The Infinite Tower: The Unstoppable Salesman

The path from the Thirteenth Floor to the Fourteenth was quiet, almost unnervingly so. Joo Hyun and Dain had walked for what felt like hours in the ethereal corridor of shimmering lights, their footsteps echoing in the vast emptiness. Yet, despite the calm, a new sense of power buzzed within Joo Hyun. The trial had been grueling, but it left him feeling… lighter. Stronger.

"It's strange," Dain muttered, breaking the silence. "I thought we'd get attacked right after the Guardian. Isn't that how this usually goes?"

Joo Hyun chuckled softly. "Don't jinx it."

They stopped as the corridor opened into a massive, circular chamber. The air felt different here, charged with divine energy. A set of ornate symbols floated mid-air, each radiating power beyond comprehension. The symbols began to glow as they entered, and a familiar System Alert appeared before Joo Hyun.

[SYSTEM ALERT]

You have reached the Fourteenth Floor Pre-Trial.

The Constellations of the Tower have taken notice of your achievements.

You may now align yourself with up to three Constellations or choose to remain unaffiliated.

Joo Hyun felt his breath hitch. Aligning with Constellations wasn't unheard of—he had read about it in the Tower's records. Constellations were powerful entities, often gods or mythological figures, who bestowed blessings on chosen players. But their favor came at a cost, binding you to their ideals and expectations.

Dain's eyes widened as he read the same notification. "Three Constellations? That's insane. Most people barely get noticed by one, let alone three."

Joo Hyun's mind raced. The Constellations he already drew strength from—Agni, Tsukuyomi, and Odin—had carried him through countless challenges. But this was different. These weren't borrowed powers; this was a choice to align himself with entities that could shape his journey.

Before he could respond, the chamber shifted. The symbols around them began to morph, each transforming into an avatar of a Constellation.

---

The first to appear was Zeus, the King of the Greek gods. His form crackled with lightning, and his voice boomed like thunder.

"Joo Hyun, mortal who has climbed where many have fallen, I offer you my favor. With my power, none shall stand against you in battle."

---

Next came Amaterasu, the Japanese goddess of the sun. She radiated warmth and light, her presence calming yet commanding.

"You have shown courage, strength, and wisdom. I offer you my light, to guide and protect."

---

Finally, Anubis, the Egyptian god of death, stepped forward. His jackal-headed form exuded an aura of judgment and finality.

"You have proven your worth in trials of the soul. I offer you dominion over death itself. With my blessing, none shall escape your will."

---

More figures began to emerge—Thor, Athena, Shiva, and countless others—all vying for Joo Hyun's allegiance. The room buzzed with their voices, each offering promises of power and glory.

Dain looked overwhelmed. "This is crazy. Are they… are they all trying to get you to join them?"

Joo Hyun nodded, his gaze steady. He wasn't sure why so many Constellations were interested in him, but he couldn't let the flattery get to his head. These beings were powerful, but their blessings always came with strings attached.

[SYSTEM ALERT]

Choose wisely. Your alignment will shape your journey through the Tower.

Choose up to three Constellations or decline their offers.

---

Joo Hyun closed his eyes, letting the voices of the Constellations fade into the background. He thought of everything he had faced so far—every trial, every battle, every hard-fought victory. The powers of the Constellations would undoubtedly make him stronger, but he couldn't allow himself to be bound by their expectations.

"I'll make my choice," he said firmly, opening his eyes.

The room fell silent as the Constellations awaited his decision.

---

First Choice: Amaterasu

Joo Hyun pointed toward the radiant goddess of the sun. "I choose Amaterasu. Her light will guide me and protect those I care about."

Amaterasu smiled warmly, her form glowing brighter. "Wise choice, child of the Tower. I shall be your light in the darkness."

Second Choice: Anubis

Joo Hyun turned to the jackal-headed god. "I choose Anubis. His power over death will give me the strength to face anything."

Anubis inclined his head. "A bold choice, mortal. With my blessing, you shall command the boundary between life and death."

---

Third Choice: Athena

Finally, Joo Hyun pointed to the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. "I choose Athena. Wisdom is as important as strength in this Tower."

Athena stepped forward, her gaze piercing. "You have chosen well. My blessing shall grant you clarity in battle and strategy in chaos."

---

As the choices were made, the remaining Constellations began to fade, their forms dissolving into light.

[SYSTEM ALERT]

You have chosen the following Constellations:

Amaterasu (Sunlight's Guidance): Grants immunity to darkness-based attacks and enhances healing abilities.

Anubis (Keeper of Souls): Allows manipulation of life forces and the ability to summon spectral allies.

Athena (Wisdom of War): Increases strategic thinking, combat reflexes, and resistance to mind-altering effects.

Your journey through the Tower has gained divine favor. Proceed to the next trial.

As the chamber settled, Joo Hyun felt the power of the Constellations flow through him. His body felt lighter, his mind sharper, and his resolve stronger.

Dain whistled low. "Three Constellations? I don't think anyone's ever done that before."

Joo Hyun smiled faintly. "It's not just about power. It's about how we use it."

Together, they stepped forward as the portal to the Fourteenth Floor appeared, glowing with anticipation of the challenges ahead.