The Infinite Tower: The Unstoppable Salesman

The portal opened, and Joo Hyun emerged onto the Sixth Floor. The first thing he noticed was the vibrant, golden sunlight streaming down from above. Unlike the previous floors, which had been either dark or ominous, this place felt alive and full of energy. He stood at the edge of a sprawling city surrounded by towering walls, bustling with activity. The sounds of laughter, trade, and life filled the air.

"This... is unexpected," Joo Hyun muttered, lowering Nightfall. He had braced himself for another floor filled with monsters, but instead, he was met with a thriving settlement.

---

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Welcome to the Sixth Floor.

Objective: Establish a foothold in the City of Valtheris and uncover its hidden mysteries.

Time Limit: None.

---

Joo Hyun scanned the system prompt, his brows furrowing. "No fighting? Just... establish a foothold? What does that even mean?"

A loud shout pulled his attention to the city gates. A group of armored guards was arguing with a hooded figure trying to enter the city. The hooded figure seemed out of place, their cloak tattered and their movements hesitant.

Curiosity got the better of him. Joo Hyun made his way toward the gates, his presence unnoticed amidst the crowd of traders and adventurers.

---

"I've told you already, we don't allow unregistered outsiders to enter without a sponsor!"

The guard's voice was firm, and the hooded figure clenched their fists. "I've come all this way. I just need a chance to prove myself!"

The desperation in their voice was clear, and Joo Hyun couldn't ignore it. Stepping forward, he raised a hand. "Excuse me, what's the problem here?"

The guards turned to him, eyeing him suspiciously. "Who are you? Another unregistered outsider?"

"I just arrived," Joo Hyun said calmly. "But I couldn't help overhearing. What does being 'registered' mean?"

One of the guards sighed, clearly annoyed at having to explain. "Only residents or those with sponsorship from a citizen can enter Valtheris. It keeps the city safe."

Joo Hyun glanced at the hooded figure. They pulled back their hood slightly, revealing a young man with sharp features and tired eyes. "I'm not here to cause trouble," the young man said. "I just want to earn a place in the Tower."

Another player? Joo Hyun thought, studying him. The young man seemed determined but out of his depth, a stark contrast to the hardened adventurers bustling around them.

"You need a sponsor, right?" Joo Hyun said. He turned to the guards. "What if I sponsor him?"

The guards exchanged skeptical glances. "You're an outsider too. Why would you vouch for someone you just met?"

Joo Hyun shrugged. "Because everyone deserves a chance."

The young man's eyes widened in surprise, and the guards hesitated before finally relenting. "Fine. But if he causes any trouble, it's on you."

---

As they passed through the gates, the young man turned to Joo Hyun. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I didn't think anyone would help me."

Joo Hyun smiled. "No need to thank me. What's your name?"

"Dain," the young man replied. "I'm from one of the lower worlds. This is my first time climbing the Tower."

"First time?" Joo Hyun asked. "How did you make it this far alone?"

Dain scratched the back of his head. "Barely. The Fourth Floor nearly killed me. If it wasn't for a hidden passage I found, I wouldn't have made it."

Joo Hyun frowned. The Tower's difficulty wasn't something to take lightly, especially for someone without experience. "Stick with me for now," he said. "You'll need more than luck to survive up here."

Dain nodded, relief evident on his face. "I'll do my best."

---

The city of Valtheris was unlike anything Joo Hyun had seen before. Towering spires made of crystal and metal reached for the sky, and the streets were alive with adventurers, merchants, and craftspeople. Stalls lined the roads, selling everything from enchanted weapons to exotic foods.

As they explored, a notification appeared before Joo Hyun.

[SYSTEM ALERT]

Optional Objective: Recruit allies in Valtheris.

Reward: 500 EXP and a rare item.

---

Joo Hyun's gaze flicked to Dain, who was staring wide-eyed at the bustling market. Allies, huh? He didn't need the system to tell him how valuable teamwork could be in the Tower. His encounter with Naeun had proven that.

"Dain," Joo Hyun said, breaking the young man out of his reverie. "If you want to climb the Tower, you'll need to get stronger. And fast."

Dain nodded quickly. "I'll follow your lead."

---

As they turned a corner, a commotion caught their attention. A crowd had gathered in front of a large building, and a booming voice echoed over the noise.

"Step right up! Prove your worth and earn a place in the Guild of Valor!"

A tall man clad in gleaming armor stood on a raised platform, addressing the crowd. Behind him, a massive board displayed names and rankings.

"Joining a guild could be helpful," Joo Hyun said. "Let's check it out."

They approached the platform, where the man was explaining the guild's initiation trial. "Those who pass our test will gain access to resources, training, and protection within Valtheris!" he declared.

"What's the test?" someone in the crowd asked.

The man grinned. "Simple. Survive five minutes against one of our champions."

A murmur ran through the crowd, and a few people stepped back. The champions of the Guild of Valor were known to be powerful fighters.

Joo Hyun turned to Dain. "You up for it?"

Dain hesitated, his hands trembling slightly. "I... I don't know if I'm ready."

Joo Hyun placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "The Tower rewards those who take risks. But only if you stay calm and think smart. You've made it this far. Believe in yourself."

Dain looked at him, the doubt in his eyes slowly fading. He nodded. "I'll try."

The trial began, and Dain stepped into the ring. The champion, a towering orc with a massive axe, roared as the fight started. Dain moved hesitantly at first, but Joo Hyun watched from the sidelines, shouting advice.

"Don't just react! Look for openings!"

The crowd cheered as the fight intensified. Despite his inexperience, Dain showed promise. He dodged the orc's heavy swings, landing quick strikes with his dagger.

Finally, the five minutes ended, and the orc stepped back, grinning. "Not bad, kid," he said, clapping Dain on the shoulder.

The crowd erupted into applause, and Dain stumbled out of the ring, his face a mix of exhaustion and pride.

"You did it," Joo Hyun said, smiling.

Dain grinned. "Thanks to you."

As they left the arena, Joo Hyun felt a sense of satisfaction. The Tower was filled with challenges, but it was also a place where bonds could be forged.

And those bonds might be the key to reaching the top.