HHDT 1

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Chapter 1

Tower Syndrome

A series of strange illnesses that emerged after the appearance of the towers.

This condition, reported worldwide in countless cases, had one peculiar trait—it only affected 14-year-olds.

‘Twelve hours of sleep, followed by a physical transformation.’

Those afflicted with Tower Syndrome would inevitably fall into a 12-hour slumber. Upon waking, they’d either be emaciated or grotesquely bloated.

Extreme physical changes—always for the worse, never in between.

But Kang-han’s case was unique.

He was the only one who’d gained a perfectly sculpted, muscular physique.

‘Honestly, I’m not complaining about the body.’

190 cm tall, 82 kg.

A lean, muscular frame with not an ounce of fat—the kind of body any man would envy.

To get this without lifting a finger?

A total win.

But still…

“It’s been ten years. Shouldn’t I be cured by now…?”

Kang-han sighed.

Everyone else who’d suffered from Tower Syndrome had long since recovered.

So why was he still forced to sleep exactly 12 hours every single day?

‘They said once Tower Syndrome wears off, your body reverts—whether you were skinny or fat.’

Back then, he’d actually hoped the syndrome would last forever, just so he could keep this body.

But now?

‘Twelve hours of sleep is exhausting.’

From 8 PM to 8 AM, like clockwork, his body would shut down.

He was stuck sleeping like an elementary school kid while everyone else lived their lives.

And as for using his enhanced physique for sports?

‘If the syndrome disappears, I’ll revert to my old body.’

What’s the point of training if it’ll all go to waste?

So he never pushed his limits.

And worse…

‘…It ruined my family.’

Just thinking about the past made him sigh unconsciously.

“Kang-han! Can you move this over here?”

A voice snapped him back to reality.

“Sure! On it!”

Kang-han was currently at a logistics center.

Thanks to his superhuman strength, he was treated like an ace here.

“Damn, this kid’s strong. You used to be an athlete?”
“Used to? Look at those muscles. He’s still training, right?”
“I just sleep a lot.”

The older men burst out laughing.

“If sleeping builds muscle, my daughter would be jacked by now!”
“But don’t bodybuilders sleep a lot after workouts?”
“So you do train hard, huh?”

The truth was, aside from lifting boxes and the occasional jog home, Kang-han didn’t exercise at all.

But there was no need to explain.

He just smiled and nodded.

Then—

[Breaking news: The ‘Phoenix’ Guild has disbanded. Core members have emigrated to Saudi Arabia, where they plan to reestablish the guild…]

Someone’s phone was on speaker, broadcasting the update.

“Another one leaving?”
“Why are so many Players bailing lately?”
“First the U.S., China, Japan—now Saudi Arabia’s poaching them too?”
“They make a fortune here. You’d think they’d stay loyal.”

The warehouse instantly turned into a venting session about Players.

But beneath the complaints, there was worry.

“But if they all leave… won’t things get dangerous?”
“The Tower’s light has been glowing faster lately…”

‘The Infinity Tower…’

Ten years ago, the Tower appeared—indestructible, impervious to all attacks.

At first, humanity had no idea how to respond.

Until the message came:

[You have become a Player.]
[You are granted the right to challenge the Infinity Tower.]

Those who awakened as “Players” could enter the Tower.

Slowly, humanity learned to adapt.

Nations that ignored the Tower fell. After countless struggles, the world grew accustomed to its existence.

Now, even grandparents casually tossed around terms like “Tower” and “Players.”

And then—

“Kid, you’d make a damn good Player.”
“Right? Look at him. He’s built for it.”

In school, they’d told him to take up sports or martial arts.

Now, everyone said he was perfect for being a Player.

“It’s not like you can just choose to be one, though. You gotta awaken first.”
“True. That’s all luck.”
“Wait, today’s the 1st, right? Players awaken on the 1st.”
“Didn’t happen for me.”
“Shame. You’d be perfect.”

Kang-han kept a straight face, but inside, he was disappointed.

‘Again, nothing.’

‘There’s gotta be a link between Tower Syndrome and the Tower.’

A sleep disorder literally named after the Tower.

If he became a Player, maybe he’d finally understand.

But this month’s awakening was another failure.

‘Guess I’ll try again next month.’

Finishing his shift, Kang-han headed out.

“See you tomorrow.”
“Good work today!”

As he stepped outside—

Ding.

[‘Lee Kang-han,’ you have become a Player.]
[You are granted the right to challenge the Infinity Tower.]

A message flashed before his eyes.

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“Huh…?”

Kang-han blinked.

‘I’m awakening now?’

He’d thought he’d missed his chance this month.

Better late than never.

Relieved, he recalled what he knew about awakenings.

‘The most important part is the Trait.’

The Trait—a unique ability granted upon awakening.

The single biggest factor in determining a Player’s worth.

And for Kang-han…

[Trait ‘Heavenly Demon’s Body’ acquired.]

‘Heavenly Demon… like in those martial arts novels?’

Curious, he selected the Trait.

[Analyzing compatibility between ‘Heavenly Demon’s Body’ and Player ‘Lee Kang-han’…]

After a long loading screen—

[Physique ranks in the top 0.01% of humanity.]
[Compatibility: 95%.]
[Trait grade adjusted from F~SSS.]

‘What’s with the grade range?’

F or SSS—pick one.

But before he could question it further—

[High compatibility detected. Potential to reach SSS rank.]
[Bonus skill granted.]
[Select one skill.]

‘A bonus? Nice.’

A list appeared:

• [Skill: Heavenly Demon Arts (1-Star)] (Grade F+)
• [Skill: Heavenly Demon’s Dominion] (Grade E+)
• [Skill: Heavenly Demon Arts (2-Star)] (Grade E+)
• [Skill: Heavenly Demon’s Sword] (Grade D+)
• [Skill: Heavenly Demon Arts (3-Star)] (Grade D+)
• …

Dozens of options, all with “Heavenly Demon” in the name.

Overwhelmed, Kang-han focused on the grades.

‘Go for the highest one.’

He scrolled to the bottom and selected the top-tier skill.

[Acquire ‘Skill: Heavenly Demon’s Millennium—Ten Thousand Beasts’ Submission’?]

An SSS-rank exclusive skill.

‘With a name that long… is this some ultimate move?’

Having barely read any martial arts novels, Kang-han had no idea this was actually a chant worshiping the Heavenly Demon.

He selected it.

[Bonus skill ‘Heavenly Demon’s Millennium—Ten Thousand Beasts’ Submission’ acquired.]
[Grow stronger with worship. The more bows you receive, the greater your power.]

‘…Bows?’

‘Wait, this isn’t an attack skill?’

Confused, he pulled out his phone to search the phrase—

[Bonus skill selection complete.]
[Initiating ‘Infinity Tower’ tutorial.]

“H-Hold on—”

Before he could research, light engulfed him.

And then—he vanished.