The city lights flickered beneath the massive shadow of the Tower of Monolith, neon reflections dancing across Kaito Ryuzaki's cyber-enhanced eyes. The 300-floor monolith rose into the clouds like a jagged beacon, daring all who gazed upon it. Rumors whispered of a legendary item at its peak—the Apex Relic. They said it could grant any wish, even bring the dead back to life. Others called it a myth, a trap for the greedy.
Kaito's fists clenched at the memory of his mother, taken by his father, Hikaru Ryuzaki. Every breath, every heartbeat, propelled him forward. But before taking the first step, he had one final preparation: a meeting with his grandfather, Hiroshi Ryuzaki.
A Legacy Passed Down
Hiroshi sat in a dimly lit workshop, walls lined with relics and old tech. He looked at Kaito, voice steady but heavy with warning:
"The Tower of Monolith… I climbed it decades ago. I reached Floor 203, but I couldn't go further. The dangers grow with every floor. Most climbers never survive past the two-hundredth floor. Remember, the tower tests more than strength—it tests your mind, your heart, and your will."
He handed Kaito a worn cyber-energy blade, its edges faintly glowing from past battles. "This was my weapon when I climbed. It's yours now—use it wisely."
From the shadows, a small, intelligent cybernetic creature hopped onto Kaito's shoulder. Its eyes glimmered with awareness. "And this… is your partner," Hiroshi said. "It will bond with you, letting your right arm fully transform into a cybernetic weapon. Use it well, Kaito."
Kaito held the blade, feeling the power surge into his arm as it transformed, reinforced with cybernetic enhancements. He flexed, testing the movement. Nothing else happened, unaware that Nyx held a secret even he didn't know.
"Mother… I'll make it to the top. I promise," Kaito whispered.
The First Floor
Stepping into the Tower of Monolith, Kaito immediately felt the oppressive aura of the structure. Automated sentries whirred, energy turrets blinked, and collapsing panels threatened every step. He leapt over a laser trap, the cyber-energy blade slicing through a drone in a flash. Nyx chirped softly, syncing with his movements, guiding his strikes and boosting his reflexes.
A bridge panel cracked underfoot. Without thinking, he activated his cybernetic right arm and leapt forward, landing just in time.
"Careful," a voice said, cool and teasing. "You're not going to make it alone."
Kaito turned to see Ellie Takahashi, her plasma daggers glowing faintly, shadow cloak rippling as she disarmed the remaining drones with precision.
"You saved me?" he asked, half-surprised, half-impressed.
"I could ask the same," she replied with a smirk. "But lucky for you, I like helping lone climbers."
They worked together, crossing the treacherous floor with synchronized movements. Kaito's cybernetic right arm and energy blade paired seamlessly with Ellie's agility and shadow cloak.
Foreshadowing the First Floor Master
A holographic voice echoed from above:
"Welcome to my floor…"
From the shadows, Ember Fang, Floor Master of the fifth floor, observed the duo. Flames danced across his mechanical arms, hungry for the next challengers.
Kaito and Ellie exchanged a glance, silent understanding passing between them. The Tower of Monolith would test them—every step, every decision, every heartbeat. But neither would back down.
The Apex Relic waited at the top, a legend neither fully understood, fueling every climber's ambition.