Africa Leveling

"I need to use my Glutton skill before this demigod's energy fades," Haruto muttered, watching the swirling portal before him. "So far, I haven't unlocked any new abilities… maybe I need to upgrade Glutton to unlock the next level. And it was wise not to release those two cavemen from storage; they'd have been killed in that last fight."

Haruto turned his focus to the lifeless demigod at his feet. He held out his hand, channeling energy from the corpse.

NOTICE

NAME:

Kipkemboi

LEVEL:

Demigod

MISSION:

Kill the god Anubis

REWARD:

The power to travel through worlds

GOD OF DESTRUCTION CANDIDATE NUMBER:

6555555553

A surge of energy flowed through Haruto he started floatingin the air as purple aura moved in and out of his body his muscles grew more thick and defined he could feel his skins toughness increase. "Looks like this was just what I needed to reach demigod level in time for the dungeon break," he murmured, casting a glance at the portal before him.

Suddenly, another notification blinked to life:

NOTICE

NAME:

Kit Mi Kai

LEVEL:

Demigod

MISSION:

Destroy a world

REWARD:

Immortality

GOD OF DESTRUCTION CANDIDATE NUMBER:

6777777733

Kit Mi Kai's eyes widened as he also started to transform from peak mortal level to demigod. "So, this wasn't dream this actually happened," he whispered to himself as the message faded.

NOTICE

The portal will close soon. Candidates, please enter.

Kit Mi Kai and Kipkemboi exchanged glances, then moved swiftly toward the portal, stepping through together.

On the other side, they found themselves in a vast dungeon hall, packed with hundreds—maybe thousands—of beings from across galaxies. Some were humanoid, others alien, but all were here for one purpose.

"What the—wow! That's a lot of people, and they look… weird," Jajwok muttered, appearing behind Kipkemboi.

Kipkemboi turned, visibly startled. "What the hell? You guys followed me? I wasn't paying attention…" he hissed. "Stick close. This place is dangerous."

Kit Mi Kai eyed Kipkemboi. "Could he be a candidate too?" he wondered to himself.

A loud voice echoed through the chamber. "Alright, alright, settle down!" A small, robed figure emerged at the front, sneering at the crowd. "Welcome to those of you who came here to die. My name is Gulp, and I serve the great God of Destruction. Now, settle down!" He snapped his fingers, and in a flash, a candidate standing near him turned to ash.

"As I was saying, of the 5,000 of you here, only one galaxy will survive," Gulp announced, his voice laced with malice. "You'll face a series of trials that will push you to your limit. The first game is simple. See that massive door 10 kilometers away?" He gestured, and everyone turned. "Only 3,000 can pass through. If you're left behind, you'll be annihilated.

So, what are you waiting for? Run!"

The room erupted into chaos as people sprinted toward the door, some using advanced tech, others channeling magic to propel themselves. Kipkemboi felt a tug on his shoulder; it was Kit Mi Kai.

"Hold up," Kipkemboi whispered. "These people are fast. If we just run like this, we'll be in the back. We won't make it. Jajwok, can you use that skill you have—the one that links us so we can share speed?"

Jajwok nodded. "Yeah, I've got one more use left."

"But there's a problem," Olamsuri chimed in. "He can't move while linking us."

Kipkemboi glanced at Kit Mi Kai. "Give Kit Mi Kai your rungu. He's the strongest among us. Kit, throw it as hard as you can toward the big door. As soon as you throw it, Olamsuri will grab Jajwok and teleport both of you to it. Then Jajwok can link us all together."

Kit Mi Kai nodded and hurled the rungu forward with all his might, the weapon tearing through candidates in its path. Within seconds, it reached the door.

Olamsuri grabbed Jajwok, teleported to the rungu, and yelled, "Now, Jajwok—do it!"

Jajwok placed his hand on the ground, sending arcs of lightning snaking across the floor. It linked with Kipkemboi and Kit Mi Kai, imbuing them with the power of lightning manipulation. Energized, the two shot forward, racing toward the door.

"Which galaxy are they from?" a candidate gasped as he watched them speed past.

The four of them reached the door, grinning as they realized they'd made it through the first round.

NOTICE

Kipkemboi, I have arranged something special for you. After you complete the first stage, turn left and enter the first door you see. Ensure no one follows you.

Kipkemboi smirked. "Looks like that goddess Liana has set something up for us. And with the other candidates far behind, they won't notice us."

He motioned to his group, and they slipped through the door. As it shut behind them, it vanished, leaving them alone in a small, empty room.

"That's strange. Why did the door disappear?" Kipkemboi wondered aloud.

Then, without warning, water began pouring in from unseen openings, quickly flooding the room.

"Wait… are we trapped? The water's already at my waist!" Olamsuri shouted, panic flashing across her face.

Kit Mi Kai rounded on Kipkemboi. "What is this place you led us to?" he demanded.

Kipkemboi stammered, "I… I thought she was trying to help. Maybe she… doesn't need me anymore."

The water level continued to rise, reaching their necks, and they struggled to keep their heads above the surface.

Jajwok gasped, "B-b-but I can't swim!" Before they knew it, the water had fully submerged them, and they sank to the floor, lungs burning as they neared unconsciousness, unable to break through the unyielding walls.

"Is this… the end?" Haruto thought, his mind drifting as he felt himself slipping away.

Suddenly, their eyes snapped open. They were no longer drowning—instead, they found themselves lying on the marble floor of a grand hall, staring up at vaulted ceilings and stone walls. Figures in ornate robes crowded around them, watching intently.

"Welcome, heroes from another world. We have summoned you here to save us from the Demon Lord."