[0:00:05]
[0:00:02]
[0:00:00]
[The Timer has ended. Extermination begins.]
[All player systems are being destroyed...]
[Error! Player No.9,999,999 has resisted extermination.]
[Congratulations Player No.9,999,999, you have successfully resisted extermination!]
[Player No.9,999,999 is regressing...]
[REGRESSION SUCCESSFUL!]
In the heart of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, the blue skies stretched clear without a cloud in sight. Towering glass skyscrapers touched the heavens, and the roar of the busy city echoed through the bustling streets.
Amid the noise and hustle, in a two-story home tucked between the endless rows of modern housing, a particular boy stubbornly refused to wake up.
Tossing and turning in his bed, drenched in sweat, the boy groaned. Finally, he pushed himself up, breathing heavily. His black curly hair stuck messily to his forehead, and his glasses were tilted awkwardly on his nose.
Blinking rapidly, he scanned the dark, gloom-painted walls of his bedroom, as if he were in an unfamiliar place. His heart raced.
And then, it hit him.
"The world ended."
Memories surged through Denzel's mind.
The Tower...
The 99th Floor Boss...
The ticking timer...
The world's destruction after the players failed to complete the climb.
He stumbled toward the mirror and stared at his reflection — a younger version of himself. Seventeen years old. Eight years younger.
There was only one conclusion.
Denzel: (whispering) "I've regressed..." (he touches his face)
The holographic clock on his nightstand blinked:
[9th March 2099 — 6:35 AM]
A slow, disbelieving smile spread across Denzel's face.
Denzel: (to himself) "Another chance... to climb the Tower again."
The adrenaline in his veins surged. He knew the "Break" — the moment when Dungeons and Towers would start spawning across the world — was imminent. There was no time to waste.
As he hurried to prepare, stuffing essentials into a worn-out backpack, the door burst open.
Mrs. Rünter: (sternly) "Denzel, what's holding you up? It's breakfast time!" (her eyes scan the mess) "And clean up this room! Your father's waiting." (she slams the door)
Denzel froze. His hands trembled.
Mom...
Dad...
They were still alive.
The memories stabbed at him. Eight years ago, they had died in an unforeseen dungeon break near their home. He swallowed hard, blinking back tears.
Not this time, he vowed.
This time, I'll protect them.
He quickly tidied up, threw on some casual clothes, and rushed downstairs. In the dining room, Mr. and Mrs. Rünter sat at the table, waiting patiently.
Denzel hesitated — then chose the seat directly across from them. Face-to-face.
His father spoke first, sipping his coffee.
Mr. Rünter:"Denzel, I've found another therapist I'm optimistic about. He's scheduled to meet you sometime this week."
The sound of his father's voice shattered the last of Denzel's restraint. Tears welled up in his eyes. Without thinking, he leapt up and hugged them both tightly.
His parents stiffened, bewildered at their son's sudden display of emotion. But they said nothing.
Denzel: (choked up) "Mom, Dad... you don't have to worry anymore. I'm... finally at peace."
Silence filled the room. Then slowly, his parents' expressions softened. Whatever had changed in their son, it felt like a miracle. They didn't question it. Some things, they knew, were best left alone.
After breakfast, Denzel finished packing, preparing to head out. Before leaving, he turned back toward his parents with a bright smile.
Denzel:"Oh! I almost forgot. Please... don't leave the house today."
Mr. and Mrs. Rünter exchanged glances, but agreed without pressing for an explanation. They trusted him.
Denzel hopped onto his sleek jet bike and tore through the city streets, ignoring the scheduled school day. He wasn't heading to class. His destination was somewhere far more important — the first dungeon break site:
Main Street Avenue 191.
As he sped along, a familiar glowing blue screen materialized before him.
[Welcome! Player No.9,999,999.]
Denzel grinned, pulling over to the side of the road.
Denzel: (grinning) "Finally... you showed up."
He opened the system window and quickly scanned his status:
[Status Window — DENZEL RÜNTER (Lv.1)]
EXP: 0/50
HP: 10/10
MP: 5/5
ATA: 5
DEF: 4
STA: 4 /4
AGI: 3
DEX: 3
AURA: 5
INTELLIGENCE: 20
Abilities:
— ??? (Locked)
Equipment:
— ???
Gifts:
— Eye of Truth (F-Rank) [Regressor]
— Psycho Mode (Locked)
His Intelligence and Dexterity were slightly higher than before. And... there it was — a new Gift.
[Psycho Mode] — Locked.
Denzel raised an eyebrow but didn't dwell on it. Some things would reveal themselves in time.
Soon, he reached Main Street Avenue. Just as he remembered, a purple portal began to tear through the air, swirling ominously.
He parked the bike, pulled out a dagger, donned a Kevlar vest, and slid on a pair of weaponized gloves — basic but reliable gear.
Before entering, he activated one of his powers.
His eyes flashed red.
[Appraisal Activated.]
Floating text appeared before him:
[Dungeon: Goblin's Den — F-Rank.]
A nostalgic smirk tugged at his lips. The [Eye of Truth] might have been classified as F-Rank, but in his hands, it had been priceless.
Spinning the dagger in his hand, he stepped toward the portal.
Denzel: (grinning wide) "Here we go!"
Without hesitation, he leapt inside.
[THE DUNGEON BREAK BEGINS.]
End of Chapter 1