[Combat Resolution - Storm Wolf Alpha Defeated]
[Experience Gained: 2000]
[Level Up x2]
[Current Level: 5]
[Base Power Equivalent: Level 63]
[Tutorial Phase 2 Complete]
The Storm Wolf Alpha shattered into crystalline motes of light, its essence dispersing across the ancient stones. Eren steadied his breathing, watching his shadows withdraw from where they'd pierced the beast's lightning-enhanced hide. Second stage cleared—faster than expected.
[Achievement Unlocked: Elite Slayer]
[Tutorial Performance Rating: S]
[Stage 2 Clear Time: 00:47:22]
[Note: Record Time for Shadow-Affinity Challenger]
As the ruins began to fade, Eren closed his eyes, letting his mind drift back to yesterday's briefing.
---
"The third stage separates the hasty from the wise," Valeria had said, pacing before the strategy room's windows. Beyond the glass, the tower's upper levels vanished into artificial clouds. "Too many grab at power without understanding its foundation."
She'd turned to face him, her veteran's badge gleaming. "The tower offers five foundation classes. Each starts with basics—fundamental skills that seem simple but contain the seeds of true power."
"What about those who already walk their paths?" Eren asked, thinking of the seasoned fighters he'd seen entering the tower. "I've trained with the sword before, and there are mages who've spent years mastering mana control outside these walls."
A knowing smile crossed Valeria's face. "The tower recognizes genuine skill. For those who've already built strong foundations, it offers advanced classes from the start—hidden options that appear only for the qualified."
She gestured, and the air filled with shimmering class profiles.
[Tank Class Profile]
- Primary: Defense/Endurance
- Basic Skills:
• Shield Stance
• Basic Taunts
• Defensive Footwork
• Simple Barrier Creation
- Growth Focus: Building stamina, learning to read enemy patterns
[Note: Strong Foundation Required]
[Advanced Paths Available to Qualified Challengers]
"Tanks begin by learning proper stances," Valeria explained, conjuring an image of a warrior with a basic shield. "No fancy barriers or damage absorption yet—just correct positioning and timing. Those who try to rush to advanced techniques usually fall in the higher stages."
[Warrior Class Profile]
- Primary: Combat Fundamentals
- Basic Skills:
• Weapon Forms
• Basic Combinations
• Combat Movement
• Simple Strike Enhancement
- Growth Focus: Mastering basics before adding power
[Note: Most Adaptable Starting Point]
[Advanced Paths Unlock Based on Prior Combat Experience]
"Warriors start with form practice," she continued as the image shifted. "Hours of the same basic moves until they become instinct. But for those who've already tempered themselves in combat—" She paused meaningfully. "The tower might offer something more specialized immediately."
[Mage Class Profile]
- Primary: Energy Control
- Basic Skills:
• Mana Circulation
• Single Element Control
• Basic Spell Structure
• Energy Conservation
- Growth Focus: Control before power
[Note: Requires Patient Development]
[Hidden Advanced Paths for Trained Mages]
"Beginning Mages often struggle most," she noted. "They expect to throw fireballs immediately. Instead, they spend weeks learning to properly circulate the smallest amount of mana. But those who've already mastered these fundamentals outside? They might find advanced specializations waiting."
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
[Support Class Profile]
- Primary: Enhancement Basics
- Basic Skills:
• Minor Recovery
• Basic Reinforcement
• Energy Transfer Basics
• Simple Buffs
- Growth Focus: Understanding energy flow
[Note: Complex Progression Path]
[Advanced Options for Experienced Healers]
"Supports start small—very small," Valeria emphasized. "Minor healing, basic reinforcement. The power to rewrite life forces? That's years away, after they truly understand the fundamentals of energy manipulation."
[Scout Class Profile]
- Primary: Observation/Movement
- Basic Skills:
• Silent Movement
• Basic Tracking
• Environmental Awareness
• Simple Concealment
- Growth Focus: Building awareness before speed
[Note: Technique-Heavy Foundation]
[Advanced Paths for Skilled Trackers]
"Scouts learn to walk before they run," she smiled. "Literally. Perfect stealth at high speed comes much later. First, they master moving silently at a basic pace, reading environments, understanding sight lines."
Her expression grew serious. "Each class seems simple at first. But these foundations contain deeper meanings. Master them truly, and they can evolve into something greater. And for those who already understand their chosen path—" She touched her veteran's badge. "The tower offers shortcuts, yes, but they're earned through prior mastery, not given freely."
"The key difference," she continued, "is that while basic classes must evolve step by step, advanced classes start higher on the ladder. They give a head start, but the climb remains challenging. Many find that returning to basics, even with an advanced class, helps them grow stronger."
---
The light faded, and Eren opened his eyes to find himself in a vast coliseum. Five pedestals arranged in a star pattern dominated the center, each bearing a class emblem. Training dummies populated different areas, designed to test basic abilities.
[Area Analysis Complete]
[Tutorial Phase 3: Class Foundation]
[Base Classes Available]
[Advanced Class Detection in Progress...]
[Note: Additional Trials Detected]
Movement caught his eye—a creature unlike the training dummies prowled the shadows, its form shifting between solid and mist. Most challengers would focus entirely on the pedestals, never noticing its careful patrol pattern.
[Mysterious Guardian Level: 15]
- Purpose: Unknown
- Behavior: Patrols specific pattern
- Note: Reacts to shadow abilities
His shadows stirred, reaching toward the creature like curious tendrils. More of Valeria's words echoed: "Your shadow affinity is unusual. The tower notices such things. Whatever path you choose—basic or advanced—remember that true power grows from solid roots."
The pedestals waited. Each offered a beginning, or perhaps something more for those who'd already begun their journey. Tank's careful defensive stances. Warrior's endless form practice. Mage's patient energy control. Support's basic enhancement theory. Scout's fundamental movement training.
Any could grow into something remarkable—with time and proper development. Or for those who'd already laid their foundations, they might reveal advanced paths immediately.
But that guardian...
[Hidden Trial Detected]
[Requirements Unknown]
[Warning: Special Trials Cannot Be Repeated]
[Analyzing Challenger's Prior Experience...]
"The tower tests wisdom first," Valeria had said. "Understanding. The courage to look beyond the obvious path, yes—but also the patience to build proper foundations. Or the wisdom to recognize when you truly have them."
His shadows twisted, responding to something—a pulse of energy from deeper in the coliseum. The guardian paused, watching him with ancient eyes. Its form flickered, revealing patterns that resonated with his shadow manipulation.
[Tutorial Phase 3 Progress: 0%]
[Warning: Pursuing Hidden Trial]
[System Notice: Standard Class Selection Delayed]
[Advanced Path Analysis in Progress]
Eren smiled, stepping away from the pedestals. Whether the tower would recognize his prior training or offer him a basic path mattered less than the mystery before him. The guardian resumed its patrol, each step drawing a pattern across the coliseum floor—like a message in an ancient script. Whatever trial it guarded, Eren suspected it would test more than just power or past experience.
Time to see what secrets the tower's third stage really held.