The world shifted.
When Ethan's vision cleared, he found himself standing in a massive stone corridor lit by torches.
DING!
[You have entered Tower #237 - Floor 1]
[Objective: Defeat the Floor Boss]
[Recommended Party Size: 3-5 Climbers]
[Recommended Level: 3-5]
Ethan was Level 4. And alone.
But he had done this floor hundreds of times before. He knew every trap, every monster spawn point, every shortcut.
He moved forward confidently.
The first chamber contained three [Goblin Warriors].
Ethan didn't even slow down.
"Fireball. Fireball. Fireball."
FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!
All three goblins died before they could react.
DING!
[You have slain "Goblin Warrior (Level 3)" x3]
[+90 Experience Points]
As Ethan moved to the next chamber, he heard voices behind him.
"Holy shit, someone already cleared this room?"
"Look at the bodies. Clean kills. Whoever did this knows what they're doing."
Ethan's blood ran cold.
He recognized those voices.
Slowly, he turned around.
Five people emerged from the entrance portal, weapons drawn.
Sarah Kane—short black hair, sharp eyes, leather armor, bow in hand.
Marcus Chen—broad-shouldered, tower shield, protective stance.
Derek Stone—cocky grin, twin daggers, scanning for threats.
Lily Park—nervous expression, white robes, healing staff.
Jin Nakamura—serious face, katana at his side, disciplined posture.
His former party.
Alive. Young. And completely unaware of what they would become.
Sarah was the first to spot him.
"Hey! You solo clearing this floor?"
Ethan's mind raced. Should he avoid them? Work with them? Watch them closely?
'I need to figure out who I can trust. This is my chance.'
"Yeah," Ethan said carefully. "Just got here."
"Impressive," Marcus said, stepping forward with a friendly smile. "Most people are too scared to enter the Towers alone on day one. I'm Marcus. This is Sarah, Derek, Lily, and Jin."
Derek sized Ethan up. "You look like you know what you're doing. Want to party up? We could use someone with experience."
'In my past life, we met on Floor 3. But now...'
If he joined them early, he could watch them closely. Figure out who would betray him.
But it was risky. What if being around them triggered the same events?
Lily spoke up timidly. "We don't bite, I promise. And, um, I'm a healer. If you get hurt, I can help."
She seemed genuine. But in his memories, she had been crying when they came to kill him.
'Was she forced? Or was it an act?'
Ethan made his decision.
"Sure. I'll party up. Name's Ethan Cross."
Sarah grinned. "Great! Let's clear this floor together."
DING!
[Party formed]
[Party members: Ethan Cross, Sarah Kane, Marcus Chen, Derek Stone, Lily Park, Jin Nakamura]
As they moved forward together, Ethan watched each of them carefully.
Sarah led with confidence, calling out strategies.
Marcus stayed protective, always positioning himself between the group and danger.
Derek made jokes, trying to lighten the mood.
Lily healed their minor wounds without hesitation.
Jin remained quiet, focused, professional.
They all seemed... normal. Friendly, even.
'But one or more of them will betray me. I just don't know who yet.'
The second chamber had a trap—pressure plates that triggered arrow traps.
"Wait," Ethan called out. "Don't step there."
He pointed out the safe path, using his knowledge from his past life.
"Whoa," Derek said. "How'd you know that?"
"Lucky guess," Ethan lied.
Sarah gave him a curious look. "You're full of surprises, Ethan Cross."
They avoided the trap easily and continued forward.
By the time they reached the boss room, the atmosphere had become comfortable. Almost like old times.
Almost.
The door creaked open.
Inside stood the [Goblin Chieftain].
[Goblin Chieftain - Floor Boss (Level 7)]
[HP: 500/500]
"Standard formation," Sarah commanded. "Marcus tanks, Jin and Derek on flanks, Ethan and I provide ranged support, Lily heals."
It was the exact same strategy they had used in his past life.
The fight began.
Marcus charged forward, bashing his shield into the Chieftain's face.
Jin and Derek attacked from the sides, their blades flashing.
Ethan and Sarah launched spells and arrows.
Lily's healing light kept everyone topped off.
The Chieftain fell within two minutes.
DING!
[You have slain "Goblin Chieftain (Level 7 - Boss)"]
[Party experience distributed]
[You have reached Level 5!]
[Floor 1 Cleared!]
Everyone cheered.
"That was amazing!" Lily said excitedly. "We work so well together!"
"Told you," Derek grinned. "We're a solid team."
Marcus clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "You were great, man. That Fireball timing was perfect."
Sarah smiled. "Want to keep climbing with us? We're planning to hit Floor 5 by the end of the week."
Ethan hesitated.
In his past life, they had climbed together all the way to Floor 100.
And somewhere along the way... some of them had made deals with Malachar.
'Should I stay with them? Or go solo?'
DING!
[Quest Available: Uncover the Traitor]
[Objective: Discover which party members will betray you before it's too late]
[Reward: ???]
[Failure: Death]
Ethan's eyes widened.
The System itself was giving him a quest about the betrayal.
That meant... it was inevitable. Some of them would turn on him again.
But which ones?
"Yeah," Ethan said finally. "I'll stick with you guys."
Sarah's smile widened. "Perfect. Let's rest up and hit Floor 2 tomorrow."
As the party teleported out of the Tower, Ethan made a silent vow.
'I'll figure out who the traitors are. And this time... I'll stop them before they can strike.'