Scott disregarded the incessant messages from the system, his attention fixed on the light-bearing judges stationed around the imposing yet magnificent gate. Similarly, his companions remained vigilant, their focus locked onto the faceless officers, ready for battle should any unforeseen event unfold. Against their expectations, the judges unexpectedly tilted their heads away from the trio, resembling statues frozen in time.

“System, show me my rewards,” Scott commanded the system.

Mana Booster Pill x5 Description: A rare pill made by a veteran alchemist from an assortment of rare herbs and potions, with the sole aim of boosting one’s mana points capacity. Rarity: Rare. Potency: Mana Points capacity will permanently increase by 5 points after consumption. Side effects: 1% chance of Mana going berserk.

Map of the Fallen Ruins Description: A detailed map of the once thriving city, Togan, which now lies beneath the Syman Sea.

Mema’s Totem Description: A totem carved from a holy tree by the Mema tribe, who worshiped the insidious god of slaughter. The totem is said to have granted the Mema tribesmen powers beyond their abilities, fueled by an insatiable thirst for carnage. The totem is said to have been the bane and boon of the once illustrious tribe. Rarity: Rare. Durability: 2000/2000. Condition: Okay. Type: Enchanted Item. Owner: None.

Special Abilities:

* Slaughterer’s Domain: You will notice the weak points of every being within a hundred-meter radius.

* Slaughterer’s Presence: Fueled by your bloodthirst, all beings within your domain will look at you with fear. There’s a high chance of stunning your opponent.

* Slaughter’s Madness: Teachings of the god of slaughter will echo in your ears, stirring your dormant insanity. Slaughterer’s Domain and Presence will have a stronger effect if the user is able to unleash more of their innate insanity.

The lesser god of illusions is tempted to make another offer! The lesser god of illusions is determined to be your sponsor!

Scott dismissed the message concerning the lesser god, choosing instead to focus on the enigmatic item acquired upon completing the trial. No matter how he examined it, it spelled trouble. Is chaos caller responsible for skewing the odds in favor of receiving such an unsettling item? Scott pondered this silently while perusing the special properties outlined in the item's description.

Amidst his contemplation, Zara's voice cut through his thoughts. “Did you guys also receive a quest to visit the sunken city of Togan?”

“Yeah, I was just about to mention that,” Slim replied, summoning a necklace with a purple, oblong pendant from his inventory.

Zara's eyes narrowed in curiosity as she focused on the sparkling gemstone adorned with rings across its surface. “What's that? Is that your reward?”

Slim nodded with a smile. “It can form shields. Not exactly my cup of tea, but it might come in handy,” the skeleton explained, placing the item around his neck. “What did you guys get?”

An ornate flute embedded with a series of glistening gemstones materialized in Zara's hand. “Mine has the ability to invoke a range of primal desires, as long as the right note is struck.”

Without warning, Slim darted toward Zara, towering over her in an instant. Before she could react, the necromancer gently held her hands, suggesting, “My leader, let's exchange items.”

The necromancer's gaze flickered between the flute and Zara's puzzled expression as he awaited her response.

“My leader,” Slim began, eyeing the flute in Zara’s hand, “this instrument is essentially useless to you as a brawler. In fact, the shield would be more fitting for someone of your graceful class. It would spare you the worry of being caught off guard, allowing you to focus on pummeling your foes with those exquisite fists of yours.” Slim paused, extending his hand towards the cat girl's chin, gently tilting her head upward. “Moreover, the necklace would complement you far better. Your enchanting eyes would be a perfect match.”

With a swift motion, Slim removed the necklace and placed it around Zara's neck. “My leader, you look absolutely stunning,” he declared, locking eyes with the cat girl.

Unnoticed by Zara, the flute had found its way into Slim's hand. “Not so fast,” Zara interjected, reaching for the flute. “I'll only agree to a trade on one condition,” she added with a sly smile.

An ominous premonition clouded the skeleton's mind, but he wasn't ready to relinquish the flute. “What's the condition, my leader?” he inquired.

“You must renounce your right to challenge my leadership for the next year,” Zara stated without hesitation.

“Three months,” Slim countered, gritting his teeth.

“Nine months,” Zara countered, a slight frown creasing her features.

Slim grimaced, “Six months, and that's my final offer.”

Zara beamed, releasing her grip on the flute. “Pleasure doing business with you,” she chuckled, blinking repeatedly at the necromancer. “I’m glad you like my eyes,” she added before erupting into laughter.

Slim could only muster a dry smile, though he remained content with acquiring the flute. While the necklace was also impressive, he believed the flute suited him best.

Turning towards Scott, who had remained silent, Zara draped her arms across his neck. “What are you thinking about? Are you, perhaps, captivated by my beautiful eyes too?” She chuckled, leaning on the masked man.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Zara asked, “So, what did you get?” Slim, no longer fixated on the flute, redirected his attention toward Scott.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

The eldritch knight sighed before summoning the totem from his inventory. An intricately carved doll, only five inches in height, materialized in the half-human's hand.

As soon as the totem appeared, Zara instinctively retreated, her ears perking up as she stared at the blackened doll exuding a baleful aura. Slim's demeanor shifted too; the necromancer eyed the totem with vigilance. Even the motionless judges briefly shifted their attention to Scott before returning to their original state.

“What an accursed item,” Slim muttered, taking a step back.

“Why would they give you something like that?” Zara asked, eyeing the sinister item from a cautious distance. “What does it do?”

“Basically, it's a tool that can aid someone in dispatching their enemies more efficiently,” Scott explained.

“With that appearance, I wouldn't believe you if you said otherwise. I don't even have a heart, and I nearly had a heart attack just looking at it,” Slim muttered.

Scott chuckled softly, his fingers wrapping around the eerie doll. An unseen smile played on his lips as his eyes shifted between Zara and Slim. “So, who wants to make an exchange with me?”

Zara and Slim's expressions instantly darkened, both taking a step back.

“Buddy, I'm good,” Slim said with a nervous chuckle, taking another step backward. Zara, on the other hand, pretended not to hear the eldritch knight, sneaking away in slow steps.

“I'll take it if you really don't want it,” a familiar voice said, filling Scott's ears.

He turned, but Zara and Slim had disappeared. Even the golden judges were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a hooded figure with arms akimbo came into view.

You have found the Tower Trader!

“Congratulations on making it this far,” he declared, materializing in front of Scott in an instant. “I never doubted that you'd reach this point, but the swiftness of your progress is truly remarkable.” The trader gesticulated energetically as he circled the masked champion, scrutinizing his attire and mask.

“Why can't I recall our last encounter?” Scott vocalized the unspoken question lingering in his mind.

The hooded figure halted in his tracks. “Let's not delve into uncomfortable matters, my friend. Even if I desired to divulge the details, it's improbable you'd remember, rendering any discussion futile. Rest assured; your memory lapses are merely temporary. In due time, everything will come flooding back to you.”

The trader's hand landed on Scott's shoulder, his voice once again filling the ears of the masked champion. “So, are you truly considering parting ways with that item?”

“What's its value?” Scott inquired.

The trader tilted his head, a chuckle escaping him. “I can offer you a grimoire containing a high-tier skill and ability. That should be ample compensation, don't you think?”

“Tell me the name of the skill and ability,” Scott demanded, folding his arms across his chest. He sent the doll into his inventory, fixating on the darkness obscuring the trader's face.

The figure chuckled again, scratching the back of his head. “Does the name truly matter? It's a high-tier skill, after all.”

“If you can't disclose that much, then we won't be conducting any business,” Scott stated flatly.

“Wait a minute, don't be like that. We can discuss the totem later; let's focus on the seemingly useless items you possess. How about you hand them over, and I'll offer you a fair price for each? What do you say?”

“You're in luck. I was beginning to feel some of the items here are becoming outdated, so I'm willing to cooperate with you,” Scott replied as he opened his inventory.

Scott pondered to himself, realizing that trading his nonperishables, the briefcases, Ember's pill, and the Ayan Ore would be foolish; however, everything else was fair game.

Scott retrieved the spear of the swift hunter, an item he had never intended to use, along with the map, another item he had collected from the slain trickster. Afterward, he took out all his recovery potions, acknowledging their diminished effectiveness compared to their former potency.

“What can I get with these?” Scott inquired.

“It depends on your desires, but I advise you to temper your expectations. These items hold appeal primarily for those embarking on the first and second trials,” the trader explained.

“I seek information,” Scott stated after a moment's contemplation.

“Oh?” The trader shifted his attention from the items to the half-human. “What kind of information are you after?”

“Tell me about the lesser gods and the divine beings. What distinguishes them, and why are the gods seeking champions to sponsor?” Scott questioned in a single breath.

The trader chuckled, shaking his head. “And yet people have the audacity to label me a swindler,” he muttered softly while summoning a small pendant from his inventory. Scott focused on the purple gemstone for a moment before the trader's cheerful voice resumed. “These items don't come close in value to the information you're seeking, but I owe you for our last encounter. I'll share what you're allowed to know at your current level.”

The trader paused, swiftly destroying the pendant, and an amethyst fog emanated from the shattered gemstone's fragments. Scott attempted to speak, but to his dismay, he couldn't. Nevertheless, he felt inexplicably refreshed as the smog filled his lungs.

“I apologize for suppressing your ability to speak; one can never be too careful,” the trader said with a bow. “Don't be surprised, but the lesser gods were once champions like you. The same could be said for some gods as well. I can't divulge more than that on the topic. I'll leave you to theorize whatever you want. However, I'd advise against sharing that information recklessly.”

The trader clapped twice, and the purple haze thickened even further. “Ever wonder why the gods seek sponsors?” the trader mumbled, pacing around Scott, who hadn't fully recovered from the information he had received earlier.

“The purpose of the Tower of Champions is to crown a new ruler for the infinite multiverse. A ruler, in this sense, can be either one person or a group of people. The gods sponsor candidates because they have identified individuals capable of winning the competition or possessing the required skill set to assist their preferred candidates in the competition.”

The trader paused once more, then burst into laughter.

Why was he suddenly laughing? Was he spouting nonsense earlier, or did this eccentric individual genuinely find something amusing? Scott pondered.

Bending over slightly, the trader continued laughing. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just received a ridiculous offer; I couldn't help but laugh.”

Scott pondered for a moment, contemplating whether it was Zara or Slim who had extended the offer. However, a more pressing question soon seized his thoughts—could this guy be engaged in simultaneous dealings with various factions within the tower right now? The notion lingered, refusing to dissipate.

Recovering from his mental reverie, the tower trader regained his composure and resumed his discourse. “Originally, the intent behind sponsoring a candidate was to foster alliances. Nowadays, however, sponsors tend to back individuals based on personal interest or as a strategic move against rivals. It's a curious mix of amusement and melancholy.”

The hooded figure applauded once more, dispelling the lingering fog, and restored Scott's capacity to speak.

“So, are you going to trade the mana booster pills? I understand their limited utility to you. In return, I offer exclusive insights into the upcoming third trial. Should you include the totem, I'll sweeten the deal with a high-tier grimoire featuring three skills and abilities.”

With practiced ease, the trader reached into his satchel, retrieving a hefty book bound with hemp ropes stretched across its surface.

The God of Slaughter is now watching you! The God of Slaughter says they will give you a better reward if you hold on to the totem for a little longer! The God of Slaughter hopes you will consider their offer! The God of Slaughter has stopped watching you!

“Why are you meddling in my trade?” The tower trader shot a glance eastward. “Not fair. He was really going to give it to me,” he grumbled before returning the grimoire to his satchel.

“You're giving up just like that?” Scott asked, amused by the trader's actions.

“You wouldn't understand,” the trader sighed, shaking his head. “Some deals aren't worth it anymore when certain individuals are involved.”

The trader sighed again as he picked up the other items. Then, he refocused on Scott.

“So, are you going to exchange the boosters for my information?”

Scott opened his inventory, retrieving a small bottle containing golden pills. “I'll let you have it if I find your information valuable enough.”