Tower peppered Hunter with questions about his family as he made his way towards the blacksmith’s forge. He seemed really curious about Hunter's childhood memories of time spent with his parents and his sister Jo.

Hunter wondered if their earlier conversation had sparked the interest. His thoughts were swiftly bombarded by the sight of leaping leeches.

"Am I losing my mind, or are those bloodsucking leeches getting bigger and cheekier?"

Tower: Like most monsters infesting me, they're growing fat on the mana leaking up through my foundations. They’ve also developed a taste for your blood.

As if to prove the point, one nasty-looking glob of black goo, sporting a set of gnashers, rocketed from a bottomless puddle, its tail whipping out, propelling it faster. It landed with a splat on Hunter's boot.

Hunter flicked it off. “So long, sucker. Find someone else’s feet to fetish over.”

Inside the forge, Hunter found a warm welcome waiting.

Flames danced under the stone basin, where molten copper bubbled. A burning itch on his bandaged finger gave him pause, but the new additions to the forge made him forget.

"Last time I was here, we had only one quenching tub. Now there are four."

Tower: Yes, I took the liberty of creating three more using my memory of the first one after you’d completed the task for lubricating moving parts. Rather clever if I do say so myself since all the moving parts are in good working order.

Hunter walked over and laid a hand on one of the new quenching tubs to find it empty. “I take it you’re planning ahead for when more initiates get here?”

Tower: I find quenching an interesting subject, and you’re right, I am planning ahead but not to serve the needs of more initiates. It has come to my attention, from a kind and knowledgeable source, that water cools metals too fast, so it is advised to also use fats or oils. My preference is for refined oils that come in different grades, allowing different cooling speeds. The extra tubs each have their unique purpose.

Surveying Tower's handiwork, Hunter realized the missing ingredient. "You need oils for these tubs, right?"

Tower: Exactly. At one time, I had plenty of olive oil in stock, but those ogre orgies destroyed the original blacksmith forge here. To add insult to injury they used up all my oil by slathering it on their rancid giant c—

“Ah, the copper’s ready to pour!” Hunter blurted out, wanting to scrub his mind to rid himself of that hellish image.

Tower: I will have the stone molds ready as soon as I lower the heat under the stone basin.

Hunter watched as the flames licking the rim began to recede, their orange glow fading as the fire died down.

As soon as it was safe to approach, Hunter turned the stone axis and poured the molten copper into the first mold that jutted out from the wall below. Then he repeated the process with the other molds as they appeared.

Tower cooled them enough using Wind element at his disposal and manipulated the stone for their easier removal.

Tower: You can place the copper pipes into the quenching tub. The copper I provided also includes a small percentage of tin. The resulting alloy will be extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, exactly what we need for water pipes and connectors.

Grateful for Tower’s help, Hunter had saved time and effort. Tower’s access to the four core elements was more than useful. Hunter's thoughts shifted to the next task: converting the chrysian cauldron into a sink, which required cutting a hole in its base. A quick check of his inventory confirmed his suspicions.

“I don’t suppose you have a cutting tool sharp enough to go through this indestructible copper?” He didn’t want to get his hopes up and cursed himself for not thinking of it sooner.

But Tower was incredibly resourceful, and once he had the memory of items and creatures he’d encountered, he could reconstruct them. Well, as long as he had enough energy and the resources available.

Tower: That cauldron is an uncommon tier. You’ll need a blade at a higher tier in order to cut through the copper. Let me check if that’s something I can create from memory, or something I already have which would be less of a drain on my energy stores. Running this forge has taken quite a lot out of me.

Hunter patted Tower’s stone walls. “Save your energy, my friend. Do you have any ogre weapons lying about?”

Tower: Thank you for your kind consideration. In relation to ogres, I would not allow their filth to just lie about. I will check the closet of confiscated items.

Hunter raised an eyebrow. “You have a closet of confiscated items? Where is it?”

Tower: It’s down in the basement. I also keep a memory box down there.

“The basement? The place that I am not allowed to go if I value my life.”

Tower: Yes, that is true for now, thanks to the indestructible Muscovy ducks that would tear your weak Second Star Refiner body to shreds if it weren’t for the incineration traps that would trigger as soon as you entered.

“Well, you got to protect your Earth core. If I can’t get to the confiscation closet, is there a way to bring the item to me?”

Tower: Of course, I wouldn’t have suggested it otherwise. That’s how I gave you the reward of the most auspicious broom you’d never laid eyes on. Your underwhelming response at the time was a little disappointing, but glad to see you put it to great use.

Hunter grinned. “Yeah, I did, didn’t I?”

Attaching an ogre-grade knife to the broom and securing it with enchanted Soulvines had made a great home-made spear.

A wooden crate appeared before Hunter.

With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, he crouched down, his eyes widening as he peered into its depths. A grin spread across his face, growing broader by the second.

Inside, cradled by the confines of the crate, lay an enormous weapon, its presence dominating the space. Grasping it with both hands, Hunter hoisted it out, feeling the coarse texture of the wooden handle against his palms.

The blade, forged in silver, curved like a crescent moon, its edges lined with jagged teeth like those of a shark. It pulsed with a raw, untamed energy, the essence of ogre might look like it could cleave a mountain in two.

“Identify.”

[Moonshark Cleaver Rare tier item. Possesses the raw might to cleave mountains with the predatory essence of a shark.]

Tower: What do you think?

Hunter rose to his feet.

Awe welled within him as he hefted the weapon over his shoulder. “That’ll do nicely, Tower, that’ll do nicely.”

***

Back in the tutorial room, Hunter summoned the crafting table, its sight sparking a grin on his face. He placed the rare tier ogre weapon onto the table and fetched his trusty crowbar and hammer, using them to yank the blade from the hilt like a chef fileting a fish.

In minutes, he rigged up a housing unit at the table's edge with metal prongs from his traps and leftover wood, allowing him to adjust the saw edge's contact with the metal.

Manipulating the blade to cut a hole in the cauldron's base was precise work, taking more time than Hunter preferred. The resulting hole was rough around the edges, like his patience, but it was large enough to drain water.

Grabbing the copper piece he’d removed, Hunter crafted an O-ring seal around the edge using enchanted Soulvine. With the copper plug in place, the sink could be used as it was intended—an alchemy cauldron.

All that was left to do was to fit it into the counter space where the stolen sink used to sit above the cupboard he had repaired during his last renovation task.

Once the job was complete Hunter stood back, boots planted firm, fists parked on hips while he admired his handiwork.

The copper faucet gleamed above the sink like freshly polished armor.

Tower: Please step closer to the faucet, and I will explain how it works.

Hunter raised a brow as he approached. Of course he knew how a faucet worked.

He stopped in his tracks, surprised by the unexpected movement. The faucet bowed before him like a graceful swan made of copper. At its base was a sigil he didn’t recognize, it looked like jagged waves inside a circle.

Tower: Move your hand up to turn on the water supply and increase the pressure. Down to turn it off. And side to side to increase or decrease the temperature.

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Hunter reached out with caution.

The faucet, with its spout closed like a beak, remained stationary. With a swift upward movement over the sigil, the beak opened, and water poured out. Raising his hand higher increased the pressure until the trickle became a steady gush. Lowering his hand had the opposite effect, slowing the water.

Moving his hand to the left made the water steam nice and hot. Finally, he lowered his hand, and the beak snapped shut, the last drips splashing into the cauldron sink.

The splash of water from his boots drew Hunter’s attention down. "What the...?" Water pooled around him, seeping through from underneath the cupboard.

Tower: I’ve turned off the mains as there appears to be a leak in the pipe. You need to tighten the U-bend before I can turn on the water supply to the guild room again.

Instead of grumbling, Hunter rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Without a wrench, he let chi flow into his hands to strengthen his grip and tightened the joints as best he could.

"You can turn on the mains again and see if that works."

With no visible leak, Tower turned on the mains, and Hunter tested the faucet once more. Satisfied that everything was in good working order, he placed the copper plug back in place and checked that the cauldron lid still fit snugly.

"Hopefully, one of our initiates will be an alchemist and know how to use it as a cauldron."

The faucet, shaped like a swan's head and neck, straightened up, its beak and eyes snapping shut.

A new notification flashed in Hunter’s vision:

[Task complete: Replace the kitchen faucet. Basic repair. Bonus awarded for additional ancillary work on replacing one stolen sink with an uncommon tier chrysian cauldron. Please check your status for points awarded to your mental attribute.]

A swell of satisfaction filled Hunter's chest. It felt damn good!

"Status."

[Mental: 32]

"I bet Jo would be impressed, seeing me using my brains over brawn."

Tower: It must be nice to have a family member who shares your joys and sorrows.

Hunter's smile faded. "It is, Tower. Do you ever wonder if a god who ordered your parents to create you made more like you? Our legends are filled with Towers of Ascension..."

Tower: I am aware of other Towers of Ascension, but they’re not conscious of their existence like me. The gods and demons who created them desired complete control. For a long time after I was stored away, I thought they were right—that I was a big mistake. But you’ve shown me they were wrong. I always thought mighty beings like them were infallible.

Hunter shook his head slow, sympathizing with Tower. "Anyone who tells you they're always right, even a god, is speaking out of their ass."

Tower: Picturing that image makes me want to laugh. If only I had a physical body.

"Once you reach Magnifico! in renovation, you'll be able to do that, right? How many more renovation tasks do I need to complete before we are ready for the next initiate?"

Tower: There are only three more renovation tasks to complete until I am halfway through the Foundation Phase. Then, I can house another initiate.

"It looks like we're making good progress. Can they be completed after the Refiner Gate closes?"

Tower: Technically, yes. If my Earth core is at full power, and I’m not relying on Claude as an energy source. Since this is not the case, my recommendation would be to complete the Refiner Gate and ensure all renovation tasks are done within the time limit. The gate closes in 0.104 tradaka moments, or 32 hours and 45 minutes.

Hunter called up the rest of the repairs, feeling a tightness in his chest as he read the list. The workload was daunting. He also had to grind inside the Refiner Gate to earn more monster cores for Master Agathos, defeat the Shadow Boss, and become a Peak Star Refiner to unlock the Founder Gate.

He hadn't even broken through to become a Third Star Refiner yet!

Despite the seeming impossibility, Hunter knew standing idle wasn't a smart move. As headed back to the Refiner Gate the glow of his Holly and Horse pillar against the far wall caught his eye. "What happens to that once I unlock the next gate?"

Tower: Claude will return and explain everything once you have unlocked the Founder Gate.

Hunter crossed his arms. "And you were going to tell me that when?"

Tower: As soon as you asked. I have open communications with Claude. We frequently talk when you're away on missions. He's very pleased with your progress.

"Good to know. Is there any reason why he can't come here and tell me that himself? Or is he too busy?"

Tower: He is busy, but that's not the reason for his absence. He trusts me to take care of your needs and guide you every step of the way. At this early stage, he'd rather not invest too much time here unless you show promise and don’t get yourself killed. He's quite keen to commit more time to you once you enter the Founder Gate and have proven your worth.

Hunter pursed his lips. "How refreshingly honest of him, and here I was thinking he had every confidence in me."

Tower: I always say honesty is the best policy.

"Yeah, I remember." Hunter shook his head with a laugh. "Best make light of it for now and forge on. Lucky for both of us, I have the confidence of a Horse, so there’s plenty to go around for everyone."

He chuckled and made his way to the Refiner Gate, where the proud golden horse, the symbol of his dominant trait, awaited his return.

Hunter didn't need to rely on a healing elixir to grind his way through from the Fiend Boss Respawn flag location. He didn't even flinch as the bunny swarm and Mega Rampage Rabbit XY attacked.

Chi surged through his limbs with ease.

Using Divine Durability, he whipped out his knife-broom, reinforcing the blade to the shaft. He swept through their masses, his mithril blade cutting through them, dispatching them with ease.

The Mega Rampage Rabbit XY didn't seem so monstrous anymore, especially compared to his recollection of the Mega Rampage Rabbit XX. Its movements, now slower, each thunderous thump of its hind leg evaded with ease. Hunter wondered if his increased speed was due to his awakened Wind affinity.

It certainly felt that way as he activated the Wind Fall technique, flowing from one movement into the next. It complimented all his practice on the training deck, all the little improvements coming together, making him a more accomplished fighter.

He felt confident that he could take down the big bad bunny without the use of a trap this time.

Sending a blast of his Dust Storm Whip he stunned the bunny and followed up using Wind Fall to propel forward into a devastating downward strike, driving the mithril knife into the bunny’s eye.

Hunter no longer recoiled at the sickening squelch. He landed with a light thud of his boots before the monster hit the ground dead.

Mixed feelings swept over him as the Mega Rampage Rabbit XY disappeared in a rainbow haze, leaving behind a sizable orange core. The sadness he first experienced was nearly gone. Killing monsters inside the Refiner Gate had become routine.

But he knew the monsters were summoned creations by Tower, using memories of real beasts. Pheres’ unfazed expression when he gutted the henchman flashed in his mind. Hunter feared losing touch with his ability to feel the weight of each life he'd have to take outside the tower—lives that could never respawn.

Feeling a bit grimmer, he'd soon encounter Nastes and Aspa, and who knew what else that lay waiting for him in the Black Temple. How would he feel if he was forced to end their lives? He wouldn't hesitate to save Jo, but what would the real cost be to him once that happened?

He cringed at the thought.

Memories of his father confiding in his mother about the burden of war, feeling like he left a little part of his soul on the killing fields each time, haunted him. His father had expressed his fear that one day he would return from battle a hollow husk, unable to love those he cherished above all else.

Hunter couldn’t remember the exact words, but he could still recall the warmth in his mother's sweet voice as she did her best to comfort his father.

In the end, that was why his father chose to stay at home and take on the full-time leadership role in Delphare while his Uncle Eratos returned to the war front.

That was at least until the demon scourge occurred and he was personally summoned by Emperor Konstantinos to come to his aid.

A heavy sigh escaped Hunter's lips as he hung his head. He placed the monster core in his inventory, along with all the other smaller ones he had looted from the Rampage Rabbits.

The ground shook, startling birds from the trees. Hunter’s knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on his weapon, knowing Big Mama was on her way.

This time, she burst through the treeline with vengeance burning in her eyes. Hunter barely had time to react as her mouth spewed out a fiery geyser. He dropped and rolled to the side as flames blazed a trail over his head, covering the distance of the entire clearing.

Hunter tensed and glanced over his shoulder. The trees that held the Soulvine trap were reduced to ash in a heartbeat.

[Health: 45/100]

As Hunter moved, the sting of a fresh, scorched wound beckoned his attention, but he downed a healing elixir before jumping back to his feet. Pain tore through his scalp and back as his melted flesh reformed and healed; for a simulation, the sensation was all too real.

Suddenly, words scrolled across his vision just as the Mega Rampage Rabbit XX charged. Hunter sprinted, deciding it was in his best interest to use the trees for cover while he read Tower's message.

Tower: I’m sorry to disturb you while you are making such good progress…

Flames tore overhead and the sound of trees being ripped up at the roots came from behind. The forest slowed the Tower Monster down but didn’t stop her.

Hunter took a sharp turn right, vaulting over a fallen tree trunk with his knife-broom, and sped off on chi-powered steps. He needed just enough time to read the rest of the message before he gave up on evasive maneuvers.

“Don’t worry about it. I already guessed it’s urgent.”

Tower: Unfortunately, it is. A bird approached a while ago.

“Monty?”

Tower: I thought so at first, but then I realized it had a much larger wingspan and a face only a mother could love. It was a vulture. It was incredibly rude when delivering its message.

Hunter gasped. “It spoke to you?”

Tower: Yes, and it has no manners whatsoever. It said, and I quote, ‘If you want to see your sister alive, come to the Black Temple immediately. Don’t get any funny ideas; come alone. Give yourself up willingly, trade places with your sister, and she just might live. You have until the sun sets to comply.’ Then the big ugly brute flew away.

Tree bark shards flew like arrows all around Hunter. He jolted, falling forward as a sharp pain hit his shoulder. Hunter yanked the pointed bark out and jumped to his feet as a shadow fell over him.

Running as if the mouth of hell was opening up behind him, he downed more healing elixir and zigzagged through the trees to open up some distance.

The Mega Rampage Rabbit XX had other ideas.

As Hunter circled back to where he'd entered the forest, the trees that once provided cover disintegrated into a heat-smoldering haze, glowing white-hot. Hunter shielded his eyes and looked away, the heat so intense he could feel his skin blister.

It meant nothing when all he could think of was racing off to the Black Temple to find Jo. If he died now without defeating the Shadow Boss and left the tower, it was unlikely he would have enough time to complete the Refiner Gate, leaving him a failure like all the others.

What would Tower think of him then?

His voice was croaky and dry as he called to Tower. “I have until the sun sets to give myself up. How much time do I have in here to defeat the Tyrant boss before that happens?”

Tower: You have 0.333 tradaka moments or twenty hours outside my stone walls. That is the same as one hundred and five tower hours at your disposal. However, the Refiner Gate closes in thirty-two hours and forty-five minutes. That gives you enough time to kill the Tyrant Boss allowing you to make it to the Black Temple before the sun goes down.

He’d use the time difference to his maximum advantage.

The smoke and haze cleared, revealing a wasteland of burning trees, and in the middle of it all, the monstrous form of the Mega Rampage Rabbit XX.

Hunter would go through the fires of eternal damnation to save his sister. But if he had any hope of surviving that he had better claim the next divine reward.

Stepping forward he leveled his makeshift spear.

“Ready or not, it’s time to end this Tyrant Boss once and for all.”