It had been weeks since they'd entered this accursed abode.
Yet one thing continued to gnaw at Neon's mind—something dreadful awaited them. Despite the monsters scaling to match their levels, no sane being would dare belittle the keeper of the tower.
But something was off.
The moment he obtained his title, doubts crept into his mind, undermining the very foundation of his studies.
"Room shifting... since entering this tower, I've never encountered an anomaly like this. The beings that call it home are far too cunning. How is it possible for them to teleport? Even my abyssal sense can't fathom the knowledge they possess. Either this is newly discovered information—or something only I have uncovered."
He retrieved a notebook from his inventory—one filled with detailed accounts of anomalies he'd faced. Monsters rising from shadows with intelligent behavior, and a pervasive, eerie atmosphere. Though sealed off from the outside world, the tower itself seemed aware... and it was watching.
"We're currently on the 7th floor, and yet my instincts scream at me—I can't afford to hold back anymore. This tower functions like a time-limited, special event dungeon. From what I've gathered, returning for a second round would only make it harder. That's why I've started practicing the ability I gained from my recent evolution."
After scribbling down new observations, he moved—his senses had picked up intruders. He left behind his exhausted disciple, who still hadn't recovered and now slept soundly. Not wanting to disturb him, Neon simply called for his creation.
[System Notification]
A unique racial ability of the Guardian [Homunculus] has been triggered.
Outcome:Lesser Homunculus has detached from the host. It will follow your every command.]
A massive figure emerged from his severed arm and knelt. No longer resembling just a giant hand, the homunculus had taken on a vaguely humanoid form—an evolution, perhaps, but still without a will of its own.
"Even the greatest alchemist failed to create free will… This lesser homunculus is nearing its limit and will soon evolve further. Still, it's no more than an intelligent beast—instinctual, not human. In the end, my greatest creation wasn't life… it was a tool for resurrection."
He crouched beside the homunculus and whispered with weight in his voice:
"Even if it costs you your life—protect my disciple. If you sense danger to me, ignore it. Guard him. That's your only purpose."
The homunculus sprinted off without hesitation.
"Now that's done, it's time I take this journey to its fullest extent."
[Neon LVL 69]
Title:Defier of Fate, First Blood, Super Rookie, Demon Hunter, Overkill, Speedrunner, One Shot, Formation Killer
Class:Transcender
Race:Homunculus
Special Abilities:Golden Abyssal Eye, Behemoth Scales, Devouring Leech, Thornerus Bone Structure, Fangs of the Hydra (more unlockable)
Stats:
Health: 250 | Attack: 234 | Int: 167 | Luck: 135 | Dex: 173 | Speed: 188 | Defense: 125 | Stamina: 193 | Mana: 162
Status Points: 120
Race Unique Abilities:Inheritance, Homunculus Shift, Lesser Homunculus, Infestation, Catastrophic Form
Skills:Unparalleled Alchemical Knowledge (SSS+), Empower (C+), Crafting (D+), Herb Gathering (E+), Brewery (B+), Sword Proficiency (A-), Ailment Boost (C-), Physical Resistance (D+), Mental Resistance (C+), Green Thumb (D+), Vine Manifestation (C-), Magical Resistance (C-), Skill Mastery Boost (S-), Thorny Field (C+), Formation Increase (D-), Transcendence (F+), Relentless (F-), Curse Resistance (F-), Second Wind (F-), Unfazed (F+)]
[System Notification]
You've opened accumulated rewards from Floor 1 to Floor 7:
Skill Scrolls:Shadow Sphere, Enveloping Darkness, Midnight Stride, Dreadful View
Items:Notorious Cultist Gear Set, Acolyte Ring x1, Sacrificial Offerings x26, Corrupted Tome
EXP:79,302 EXP applied with EXP-boost titles
Level Up:LVL 57 -> 69
Passive Skill Gained:[Unfazed] - All disruptions are 20% less effective. Can evolve.]
After donning the new gear, Neon stood before a vast gorge. It pulsed with monstrous presence—no other path lay ahead. He dove into the darkness, only to be met with countless glowing eyes. Shadows he mistook for walls now revealed themselves to be foes. Then—
Laughter. Maniacal. Deafening.
"So you've all been waiting..."
Blood sprayed as pressure surged at his side. A blade struck—but it was too late.
[System Notification]
Your Unique Racial Ability [Catastrophic Form] has been activated by command!
Form Chosen:Golden Abyssal Tiger
Stats Boosted:Attack, Speed, Stamina, Intelligence, Dexterity increased by 50%
[Abyssal Tiger] Description:
Born of the abyss, this beast possesses heightened senses that pierce darkness. Surrounded by a golden aura, it moves freely through the void.]
A single look silenced his foes—the monster that met their eyes was no longer human.
What followed was carnage.
The air split as his claws tore through hundreds. Limbs fell like grain to a thresher. The white-garbed beast glowed with golden light, and not a single enemy could approach without trembling. Before they could cast a spell or raise a blade, their lives were taken.
"Do you think I'll let you choose how you die?"
He moved like lightning. A step took him behind them. A swing erased their existence.
They, born of darkness, were powerless against the Eyes of the Abyss.
[System Notification]
Incredible feat achieved: Guardian slaughtered hundreds of high-level monsters solo and survived.
Titles Gained:
[Genocide]: Kill 100+ of a single race within 60 seconds
[Underleveled Pro]: Defeat higher-leveled enemies while surviving
[Overkill]: System rewards are now one tier higher (B -> A)
Reward: Choose 2 new skills or high-grade items/weapons.]
After collecting his loot, Neon advanced again. But atop the tower… something stirred.
A malicious presence awakened—one long sealed.
"This aura…? Hehehehe… finally, a Transcender! My shackles weaken. At last, I'll roam freely again. And what's this…?"
"A Transcender, in my home? How… delicious."