Tower of god : The Big Shark In a Small pond

( Many things will be different than the original story since it's a Fanfic but It'll be fun )

The 70th Floor , where the skies bled crimson and the ground stretched endlessly, a cracked expanse of obsidian-like stone. Towers of jagged rock pierced the air, surrounded by a faint hum of shinsu so dense it felt suffocating.

Noir stood at the edge of a chasm, his black cloak swaying in the faint, unnatural breeze. The Pocket beside him flickered, a distorted voice emerging.

"Regular Noir, your test begins now. You must survive for one hour while fending off the creatures of the Abyss. If you fail to defeat them or escape, the Tower will reject your climb."

Noir's crimson eyes narrowed, glowing faintly as he surveyed the surroundings. He stepped forward, his boots crunching against the brittle ground. The chasm ahead began to pulse, as if alive, and then it erupted.

From the void, massive forms emerged—shinsu beasts with twisted, serpentine bodies and glowing red eyes. Their scales shimmered with dark energy, and their roars reverberated like thunder across the floor.

"Abyss Eels," Noir muttered, his voice calm despite the chaos. "Zahard's pet challenges. Let's see how they compare to the real thing."

---

The first eel lunged at him, its jaw wide enough to swallow a man whole. Noir stepped aside with calculated ease, his movements fluid as a black blade materialized in his hand. In one precise strike, he severed the beast's head, shinsu bursting from its body in a violent spray.

But for every beast he defeated, two more emerged from the abyss.

Another eel coiled around one of the rock spires, its tail whipping toward Noir. He raised his blade to block, but the force of the attack sent him skidding backward, his boots carving grooves into the ground.

"They're stronger than I thought," Noir admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "Good. This might actually be interesting."

He raised his free hand, shinsu swirling around him in a dense aura. With a sharp motion, he unleashed a wave of concentrated energy, blasting several of the eels into oblivion. The ground beneath him cracked under the strain of his power, the air shimmering with heat.

---

The eels began to adapt, their movements becoming more coordinated. Noir noticed the change immediately, his crimson eyes narrowing as he analyzed their tactics.

"So, you're not just mindless beasts," he muttered. "You can think."

One eel feigned an attack, its massive form slithering toward him before suddenly veering off. Another beast struck from the opposite side, its tail aimed for Noir's blind spot.

Noir spun on his heel, his blade cutting through the air in a precise arc. The attacking eel was bisected, but the feint had succeeded. A third beast lunged from above, its fangs sinking into Noir's shoulder.

The pain was sharp, but Noir didn't flinch. Instead, he grabbed the creature's head with his free hand, shinsu crackling around his fingers.

"You shouldn't have done that," he said coldly.

With a surge of energy, Noir crushed the eel's skull, its body disintegrating into a fine mist. He pulled his cloak tighter around him, blood staining the fabric as his wound began to heal.

"They're getting desperate," Noir noted, his voice calm despite the escalating battle.

The remaining eels gathered, their forms shifting as they merged into a single, monstrous entity. The creature towered over Noir, its body a writhing mass of scales and shinsu. Its roar shook the ground, fissures spreading out like spiderwebs.

Noir smirked, his crimson eyes glowing brighter. "Now this is more like it."

He raised his blade, shinsu condensing around the weapon until it pulsed with dark energy. The massive beast charged, its form a blur of motion. Noir met its attack head-on, his blade slicing through the creature's defenses with brutal efficiency.

The clash sent shockwaves rippling across the floor, the air crackling with the force of their battle. Noir moved like a shadow, his strikes precise and unrelenting. The beast's roars grew weaker with each attack, until finally, with one last, devastating blow, Noir severed its head.

The creature's body collapsed, dissolving into shinsu that was absorbed by the ground. The battlefield fell silent, the oppressive hum of energy fading away.

The Pocket flickered back to life, the distorted voice returning.

"Congratulations, Regular Noir. You have passed the test of the 70th Floor. You are free to proceed."

Noir sheathed his blade, his crimson eyes scanning the battlefield one last time. His body ached, but his expression remained impassive.

"This floor was just a warm-up," he muttered, turning away from the chasm.

As he walked toward the shimmering portal that marked the path to the next floor, a thought lingered in his mind.

"I wonder… how many of them will make it this far?"

With a final step, Noir vanished into the light, leaving the desolate battlefield behind.

, The light of the shimmering portal enveloped Noir, depositing him on a platform bathed in golden hues. The atmosphere of the 71st Floor was markedly different from the oppressive abyss of the 70th. Here, the air was lighter, though the oppressive density of shinsu remained. Vast, glimmering lakes surrounded the arrival zone, their surfaces reflecting the artificial sunlight like mirrors.

Noir adjusted his cloak, brushing off the faint remnants of battle. His crimson eyes glowed faintly as his Pocket hovered into view, its golden light pulsing with an incoming connection. A sharp chime broke the silence.

He sighed, tapping the Pocket's interface. A faintly distorted yet undeniably commanding voice came through.

"Noir," the voice said, carrying an undercurrent of both authority and familiarity.

"Princess Adori," Noir replied, his tone even, though a faint smirk played on his lips. "To what do I owe the honor?"

The golden light of the Pocket shifted, and an image formed—a live hologram of Princess Adori Zahard. She stood tall in her golden armor, her piercing eyes fixed on Noir. Her presence alone carried an air of invincibility, a reminder of why she was one of the most feared figures in the Tower.

"You've been making progress," Adori said, her tone neutral, but with a hint of appraisal. "Seventy floors… That's faster than most Regulars."

"I aim to impress," Noir replied, folding his arms. "But I doubt you contacted me to offer compliments."

Adori's expression didn't change, though her eyes narrowed slightly. "You're right. I'm not here to stroke your ego. I want an update."

"On what?" Noir asked, though he already knew the answer.

Adori's voice grew colder. "On the mission. You know the one."

Noir's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Still observing. They're not ready yet."

"They?" Adori's tone carried a faint edge of irritation. "The Defects?"

"Correct," Noir said, his voice steady. "They're too naive, too disorganized. They burn through their energy without understanding the fundamentals of shinsu. They barely made it past the 34th Floor, and even then, it was a mess. Karean and Jane might have potential, but the rest? Trash."

Adori crossed her arms, her gaze unyielding. "And your assessment?"

"They won't last long at this rate," Noir continued. "If they think they're prepared for the upper floors, they're delusional. They wouldn't survive the Hell Train, let alone the true trials of the Tower."

"Then why haven't you intervened?" Adori asked sharply.

Noir's smirk returned. "Because they're still useful. Their existence stirs the waters, draws attention away from more important matters. Besides…" He glanced at the shimmering lakes surrounding him. "I'm curious to see if any of them can prove me wrong."

Adori's expression remained impassive, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes—approval, perhaps, or amusement. "You always were a gambler, Noir."

"It's part of my charm," Noir replied. "And speaking of charm, how's the Zahard Empire treating you these days?"

Adori's eyes narrowed, though there was a faint twitch at the corner of her lips, almost a smile. "That's none of your concern."

"Touchy as always," Noir said with a chuckle. "But fine. Anything else you need from me, Princess?"

"Yes," Adori said, her tone growing more serious. "Stop playing games. If they fail, eliminate them. Their ties to the Great Families make them a liability. We can't afford loose ends."

Noir's smirk faded again, and he gave a small nod. "Understood."

"Good." Adori's image flickered, the connection beginning to fade. "And Noir… don't get too comfortable. You're being watched."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Noir replied, his tone light despite the warning.

The Pocket's light dimmed, and the connection ended. Noir stood there for a moment, staring at the now-empty space where Adori's hologram had been. His crimson eyes glowed faintly as he mulled over her words.

"Watched, huh?" he murmured to himself. "Well, Princess, let them watch. The show's just getting started."

With a final glance at the shimmering lakes, Noir turned and began walking toward the horizon, his black cloak billowing behind him as he disappeared into the distance.

, Noir's footsteps echoed softly against the shimmering stone bridge that extended over the vast, gleaming lake. The 71st Floor was tranquil—eerily so compared to the chaos he had just left behind. The stark silence was a sharp contrast to the intensity of his conversation with Princess Adori.

He paused mid-stride, glancing at his reflection in the water below. His crimson eyes stared back at him, their faint glow rippling across the mirrored surface. A smirk tugged at his lips again, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Eliminate them if they fail," he muttered, repeating Adori's words. "Of course, you'd say that."

For a moment, he stood there, silent and still. Then, with a sharp intake of breath, he tapped the side of his Pocket. The device shimmered to life, its interface glowing softly. He swiped through a series of holographic menus before opening a private connection.

A deep voice answered on the other end, rough and impatient. "What now, Noir?"

"Status report," Noir said curtly. "How are the Defects holding up?"

There was a pause, followed by a low chuckle. "They're still alive, if that's what you're asking. Barely made it through their last test, though. The Ranker in charge wasn't impressed."

Noir closed his eyes briefly. "And Karean? Jane?"

"Karean's holding the group together, as always," the voice replied. "That kid's got leadership skills, I'll give him that. As for Jane... he's quite strong , But he's too... straightforward. Doesn't think things through. Without Karean, he'd be a liability , just needs some improvement."

Noir frowned. "And the others?"

"Trash," the voice said bluntly. "You were right about them. They rely too much on brute force and luck. They have no real strategy or understanding of shinsu. If they face a true test, they'll crumble."

"I see." Noir tapped his finger against the Pocket, his mind racing.

"What's the plan?" the voice asked after a moment.

Noir's lips curled into a faint smile. "For now? Nothing. Let them climb. Let them think they're making progress. But keep an eye on them. If anyone shows promise, I want to know."

"And if they don't?"

"Then they'll serve their purpose," Noir said quietly. "One way or another."

The connection ended with a soft chime, and Noir lowered his Pocket. He stared out at the horizon, where the shimmering lake met the golden sky.

He knew Adori's orders were absolute. If the Defects failed to prove themselves, he would have to carry out her command. But something about them intrigued him—especially Karean and Jane. There was a spark in them, a raw potential that couldn't be ignored.

Still, potential wasn't enough. Not in the Tower.

Noir turned away from the lake and began walking again, his steps steady and deliberate. As he moved, his thoughts drifted to the upper floors, the Hell Train, and the countless dangers that awaited.

"They think they're ready," he muttered to himself. "But they have no idea what's coming."

His Pocket chimed again, interrupting his thoughts. This time, the connection was from someone unexpected. The interface glowed with a name he hadn't seen in years—a name that sent a jolt through him.

"Noir," a voice said, smooth and confident.

Noir's expression darkened slightly. "What do you want?"

The voice chuckled. "Oh, come now. Is that any way to greet an old friend?"

"We're not friends," Noir said coldly.

"Semantics," the voice replied. "I just thought you'd like to know... there's been some activity on the Hell Train. Rumors of a new Slayer Candidate."

Noir's eyes narrowed. "And why would I care about that?"

"Because they're heading your way," the voice said. "And if I were you, I'd be prepared."

The connection ended abruptly, leaving Noir standing in silence once more.

He clenched his fists, his mind racing. A new Slayer Candidate meant trouble—trouble he didn't need. But it also presented an opportunity.

"No rest for the wicked," he muttered, a faint grin returning to his lips.

With renewed purpose, Noir adjusted his cloak and continued toward the Tower's next challenge, his mind already formulating his next move.

Kaiden , The New Slayer Candidate , stood in the center of the floating ship's sparring arena, his body coiled with tension as he prepared for the fight ahead. The arena was dimly lit, surrounded by reinforced shinsu barriers designed to absorb the force of powerful attacks. Before him stood Harkan Vreel, a Ranker of F.U.G., whose presence alone seemed to darken the room.

Harkan was a giant of a man, his eyes burning with arrogance. He stood there, a sneer on his face, as if he were mocking Kaiden's every movement. The aura around him felt oppressive, like the weight of an entire army.

"Show me what you've got, Kaiden," Harkan growled, his voice carrying an air of superiority. "You're just a kid, but you've been making quite the noise lately. Let's see if you can back it up."

Kaiden didn't respond. Instead, he took a deep breath, focusing on the flow of shinsu around him. His master, Ariel , had taught him that it wasn't always about strength—it was about control. The calm and the storm in perfect harmony.

With a sudden movement, Harkan lunged forward, his hand crackling with dark shinsu. He unleashed a brutal, wide-reaching slash of energy that cut through the air like a blade.

Kaiden sidestepped just in time, his body flowing like water, his feet light on the ground. He didn't waste time with flashy moves. Every action he made was precise, calculated. He lunged toward Harkan, his hand raised to strike.

His opponent blocked with ease, his dark shinsu forming a wall in front of him. But Kaiden's eyes flicked to the side, reading the flow of energy as it expanded, allowing him to adjust mid-strike. He twisted, barely avoiding Harkan's counterattack, and swung a low, quick strike at the Ranker's legs.

For a moment, Harkan faltered, just a fraction of a second, but that was enough for Kaiden to land a hit.

"Not bad," Harkan muttered, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. "But you're still too slow. If you want to make it in the Tower, you need to move faster."

Kaiden said nothing, his gaze hardening. He wasn't here to impress Harkan. His goal was much greater than that.

With a snap of his fingers, Harkan released a surge of shinsu that spread across like an ocean. Kaiden's body tensed, but he quickly focused, feeling the familiar flow of shinsu within him. He didn't panic.

As the sparring continued, Kaiden's movements became more fluid, But despite his best efforts, Harkan was simply too much to handle. The Ranker's attacks came faster and harder, his mastery of shinsu making each movement seem effortless.

Kaiden's mind raced, trying to anticipate his opponent's next move. He was no longer just reacting, but calculating, looking for an opening—any sign of weakness.

Harkan grinned as he parried another strike. "You're good, kid," he taunted. "But this is where it ends."

Kaiden barely had time to react before Harkan's fist surged with dark shinsu, aimed directly at his chest. In the blink of an eye, the punch collided with Kaiden's midsection, sending him flying backward with terrifying force.

The air was knocked from his lungs, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze. His vision blurred, and the sound of rushing wind filled his ears as he sailed through the air. He crashed into the reinforced wall of the arena, his body slamming into it with bone-crushing force.

The impact left him dazed, struggling to breathe as his body screamed in protest. His vision swam, the edges of his sight darkening, and he could feel the sharp sting of pain radiating from his chest.

Ariel's voice came through the haze of his mind, calm and steady. "Kaiden… Get up. You're not done yet."

Harkan stepped forward, his grin wide, though there was a hint of respect in his eyes. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're not there yet."

Kaiden struggled to his knees, gasping for air. His body felt like it was on fire, his chest throbbing from the impact. But despite the pain, he forced himself to stand. The fight wasn't over.

"Ariel…" Kaiden muttered, forcing the words out. "What do I do?"

Ariel didn't speak right away, but his words reached Kaiden's ears, clear and steady. "Control, Kaiden. Control your mind before you can control your body. Don't focus on winning—focus on the flow of shinsu, the rhythm. If you let your instincts guide you, you'll lose control."

Kaiden nodded weakly, the words sinking into him. He still had to grow. He couldn't let his anger or fear cloud his judgment.

With a deep breath, Kaiden steadied himself and raised his spear again. His body still ached, but his resolve was firmer than ever. He wasn't going to back down.

Harkan's smile widened. "There's that fire. But this time, let's see how long you can keep it burning."