Kelford started his training with another run through the Tower but this time he left behind Heavy Warrior. Instead he picked up the class right next to it. A shortbow made of dark wood and wrapped in leather with a quiver right next to it.Power filled Kelfords body as the shortbow filled his hands and the quiver was thrown over his back. It was heady, like his body had been weighed down by molasses until now. Instinctual understanding of the class flooded into him as the golden words flooded his vision.
Ranged Warrior
Why Risk Getting Close When You Can Shot Across the Stars Themselves
Skills:
Minor Enhanced Strength
Minor Enhanced Dexterity
Bows,Crossbows,Thrown Weapon Proficiency
Medium Armor Proficiency
Active Skills:
Perceptive Eye
“ The key is to continue focusing on how to bring out the strengths of each class as you practice,” T.U.I floated next to him as Kelford pushed towards the floors, “ Remember that the jump in mindset from the Heavy Warrior and Ranged Warrior is quite steep. I know I said you could choose the order of classes but this will be difficult.”
Kelford shrugged as the darkness of the first floor embraced him, “ It was the next one to the left. So I just went with that. It’ll be more interesting this way.” His steps were light, and he reveled in the feeling of control his body now held. In mere moments he was able to see the fire light and the pale skinned gnoblar left as bait. Kelford stopped much farther than he usually would and drew an arrow. He focused as he activated his new skill .
[Perceptive Eye]
The forms of two gnoblars became clear even from this distance, their sad attempts at hiding now revealed before he even had to come even close. The arrows flew and took the two gnoblars in the chest. The gnoblars hiding out of view jumped forward screaming in rage and fear. Kelford smirked as he released two more arrows for them and finally shot the last in the head. He strolled into the first room with not a care in the world, dead gnoblars at his feet. The Relic Orbs were manifesting and he brought up the options without a thought.
Arrows of Piercing
Common
Description:
Arrows built to pierce deeper into foes.
Does moderately more physical damage.
Comes in bundles of 10
Ring of Might
Common
Description:
A ring that makes your body stronger
Increases strength by 15%
Quiver of Poisoning
Uncommon
Description:
A quiver enchanted to poison the tips of arrows placed within.
All arrows will gain [Weak Poison]
Poisoned arrows sounded like a good time and soon Kelford was racing down the passageway.
“ So how are you liking the Ranged Warrior?” T.U.I asked, “ You seem to be off to a good start.”
“ It's not bad but we’ll see just how far I can make it this run. Though I was wondering one thing?”
“Oh what was that?” T.U.I’s voice sounded faint, meaning the next room was getting close.
“Can I run out of arrows? “
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Days passed with Kelford climbing higher and higher through the Tower, Floor three passed by with a bang as he spotted the last of the traps. Each had tells, small cracks in the floor, or different colored stones to mark where they were. He could only notice this with the power of [Perceptive Eye] . The skill was more amazing than Kelford had originally given it credit for. The skill made him notice everything, variations in the stone , boosting his ability to see in the dark, it even made it easier for him to track multiple targets while it was active. Unlike [Hard Smash] the skill was cheap to start and to maintain for short periods of time. The issue was that it strained his eyes and holding it any longer than a few seconds would start to drain him at an increasing rate. Only a few runs before Kelford had been crying blood as he tried to keep track of all the gnoblars on the 2nd floor right before he died. He’d learned his lesson after that.
The crisp air filled his lungs as he came to the entrance to the 4th floor, mountains and river filling the view. So many things had stayed the same and in some ways it comforted Kelford. The cold wind blew but Kelford had come prepared. Thick, fur lined clothing had been pulled out of the Inventory and now
Sabertooth Winter Gear
Common
Description:
Winter clothing made from the fur of a saber tooth tiger from the planet of Dowor.
Helps keep the wearer warm in cold environments and is reinforced for adventuring.
Perfect for climbers in colder weather.
Kelford made his way down the path, admiring the clear waters as waves lapped against the shore. The forest loomed closer, thick trees casting shadows along the path. Before the climber would have walked completely oblivious to the monsters waiting in the depths. Like the ones watching him right now.
[Perceptive Eye]
Shadows seemed to fade away like smoke as Kelford’s skill pulsed in his eyes, revealing the [Wild Sabertooth Youngling] staring at him from beneath the trees. Its fur seemed to almost blend in with the swaying shadows and undergrowth. Only the bright yellows of its eyes not completely blending in with the natural landscape. Kelford took out his new longbow and pulled out an arrow.
[Warbow of Thorns]
Uncommon
Description:
Infuse each strike with Wild essence. Each arrow shot is infused with thorns dealing minor
Wild essence damage.
He pretended to be sighting down a target far away from the tiger, letting it believe its stealth was still in effect.Then in one fluid motion he turned and fired. The sabertooth cried as the arrow dug into its side before it burst into jagged thorns. Another arrow took its life before the cat could even take another step. Kelford stood still, scanning the woods before he started to make his way to the dead monster. He pulled it into his Inventory before stealthing his way between the trees. His other items made his passage smooth and near silent. A youngling was lounging in a tree, eyes peeled for an unsuspecting climber to follow. Kelford’s arrow took it in the throat, sending it careening from its perch. Kelford took its corpse and continued on his way. The last two sabertooths wouldn’t know what hit them.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Quest Updated!
Jack of All Trades
Description:
Reach to At Least the 5th Floor With Every Class
2 out of 5
Reward:
1 Class Slot
“T.U.I could you explain to me why the Tower seems to like combat so much?” Kelford said over a book titled [ History of the Winter Keeps] . A part of his training was taking breaks between climbing and his workouts to give his body, and more importantly his mind , time to recover from the brutal pace he was setting for himself. A giant plate balanced on top of a wooden chest he had just bought from the Shop a few days ago. It was similar to his inventory but with many more slots to store the multitude of items he kept between runs. The only issue was that it couldn’t be taken with him through the Tower but T.U.I had assured him that the chest would appear in any safe area he found himself in.
“For the tutorial floors, much of the nature of your challenges are determined by the world vault you are experiencing. On top of this the Tower’s immediate concerns are with growing a civilization's ability to protect itself. Cultivating this ability will inevitably lead to other disciplines to develop as the civilization progresses.” T.U.I said.
“ Well, don't other attributes besides just being able to fight matter? I’m sure there’s other disciplines that will assist with a civilization's ability to fight. What about developing new technologies or logistics?”
“ You do not have access to this information,” T.U.I paused for a second before speaking again, “ But I can say that the Tower has considered all of these factors and may…encourage their use… at a later date. Though it is not forbidden for civilizations to learn from and utilize the knowledge of their fellow civilizations at this junction. Just not common or specifically encouraged at these floors.”
Kelford stared at T.U.I as he puzzled out her words. After the first purchase of [Essence Foundations and Class Guide Volume 1] T.U.I had been much more free with her information she knew and could share. He had asked why they couldn’t buy the next volume only to find out it was over 100,000 karma on the Shop which was a ludicrous price he was not willing or able to grind for. It was the equivalent to a mythic relic and he was nowhere close to purchasing an item at that price. So what clues could he glean from just what he had experienced. T.U.I was having him train and encouraged learning about the world he was traversing. Was there something there he should be thinking about? He had just learned that the gnoblars and ogres were connected somehow and that many of their buildings were repurposed ruins from a previously extinct species. His musings were interrupted as a chiming sound rag through his room.
“Time for your next class selection Kelford,” T.U.I said happily, “ I can’t wait to see your progress.”
Kelford found his feet and got ready, it was time to test out [The Light Warrior]
Light Warrior
Obtain Grace Unmatched as You Explore The Worlds Before You
Skills:
Enhanced Dexterity
Small Blade,Short Spear, Buckler Proficiency
Light Armor Proficiency
Active Skill:
Backstab
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The gorger roared in rage as it swung its club again and again to no avail. The creature in front of it moved deceptively slowly, almost mockingly, as it dodged each and every strike the powerful gnoblar threw. Worse were the stinging cuts all along its arms and body that leaked tears of blood.
“ I was wondering if you could actually answer the question or if you were actually unable to even conceive of what I’m talking about?” The figure said as it left another bloody cut along the gnoblars arm.
“ Shut uuupppp” The gnoblar roared as it dashed forward to tackle the cause of it’s pain only for the figure to disappear. The gnoblar frantically scanned it’s surroundings for the creature but in the dusty cavern it could see no sign of the diabolical creature.
“ Too bad, sometimes I wonder why I ask each run. You clearly can’t answer my question.”
[Backstab]
The gorgers corpse fell to the group as Kelford pulled his blades from its back before sighing. Just not the same.Most of gnoblars of this level were already dead as Kelford had gotten a decent feel for the class after 4 runs. He cleaned his dagger on the back of the gnoblars' messed up clothing before moving on and looting the giant leg that was cooking in the middle of the deserted square. This time the body part was shaggy and gave off an awful stench as the hairs burnt from the flickering flames. None of the gnoblars even made a move to stop him as Kelford made his way to the next floor. A short walk later and he made it to a room with a cauldron big enough to fit a full boar inside it. A deep maroon glowed from its depths, bathing Kelford in its ruddy glow.
Congratulations!
You have entered a special room!
Healing Room
Any Injury or condition can be cured here. Yet the potency of this blessing will only
Work for a limited time!
“ Not exactly what I wanted…” Kelford sighed as he moved towards the cauldron. It’s light was brighter as it grew closer, but not enough to hurt his eyes. Pulling one of the cups from his most recent purchase from the Shop he filled it with the cauldrons contents before drinking the entirety of the glass. It tasted like the most refreshing drink he’d ever had. The water flowed down his throat and spread through his body and he could almost feel the minor wounds and aches be cleansed away. It wasn’t exactly the best room to have at the very start of a run, but it was never useless. He pulled out a cushion and sat against the rocks as he considered the previous fight. It had been, he wouldn’t say easy but nowhere near as difficult as it once had been. Minutes passed as he ruminated upon the disturbing ease that had begun to creep into the early floors.
“ How are you feeling Kelford?” T.U.I materialized from the ether floating right beside him, “ You seem less than enthused even as your attempt goes smoothly.”
Kelford continued to set the rest of his camping gear, the malaise infecting his mind making his thoughts just a slight bit harder to piece together. “ Honestly, it just doesn’t feel the same.”
“ What do you mean?” T.U.I’s voice seemed curious rather than concerned, and Kelford shrugged.
“ I don’t know T.U.I, just nothing is exciting until I get to the 4th floor at this point. Everything below that is just …” Kelford searched for the words for a moment, “ Boring”.
The words even surprised Kelford as he spoke them into the air. The floors were beginning to be boring. Only on the third class and already the air of danger and nerves had lost its charm. He hadn’t been lying to T.U.I, below the 4th floor he was perfectly capable of clearing every floor with his eyes closed. Kelford was pretty sure that the only thing preventing him from climbing higher than the 1st room of the 5th floor was his quest. T.U.I’s training over the last few weeks were already pushing him to improve and he was already beginning to see muscle definition that hadn’t been there before. If he re-equipped the Heavy Warrior class he’d at least see the last room of the 5th floor in a few tries. Three at most.
Kelford couldn’t help the sigh of annoyance before he pulled out the final piece to his perfect campsite.
Sabertooth Youngling Ribs
Description:
This Unranked meal uses the ribs of a Sabertooth Youngling to create a meal worthy of consumption.
This meal has been made by a novice and is a filling meal for any climbers in need of food.
The Ribs weren’t exactly the most delicious thing he had tasted, he couldn’t spare the karma for the components for sauces and the like. Yet it was satisfying to actually chew in a way he hadn’t realized he missed. Each chew seemed to fill the space between events, giving his mind a much needed reprieve from the fighting and training. The thoughts of home or the consequences of his actions were lost to the small joy of his steadily increasing skill. Minutes passed before the meat was gone, bones picked clean and left to the Tower to clean up. Kelford took a breath before standing and packing the rest of his camp. He still had a quest to complete.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Kelford climbed the stairs heavily gasping for breath, leaning heavily on his staff as finally the prompt he’d been waiting for arrived.
Floor 5 Room 1
Gnoblar gorgers and sabertooths stalked in front of the gate that once again grinning and snarling in equal measure. Kelford spit some blood to the side, cracked ribs and chest making his lungs less than happy. A twisted ankle made each step painful, enough so that he cursed Ring of Weak Regeneration’s limitations. It was in these moments that he missed the Heavy Warrior class.Whatever reinforcement that was needed to handle the increase in strength had made his body much more durable. During his first few runs he hadn’t noticed but now it was almost glaringly obvious when the Apprentice class didn’t offer any reinforcement to his body. It had made his attempts at making it to the 5th floor especially arduous. Every wound taxed his body and Kelford’s body was not nearly enhanced enough to compete with creatures in the Tower. Despite this there were a few advantages…
One of the gnoblar gorgers pulled back on a bow thinking to hurt Kelford while he stood there wounded. In his condition Kelford wouldn’t be able to dodge, fortunately he wouldn’t have to. Deep within himself, Kelford pulled on what felt like a hidden limb, drawing upon the power that had been awakened inside him. Words and signs came unbidden and he spoke his will into reality, free hand dancing in complicated swirls. His staff glowed orange, empowering and twisting his spell to levels Kelford wouldn’t have been able to manage on his own.
Firebolt
Flame blossomed into existence shooting unerringly for the now screaming archer. It’s screams sent the rest scurrying as the spell engulfed gnoblar in crackling flame. Kelford wasn’t done as he once again channeled the essence inside his Essence Pool into power. Fire blazed through the cold air as firebolts rained upon the gnoblars. The sabertooths roared in rage and fear, attacking their allies or trying to flee while the gnoblars fell into chaos. Charred corpses littered the ground and many of the gnoblars sported burns. Kelford nearly staggered again as his vision went cross, he cast his gaze inward feeling his Essence Pool nearly bottoming out. His face turned into a snarl as he cast another weaker Firebolt to buy himself a little more time. It wasn’t enough.
Pain cut through his thoughts as an axe cut deep into his collarbone. His breath catching, Kelford’s spell broke apart and he collapsed to his knees. Tears and smoke filled his vision until the world was filled with a leather boot. He looked up to see a singed gnoblar staring down on him, it’s face a mask of cold anger.
“Not so fun when…you’re the ones suffering right?” The words were spoken over bloody teeth, “ Any hope for a quick death?”
Its eyes narrowed as its hand wrapped around the axe embedded in Kelford’s shoulder, “ No”. It yanked the axe out and kicked Kelford to the ground. Kelford groaned but resolved himself. One more time he’d die to these creatures. Just one more time. Then his quest would be finished and he’d get his revenge. Kelford repeated that thought as the gnoblars killed him and as promised they didn’t make it quick.