Scott furrowed his brow, stunned to find his initial assumption to be far from the truth. The system didn't merely match classes with skills; it delved into every aspect of a Champion's stats.

Now I understand why it cautioned me about selecting abilities that align with my skill set, Scott thought. He quickly noticed that the system didn't highlight the advantages or penalties of choosing a class. It seems the system is implying the Champions are sole responsible for their actions and the resulting outcomes.

As Scott gazed at the Eldritch Knight class, a lingering curiosity plagued his thoughts. It has been on my mind since I saw my race, but no matter how much I try to remember, I can’t recall the names of any of the eldritch gods or their abilities. It’s as if something is stopping me from remembering.

“System, what are the prerequisites for a class change?”

Class Advancement is required before an answer can be provided!

Scott chuckled, shaking his head as he dismissed the message. He sighed, his eyes returning to the list. Should I make a choice now? His fingers drummed lightly on the screen as he considered the options.

For now, I'll skip Rogue and Mad Warrior, Scott mused, lowering his gaze. Ranger, Mage, and Warrior don’t look bad at all. But for some reason, I’ve a crippling compulsion to choose the Eldritch Knight class.

Unbeknownst to Scott, a subtle yellow sign flickered in his pupils as observed the system window.

After another minute of contemplation, he made his decision. “Screw it. It complements many of my abilities. I'm sure it's a great class... right?”

His pale hand moved toward the screen, firmly pressing the flashing [Yes].

Congratulations! You have completed your Class advancement! EXP: 50! Side Quest: Complete Class Advancement – Completed! EXP: 50!

Class: Eldritch Knight

Tier 1 Hammer Proficiency: You gain proficiency with hammer-based weapons. An additional 10% damage when using a hammer-based weapon. Eldritch Strike: Your weapon strikes become infused with magic, dealing additional damage to your enemies. Additional 5% damage on all your attacks when using a hammer-based weapon. Arcane Shield: You can create a shield of magical energy to protect yourself from attacks. {Tier 2-10} – Locked!

Congratulations! You have awakened new Skills! Skills ??? (Locked) – Level 10 required – New! Mental Manipulation (Level 1) Basic Mana casting (Level 0) – New! Basic Hammer Mastery (Level 0) – New! Basic Combat (Level 0) – New!

Congratulations! ??? has been unlocked! There’s currently a 1% chance your body will be ??? by ??? ??? will increase as you unlock more tiers of Class – Eldritch Knight.

Scott's lips curved into a smile as he observed the boost in his experience points. His grin widened as he delved deep into the first tier of the Eldritch Knight class. The fact that nine other classes remained locked piqued his curiosity and excitement. Although his new skills were at the lowest level possible, he believed that with sufficient time and effort, he could level them up.

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However, Scott's smile froze the moment he stumbled upon the blurred-out section. He scrutinized it, and his smile vanished, replaced by a furrowed brow and a frown. “What is this?” he muttered. “There's no way this isn’t hinting at my body being possessed in the future.”

Abnormal Stat: Perception has increased by 1!

“Fuck.” Scott’s voice echoed in the hall as his visage soured. The notification all but confirmed his suspicions.

I don’t know which god is behind this, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting it take over my body.

He turned his attention away from the screen, focusing on the corpse a foot away. Why didn’t it drop any items, or are item drops not a thing in the Tower of Champions? Scott shifted his gaze away from the fallen corpse.

I need to find someone that can explain what’s going on.

Scott took cautious steps toward the wooden door lacking latches.

“How am I supposed to...” he began to wonder, but then abruptly paused. The unremarkable door swung open soundlessly on its own, revealing a picturesque courtyard adorned with a carpet of both dried and fresh leaves. With the door now open, Scott entered the inviting courtyard.

Side Quest: Defeat the Hoarder and exit the Nameless Tower – Completed! EXP: 100! You have received a new Quest! Side Quest: Explore the Nameless Courtyard!

Nice. I only need 30 more exp to level up. Scott turned his attention away from the floating screen.

Scott inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet scent of blooming flowers that permeated the air. It offered a stark contrast to the cold and gloomy atmosphere of the Nameless Tower, and a wave of relief washed over him. Towering stone walls enclosed the courtyard, their rough surfaces adorned with vines and creepers.

With each step he took further into the courtyard, a satisfying crunch followed. “When was the last time someone came to this place?” Scott wondered, turning his gaze to the courtyard's center. There, he discovered a small, tranquil pond reflecting the full moon.

Approaching the pond, Scott's brows shot up as he noticed its crystal-clear water, almost seeming to glow in the moonlight. He couldn't resist the temptation to splash some water on his face. The cold water sent shivers down his spine, but it was refreshing. As he wiped his face, he observed something peculiar about the pond. Despite the fallen leaves and branches surrounding it, none of them soiled the water. It was as if an invisible barrier repelled them. The absence of notifications from the system about this calm water also surprised him.

Scott continued his exploration around the pond, spotting several stone benches scattered along its perimeter. Weathered by time, they bore cracks and chips, yet they appeared sturdy enough for him to sit on. He decided to take a break, choosing one of the benches and relishing the rustic beauty of the courtyard. The only sounds that broke the silence were the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves.

“Why exactly was this place created?” Scott pondered, his gaze shifting to the Nameless Tower a couple of feet away. He scanned the surroundings for any clues or signs of danger but found none. The only thing that seemed out of place was the absence of bones or any other remains. It was as if nobody had ever died or fought in this place, a stark contrast to the bone factory he had emerged from.

Scott directed his attention to the only exit in the courtyard, a partially rusted steel door. Like the main exit of the Nameless Tower, it also had no latches.

“There's no point in lingering here anymore. I need to find someone who can explain what we're supposed to be doing in this godforsaken tower.”

As Scott rose from the bench, a new system notification appeared.

Side Quest: Explore the Nameless Courtyard – Completed! EXP: 20!

Scott sighed. Oof. That's a shame. I was hoping I could level up again. Well, I'm certain there will be more opportunities to gain experience in this place.

He cast one final glance at the Nameless Tower, his gaze fixed on the entrance. With his grip firmly wrapped around the looted twin blade, he approached the new exit.