses.

"I'll leave the supplies you need to set up a camp and fortify defenses with you. You know what to do after, right?"

I watched him nod in response, his face bowed humbly in my presence.

"Good." I mumbled, now staring north from my position.

"Let us begin."

~WHOOOOSSSHHHH!!~

The four flying creatures instantly took to the air, ascending far above the reach of the tree trunks.

The trees around me were large and tall, but I was certain that the flying subordinates would be able to tower above them.

With my <Grand Flight> Skill, I could also do the same, but considering how extremely dense the Forest was, it was very possible for those flying to miss some details on the ground.

'That's why I'll explore on foot.'

If I had access to more subordinates, I would have made more Elite Shadows scour other parts of the Forest on foot so we didn't miss any details, but it couldn't be helped.

This was the most optimal way to begin my journey on this First Floor.

"Shall we?"

********

[STATUS WINDOW]

- Name: Mikey Rael

- Race: Human

- Level: 65

- Life Force: 50/50 (+50), (+100)= 200

- Energy Level: 90/90 (+100), (+30), (+50)= 270

- Combat Ability: 50/50 (+200), (+60), (+30) (+60)= 400

- Stat Points: 1

- Currency: 10

- Role: <The Dreamer>

- Authority: <Dream/Nightmare>

- Titles: <Visionary>, <The One Who Saw The End>, <Chosen One>, <Survivor>, <Ranker>, <Prey>, <Spendthrift>, <Rock Master>, <Elementalist>, <Wyvern Slayer>, <Dragon Killer>

- Skills (Exclusive): <Dream>, <Nightmare>, <Visualize>

- Skills (Non-Exclusive): <Turbo>, <Immersion>, <Fallen Foe>, <Grand Teleportation>, <Haven>, <Absolute Appraisal>, <Full Resistance (High)>, <Elevate>, <Gravity Press>, <Carnage>, <Elemental Attribute (Basic)>, <Regeneration>, <Viscosity>, <Truthful Glare>,<Danger Sense>, <Grand Flight>, <Draconic Body>, <Dragon Cry>, <Dragon Eyes>, <Language Comprehension>, <Personal Space+ (Custom)>

- Items Equipped: <Advanced Grand Rock>, <Draconic Dagger>, <Grand Enchanted Speedo>, <Grand Energy Recovery Necklace>, <Concealment Cloak>, <Tower Pass (F1)>, <Grand Adventurer's Wear (Black)>, <Grand Enchanted Glove>, <Great Ring Of Life>, <Wyvern Blade>

- Alignment: Lawful Evil

[Additional Information]

You can see the future and past by living it. It is a coveted power worthy of desire, but a scary one to possess.

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[A/N]

Looks like Mikey has managed to grow even stronger.

Can't wait to see where this leads.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!