The book then described monsters.
Unlike humanoids, monsters cultivated through their blood.
At the Mortal level, monsters strengthened their bodies just as humanoids did—but instead of opening acupoints, they refined their blood essence.
"Blood essence?" Tim repeated uneasily.
Rohit traced the lines with his finger. "It's their core. Their instincts, power, and vitality are all bound to it."
By refining blood essence, monsters purified their lineage, enhanced their physical strength, and increased their natural abilities. This was why monsters grew tougher with time—and why older monsters were far more dangerous than newly born ones.
"Explains why some beasts feel completely different," Raya muttered. "Same level. Completely different threat."
The book made one thing clear.
Though the paths were different, the goal was the same.
To survive greater mana.
To wield greater power.
To prepare the body—or blood—for higher existence.
Arjun closed the page slowly.
"So cultivation isn't just training," he said. "It's evolution."
And in the Tower—
Those who failed to evolve were simply left behind.
The book continued, shifting to non-living entities.
Rita slowed her reading, frowning slightly. "This part is about plants… metals… and weapons."
Tim blinked. "Those can cultivate too?"
"Yes," Arjun said, reading ahead. "But not the way living beings do."
According to the book, entities without consciousness—plants, ores, metals, and forged weapons—could not gain levels through killing or combat.
They had no intent.
No will.
No awareness to trigger level advancement through conflict.
"So they're stuck?" Rohit asked.
"Not exactly," Arjun replied. "They substitute killing with mana."
Rita raised her head. "Substitute…?"
The text explained that instead of battle, such entities absorbed ambient mana directly. Plants drew it through their roots and leaves. Metals accumulated it over long periods underground. Weapons gathered it through prolonged use, resonance with their wielder, or exposure to high-density mana environments.
"But there's a cost," Divya said quietly, reading the next line.
Non-living entities required five times more mana than conscious beings to increase their strength or advance their grade.
"Five times…" Tim repeated. "That's ridiculous."
"It's balance," Arjun said. "They don't risk death. So they pay with time."
Rita nodded slowly. "That explains ancient spirit trees… and legendary weapons."
Rohit leaned back, thoughtful. "So a sword used in countless battles, soaked in mana, could eventually grow stronger on its own."
"Yes," Arjun said. "But only if it survives long enough."
The book ended the section with a final note:
Though they cannot choose to grow,
time, mana, and usage may still elevate them.
Silence followed.
For the first time, the group realized something unsettling.
The Tower did not discriminate.
Everything could grow stronger.
Even things that could not think.
And in a place like the Tower—
Even weapons were on a path of ascension.
Arjun stretched slightly and asked, "Does anyone know what time it is?"
Blank stares answered him.
Rita turned her wrist instinctively—then sighed. "My watch died during the goblin ambush."
Rohit shrugged. "Mine vaporized when I rolled down that slope."
Divya checked her pocket, then shook her head. "Crushed."
Everyone looked at Tim.
Tim froze.
Slowly—very slowly—he reached into his storage bag, as if preparing for a funeral.
"What are you doing?" Raya asked.
Tim pulled out a watch with a cracked face and let out a strangled sound.
"…My Seastar," he whispered.
Arjun leaned closer. "That's a Tissot, isn't it?"
Tim nodded, eyes glossy. "Automatic. Seastar series. One point five lakhs."
Rohit choked. "ONE point FIVE?"
"I saved for three years," Tim said, clutching it to his chest. "Skipped trips. Skipped food.
Bought instant noodles so I could buy this beauty."
The crack across the glass glinted mockingly.
Rita winced. "Oof. That's emotional damage."
Divya patted Tim's shoulder. "It survived the Tower. That already makes it legendary."
"Legendary cracked," Tim muttered.
Rohit tried to console him. "Look at it this way. It didn't shatter completely."
Tim sniffed. "That's not comforting."
Arjun gently took the watch and examined it. "At least it still works."
Everyone leaned in.
The second hand was ticking… slightly crooked, but ticking.
"…2:00 a.m.," Arjun announced.
Tim exhaled dramatically. "It lives. Barely."
Raya grinned. "Congrats. Your watch just ascended to Mortal Grade: Fractured."
That finally earned a weak laugh from Tim.
With the time settled, Arjun closed the book they had been reading and looked around.
"It's too early to sleep," he said. "And the town isn't quieting down anytime soon."
Rita nodded. "Might as well use the time properly."
Rohit reached into his bag and pulled out a thin booklet. "The manuals we got from the myriad of technique?"
Divya's eyes lit up. "Perfect time to read them."
Tim carefully tucked his wounded watch back into storage, muttering, "Rest well, warrior."
One by one, they pulled out their manuals, spreading them across the table.
Outside, Maple Town celebrated the future.
Inside, they prepared for it—
guided by cracked glass, dim light, and the quiet determination to survive the Tower.
Time slipped by without them noticing.
Page after page passed, and before they realized it, the faint glow of morning light seeped through the window.
Rita closed the book with a tired sigh. "We… read the whole thing."
Arjun rubbed his eyes. "And memorized it."
Divya stretched her arms. "But we haven't practiced a single thing."
Rohit groaned. "So we're experts in theory and complete amateurs in reality."
No one argued.
With empty stomachs and heavy eyelids, they left their room and headed to the restaurant for breakfast.
The place was far calmer than the night before. No crowds. No laughter spilling into the streets. Just a few tired faces and clinking plates.
Rohit approached the counter with hope in his eyes. "So… free breakfast?"
The waiter didn't even look up. "Celebration's over."
Rohit froze.
"…Over?"
"Over," the waiter repeated flatly.
Rohit turned back to the group, visibly heartbroken. "The Tower is cruel."
Rita laughed. "You're grieving free food more than the Abyss."
Sighing deeply, Rohit opened the menu. "Fine. I'll pay." He paused, then added, "But I'm still getting meat."
"Of course you are," Divya said dryly.
Breakfast arrived soon after. Simple, warm, and filling. As Rohit guarded his plate like it might disappear, the rest of the group couldn't help but laugh.
Tim chuckled. "Yesterday you were rich. Today you're traumatized."
Rohit stabbed a piece of meat dramatically. "I tasted paradise once. I will never forget it."
After they finished eating, the group lingered at the table, discussing their plans for the day.
"So," Rita said, "training? Exploration?"
"Maybe both," Arjun replied. "We need practical experience—"
[DING!]
The sudden chime echoed clearly in their minds.
Every conversation in the restaurant died instantly.
Arjun's expression hardened.
"…The system," he said.
Whatever plans they had for the day—
The Tower had other ideas