Era of Players: Death God

The first rays of dawn peeked through the blinds, painting golden stripes across Noah's room. He stretched languidly in his bed, the pleasant ache in his muscles a reminder of yesterday's exhilarating adventures. The snowy slopes, the scorching desert, the thrilling battle with the waves – it all seemed like a dream, a testament to the extraordinary day they had shared.

A smile played on his lips as he remembered their final duel on the chessboard. Arthur's unexpected victory had been a delightful surprise, a reminder that even the most competitive games were best enjoyed when shared with a friend. He understands his father's suggestion to make friends. Life is more fun this way.

Besides he could use them later, the reason why he was strengthening his bond with Arthur, he was worth investing some of his time into for the bigger picture later. With a newfound sense of energy, he threw off the covers and headed toward the bathroom.

A quick shower washed away the remnants of sleep and the salty tang of the ocean. He dressed in his well-worn training gear, a familiar comfort that signaled the start of his day. The academy gym, a place of focus and discipline, awaited him.

As he walked down the halls, the quiet buzz of the academy coming to life filled the air. The rhythmic squeak of sneakers on polished floors, the distant murmur of conversation, the clinking of weights – it was a symphony of activity that resonated with Noah's drive and determination.

Reaching the gym, he was greeted by the familiar sight of rows of weights, gleaming treadmills, and punching bags hanging ominously from the ceiling. The air hung heavy with the scent of sweat and determination, a potent cocktail that fueled his training spirit.

With a purposeful stride, he walked towards the workout area, a quiet corner where he could focus on his routine. The day stretched before him, filled with possibilities, and he knew that starting it with a rigorous training session would set the tone for his plans for the day.

As he lifted the weights, feeling the familiar burn in his muscles, his mind drifted to what he should do today, tomorrow's class would restart.

Two hours of intense training left Noah dripping with sweat but invigorated. The gym echoed with the satisfying clang of weights returning to their racks and the rhythmic grunts of other students pushing their limits. Stepping out into the hallway, Noah felt a cool breeze that carried the aroma of freshly brewed coffee – a welcome contrast to the gym's musky air.

Glancing at his watch, he saw it was a little past nine. Perfect timing for a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast. Back in his room, a quick rinse washed away the exertion of the morning, leaving him feeling renewed. He threw on some fresh clothes and headed towards the academy cafeteria.

The cafeteria buzzed with activity. Students mingled, recounting their mornings, their laughter blending with the clinking of silverware. Noah grabbed a tray and piled it high with fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a steaming mug of coffee. He scanned the room for Arthur, hoping to catch breakfast with him.

Spotting a familiar mop of brown hair, he made his way over, a grin spreading across his face.

"Morning, Arthur! Slept well after yesterday's adventures?" Noah asked, sliding into the seat across from him.

Arthur, engrossed in conversation with another student, turned his head with a jolt. His eyes widened in surprise, then softened into a smile.

"Noah! Good morning. Slept like a log, despite a slight case of sand-induced nightmares." He gestured to his friend, who chuckled good-naturedly.

"This is Liam, another student here at the academy. He is from the A-class."

Introductions were made, and the three students quickly fell into conversation. Liam, a friendly and enthusiastic young man, shared his own training experiences, adding fuel to their competitive spirit. Breakfast became a lively exchange of stories, training tips, and playful banter about their upcoming competition.

As they finished their meal, the air buzzed with anticipation. Today's destination: the Tower of Trials. Both of them had the same idea.

On his way to the Tower of Trials, Noah texted Lilith, that he hadn't forgotten his mission to become intimate with her in a month.

[Hello, Lilith what are you up to? Me I'm going *Emoji Tower*]

Her reply came 3 minutes later. One sentence, no it was an emoji of a tower. Meaning she was currently in the tower as well.

Noah chuckled, this response was like her. He sent another text.

[Have fun then. Let's hang out later, train, and go on a date.]

This time the reply was instantaneous.

[Sure!]

Noah smiled before switching off his phone and storing it away inside his item box.

''Status window!" he calmly called.

■Status Window

Name: Noah Adler

Rank: Expert

Level 44

Class: Angel of Death

Title: Goblin Slayer

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Stats☆

Mana: 106

Strength: 115

Intelligence: 98

Dexterity: 115

Luck: 89

Stat Points: 0

Coins: 15060G

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Skills☆

Common Skill: {Basic Swordsmanship},{Basic Close Combat} {Presence Detection} {Master of Weapons} {Mana's Armor Lvl 1} {Shadow Steps Level 1} {Blood Flowers} {Splitting Ripple Slash LVl 1} {Fangs of Insanity} {Flame Art} {Telekinesis Lv1} {Unprecedented Sense LV1}

Exclusive Skills: {Seal of Death} {Night of Death} {Lord of the Night}

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Runes ☆

{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}

■

''Huh? I should try reaching level 46 today.'' Noah mumbled as he stared at his floating status window.

[Ding! New mission: Reach level 47 by the end of the day.

Rewards: All +2 and 5000 Gold!]

''A new challenge accompanied by appropriate rewards.'' Noah whistled innocently.

If the system possessed human qualities, it might have indulged in an eye-roll towards its master, who feigned innocence despite being the instigator of this quest. Uttering those words aloud was a calculated tactic, aimed at enticing the system to generate a mission in accordance. Cunning indeed.

[Special Note: No Experience Booster should be used or the mission fails!]

''Eh?" Noah let out a shocked sigh, not expecting such a rule. He could almost swear that the system was getting back to him but that must be his imagination he thought.

''Well, it doesn't matter. I will certainly achieve this mission,'' he vowed before moving to the tower.

Registering at the reception floor he entered the tower.

°°°

Tower of Trials, 2nd Floor: Orc's Den!

The very name, Orc's Den, sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned adventurers. It wasn't just the orcs, hulking brutes rumored to inhabit the forest's depths, that instilled fear. It was the forest itself, an ancient and primeval entity that seemed to exist in defiance of nature.

Towering mountains, their snow-capped peaks scraping the underbelly of churning storm clouds, formed the jagged borders of the Orc's Den. These weren't graceful, majestic mountains, but gnarled behemoths, their flanks ripped and scarred by eons of wind and weather. Clinging precariously to their slopes were the forest's sentinels – trees of unimaginable size and age.

These weren't the familiar pines and oaks of other forests. Here, colossal redwoods dwarfed even the tallest mountain passes, their bark a tapestry of emerald moss and crimson lichen. Coiled around their trunks, like ancient serpents, were vines as thick as a man's arm, some adorned with blooms the size of dinner plates, others sporting razor-sharp thorns.

Sunlight, fractured by the dense canopy overhead, dappled the forest floor in an unsettling mosaic of light and shadow. The air, thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, hung heavy and still, broken only by the occasional guttural screech of an unseen bird or the unsettling rustle of unseen movement in the undergrowth.

Mushrooms, some bioluminescent, pulsed with an eerie inner light, while others, the size of small tables, sprouted from the damp ground, their caps a riot of poisonous reds and yellows. Strange, gnarled roots, thick as tree trunks, snaked across the forest floor, forming treacherous obstacles and silent testaments to the immense age of the trees.

The oppressive silence was what truly unnerved those who dared to enter the Orc's Den. It wasn't a peaceful quiet, but a heavy, watchful stillness as if the very forest itself was holding its breath, waiting for the moment to strike.

Noah arrived on this floor after leaving the first floor, he had reached level 45 after a gruesome grinding. He cleaned three goblin villages in order to finally reach level 45. He couldn't help but sigh heavily. If he had used Exp Booster he would have leveled up faster and not wasted 3 hours fighting like a madman.

He could understand the system's aim, but she prohibited the use of Experience Booster because he tends too heavily on them. Something not good, therefore he must learn to control himself and not really too much on them.

Noah understood this yet he couldn't help but feel frustrated. He told himself he wouldn't have wasted so much time if weren't for this prohibition.

''Sigh! I should control myself and continue. This floor will be fun because the only monsters here are orcs. Time to slaughter some orcs!"