Chapter 1: preparation
"Do you really think we'll be able to kill it," Gisen asked.
"If we don't, who will? It's not like there's a bunch of strong regulars or rankers scrambling to help some small town on the 17th floor," Adom responded.
Adom and Gisen were out scouting the giant wolf's territory deep in the Li So forest. The shinheuh had drawn close to the town multiple times, killing anyone stupid enough to be outside of the town wall after dark. Adom had made the mistake once, but years of hunting in the forest helped him to escape the shinheuh.
"You just want to fight it, Adom. That's all you ever want to do. If we just leave it alone it'll probably go away."
"Stop being so scared. I'm telling you if we trap it, I'll be able to kill it with ease. I can't just keep letting people die. And if I can beat it I'll know I'm ready to climb the tower."
"Why do you even want to climb the tower?"
"Before I was born God told me to climb so that's what I'll do." Adom grabbed his rations and binoculars. He packed everything up neatly in his bag, leaving only his needle at his side.
"You never make any sense, you know that," Gisen said.
"Yeah, yeah. Just pack up, we need to get back before dark unless you planned on being shat out in pellets by the wolf."
Gisen packed up quickly and moved around their camp destroying the evidence of their visit. They followed the scratches they left in the trees on their way back to town. Adom listened closely for sounds of hymnbirds to make sure nothing dangerous tracked them. The birds are all over the floor, and any hunter knows if you hear their chirps something dangerous is lurking.
"You are the strongest in town but are you sure that's enough to climb the tower? You're already the best hunter, and we're making good money," Gisen blurted out.
"It's hard to explain Gisen, but I've already fought anyone willing in town. Heck I've fought the strongest people in every town near here, until finally, I could beat them. I can only get stronger by fighting strong people and learning more. And I'll do that while climbing to the top."
"Adom, I think you should just stay here. I've never told this story, but a couple years back my father took me to meet a merchant coming from the middle area. We got there to meet with the merchant, but it turns out the goods we were going to buy were stolen from some ranker. He came down and killed all the merchants in seconds, but left my father and I because we had nothing to do with it. He ripped them to shreds without even moving, and just walked away like nothing happened. Rankers monsters and they'll kill you before you can even blink. I'm telling you Adom climbing the tower isn't worth it."
"I know the risks but I've grown static here. If I want to keep growing I'll need to climb. Plus once I get to the top I'll be able to come back whenever I want."
"I guess," he replied. Gisen's voice sounded dejected, but his frown vanished as the town of Mengee came into sight. Mengee cast a long shadow, the sun setting in the east, and the sounds of civilization grew with each step. They approached the gate and the guards let them in after swiping their IDs.
"Gisen, tomorrows the day. Spread the word out that we're leaving to kill the giant wolf at the crack of dawn."
The two waved goodbyes and Adom headed home to practice a bit. It's been 17 years since he first opened his eyes in this world as Adom. Over time he's become used to the strangeness of this world from the one he remembers.
Here in this world there's a mystical substance called shinsu that flows all through the tower. It's a divine water that allows people to get stronger here in the tower and climb to the top. Adom hadn't used it yet, but his sleep learning ability helped his body to memorize every fighting technique and strategy he'd seen. The ability didn't allow him to copy anything outright, but after seeing a move once he could predict it the next time. The more a person fights him the easier it becomes to memorize their tendencies.
He headed to the bazaar to see if they had anything he might be able to use tomorrow. He loved collecting technology that used shinsu, even though he still didn't know how to use it yet. That's why he bought the needle he carried. The merchant told him that regulars in the tower used it because of strength. It costs all of his savings, but Adom could tell the weapon's power.
The shopkeepers were already closing up, but luckily he saw Sangi still open.
"Sangi, do you have anything new?"
The old shopkeeper turned and squinted at him for a moment before his face turned into frown. Sangi continued to sweep the outside of the shop, doing his best to ignore Adom.
"Not until you pay me for the traps and bait you bought. I run a business not a charity."
"Aw you're still on that. I promise once we get this wolf I'll pay you."
He glared at Adom before just giving a nod to him. Adom smiled at him and gleefully rushed over to go through the items. Mostly everything looked useless except for a few swords and a shiny ring.
"Hey sangi what's this ring do?" Adom held it up to the light, inspecting its intricate skull design. The skull head design matched perfectly with a combination of silver and black metals.
"I don't know. I didn't buy that piece. A merchant friend decided to give it to me after I beat him in cards."
"Can I have it?"
Sangi walked up and snatched it out of his hand.
"Once you pay me. Now get out, I'm trying to close up"
Adom stepped back with a sigh and turned to walk back home. His parents would be waiting for him there, likely to scold him about his plans. He thought about just sleeping at a friend's house, but he felt he should at least see his parents before doing something dangerous like fighting the giant wolf shinheuh.
Adom walked to his door and started shuffling with his keys to get in the house. His home, a moderate red bricked house, sat on a corner near the commercial district. The house had years on it but still managed to be inviting to all the guests his parents invited over the years. He could hear his parents arguing through the door and just sighed before stepping into the fire.