{5 Days Later}
It took Kale five days to fully recover from the grueling fight with the low-rank training bot. During this time, he uncovered some crucial details about the Tower's inner workings. The Tower maintained balance through a penalty system that triggered whenever he was disadvantaged. Each penalty activated his talent, Greater Risk, Greater Reward, exponentially amplifying the strength of his opponents.
Kale grappled with lingering questions. Would another player benefit from this amplified strength if he fought them? And what was the purpose of Level 2 of his talent? The notion of talents having levels was unfamiliar to him. For now, he decided to set aside these questions and focus on what he could control.
Once he was back to full strength, Kale resolved to proceed to the Third Trial Portal. The initial trials were known as tutorials, and the third floor marked the beginning of the Tower's true challenges, offering full access to its systems and features.
Before stepping into the portal, Kale realized he needed better gear. He entered the equipment shop and carefully examined the selection of swords, armor, and survival tools. After some deliberation, he purchased a sword for 2,000 coins and light armor for 3,000 coins. The total expenditure of 5,000 coins was considerable, but necessary given the trials' unpredictability.
Next, he visited a general goods store, where he bought an axe, fishing gear, and other essential survival items. By the end of his shopping, he had spent a total of 9,000 coins. Though his coin stash was dwindling, he felt prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
Upon returning to the 2nd Floor Main Hall, Kale was drawn to a commotion near a merchant stall. A Wandering Merchant had arrived.
Wandering Merchants were different from regular traders. Instead of offering weapons or armor, they dealt in skills—an opportunity that most climbers could only dream of. While Kale had been fortunate to acquire a number of skills, for many, even one skill was a rare accomplishment.
However, these merchants traded in Tower scores rather than coins. To purchase powerful skills, climbers needed high scores. If their scores fell short, they risked losing existing skills or talents.
Despite the allure of the Wandering Merchant's offerings, Kale had no intention of risking his progress. With his talent's inherent danger, he knew that additional risks could spell disaster.
Thus, he made his way directly to the Third Trial Portal.
[You have entered the 3rd Floor Trial.] [Talent: Greater Risk, Greater Reward activated.] [Talent: Greater Risk, Greater Reward L2 activated.]
Before Kale could react to his new environment, the system overwhelmed him with notifications.
[Please choose 1 of the 3: Skills Stats Information]
He stared at the three options, his mind racing. Before he could make a choice, a figure emerged from the shadows. The man was older, with a stern and weathered face.
"You look confused," the man said, his voice calm yet piercing. "It's your first real choice, isn't it? The system's asking you to define your path."
Kale eyed him warily. "Who are you?"
"Call me Darius," the man replied, crossing his arms. "I'm a former climber. I faced these choices once too, and trust me, you'll want to choose wisely."
Darius moved closer, his gaze intense. "Choosing skills will grant you immediate power but might stifle your growth in the long run. Stats enhance your overall strength, though their benefits will take time to manifest. But Information—that's where the real advantage lies. It gives you insight that others may not have, and in the Tower, knowledge can be more crucial than sheer strength."
Kale considered Darius's words carefully. "And why should I trust you?"
Darius smirked slightly. "You don't have to. But consider this: any climber who has made it past the third trial is already deep in danger. One misstep could be fatal. Information might just be the key to surviving longer."
Kale examined the options again, weighing the advice he'd been given. Each choice promised great potential but came with its own set of risks. What did he need more—immediate strength, gradual growth, or crucial knowledge?
[Please choose 1 of the 3: Skills Stats Information]
Taking a deep breath, Kale resolved to choose Information. The Tower had already proven to be unpredictable, and his talent had only intensified the chaos. Perhaps gaining more insight would help him navigate the uncertainties that lay ahead.
[You have chosen: Information]
Darius nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. Prepare yourself. The third trial is where the real Tower begins."
As Darius disappeared into the shadows, Kale felt an undeniable sense that his decision had set in motion something far greater than himself.