Hunter's eyes locked onto the gold stallion adorning the Refiner Gate, the symbol of his newfound cultivation path's dominant trait. A frown creased his brow as the gate didn’t yield as before. “I’m primed and ready to fight.”
Tower: I know, First Initiate, but it occurred to me that a few recommendations wouldn’t go amiss, given your most recent enlightenment that you do, in fact, have flaws.
A laugh burst from Hunter, tension draining from his frame. If he didn’t know better, he’d think the tower was being deliberately ironic.
He took a moment to collect himself before replying. “I’ve always known I had flaws. Who doesn’t? I’m just damn good at hiding it. Perhaps that’s a discussion after I make up for the mistakes I made last time by thrashing my opponents.” His eyes roamed the surroundings, a cocky grin on his lips.
Tower: You asked me to point out your top two flaws but then deflected the conversation back to my origins.
Hunter shrugged. “It wasn’t intentional, just something else came to mind.”
Tower: Yes, you wanted to know if I was invading your thoughts and privy to your feelings.
Hunter folded his arms. “Right. And if I remember correctly, your answer was rather vague. Seems like we both have issues to address.”
Tower: The one you should address before it gets you killed is knowing when to back down from a fight you can’t hope to win. Have you ever heard the saying ‘choose your battles wisely?’ I think that is rather fitting advice for you.
“And how is that helpful in a life-or-death battle?” He gestured towards the ominous Refiner Gate.
Tower: If you take a moment and really think about it rather than going with the first thought that enters your rather small and limited mortal mind, you know what I am talking about. You’ve already realized your error in rushing in without checking your opponent’s capabilities and weapon tier.
Heat surged from Hunter’s core, and his chest tightened as Tower continued.
Tower: You’ve learned that while you’re a capable fighter, you must compensate with speed and unpredictability because you lack decent armor. And you are tenacious enough to find your own temporary solution to having no healing elixirs. I will not point out your second biggest flaw right now, as there is little you can do about it.
Hunter clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to yell at Tower to open the gate. A part of him knew the tower's words held merit.
He pulled up his stats.
[Health: 100
Stamina: 2.0/2.5
Physical: 13
Mental: 17
Weapons Mastery: 10
Armor Mastery: 1]
Hunter didn’t want to admit it, but Tower had been right. Since he’d completed the crafting tutorial and training deck, his related stats had increased by at least five points, if not more. With a simple nod at his improved stats, they disappeared from his vision.
He checked the Soulvine on his knife-broom, making sure it was tight and secure. The golden blush apple elixir was there too, with the pulpy sediment fallen to the bottom, making it easier to drink in small sips should the need arise.
Given his lack of armor and shoddy weaponry, if it weren’t for such a potent elixir, there would be no way he would attempt the Refiner Gates, even with the time crunch.
“Thanks for the counsel, Tower. I believe I've prepared as much as I can. Time to step in.”
[Remaining time to complete the Refiner Gate: 0.38 Tradaka Moments, or 120 Hours]
As before, a bright light split down the center of the gate, and it opened wide. As Hunter stepped through, a message from Tower scrolled across his vision.
Tower: May fortune favor you and the loot be plentiful.
Inside, the familiar arena greeted him, its warm sand underfoot and stacks of straw bales forming a tight circle. They seemed higher and more oppressive than before. In the center, an armored hoplite made of straw appeared. The peon as Tower had once referenced it.
Hunter withdrew his knife-broom, assuming an offensive stance. “Back to square one? I thought I’d start from where I left off with the Boomerang Bunny?”
Tower: You haven't even defeated a single Tower Defender yet. Therefore the Refiner Gate resets when you reenter. You can't progress to the next respawn flag location until you defeat a basic Tower Defender, loot its core and other dropped items.
There was no time to waste arguing about that; tower rules were tower rules.
Hunter charged forward, but just outside the hoplite’s polearm reach, he dodged and circled around to get a better read on its weapon. He wasn’t surprised to find the weapon was a rare tier item meaning he’d rely on accuracy and speed against this opponent.
A long, drawn-out battle wasn’t an option. Strike hard, strike fast.
His focus zeroed in on the hoplite’s exposed neck as he circled swiftly. He sliced horizontally, a mere distraction that did little damage.
[Defender Health: 89/100]
Hunter expected as much, given the boon the armor provided even on exposed areas. Its weapon closed in for the kill as the hoplite turned in a tight spin and launched toward Hunter.
Chi flooded his limbs, powering faster reflexes.
He ducked and rolled to the side, jumping to his feet.
Using his momentum, he leapt forward, thrusting his makeshift spear with destructive force into a gap in the shoulder and chest armor. With a swift kick, he toppled the hoplite before it could counterattack.
[Defender Health: 71/100]
Gripping the broom shaft with white-knuckled intensity, Hunter jerked it back, leaving a gaping hole as the blade-end slid free from the falling hoplite.
Drawing its polearm back the hoplite launched its spear at Hunter’s face. It hurtled toward him with vicious speed. Hunter swiveled his head to avoid it but still took a glancing blow to the ear. Hot blood trickled down.
The metallic clang of the hoplite’s armor resounded as it crashed onto the hot sands.
Two notifications appeared in Hunter’s vision. The second one flashed red in warning.
[Defender Health: 44/100]
Damage Taken. [Health: 60/100]
In a heartbeat, the fallen hoplite writhed, its hands clawing at Hunter, seeking to tear him apart.
Damn! That hoplite barely scratched me and my health plummeted. With no protective armor all the Tower Defender has to do is scratch me one more time and I’ll die.
He checked his inventory and pulled out a small bottle.
Hunter jerked back and hastily downed a mouthful of his golden blush apple elixir. A soothing warmth coursed through his body, its sweet flavor lingering on his tongue, but there was no time to savor the moment.
His health surged, and his body absorbed the curative effects.
[Health: 100/100]
With agility defying its bulky armor, the hoplite sprang to its feet, poised to reclaim its polearm.
Hunter reacted instantly, spinning the knife-broom into a forward striking position. This time, he plunged the blade right between the eyes of the sackcloth face. It made no sound as its straw body went limp, crumpling to the sandy arena floor.
[Defender Health: 0/100]
Its eyes transformed into Xs just before its form faded into a rainbow haze.
Hunter took a step back, careful not to inhale the strange fog. His eyes widened at the sight of the spoils left behind. A notification popped up in his field of vision, the words sparkling green and victorious.
[Well done, Hunter. You've vanquished your first Tower Defender. But hold your horses, don't let your ego get the best of you. Consider this your initiation into the true dangers that lurk within the Refiner Gate.]
Hunter didn’t care if this was just a warm-up for the real threat he had yet to face, he couldn’t stop staring at the loot the hoplite had dropped. Five shiny copper coins. Beside them was a defender core the size of a walnut.
Reaching down, Hunter picked it up to examine it, its weight surprising given its small size.
As he held it, the core unraveled like a ball of yarn, revealing a pulsating thread of pure chi. The energy brushed against his skin, seeping into him. Warmth spread from his arm to his chest.
Another notification appeared.
[You have looted 1 chi particle. Chi particles required to level up to the Second Star Refiner stage: 1.5 remaining.]
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A triumphant whoop escaped Hunter as he punched the air. "Update Refiner Gate progress, please."
The thrill of victory surged through him.
He'd defeated his first Tower Defender and earned a promising amount of chi particles to help push him into his next breakthrough. While he’d known that would be the case, experiencing it for the first time made it feel more real.
Even if he’d been strong enough to kill a Giant Spider Spinner on Death Island and loot its core, he wouldn’t be able to transform the spider’s aether core into chi. No, it would require him to sell it to an alchemist and buy chi enhancers. That was not the short-sighted type of progression he was after. The broken system thrived on bottleneck cultivators at the Core Former stage, and he’d always planned to go beyond that rank.
A new status box appeared.
[https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/64792192cebc5b13fea7f600/12ba9e85-a691-45e0-b16e-f24fda30c3fa/Scroll+back+tower+killed+defeated+1.23.jpg?format=750w]
The sight of the big fat number ‘1’ next to Tower Defender Killed filled him with pride. “What’s the difference between killed and defeated?”
Tower: Defeated is death to a defender or monster by means other than a direct physical attack. Killed is death by physical attack such as by hand or with a weapon.
He rubbed his jaw thinking about all the possible ways he could gain experience without a direct kill. Traps, poisons,...if only he still had the Jestmaster’s Quill to draw another bottomless pit. Tower’s message snapped him out of his reverie.
Tower: I suggest you gather your spoils before they vanish.
Hunter nodded, collecting the copper coins before turning his attention to the straw bale and chunk of metal. While not as thrilling as earning chi or coins, the straw bale could be used for animal bedding or feeding livestock.
He stashed it away in his inventory. Perhaps he could store the hay bale in his guild’s locker, reserving space in his storage ring for items he used regularly. Once he gained experience in the tutorial with crafting weapons and armor, he’d be able to make use of the chunk of metal.
Feeling energized and relieved to have come out uninjured thanks to his elixir, he rubbed his hands together. "Alright, bring on the Boomerang Bunny. It won't be able to get the jump on me this time." He chuckled at his own corny joke.
Tower: What is so funny?
Hunter waved him off. "Explaining it would ruin the fun. Just a play on words since bunnies hop."
Tower: I see, an interesting turn of phrase. I will contemplate it before getting back to you.
“You do that.” Hunter grinned. As he leaned on his weapon, the sandy arena transformed into lush grassland, the straw bales replaced by a dense forest. In the center stood the infamous Boomerang Bunny, its crown of thorns gleaming with malice.
Hunter wasted no time identifying it:
[Rare tier weapon. Watch out, or it can become a real thorn in your side.]
Tension coiled in his gut, but Hunter knew he could handle it.
Being poisoned sucked, but it also helped build resistance, something he had plenty of experience with. This round, if he got hit, he’d have to time it right, allowing himself to be poisoned just long enough before countering it with his healing elixir.
Hunter surveyed his surroundings, noting the eerie familiarity of the scene from his previous encounter with the Boomerang Bunny. Yet, a subtle shift had occurred—the bunny, once dismissive and turned away, now faced him directly, its hind legs sprawled as if it were the ruler of all it surveyed.
For a moment, it seemed oblivious to Hunter's presence, until he powered forward, knife-broom poised for battle.
The bunny's whiskers twitched, and its once-black velvety fur shimmered with a menacing aura. It hopped onto all fours, back arched, eyes molten amber lit with killing intent. The ground quaked under the thump of its powerful hind leg—a reminder of its formidable strength despite its size.
A creature like this was best dealt with from a distance, given the deadly reach of its crown of thorns. Hunter lacked suitable ranged weapons, so he had no choice but to close the distance between them.
Its ears twitched atop its head, the crown ominously still.
Hunter feigned an attack, swiftly dodging the counter swipe of the bunny’s razor-sharp claws. The bunny growled, the sound resonating through the earth beneath them.
Splitting his attention between the thorny crown and the bunny's twitching limbs, Hunter probed, his strikes deliberate and measured. He danced just out of reach, testing its reactions without intending to inflict harm. But the bunny struck back, its slashing claws a blur, a swift attack that could have ended the fight prematurely.
With chi powered reflexes, Hunter leaned away and leapt, creating distance. The wind of the attack brushed his cheek as he narrowly evaded. Just out of range, he snapped his body upright, channeling momentum into a piercing counter strike, slicing through the rabbit's foreleg. In a heartbeat, he pulled back, the rabbit's crown soaring off its head.
Swift as a striking snake, Hunter spun his broom, batting the crown away. It flew a distance before rebounding, hurtling back toward him with terrifying speed.
He only had one chance to make his move.
Holding the broom high, he infused his strike with Earth chi, slamming the rabbit across the shoulder. The impact rippled through him, making his teeth chatter.
[Boomerang Bunny Health: 45/100]
The bunny grunted, clutched its shattered limb close, blood spilling like a macabre offering to the grassy earth. Unlike the hoplite, it lacked armor, and the blunt force trauma had taken its toll.
It seemed to retreat, but then the creature twisted, its powerful hind leg launching a savage kick. At the same time, the thorny crown hurled toward Hunter's head, a deadly double-pronged assault.
With reflexes honed by peril, Hunter leapt, contorting his body to evade the onslaught. His shoulder absorbed the brunt of the impact as he landed. A sharp sting alerted him to the thorny graze on his shoulder.
His vision flashed red with a warning notification.
Damage Taken. [Health: 81/100]
He ignored the biting pain of the poison as it entered his blood-stream.
Hunter's pulse pounded in his ears, the exhilarating dance with death sending adrenaline surging through his veins. Simulated or not, this struggle felt more real than anything he had experienced. He’d never felt more alive, never more sure that he was on the right path.
Springing to his feet, he lunged at the bunny, refusing to let it escape. His plan crystallized: dart in close, evade its leaping attacks, and drive his knife-broom straight through its eye, ending it before it could strike again.
But every movement was agony.
His blood burned as if infused with acid, corroding him from within. A quick check of his health status confirmed his desperate situation.
[Health: 39/100]
With urgency, he gulped down another mouthful of the golden blush apple healing elixir. Its spicy warmth spread through him, soothing the internal burn and restoring his vitality. As his health stabilized, he knew this battle was far from over.
[Health: 99/100]
His spirits soared alongside his health status.
As if sensing his new found confidence, the injured bunny fled towards the trees, its glowing eyes daring him to follow before disappearing into the darkness. Hunter chased the monster but halted at the edge of the forest, allowing his eyes to adjust.
He wasn't going to fall for an ambush. He sniffed the air, detecting only the clean, pine-fresh scent of the forest. Proceeding with caution, he entered the woods, makeshift spear leveled, eyes sharp.
Soon, he stumbled upon what appeared to be a colossal burrow, its entrance as wide as a cave.
"Come out, little bunny, no use hiding from me." Hunter received no response, as expected.
Even if it were a trap, he had to face and defeat the monster bunny, or die trying.
Entering the burrow, weapon at the ready, he moved slow and steady. The musty, earthy aroma grew stronger as he descended through the sloping passageway. Faint glows illuminated a chamber ahead, visible through the narrow passage as he moved along.
The moment his foot touched the spongy earth of the chamber’s entrance, the ground rumbled.
Hunter looked around. Walls greeted him on all sides. Trapped, the Boomerang Bunny circled the chamber, its low growl a menacing echo.
With no escape, Hunter charged, aiming for the bunny’s vulnerable limbs. He swung the broom end like a hammer, smashing into the bunny’s flank and sending it crashing into the wall.
Hunter rushed after it as it fell to the ground, his hands trembling as he raised the broom for the killing blow.
It’s not a poor defenseless beast or even a dire beast; it’s just a simulation conjured by the tower.
With grim determination, he brought the broom down, the sickening thud of impact filling the chamber. The skull cracked open, spilling crimson like a blood phoenix's egg.
[Boomerang Bunny Health: 0/100]
To his relief, the shattered remains dissolved into a rainbow mist. Yet, the thunderous sound that had greeted him upon entering the burrow only intensified. The mist glowed for a brief moment, illuminating a passageway at the chamber's rear—one he’d overlooked.
His eyes narrowed. "How in Hades' sweaty loincloth did I miss that?"
Swiftly, he gathered the loot, starting with the tiny monster core, allowing its chi to merge with his own. The status notifications appeared, but he dismissed them, his excitement tempered by the instinctive awareness of impending danger.
Barely sparing a glance at the looted items—a poison thorn and sabertooth pendant—he tossed them into his inventory.
Suddenly, the earth beneath the newly revealed passage began to ripple, and Hunter realized the horrifying truth.
"Why’s the ground moving like a sack of eels?" Hunter grimaced, recognizing the threat too late. “Oh, crap!”
A swarm of bunnies.
[Rampage Rabbits]
Like a black tidal wave, they surged forth, bearing down on him with gnashing fangs and claws, tearing at every patch of his exposed flesh.
His vision flared red and a notification appeared.
Damage taken. [Health: 70/100]
The Rampage Rabbits escalated their fanged attack leaving Hunter no quarter to defend himself. His health plummeted rapidly until another warning flashed.
[Health: 5/100]
Agony engulfed him as his vision darkened.
A final notification appeared.
[Health: 0/100]
You have died.
Return to the default respawn flag location. Yes/No?
His final realization: death by a thousand cuts was as brutal as he’d imagined.
Hunter selected Yes.
As his vision returned, Hunter’s fingers brushed the white respawn flag, whipping in a sudden breeze.
Tower: That was quite the experience to observe.
Hunter rose from his crouched position next to the flag snapping in the wind. "I take it that you enjoy watching my death."
Tower: Only inside the gates. If you die outside of my walls, I will miss the experience until we have a spiritual connection.
Hunter nodded. "I'll place that higher on my priority list so you don't miss out on my epic demise."
A series of thumping sounds reverberated through the air, causing him to grip his knife-broom ready for the clawing bunnies that’d ended his life.
"That was a single thump, not a bunny rampage." Hunter’s senses heightened. "I already defeated the Boomerang Bunny, why wasn't there a respawn location after that?"
Tower: That was not a pre-designated location for respawning.
Hunter shook his head and sprinted forward, rounding a towering pine tree. With a quick combination of Earth chi-enhanced strikes, he attacked the Boomerang Bunny once more with renewed confidence.
Just as before, once injured, the tower monster hopped back to its burrow. With a final blow, it disintegrated into a rainbow haze. However, this time, there was no loot left behind.
Hunter retreated out of the entrance into the clearing, eager to avoid being cornered by the swarm of Rampage Rabbits. The chamber rumbled as the earth vibrated beneath his feet, alerting him of their approach.
As he waited, anticipating the arrival of more bunnies, nothing happened. The rumbling ceased, and he extended his knife-broom with caution in front of the entrance, ensuring there were no hidden monsters with claws at the ready.
He held his attack, peering around the corner, but the eerie silence persisted. There were no signs of the rampaging rabbits he had previously encountered. Yet, there was still no loot to be found.
Perhaps he had arrived too early. As he stood at the entrance of the chamber, the silence was shattered by a single, loud thump, shaking the burrow roof. It was unlike the several smaller thumps he had experienced when the rampage of bunnies fled to the surface.
Pebbles from the earth above tumbled down in front of him.
Hunter steadied himself, gripping the makeshift spear, and taking the opportunity to back out of the chamber. The thuds continued, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something else was approaching, something more dangerous than the bunny swarm that had torn him to shreds.