"It's huge… You're really gonna climb that?" Melon said, tilting her head back as she tried to see the top of the tower. "Well, I hope you don't fall to your death."
Alex smirked. "Gee, thanks for the encouragement."
Before they could move closer, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention.
Alex turned his head to see two figures walking toward them—a muscular giant of a man, holding a long spear, and a young boy, no older than eleven, gripping a bow.
The man stopped a few steps away, his gaze sharp. "Who are you, and what business do you have in the Sacred Land?" He raised his spear slightly. "This is no place for a casual visit. Leave at once."
Melon gulped and hid behind Alex. "H-He's scary… Alex, do something!"
Alex took a step forward. "I'm Alex, and this is my friend Melon. I came here to climb Korin Tower."
The man studied him for a moment before finally lowering his spear. "If that is your goal, you may try… but be warned. Those who defy the rules do not get a second chance."
Alex frowned. "Rules? What rules? And who are you, anyway?"
The man straightened his posture. "I am Bora, guardian of this land, and this is my son, Upa. My family has protected this place for generations." He gestured toward the towering structure. "To climb Korin Tower, you must do so unaided—no machines, no shortcuts. Those who attempt to fly or take a plane run out of fuel before reaching the top. Those who climb recklessly run out of food and strength before ever making it. It takes days to reach the summit. If you are unprepared, you will fail."
Melon tilted her head. "Have you ever tried climbing it?"
Bora's expression softened. "Once, when I was young… but I never reached the top."
Upa clenched his fists. "Don't worry, Father! One day, I'll do it!"
Bora smiled. "I believe in you, son."
Alex stretched his arms. "Not to ruin your father-son moment or anything, but I'm gonna go ahead and start climbing." He turned to Melon. "Do me a favor—stay here. Once I reach Korin, I'll get his permission to bring you up by flying, okay?"
Melon crossed her arms. "Wait, what?! You're just leaving me here?! What if they try something funny?"
Alex chuckled, then glanced at Bora and Upa. "You won't, right?"
Bora frowned. "What nonsense. We are the guardians of this land. We would never harm a woman."
Alex laughed. "Relax, I was just joking. I trust you guys."
Melon pouted. "Hmph. You, on the other hand, better hurry back. If you fall to your death, I'm never forgiving you!"
She pulled out the Capsule House and tossed it onto the ground. With a small pop, the house appeared. "I'll be waiting here, so don't take too long."
Alex turned to Bora. "I hope you don't mind her staying for a few days."
Upa puffed his chest. "Don't worry! The Sacred Land is the safest place you'll find. We'll take good care of her!"
"Good," Alex said, then turned his gaze upward at the massive tower. He bent his knees, took a deep breath—
And jumped.
With one powerful leap, he grabbed onto the smooth surface of the tower and began climbing.
---
It didn't take long for Alex to realize—this was harder than he thought.
The tower was massive, extending far beyond the clouds. Every muscle in his arms and legs burned as he pulled himself up, higher and higher.
"Damn… even after all my training with Master Roshi, this is tough!"
Hours passed.
Then an entire day.
By the time the second night fell, exhaustion hit him like a brick wall. His vision blurred, his fingers ached, and his limbs felt like lead.
"This… is getting me nowhere… I gotta rest."
He stopped, resting his head against the tower. His eyes grew heavy.
Then—
His foot slipped.
"Shit—!"
His heart jumped to his throat as his body plummeted downward—but at the last second, he snatched a ledge with one hand. His entire body jerked violently, snapping him back awake.
Sweat dripped down his face. His heartbeat thundered in his chest.
"Idiot… sleeping in this situation is as good as suicide!" He gritted his teeth and forced himself to keep climbing.
By the third day, the top was finally in sight.
"Just a bit… huff almost there…" Alex panted, his arms shaking from exhaustion. He reached out, but—
It was too far.
"Damn it… I need to jump…"
He took a deep breath and launched himself upward, fingers grasping the ledge. With one last push, he pulled himself through the hole into the dome-shaped platform.
Alex collapsed onto his back.
"Huff… I finally… made it…"
A voice chuckled.
"Oh, you finally got here? Took you long enough."
Alex turned his head and saw a short, round man with messy hair, a sword strapped to his back, and a smirk on his face.
"...You were waiting for me?"
"Who else would be crazy enough to climb this tower?" The man tossed him a small green bean. "Here. You'll need it."
Alex caught it and popped it into his mouth. The moment he swallowed, a surge of energy flooded his body. The exhaustion vanished instantly.
His eyes widened. "Whoa… What was that?"
The man smirked. "Senzu Bean. You're welcome."
Alex sat up. "I don't even know what to say… Thanks, I guess?"
"Don't thank me. Korin told me to give it to you."
Alex blinked. "Wait… Korin? He knew I was coming?"
"Of course he did." The man laughed. "Korin has a magical pot that lets him see things from afar. He's been watching you the whole time."
He turned and started walking toward a staircase. "C'mon. He's waiting for you."
At the top of the stairs, a deep voice greeted him.
"Welcome, kid. I've been expecting you."
Power level
melon :4
Alex(before korrin tower): 100
korrin :190
yajirobi:220