Opening her eyes, Sarah inundated with notifications. Dismissing them with a flick of her wrist, the ragged Lance Corporal had only one thought: Warmth.

  A genuine smile tugged at her lips as she sat on the floor before the fireplace, the open flames licking hungrily at the logs. The heat radiating towards her barely-clothed body was a balm after the past two days' brutal chill.

  I didn't even realize how cold I was, she thought. This is heaven.

  Her gaze swept over the room, roughly the same size as the other three she’d seen in this bizarre prison. But this one was different. This one… Was furnished. The emptiness of the others had gnawed at her nerves, but this room offered a sliver of comfort.

  Above the crackling fire, an array of unfamiliar tools lay neatly arranged on the mantelpiece. To the right, an armchair beckoned, its plushness practically shouting sink into me. Behind it, a large bookshelf stretched along the wall. Mostly bare, a few well-loved volumes still graced its dust-free shelves.

  Opposite the bookshelf, a neatly made bed stood with a chest of drawers at its foot. And beside the bed, catching and holding Sarah’s attention like a lodestone, was the real prize. Her eyes locked on it, and a string of drool escaped her lips, unnoticed.

  A small alcove-like shelves were next to the bed. Each shelf was etched with runes, simpler versions of the intricate designs on the murder door, but runes nonetheless. Sarah’s mind raced, every thought converging on a single, glorious possibility. Please, God, she prayed, the gluttonous side of her taking over, let them be what I think they are.

  “Meat,” Sarah breathed, almost reverently, as she scrambled to her feet and snatched the largest slice of what she assumed was ham. She devoured it almost whole. The meat looked freshly cut, and Sarah’s theory solidified: the runes were some kind of magical refrigeration, preserving the food. “Sho good,” she mumbled around a second slice.

  “How the hell did you get in here?!”

  The familiar voice, laced with outrage, startled her. The murderous door stood behind her, its golden brows comically furrowed, a mixture of shock and anger twisting its features. It was clearly surprised to see her again so soon, and even more so to find her inside the room. Sarah, however, was unfazed. Turning, she offered the door her most disarming smile.

  “And why aren’t you dead?” it demanded.

  “Sho shorry… Can’t talk… Mmm… Eating.” Sarah continued to shovel chunks of the mystery meat into her mouth, finally addressing the gnawing hunger that had plagued her. She completely ignored the door’s obvious frustration. Its furrowed brows seemed permanently etched in place. If anyone was going to win a staring contest, it would definitely be the murderous door.

  Keeping her eyes fixed on the ranting door, Sarah mentally ticked off the death-related achievements she'd brushed off earlier.

  Lightning Resistance has leveled up

  Meh.

  You have acquired the skill: Pain Resistance

  Useful, probably.

  You have been awarded a new Title: Three Times a Lady

  Finally, a title that doesn't sound like a consolation prize.

  [Three Times a Lady]

  - The goddess of death has taken a shine to your resilient soul. You've danced with the grim reaper a few too many times, and now death itself seems hesitant to claim you. Your mental fortitude is legendary, and your body is catching up. +20 Vitality, +20 Wisdom. Unique Skill Acquired: Indomitable Will.

  (Indomitable Will)

  - Your body may crumble, but your spirit remains unbroken. Mana has woven its way into your very soul, shielding it from external influence, be it physical or mental. Keep pushing your limits, and one day you might even be able to stare down a dragon… or at least a particularly grumpy drake. Now go forth and live. And maybe try to die a little less, okay?

  Another title and another quirky Unique Skill. My reward for dying. Twenty points to both Vitality and Wisdom. That's huge! Still, these Unique Skills feel less unique with how often I'm getting them. Sarah glanced at her last notification, chewing thoughtfully and keeping a wary eye on the pouting door.

  Congratulations! Through sheer grit and determination, you have withstood Solus the Gatekeeper's soul-rending attack. Resisting such devastating power is a testament to your strength. You have completed the final challenge of Karinth's Tower of Death. +10 to all stats.

  Unfortunately, a blessing cannot be bestowed, as the tower currently lacks a Master. Only a Master can grant blessings to those who conquer its trials.

  Would you like to claim Karinth's Tower of Death as your own?

  [Yes/No]

  "Years of training?" Sarah muttered. "Is this supposed to be a training ground? 'Come train in Karinth's Tower of Death! Get your soul ripped apart by Solus, the psychotic murder door! Fun for the whole family!'" She snorted. "Yeah, no thanks."

  Sarah couldn't stop a chuckle escaping at the ridiculousness of it all just as Solus, the being in question, decided that it had done being patient. "How did you get in here? You will answer me now!"

  "Not with an attitude like that, I won't. Maybe if you ask me nicely, I might tell you." Sarah didn't want to claim the Tower of Death, but there were no other exits inside the final room, other than the one whose face was visibly twitching as it tried to rein in its emotions.

  Congratulations! You are now the Owner of Karinth's Tower of Death.

  You have been awarded the class: Necromancer

  "Really?" Sarah's knowledge of gaming was limited. Her understanding of all things magic came from a steady source of literature during her downtime. Even without either, she'd heard others reference the term and wasn't a total idiot.

  That fucking sucks. She thought. I'm already riddled with death, and I'm 99.9% sure that most people consider Necromancers to be evil. Why couldn't this be Karinth's Tower of Seven Star Heroes? The Pagoda of Righteousness? Hell, I'd even take Average Joe's Average Burger Bar over the Tower of Death just to nudge my karma a little closer to the light.

  Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

  (Karinthian) Necromancer: Through prolonged contact with the undead, death itself gathers around you. This odd branch of necromancy concentrates of assimilating death energy inside the user's body. Beware, necromancers are treated with disdain at the best of times throughout the entire world. It would be wise to keep your power hidden until you can raise your strength, or an army.

  - Vitality +10

  - Endurance +10

  - Wisdom +20

  - Intelligence +20

  - Necromancy magic is increased 100%

  - Your body's natural regeneration is increased 100%

  New Skills have been awarded:

  - Create Undead: Whether bones, rotted flesh, or spirits lingering through sentimental attachment, you can grant life where none should be found.

  - Eye of the Dead: You have become Death's apprentice, able to bear witness to any incidents of death that have occurred in your nearby vicinity.

  - Necrotic Body: In your body resides the secrets of death, obtained by becoming master of the tower. Your body radiates with power that increases magic prowess. Dexterity, Intelligence, and Wisdom are increased by 20% while in this form.

  - Necrotic Soul: Your soul has been shrouded in the magic of death. All damage received is reduced by 50%, whether physical or mental. You are even capable of healing minor wounds without the services of a paid healer.

  - Form of the Necromancer: You have harnessed knowledge of a secret style of hand-to-hand combat known only to those in the order of Karinth. Train your form in the Tower of Death, and you will gain access to even more techniques. All damage inflicted through physical or magical actions in this form is 75% stronger.

  Those buffs are ridiculous, she thought, but I knew it. I knew it wasn't a good class. Fucking Necromancers! It's like I'm asking people to kill me now. 'Hi, yeah, I'm Sarah, a Necromancer. I bring people back from death and fiddle around with dead bodies and shit. Pleased to meet you.' Who the fuck is going to take kindly to that?

  Mocking her future self, Sarah slumped onto the bed and let out a sigh. She had only just noticed that Solus, the old murder door, had turned extremely quiet. He wasn't even frowning anymore; his face showed more shock than his previously angry self.

  "Those additional stat points, though. Wow." She still had some unspent points, but she was a little anxious to use them. "Is there any point in keeping them, though? I'll be stronger in one way or another if I use them. Fuck it! Let's do it."

  After spending her points to round herself off, Sarah felt the difference take hold. It was much stronger than before. She was extremely pleased with the results and even looked better physically—not that she was bad before, but it was amazing what a couple dozen stat points could do for the body.

  A new confidence radiated from her, her posture straighter, her eyes brighter. The power thrumming beneath her skin was palpable, a thrilling mix of dark energy and raw potential. It was unsettling and exhilarating all at once. She flexed her fingers, marveling at the subtle shift in her reflexes, the heightened awareness that now pulsed through her veins.

  The Necromancer class might be social suicide, but damn, it made her powerful. She glanced at Solus, who was still staring, his jaw slightly agape. A small, almost wicked smile played on Sarah's lips. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be so bad after all.

  Name: Sarah-Jane Kemp

  Unspent Points: 0

  Class: Necromancer - 1

  - Create Undead - 1

  - Eyes of Death - 1

  - Necrotic Body - 1

  - Necrotic Soul - 1

  - Form of the Necromancer - 1

  Title: What Death?

  Skills:

  - Identify - 1

  - Fear Resistance - 2

  - Lightning Resistance - 2

  - Pain Resistance - 1

  Unique Skills:

  - Universal Language

  - Immortality

  - Second Chance

  - Indomitable Will

  Status:

  - Strength: 40

  - Vitality: 55

  - Dexterity: 32

  - Endurance: 40

  - Intelligence: 45

  - Wisdom: 65

  Health: 650/650

  Stamina: 500/500

  Mana: 750/750

  The numbers swam before Sarah's eyes, a testament to a transformation so profound it bordered on the surreal. Strength 40? Wisdom 65? It was ludicrous. From what she could parse, everything had stated on five. Health, stamina, and mana, one hundred and fifty. One hundred base and an extra ten for each point in the corresponding attribute.

  She flexed her fingers, the unfamiliar power thrumming beneath her skin. Her mind, too, felt different. A serene calmness had settled over her, a clarity she'd never known. It was as if a crushing weight had been lifted, leaving her feeling lighter, more focused.

  "Solus," she called, her voice echoing slightly in the chamber. The door’s name had appeared in a system notification, and she saw no reason to be coy. "Why the sudden silence? Weren't you eager to know how I got in?"

  The massive, ornate door – the same door that had ended her life, twice – shifted slightly. "M-Master… Yes. I am… Intrigued. I was merely… Observing." Its tone was a strange mix of deference and lingering resentment.

  Sarah snorted. "Drop the 'Master' bit. Just Sarah is fine. And frankly, after your earlier performance, you can skip the formalities. As for how I got in? Simple. I respawned." She kept her explanation deliberately vague, enjoying the door's obvious confusion.

  "Respawned?" Solus echoed, the word sounding alien. "But… You claimed the tower I serve. Please, explain this… Respawning."

  Sarah strolled over to a nearby bookcase, idly flipping through a thick tome titled Magic Arts III. The lingering aroma of roasted meat made her stomach rumble, but she resisted. Best to conserve what little remained. "Respawning means coming back to life after you die. And thanks to my (Immortality) skill, I can choose where I come back, as long as I’ve set a spawn point. Think of it like… A save point in a game.”

  "So… You cannot die?" Solus asked, its metallic voice laced with disbelief.

  Sarah chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Oh, I can die alright. And it hurts like hell. Have you ever experienced death?" She paused, glancing at the unmoving door. "Probably not. Lucky you."

  She sank into a nearby armchair, its worn leather surprisingly comfortable, and picked up a book from the overflowing shelves. The door's silence hung heavy in the air, thick with its incomprehension. Solus was clearly struggling with this new reality, and Sarah found a sliver of dark amusement in its bewilderment.

  Solus remained silent, and Sarah left the sentient door to ruminate on her words. It was time for her own education. She needed answers, and books were the best place to start. Magic Arts III wasn't exactly light reading, but intrigue trumped scholarly pursuits for the moment. Lost in the dense text, Sarah’s mind briefly escaped the confines of the tower.

  Hours later, the last page turned, Sarah was left with a strange mix of exhilaration and unease. "Well, we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto," she muttered, a dry laugh escaping her lips as she returned the book to its crowded place on the shelf. Her literary deep dive had confirmed what the status screen and talking door had already hinted at: she was no longer on Earth. The maps and geographical descriptions within the books painted a clear picture.

  Her current location, the Tower of Death, resided within the Vari Forest, nestled in the country of Rys. The forest was vast, sprawling across a significant portion of the nation, yet still only a fraction of Rys's total landmass.

  The closest city, River Stone, lay to the south, almost a hundred miles away. It was strategically positioned at the base of the imposing Karak mountain range, serving as both a defensive stronghold and a bustling trade hub. The mountains formed a natural barrier, separating Rys from its southern neighbors, and the river that carved its way through the peaks gave the city its practical, if unimaginative, name. River and stone. How original.

  The distance to civilization wasn't Sarah's immediate concern. Despite her thorough search of the tower – every nook and cranny, every shelf and drawer – and the mountain of reading material she’d consumed, she remained trapped. Aside from a change of clothes in the drawers, which were unfortunately two sizes too large, she had found no means of escape.

  I don't understand! Even though she supposedly owned the tower, she was still a prisoner within its stone walls.

  "Solus..." Reluctantly, she decided to consult the one being who might have answers. The murderous door-turned-servant was her only option.

  "Yes, Master?" the door responded, its tone still tinged with resentment. Perhaps it was struggling with the indignity of being owned by the very person who had so easily usurped its domain.

  "How do I get out of here?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with frustration.