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Siren
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Siren was used to seeing many new products when streaming the nightmare towers and putting together weekly compilations. There was outliers among the norm, sure, but none stood out a majority of the time. Some would rebel against the towers, others would break down, there were even products who would simply end their experience due to the trials of the towers. Recently there had been something of a spark among the towers though.
A new tower had been gaining alot of popularity, a tower that pulled products from one of the root worlds- some place called Earth. While it seemed to be a standard tower to most, to Siren, she could see what others couldn't. The nightmare tower was her grandfather's creation after all.
As the products climbed the tower many were tempted by the 'return' stones, a false security on which the humans tended to find solace within their last moments. A species so obsessed with rolling back time. But that was not strange, what was strange was the group that forsake the stones, chppsomg to climb the tower in a way to 'save' their world.
They kept pace for about half of the tower before facing any major casualties, the 50th floor giving them pause on belief. Siren didn't take note of many in the group save for two. One was a man who had dedicated his combat skills exclusively to stabbing, his prowess was astounding among products, she could easily get clips for her compliations from him. But the one who interested her personally was a girl, one who seemed to be too frail and meek to have made it so far.
The girl held herself close, combat seemed to cause her distress and she never used any violence. Yet why had the group taken her along? It puzzled Siren, the girl seemed to be only a burden to the group and yet they gave her warm smile and made sure she was safe after every battle. Despite that, something otherworldly drew her attention to the girl and she was intent on finding out what the pull was.
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Jade
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It had happened so suddenly... being transported into this tower of nightmares. Ever since that day it has been a constant struggle, most of the people I've met along the way have either died or returned to the past. The only ones left were Jaehwan, Yoonhwan, and myself. The last surviving members of Carpe Diem.
I had made it so far out of sheer luck, I had no combat ability, knew little in terms of support, and more than one person had died to protect me. The guilt still hung to my face as I remembered Jaehwan's face when he looked at me after Han died. I was a burden. But something compelled me to continue forward despite my fear and guilt. A voice that seemed to be omnipresent in my mind ever since I entered the tower.
-You know, it would be a lot greater if you stopped your self loathing for a bit. It's me who's been keeping you alive throughout this all~
There she was, well the voice sounded feminine but she never disclosed who or what exactly she was. She had been a passenger in my mind since I became a Tower Walker. While I had no prowess in fighting, with her words and help, I had been unmatched in solving the various puzzles around the tower and anticipating what lies ahead.
That singular use is why Carpe Diem kept me. Why so many had died for me. The only use I had and it was due to something not of my own hand.
-You could really go without the self praise... I never asked for you to latch onto me...
The voice only snickered in reply as I moved forward with my duo. The door to the 98th floor lie in front of us. Jaehwan turned to me and spoke in a firm tone.
-So? Any info you have before we procede, Seer?
There it was, the title Carpe Diem had assigned for me. It made my skin crawl, knowing how much weight that title held, and how much blood was spilled to keep me, the bearer, alive.
I huffed and took off my hood, letting my long ruby locks cascade down my back as I held my arms out to the door and focused. The action itself did nothing, but it helped sell the idea that my knowledge was due to a skill and not a voice in my head.
-Well, you three best prepare as this will be quite the battle. Behind those doors lie Giltikas, a tough foe even for a well equipped full party. It will be no issue for you though, just listen as you have and I'll have you out of this tower in no time~
Sighing, I lower my hands and avoid Jaehwan's gaze, instead looking to the Smile Knight.
-There is a beast behind this door... I can't tell what exactly it is but we should be prepared... it doesn't seem like this tower will let us conquer these last floors easily.
Yoonhwan smiled at me and nodded as he walked forward and pat my head. While I pushed his hand away, i couldn't help the smile that pinched at my face.
-Dont worry Jade, we have this. Isn't that right Jaehwan?
The Smile Knight turned to the sulking stabber as her simply grumbled and took out his sword, walking forth to open the door.
I walked behind the two as they readied their weapons, the final couple of hurdles ahead of us. I may have had no idea what lie for us after the tower was over but I had faith in the voice offering me a reward as she had been so adamant on me being her new one... whatever that meant.
But what followed, was much, much worse than I could have envisioned. I followed the voice's words, keeping out of the way of the two warriors as they were locked in battle with the hulking beast. I used my advantage to shout out warnings when I could but it all went wrong.
The tail of the beast was on a path to impale Yoonhwan. The voice urged me to stop, but my body moved without thought. I couldnt see anyone else die. The last thing I felt was warmth as I pushed Yoonhwan out of the way and my torso was ran through.
-You idiot! This was not how this was supposed to happen! Now I have to-
The voice rambled in anger and frustration, but her words rang hollow as sound melted away, my vision blurring as the last thing I saw was Jaehwan killing Giltikas. A smile etched my features, at least Carpe Diem would still survive. Humanity would still survive.
Darkness.
Then, I truly awoke.
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End of Prologue.
