Sand Sea
The Monolith, spoken of as humanity's calamity taking form.
Its new incarnation was a tower reminiscent of an obelisk.
No one knew if this was an evolved state or a form that had always existed, only now observed.
But.
One could sense it was a type of Monolith from the ominous aura leaking out.
Ku-gu-gu-gu-gu───!!!
A black spire etched with glowing runes on its surface.
Far more massive and foreboding than the sleek stele shape commonly known, it didn't rise only in Academy City Elysium.
Samhwa Nation, Tigrova, Sepia Archipelago.
It pierced the skies without exception across major powers and lesser nations alike.
The sharp pinnacle of the settled tower. Its peak emitted light infused with mana.
In the instant an unknown beam flashed, anomalies struck many.
— Wh-what!!!
— What the hell is that!
— You idiot! Get out of there!
This was different from previous Monoliths. It wasn't indiscriminately swallowing set spaces to hurl targets into dungeons.
The black tower designated victims at random, without criteria.
Those selected saw unknown rune patterns form beneath their feet. Enveloped by the magic circle-like sigils, they were seized by sinister mana and vanished like evaporating mist.
The count was roughly dozens to hundreds.
A league apart from the sporadic disasters seen until now.
The intimidation and terror it exuded were on another level. It shattered the word "peace" in the crowds' minds in an instant.
Wuuuung!!!
The tower's mana hummed like a wailing cry.
The Monolith's power drew no distinction between those hiding in buildings or out in the open.
The only factor was range.
It seized humans indiscriminately, within reach.
Thus, in mere seconds, the Monolith lived up to its reputation as a calamity, spreading misfortune.
A greatsword wreathed in flames hurtled toward the pitch-black spire.
Kwaaang──!!!
Clashing mana erupted in a massive explosion.
The light glowing at the tower's peak scattered, its obsidian body shuddering from the impact.
Immediately after, led by Juyeon, a barrage of attacks poured toward the spire.
But as if its task complete, it faded like a mirage.
Sand Sea
◇ Quest Content: A new form of Monolith has appeared in the world! Return triumphantly and prove that humanity can overcome disasters!
◇ Classification: Sudden
◇ Success Reward: 50,000P, Transcendence x1, Random Skillbook
◇ Failure Penalty: None
"What bullshit..."
Rohan had already been dropped into the dungeon.
He looked up and scanned his surroundings. No one in sight. The backdrop was desert—scorching sand as far as the eye could see.
Hot and arid enough to make the sweltering midsummer of Academy City feel chilly by comparison.
'Sand Sea. So that's it.'
A barren expanse without a drop of water, yet the name evoked the blue ocean, cradle of life.
Srulk──.
Rohan stood, brushing off the gritty sand that clung irritatingly to his skin. He pulled out his phone and, as always, started the timer.
Regaining composure instantly despite the Monolith's pull spoke to the value of experience.
"Hmm."
He twisted his body this way and that, confirming no issues. Then he reread the quest.
Short text, but he checked thoroughly for anything missed.
'Not just Academy City—the whole world... Just like Abyss City in that regard.'
The intel clarified certainties.
Lots of people in this dungeon, no doubt.
Whoever they were, the vast expanse made encountering anyone a crapshoot.
'Condition's dungeon clear. Still simple.'
But no room for smiles.
The difficulty was one thing, but Rohan knew of this tower-form Monolith.
Its arrival was far sooner than expected. It didn't align with Abyss City's timeline.
"..."
Thus, Rohan felt it keenly.
The quest seemed to shove him toward death-defying trials, urging rapid growth.
No resentment, though. As someone pursuing power, it was welcome.
The only regret? No chance to even say a word to those who'd worry outside.
'Can't rule out Sion and Clara getting dragged here too. If so, better I'm with 'em.'
Same if Ichinose or Noah had been pulled in.
His eyes drifted to the rewards.
'Points alone enough for an instant skill level-up on clear.'
Transcendence and a skillbook to boot. Excellent. Insane.
He'd been laying groundwork, waiting for such a chance.
But no time for excitement or delusion.
The real key was surviving to claim them—and the unlisted parts.
'No full recovery this time. No safety net. Can't plan on mutual destruction for the clear.'
A life-or-death imperative.
Ichinose Jun's words etched it deep into memory.
'Gotta find some direction. Time to move.'
Rohan stepped forward.
His feet sank deep into the hot sand. Unsteady strides.
Some spots had firm ground for easy walking; others gave way to waist-deep quicksand out of nowhere.
Simple reason: Things prowled beneath, crumbling the surface before it could settle.
"..."
Rohan grimaced at the unpleasant grains in his shoes and pressed on.
'That tower's already here, so the changes Abyss City mentioned are accelerating?'
This world would face ever more disasters ahead.
Unlike Abyss City's lore dumps, this was reality—palpably felt in the air.
Thus, the value of raw power would skyrocket endlessly.
Hunters like Rohan planned post-graduation—slaying monsters, selling materials—would shine brighter.
Already promising, the trade would solidify. Side gigs bounty-hunting rising criminals in the chaos would boom.
'Orion Academy grads'll get even better treatment.'
Obvious progression. Cadets trained to handle monsters.
Of course, nightmare fuel for average citizens.
But contrary to fears, a brutal might-makes-right world wouldn't just happen.
Powerhouses existed to quell chaos and shield the innocent.
Abyss City hadn't shown their deeds or outcomes, but Rohan knew.
They'd be pillars upholding daily life.
"..."
Puuk. Puuk. Puuk.
Pressing on, calves burying in sand.
He glanced at the Shop skill.
'Points got some buffer from the Cheongnim quest.'
No food or water worries here—a huge relief. Monsters aplenty for point farming.
'Unless fighting over oases, monsters, or plants.'
The dungeon's human rights character, through and through.
Pure focus on combat.
How many steps later?
A faint vibration underfoot. Growing stronger—something approaching, for sure.
'Incoming.'
Rohan gripped the sword on his back.
Following instinct, mana-propelled leap backward.
Puhwaa!
Sand exploded where he'd stood; a shark burst up, jaws agape.
— Grroooar!
A sand-swimming shark.
A monster Rohan knew well, perfect for illustrating the Sand Sea dungeon.
'Desert Shark.'
Gilbert's friend, the girly-looking guy.
Nicholas's outfit used this shark's hide, he'd heard.
— Kark!
The leaping shark dove jaws-first toward him.
Sring─!
Rohan drew his sword smoothly.
Right leg diagonal pivot, swing.
Chwaak! Clean sound.
The bisected shark thudded onto the sand.
High points for a regular monster.
Sign of this dungeon's elevated level.
'One kill nets fifteen bottles of water? Not bad.'
Clack! Sheathing his sword, Rohan bought a water and rehydrated.
Then resumed walking.
Long trek ensued.
Slaying ambush fish-monsters along the way—how far had he gone?
Sabak. Sabak. Sabak.
Finally firm ground; shaking off his sneakers, Rohan walked briskly, spirits lifted.
Then, far off, he spotted people gathered.