My editor/publisher permitted me to update up to 20 chapters (technically, these are just 20 pages of my book since they are over 5,000 words) to Webnovel. She claims it's an advertisement or something. I was advised/ blackmailed with sugar cookies to ask for honest comments and reviews. Do with that as you will, I guess.
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Phanessa felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of being separated. The idea of facing whatever awaited them in the tower alone was daunting, especially after the comfort of knowing her friends were by her side. But the promise of a communication tool offered a small reassurance—they would be alone but not entirely isolated.
"Individual tower dive," Visha muttered, her tone serious as she processed the words. "Looks like we're going solo for this one."
Sadie's face fell slightly, her usual brightness dimming at the thought of being separated. "I guess this means we'll have to rely on ourselves for the most part," she said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
Ilayda, ever practical, nodded. "It'll be a test of our individual strengths. But we can still stay in contact, and that's something."
Phanessa took a deep breath, steeling herself. She knew they had no choice but to proceed, but the uncertainty of what lay ahead made her stomach churn with anxiety. She pushed those feelings down, focusing instead on the task at hand. They had been preparing for this moment, and now it was time to take the next step.
"Status open," Phanessa said aloud, her voice steady despite the nerves she felt.
Immediately, a translucent screen appeared before her eyes, filled with lines of information. Her statistics were laid out clearly, along with a set of guidelines and rules for the tower. The data was presented in a way that was both intuitive and easy to understand, as if the system had been designed to accommodate newcomers.
[Name: Phanessa Tauriel
Class: Archer
Race: Orphic Elf (F+ Grade) (Race gives +5 to both Agility and Intelligence stats)
Level: 1
Blessing: Eternal Heart of the Grove (25% faster progression for 168 hours)
Health: 100%
Mana: 100%
Stamina: 100%
Strength: 6
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 9
Endurance: 7
Luck: 10]
Phanessa stared at her race, slightly surprised and confused. She had years to get used to the idea that she might not be human anymore, but actually seeing the confirmation so clearly was…mind-blowing to say the least. The Orphic part was the confusing part. She never heard of an Orphic elf in fantasy and myth stories. She had done research in college but didn't get much information. She shrugged. She'll eventually get the answers one day.
Below her statistics, a list of guidelines and rules was displayed:
Tutorial Tower Guidelines and Rules
**1. Caution is Key:
Unknown Dangers: The tower is filled with unknown dangers, including traps, environmental hazards, and hostile entities. Always proceed with caution and stay alert.
Limited Information: The layout and challenges within the tower will change as you progress. Information will be limited, so rely on your instincts and observational skills.
**2. Resource Management:
Limited Supplies: Resources such as food, water, and healing items are scarce. Manage your inventory carefully, prioritizing essential items.
Loot and Scavenging: Collect items from defeated enemies, hidden caches, and environmental sources. Some items may be more valuable than they initially appear.
Inventory Ring: All items collected will be stored in your inventory ring. The ring has limited space, so prioritize what you carry.
**3. Adaptability:
Evolving Challenges: The challenges within the tower will become progressively more difficult. Adapt your strategies as needed to overcome them.
Skill Development: As you progress, you will gain experience points (XP) and skills related to your class. Use these to enhance your abilities and improve your chances of survival.
Environmental Interactions: The environment may offer advantages or disadvantages. Use it to your advantage whenever possible, whether it's hiding from enemies, setting traps, or finding alternative paths.
**4. Communication Tool:
Commute Tab: The communication tool is accessible under the "commute" tab in your status screen. This tool allows you to stay in contact with your companions even though you will be separated.
Limited Range: Communication may be limited based on your location within the tower. Ensure you check in with your companions when possible.
Emergency Beacon: In case of severe danger, an emergency beacon can be activated to signal your location to your companions. Use this sparingly, as it may attract unwanted attention.
**5. Progression and Survival:
Leveling Up: Defeating enemies, completing tasks, and surviving challenges will earn you experience points (XP). Accumulating enough XP will allow you to level up, enhancing your stats and unlocking new skills.
Rest Zones: Certain floors may contain Rest Zones where you can recover health, mana, and stamina. These zones are safe but limited. Use them wisely.
Final Objective: The ultimate goal is to reach the top of the Tutorial Tower. Survive, adapt, and overcome the challenges to advance. Your performance here will set the foundation for your future in the System Universe.
**6. Rules of Conduct:
No Retreat: Once you enter a floor, you cannot retreat or return to a previous floor. Each floor must be completed to advance.
Death is Permanent: Failure in the tower can result in permanent death. Take every encounter seriously and always have an escape plan.
Respect the Tower: The Tutorial Tower is an ancient, sacred entity. Disrespecting its rules or environment may result in severe consequences.
Communication Tool
[Commute Tab:
Active Connections: Sadie, Visha, Ilayda
Signal Strength: Varies by floor
Message Options: Text, Voice, Emergency Beacon
Current Messages: No new messages
Emergency Beacon: 1 use remaining
Note: Communication options may be limited by distance, obstacles, or interference from the tower's environment.]
As Phanessa read through the guidelines and rules, she felt the weight of the challenge ahead. This was more than just a test of strength or skill—it was a trial designed to push every aspect of her being to its limits. The mention of permanent death sent a chill down her spine, reminding her that failure was not an option.
She quickly committed the key points to memory, knowing that every piece of information could mean the difference between life and death. With a final glance at her status screen, Phanessa closed the display, ready to face the challenges of the Tutorial Tower with newfound resolve.
She reached out to the "commute" tab and activated the communication tool, sending a quick message to her friends: "Let's do this. Stay safe and stay strong."
*[Visha]: "See you girls at the top."
*[Sadie]: "You too Phay. Btw, do you think Ophion is okay? The system never said anything about anything about Earth."]
*[Ilayda]: You be safe too, ladies. And Ophion is fine. I asked the facilitator what was happening on Earth. It said that all initiated planets were to be reformed, and all animals and life forms with little to no sapience would undergo their own trials. Ophion will definitely surpass anything the System throws at him. Right Phay?"]
*[Phanessa]: "You already know. My Ophie is KING! Anyway, see you girls."]
Closing the menu, Phanessa turned her attention back to the entrance of the tower. The glowing doorway loomed ahead, pulsing with an eerie light. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead.
It was time to step into the unknown.