Leo slumped over his desk, head cradled in his arms. The posture was a poor fit for the Captain of Guard House 3, but the long night had worn him down, demanding a momentary lapse in his usual composure. "I'm sick of these drunken bastards," he muttered, the familiar complaint tasting like ash in his mouth. The office was empty, save for him, and he let out a weary sigh that seemed to carry the weight of countless similar nights.

  The rain lashed against the windows of the guardhouse, a relentless drumming that mirrored the unease in Leo's gut. It had been only hours since he'd said goodbye to Sarah, the warmth of her smile already fading against the chill of the night. Downstairs, the cells were overflowing. Even with the downpour likely keeping some sensible souls indoors, the usual collection of brawlers, drunks, and petty thieves had filled every available space.

  The thought of the other guard houses refusing to take his overflow sent a shiver down his spine. If they were full too… well, it wouldn't be the first time his cells were bursting at the seams come morning, the stench of stale beer and regret clinging to the damp air. He just hoped, for everyone's sake, that this night wouldn't be one of those nights.

  "A good thing?" The phrase echoed in Leo's mind, a curious echo of Sarah's odd phrasing as he'd shown her around town. She was definitely a strange one, an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, yet Leo couldn't shake the image of her from his thoughts. He gazed out the window, the cityscape blurring into an abstract canvas of light and shadow, and wondered what she might be doing at that very moment. He couldn't quite place his finger on what drew him to her, but the feeling was undeniable, a persistent hum beneath the surface of his everyday life.

  I wonder how long she has left? Sarah, new to the city, couldn't have known how drastically things had changed. The once-insignificant "Ale for All" guild had exploded in size over the past eight months, a meteoric rise that had crushed every other Ale Association branch, even absorbing their members. They now held a complete monopoly. And with their dominance came a disturbing trend: alcohol-related crime and the already-heavy traffic through the prison cells at night were climbing steadily.

  Leo stared at the mounting paperwork, but he saw only the petite woman with hazel eyes. She had an air of foreignness about her, a vulnerability that went beyond her recent arrival in the city. It was as if she didn't realize the importance of keeping her secrets hidden, a dangerous oversight in Grower.

  I thought it was a universal truth: everyone's cagey when she it comes to their status. But she practically announced she had four titles, like they were a marketable set of skills. It was bizarre. Who has four titles? I mean, besides royalty, or... Maybe someone on their deathbed? It's just...odd. Four? Still, I can't help but wonder if she'd be interested in grabbing dinner sometime.

  The acrid scent of ash and fire sliced through Leo's wandering thoughts. "That's Barry," he sighed, a note of weary resignation in his voice. He knew what that meant. Barry, the Magma Golem, had arrived. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face. If only he could keep the volatile creature separate from the rest of the inmates. The problem was, the isolation cells simply weren't large enough to hold him. Containing a being of molten rock and fury was a logistical nightmare.

  The magic-dampening cells in general population are the only thing preventing him from turning the prison into an inferno. It's a small mercy, one that doesn't extend to the other inmates. Another consequence of whatever choices landed them behind bars.

  Retire? So tempting. Pajamas all day? Yes, please! Hmm, but what would I do? Become a squirrel whisperer? Too ambitious. Perfect the art of napping? Potentially. There would be more time to court miss Kemp? Now that's a goal.

  Leo stared at the mountain of paperwork threatening to topple off his desk. He knew he should tackle it, but the thought filled him with a weariness that went beyond simple boredom. With a sigh, he shoved back his chair. "Screw it," he muttered. "I'll see if they need an extra pair of hands downstairs." His personal life was practically non-existent, a casualty of the endless reports he loathed. While the idea of diving back into the fray wasn't exactly appealing, it was a preferable distraction to facing the ever-growing stack of bureaucratic nightmares. At least downstairs, he could be doing something, even if it was just a small contribution. Anything was better than staring at those forms.

  New faces migrated to Grower every day, swelling the population and piling more onto the already overflowing plate of the Guard Captain. Leo paused on the stairs, a scent catching his attention. Death had visited Guard House 3. Her presence lingered, a phantom touch clinging to the halls, though she herself had departed hours ago. A slow smile spread across Leo's face as he inhaled deeply, the morbid perfume filling his senses.

  I wonder if she'll come to see me? he thought, the question laced with a strange anticipation.

  His grin lingered, a stubborn fixture even after the cell door clanged shut behind him. Off-duty be damned. In a city as riddled with trouble as Grower, Leo felt more at home in the thick of it than anywhere else. Especially if "the thick of it" meant anywhere but chained to a desk, drowning in paperwork.

  ???????????

  [I am sorry you had to endure so much, Master. It doesn't sound like you have had it easy.]

  Don't worry about it. It's not like any of them were your fault. What about Azrael?

  [Azrael?]

  Yeah. It's, short and easy for me to remember.

  [Thank you, Master. From now on, I shall be known as Azrael.]

  Awesome. It's much than saying Book of Souls all the time. That's for sure. Speaking of souls. You've still got two left, right?

  [Yes, Master.]

  Ok. Let's see what's left to purchase then.

  Tower of Death - 4

  Current floors: 3

  Souls: 2

  Features need to advance: 2

  Features available: 2

  - First Floor Trial (1-4)

  - Second Floor (2)

  There's no point in creating the second floor when I haven't finished the first one yet. I'm hoping this won't be that hard.

  With a sense of purpose, Sarah selected the First Floor Trial from the list. Which presented new options for her to choose from.

  Choose a category for the Trial:

  - Vitality

  - Strength

  - Endurance

  - Dexterity

  - Intelligence

  - Wisdom

  So the challenges are based on stats. Does that mean blessings will be the same?

  Sarah sunk beneath the water as she thought about what the trials might entail. Without knowing what previous challengers might have had faced, she was at a bit of a loss. She could create challenges based on her own knowledge, but how would they work here?

  She had an easier time draining the water since learning (Mana Manipulation), but it still took a few attempts to make the runic cube respond to her will. Stepping from the bath, Sarah shed not just the grime of days past, but also the weight of stress and fatigue that had clung to her like a second skin. The cleansing was more mental than physical, a balm to her weary mind.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  Sarah plucked two fluffy towels from the shelf. One she used to quickly dry her hair, the other she wrapped snugly around herself. Sinking onto the pool's edge, toes trailing in the receding water, she made her choice. "Intelligence" was clearly listed among the options, but no matter how many times she selected it, the universe stubbornly refused to respond.

  Why isn't there a manual for this shit? She started to complain, then remembered, with a touch of exasperation, that she could (Identify) literally everything.

  Intelligence (1-4)

  - A trial created throughout the use of souls in the Intelligence category. Blessings will be awarded upon successful completion of the trial. Only one challenge can be assigned to the first floor with the number of Overseerers set at three.

  Oh my word. Was that helpful information? I think my next death might be a heart attack, caused by shock. Sarah's joy was interrupted, she didn't want to put wet clothing back on after freshening up. The outfit had been soaked in the rain and was she was reluctant to put it back on. Not that she could walk around naked.

  [Master?]

  I'm OK. Sarcasm isn't your strongest suit either. What are Overseerers? Sarah took the wet clothing from her ring and hung them on the rails.

  [You currently have three choices for an Overseerer, Master. Sebastian and the two unnamed, undead, children.]

  The children do it? But... They're just... Kids. Sarah pictured the young boy and girl she had turned undead. Technically, the weren't just children anymore.

  Still, How can they be Overseerers when they're smaller than I am?' Picturing two small children fighting fully-grown adults, she winced. It was also to do with the fact that she only had one other item of clothing and was reluctant to even remove it.

  [It is not a matter of size master, but status.]

  Unable to refute the statement, Sarah still worried about their future growth now that they had become undead.

  Yeah. Ok, but how will they get stronger now?

  While Sarah berated Azrael with questions, she withdrew the robe from her ring and examined it. Contrary to what she had assumed, the garment was not green. It was, however, whiter than white and almost radiated in her hands.

  Robe of the Necromancer: Rare

  - Part of a two piece set: (1/2)

  - Boosts Necromancy by 200%

  - Boosts Natural Regeneration by 200%

  - When concealed beneath the hood, you will become undetectable

  - Self cleaning.

  - Self Repair

  [They will grow the undead class you have granted them, Master. I believe it would be wise to read through and accustom yourself to the status menus again. Not only your own, but the tower's and guardians too. Information is vital to success and staying alive, or so I have been told.]

  Sarah felt a sting of embarrassment at Azrael's critique. As she shrugged on the Necromancer's Robe, the rich fabric was surprisingly light against her skin and she silently cursed her own ignorance. She hadn't also hadn't realized that using (Create Undead) would change their class—a fact that seemed painfully obvious in retrospect. A wave of self-reproach washed over her as she finally registered the robe's potent enchantments, the bonuses far surpassing anything she'd anticipated.

  Wow, I look really good in this. I wouldn't have been caught by Leo either if I'd not been so stubborn over the whole Necromancer thing. Not that meeting him was a bad experience. I learned a few things about the city thanks to that. And who's going to believe I'm a dark mage in these holier-than-thou robes?

  Outfit of the Necromancer: 2/2

  - Boost all stats by 100%

  - Boosts Necromancy by 200%

  - Boosts Natural Regeneration by 200%

  Congratulations! You have been awarded a new title: Necromancing Till I Die

  Are you fucking joking me!?

  [Necromancing Till I Die]

  - There is no turning back now! Dark magic flows through your veins from an ancient order of evil sorcerers. Use their magic to avoid death and live a long life creating eternal sorrow for those who wish ill upon you. +5 to all stats. A Unique skill has been unlocked: Death's Epiphany

  (Death's Epiphany)

  - Grant a just end to those who deserve it. Sinners witness their own transgressions through the eyes of a clean slate and are judged by themselves. Death's Epiphany has a 10% chance to absorb some of the deceased stats.

  - Boosts Necromancy by 300%

  [Are you ok, Master?]

  Hyperventilating, Sarah couldn't help but voice her frustration as she left the bathroom. "NO! These stupid titles are a joke! Are you kidding me?! This stupid world is just laughing at me, shoving necromancy down my throat until I choke. Death, death, death, death, DEATH! That's all I get! Every fucking single time! I'm sick of it! Can't I catch a break?! Is that too much to ask?! Just one fuckin' fireball spell! Or is that too much to ask for? I'm done! I'm absolutely done!"

  She wasn't.

  Grabbing the last of the rations from the shelf, Sarah told the children to stay in her room before heading out. She didn't want to deal with the undead after verbally lashing out over the injustice of her class.

  "Master. You look most impressive." Sebastian's compliment barely registered. Sarah, mouth full, offered only a grunt and a curt nod before snatching a quick drink from the basin of Water of Sin. She then descended to the first floor

  The taste of the last bite was a fleeting pleasure. Sarah realized she was going to have to find a way to replenish the empty shelves upstairs.

  I need some proper sleep when this is done.

  Sarah accessed the tower's challenge menu, her thoughts immediately drawn to the board game. As she visualized it, the room shimmered. A wave of ethereal energy pulsed outwards, conjuring the game into being. Ghostly objects, at first faint and translucent, gained substance and color, becoming the very pieces Sebastian and Solus had used. The air crackled with magic as the game materialized before her eyes

  That was pretty cool.

  After gaining understanding over how to set the trial, Sarah decided tried to try and alter layout. It was much easier than she had thought it would be. The grid, almost spanning the entire floor, had changed to take on a checkered pattern. Pawns, rooks, knights and bishops, stood in place around the King and Queen opposing their counterparts on the opposite side of the board. The pieces themselves were almost as tall as Sarah was, which would make for one very interesting game.

  With a final thought, Sarah stepped back, her breath catching in her throat. A life-sized chessboard stretched out before her, an impossible creation born from the tower's magic. Every piece, from the humblest pawn to the majestic king, had become reality, just as the promised.

  Congratulations! You have successfully created your first trial. Because the trial is restricted to two players, only one Overseerer be administer this trial.

  - Set Overseerer Y/N

  - Set Blessing Y/N

  Sarah's breath hitched. This was it. The moment she'd been searching for. No one had been able to tell her how to bestow blessings, only that they were tied to challenges. Every other avenue had led to a dead end. Now, finally, faced with the prompt, she selected "yes" to the blessing option. A new list materialized before her, shimmering with potential.

  [Chess]

  - Participants may choose a blessing from the list below. The cost will be decided by the Overseerer and payment is required up front.

  Blessings available:

  - Intelligence +1

  - Intelligence +2

  - Intelligence boost 5% (24 Hours)

  - Intelligence boost 10% (12 Hours)

  - Intelligence boost 15% (1 Hour)

  After finally learning what blessings are available, I'm disappointed. They look about as thrilling as watching paint dry. And the buffs themselves... Don't even get me started. I've seen stronger buffs from a stiff breeze. The times variations would be great if they lasted longer, but the single-digit permanent increases are just weak.

  It has to be because it's the first challenge, right? They've gotta get better. Because if this is the standard, I'm going to be seriously fucked off. Then again, maybe some gullible folks will still fork over coin for a chance at a slightly sharper mind, but honestly, Azrael, I'm not holding my breath. I reckon we could make more money selling rocks.

  [Don't be disheartened, Master. I'm certain that ordinary people find it harder to come by stat points than you do.]

  That's true. Leo even mentioned something similar. Ok, let's get this shit set up then. Sarah set Sebastian as the first challenge's Overseerer. His class as a Game Master was perfect whereas the undead children had yet to do anything other than what they were told. Plus, they were undead.

  Participants in the trial could purchase blessings beforehand. The cost of each blessing was tiered, increasing with the beneficiary's stats, reflecting the greater advantage conferred. Sebastian, acting as an intermediary, negotiated the price with each individual before the trial commenced.

  The first floor stood complete. The trial was set. A palpable tension, a tremor of anticipation, vibrated through the very bones of the tower. Nothing remained but to unleash the challenge upon the unsuspecting world. She descended the stairs, eager to speak with Ariel.

  "Congratulations, Master." Ariel had felt the trial finalize and awaited Sarah with a warm smile.

  "Thanks, Ariel. Do you have anything I could make a sign with?" The receptionist eyed Sarah with a flicker of skepticism. After hearing the details, Ariel dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "Don't worry about it," she said, a touch too confidently. "I'll handle it."

  Sarah hesitated. Leaving such an important task to someone else made her uneasy, especially someone who seemed so dismissive about the idea. But the exhaustion gnawed at her, pulling her eyelids down like lead weights. She could barely keep her eyes open. With a weary sigh, she thanked Ariel and trudged back upstairs, each step a monumental effort.

  Ahem. Mrs. Universe? I could really do with knowing how to teleport. I know that's a staple skill in fantasy tropes and if you would so graciously send someone my way to show me how it works that would be swell. Thanks.

  Sarah chuckled all the way to her room. She hadn't slept since her first death, since apparently eternal slumber sessions didn't count towards her sleep quota. Crashing onto the bed, sleep took her the moment her head hit the pillow.