Restarting As An SSS-Rank Rogue

[Please Select Your Starter Class]

Rogue - A stealthy and agile combatant specializing in critical hits and evasive maneuvers. Bonuses per level: +2 Agility, +1 Perception, +1 endurance, +1 vitality, +1 attribute point.

Warrior - A powerful frontline fighter who relies on strength and endurance to crush enemies and withstand damage. Bonuses per level: +2 Strength, +1 Endurance, +1 Vitality, +1 Fortitude, +1 attribute point.

Mage - A spellcaster with access to elemental magic, but physically weak. Bonuses per level: +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom, +1 Willpower, +1 endurance, +1 attribute point.

Cleric - A healer and protector, using divine magic to aid allies and smite foes. Bonuses per level: +2 Wisdom, +1 Vitality, + 1 Willpower, +1 endurance, +1 attribute point.

Ranger – A ranged fighter specializing in long distance combat, bows and survival skills. Bonuses per level: +2 Perception, +1 Agility, +1 Endurance, +1 vitality, +1 attribute point.

Kael's gaze lingered on the list for a moment, but he already knew his answer as a slow grin crept onto his face.

Last time, I played it safe. That was my mistake. This time, I'm doing things my way.

His finger hovered over Rogue.

It wasn't just about speed and agility. It wasn't just about stealth. No, this class was the first step in unlocking something greater. A path that had been impossible before. A hidden evolution he had learned about far too late in his last life.

The screen blinked.

You have selected the starter class: Rogue. Confirm selection?

Kael took a breath. His heart was beating just a little faster. He tapped Confirm.

You have obtained the Rogue class.

The moment the words appeared, a sudden wave of power surged through his body.

His muscles tensed, his limbs felt lighter, his entire body subtly adjusting. His heartbeat became steady, controlled—like a predator tuning into its instincts. He could feel the shift, like invisible strings pulling at his very essence, realigning him with a path he had never walked before.

This feeling… It's already different from last time.

Kael flexed his fingers, testing his movements. They felt faster, smoother and sharper. A dangerous smile crossed his lips.

If everything goes as planned, I'll unlock 'That' skill. And this time, nothing will stop me.

Gained Skill: [Basic Dagger Mastery (F-Rank)] - Unlocks basic proficiency with daggers and short blades, and adds a minuscule bonus to the effect of strength and agility when using these weapons.

Gained Skill: [Quick-step (F-Rank)] - Short-range taken faster than a regular step to reposition in combat.

Gained Skill: [Backstab (E-Rank)] - Deals massive bonus damage when attacking from behind.

Kael stared at the notifications with a tight frown, his lips pressing into a thin line. F-rank skills… He had seen these before—at the very bottom of the hierarchy. Compared to the power he once held before death, they were laughable. But he didn't let frustration take root.

With a dismissive thought, the glowing skill window vanished. The towering figure before him, the overseer, lifted a skeletal hand and snapped its fingers. In an instant, objects materialized in the air before crashing down in a neat pile.

Kael's gaze swept over the equipment—a set of flexible leather armor, medieval-style clothing, and two daggers sheathed in simple black scabbards. He crouched, grasping one of the daggers, and unsheathed it with a smooth motion.

The steel gleamed under the dim light. The blade was well-balanced, sharp, and of surprisingly good quality. Not the best, but more than enough for what lay ahead.

Kael stripped off his tattered business suit, the last remnant of his salary man life. The cold air pricked at his skin as he changed, securing the armor and fastening the twin sheaths to his belt.

By the time he turned back to the overseer, the entity remained still, its hollow eyes watching in eerie silence.

"The explanation has been concluded. You will now be transported to the introduction floor. A final skill will be granted to aid your survival."

Gained Skill: [Inspect (F-Rank)] - A basic appraisal skill that allows the user to view limited information about a target. 

Kael barely reacted. He already knew what it did. Instead, his thoughts shifted to something far more important.

"I have one last question." His voice was steady, but there was an edge beneath it. "The place I'm going… is there any chance my younger sister and mother are there?"

The overseer did not answer immediately.

"I do not know. My information is limited to that of a guide."

Kael clenched his fists, memories flooding back. Last time, I never found them. The tower had split its participants into different tutorial zones. He had searched, used every source he could, but their last known location had been the fifth floor. By the time I got there, they were already…

He exhaled slowly. No matter what, he wasn't going to repeat the same mistakes.

"Five seconds remain before tutorial transportation commences. Good luck, Challenger. May your journey be blessed.."

Kael forced himself to relax, letting out a slow breath. He had so many more questions—about the tower, about the true purpose behind this climb, about what lay beyond the highest floor. But he didn't want to risk it.

The air around him shimmered, reality distorting at the edges. The countdown reached zero.

[Tutorial Transportation Commencing…]

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There was nothing but darkness. Absolute, suffocating darkness.

For a few agonizing moments, Kael felt nothing. No sound. No touch. No sight. It was as if the universe itself had erased him. Then—like being plunged into ice water—it all came crashing back at once.

His senses roared to life. A sharp gasp tore from his lips as his eyes snapped open, his body jerking as he sucked in a breath. Cold, wet earth pressed against his back, the damp scent of mud and vegetation filling his nostrils. His ears rang, his pulse hammering in his skull.

Then the nausea hit.

Kael groaned, rolling onto his side as he clenched his fists. God, I hate this part.

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright, scanning his surroundings. Jungle. Thick, dense, and humid. The trees loomed overhead, their branches tangled in a chaotic mess of vines, blocking out most of the sky. Only thin rays of sunlight pierced through, casting eerie golden shafts onto the forest floor.