Skills

As Phanessa stepped into the Tutorial Tower, she was immediately enveloped in a world that seemed to shift and warp around her. The familiar hum of the tree outside faded away, leaving behind a profound silence that pressed in from all directions. Her senses heightened as she tried to adjust to the new environment, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight that greeted her.

The first thing she noticed was the image before her—a vast, cavernous space that stretched out into darkness, illuminated only by the faint, eerie glow of luminescent fungi and the shimmering reflection of an underground river. The cavern was enormous, with jagged stalactites hanging from the ceiling like the teeth of some ancient beast, and the walls were slick with moisture, glistening in the dim light. The air was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of earth and stone, mixed with something metallic that Phanessa couldn't quite place.

In the center of the cavern, the river flowed with a quiet, almost soothing murmur, its surface reflecting the pale blue light that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. The water was clear, revealing smooth stones and occasional flashes of what looked like silver fish darting through the depths. The river wound its way through the cavern, disappearing into the shadows where the light could not reach.

The cavern's ceiling was high, nearly lost in the darkness above, but Phanessa could just make out the occasional drip of water falling from the stalactites, creating ripples in the river below. The sound of the water dripping echoed faintly, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the place.

Here and there, small patches of glowing mushrooms clung to the rocks, casting a soft, otherworldly light that barely illuminated the path ahead. Their bioluminescence painted the cavern walls in shades of blue and green, adding to the surreal quality of the scene. Thin, spindly vines hung from the ceiling, swaying gently as if stirred by an invisible breeze.

The only other sources of light were the faint, flickering flames of what appeared to be ancient torches, embedded in the rock at irregular intervals along the path. The flames burned with a strange, almost unnatural light, casting long, dancing shadows across the uneven ground.

Phanessa stood still for a moment, taking it all in. The cavern was both beautiful and foreboding, a place that seemed to exist outside of time and space. It was clear that this was the beginning of her trial, and the path ahead was fraught with danger and mystery.

As Phanessa took in the eerie beauty of the cavern, a soft chime echoed in her ears, followed by the appearance of a translucent notification screen in front of her eyes. The text on the screen was crisp and clear, providing her with crucial information about the challenge she now faced.

[System Notification]

You have entered the first floor of the Tutorial dungeon.

Goal of the first floor: Find the exit and enter the second floor.

Note: Defeat monsters and collect Chaos shards to purchase items from the System store. There are hidden safe zones to rest in.

Good Luck, Initiate.

Phanessa's eyes quickly scanned the message, absorbing the information. The objective was simple—find the exit and move on to the next floor. But she knew better than to underestimate the challenge. The mention of "monsters" sent a chill down her spine, reminding her that danger could be lurking anywhere in the darkness. The Chaos shards, however, intrigued her. She had no idea what they were or how to use them, but the idea of a System store hinted at the possibility of obtaining useful items or even upgrades as she progressed.

The notification faded away, leaving her once again in the dimly lit cavern, the soft glow of the fungi and the eerie light from the torches her only guide. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. The goal was clear: find the exit. But the path to it would undoubtedly be filled with trials and dangers she couldn't yet foresee.

Phanessa adjusted her grip on her bow, readying herself for whatever lay ahead. The mention of hidden safe zones was a small comfort, but she knew she couldn't rely on finding one right away. Her best bet was to keep moving, to stay alert, and to be ready for anything.

With her senses on high alert, Phanessa began to move forward through the cavern, her eyes darting between the flickering torchlight and the shadows that seemed to dance along the walls. The ground beneath her was uneven, the rocks slick with moisture, forcing her to watch her step carefully.

As she moved deeper into the cavern, she heard the faintest of noises—a soft skittering sound, almost like claws scraping against stone. Her muscles tensed, her heart rate quickening. She paused, straining her ears to catch any further sounds. The silence that followed was heavy, but she knew better than to let her guard down.

Slowly, she continued forward, every step careful and deliberate. The darkness around her seemed to close in, the distant sounds of dripping water and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures adding to the tension. The cavern felt alive, as if it were watching her, waiting for her to make a mistake.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. Something small and quick darted between the rocks ahead of her, disappearing into the shadows. Phanessa froze, her eyes narrowing as she tried to get a better look. She couldn't see what it was, but she knew it wasn't alone.

Another skittering sound came from her left, followed by a low, guttural growl that seemed to reverberate through the cavern. Phanessa's heart pounded in her chest as she nocked an arrow, her hands steady despite the rising tension.

Suddenly, a creature emerged from the darkness was a creature unlike anything she had ever seen before, and it immediately locked its glowing red eyes onto her.

The creature stood low to the ground, its body sleek and muscular, built for agility and speed. Its skin was a deep, inky black, with an almost oily sheen that reflected the faint light from the glowing fungi and distant torches. The texture of its skin was unusual, almost reptilian, with subtle scales that rippled as it moved, giving the creature an unnerving, fluid grace.

The most striking feature of the creature was its eyes—burning red orbs that seemed to glow with an inner fire, piercing through the darkness with an unsettling intensity. The eyes were large and almond-shaped, set deep within the creature's skull, and they never left Phanessa, tracking her every movement with a predatory focus.

The creature's head was elongated, with a narrow snout that tapered into a sharp, almost feline muzzle. Its teeth were bared in a silent snarl, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs that glinted menacingly in the dim light. Small, pointed ears perched atop its head, twitching as they picked up the slightest sounds around them.

Running along the creature's back and down its long, sinuous tail were faintly glowing markings, a series of bioluminescent patterns that pulsed softly with a deep blue light. The patterns seemed to shift and change, almost as if they were alive, adding to the creature's otherworldly appearance. Its tail was long and whip-like, moving with a serpentine grace as it swayed behind the creature, the tip twitching in anticipation.

The creature's body was lean but powerful, with strong, sinewy legs that ended in clawed paws. The claws were long and curved, perfect for gripping the stone floor or tearing into prey. Despite its size, the creature moved with an eerie silence, its padded feet barely making a sound as it stalked toward Phanessa.

The environment around the creature only added to its mystique. It stood amidst the dense, shadowy undergrowth of the cavern, the dim light filtering through the tangled vines and twisted roots that framed the scene. The glowing fungi and the faint luminescence of the creature's markings bathed the area in an otherworldly glow, creating a scene that was both haunting and mesmerizing.

Phanessa could feel the tension in the air as the creature sized her up, its predatory instincts evident in the way it moved. She knew this was no ordinary beast—it was a creature born of the darkness, adapted to thrive in the shadowy depths of the dungeon.

She didn't hesitate. She released the arrow, the string snapping sharply as the arrow flew straight and true, striking the creature in the side. The creature let out a pained screech, but it didn't fall. Instead, it lunged at her with surprising speed, its claws extended and ready to strike.

She barely had time to react, leaping to the side as the creature's claws raked the ground where she had been standing moments before. Phanessa rolled to her feet, quickly drawing another arrow and firing again. This time, she aimed for the creature's head, and the arrow found its mark, piercing through one of its glowing eyes.

The creature let out a final, agonized screech before collapsing to the ground, its body twitching once before going still. Phanessa stood there, breathing heavily, her heart racing from the adrenaline. She waited a moment, making sure the creature was truly dead before cautiously approaching it.

As she stood over the creature's lifeless body, catching her breath after the intense confrontation, she noticed something unusual happening where the creature had fallen. The air above the spot where it had died seemed to ripple and distort, as if reality itself was bending in response to the creature's demise.

Then, slowly, a small, dark object began to materialize in the center of the disturbance. It hovered just above the ground, shimmering faintly with an otherworldly light. The object was spherical, roughly the size of her palm, and its surface was a deep, almost black shade of blue, swirling with patterns that seemed to shift and move as if alive. Tendrils of dark energy curled around it, giving the impression that it was radiating some kind of dark power.

The sphere itself was mesmerizing, drawing her attention with its mysterious glow. The surface of the object was smooth, almost like glass, but with an ethereal quality that made it seem less solid and more like a concentration of pure energy. Within the dark blue swirls were veins of crackling energy, glowing with an intense, electric blue light that pulsed rhythmically, as though the object had a heartbeat of its own.

As she reached out to pick it up, the object felt cool to the touch, almost as if it were drawing the warmth from her hand. Phanessa held it carefully, recognizing it immediately from the system notification—this was a Chaos shard, a valuable item that she could use to purchase supplies or upgrades from the System store.

[Chaos shard of Level 2 Kaptile x1]

The shard emitted a soft, pulsing light that seemed to resonate with her, as if acknowledging her presence. Tiny wisps of energy curled around her fingers as she held it, like tendrils of smoke that never quite touched her skin but moved with a life of their own. The energy within the shard felt potent and untamed, a raw force that hinted at the power it could grant her if used correctly.

Phanessa examined the shard closely, marveling at its beauty and the sheer power it seemed to contain. The patterns on its surface were intricate and ever-changing, a dance of dark and light that was both captivating and slightly unsettling. She could feel the potential within the shard, a promise of strength and survival in this harsh environment.

With a final glance at the lifeless body of the creature she had just defeated, Phanessa placed it into her inventory ring, knowing that it was a crucial resource in her journey through the Tutorial Tower.

The cavern was silent once more, but the sense of danger lingered in the air. She knew there would be more creatures like this one—and likely worse—waiting for her as she continued her journey. But now, she was a little better prepared, and she knew what to expect.

With the first Chaos shard safely in her possession, Phanessa continued through the cavern, determined to find the exit and reach the second floor.

Phanessa moved further into the depths of the cavern, her footsteps light and deliberate as she navigated the uneven terrain. It had been an hour since her first encounter with the shadowy creature, and in that time, she had grown increasingly familiar with the dangers of the Tutorial Tower. The initial fear had given way to a focused determination, each battle sharpening her instincts and honing her skills.

During that hour, she had encountered several more creatures, each more challenging than the last. With every victory, she collected more Chaos shards, their energy swirling in different colors depending on the type of monster she had defeated. She now had 40 Chaos shards in her possession, each one a tangible reminder of her progress. She noted the differences in the wisps of energy that accompanied each shard—some were a deep red, pulsating with a fierce intensity, while others were a cool blue, calm and soothing. There were even shards with green and purple wisps, each color seemingly tied to the nature or element of the monster she had defeated.

With every encounter, Phanessa felt herself growing stronger. The system had rewarded her with experience points, and she had leveled up five times. Each level brought with it an increase in her physical abilities—her speed, strength, and agility all felt heightened, as if her body was being fine-tuned to survive in this harsh environment. But more importantly, she had started to unlock new skills, abilities that would give her an edge in the battles to come.

One of the first skills she unlocked was [Grace (Basic)], a passive ability that enhanced her natural agility and fluidity of movement. This skill had been triggered by her continuous, elegant navigation of the cavern's floors for an hour without stumbling or making a misstep. Phanessa's parents had always been on the move, whether trekking through dense jungles, arid deserts, or vast woods. From a young age, she had learned to move with the precision and grace of a ballerina, her steps light and calculated, her body attuned to the environment around her. This skill was a natural extension of that training, and she could feel the difference immediately—her movements were now smoother, almost instinctual, allowing her to glide through the cavern with ease.

Her second passive skill, [Rapid Draw (Basic)], was unlocked during a particularly intense battle. She had faced a group of fast-moving creatures called [Shadow-Vine Leopards], their agile forms darting in and out of the shadows, and she knew that speed would be key to survival. Drawing on her years of practice with the bow, she had managed to draw three arrows in quick succession, each draw taking no more than a second. The arrows flew true, each one hitting its mark with lethal precision, and the system had rewarded her efforts with this new skill. [Rapid Draw (Basic)] allowed her to draw and fire arrows with incredible speed, giving her the ability to keep up with even the fastest of enemies.

But the most rewarding of her new skills was [Flawless Accuracy (Rare)], a passive skill that had been unlocked after she successfully landed three critical hits in a row on her targets. This skill was a reflection of her years of archery practice, her eye for detail, and her ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. With [Flawless Accuracy], her arrows seemed to find their targets with unerring precision, each shot guided by an almost supernatural instinct. The skill was rare, and she could feel its power coursing through her every time she nocked an arrow, her confidence growing with each successful shot.

Phanessa paused for a moment, taking stock of her situation. The cavern was quiet now, the air still and heavy with the scent of damp earth and stone.

Deciding to rest for a few minutes, she rested her back against the walls of the cavern. She took out a piece of smoked jerky from her inventory, then opened her Status to check her progress.

[System Notification]

Congratulations! You have leveled up!

Current Level: 6

Experience Points: 1200/1500 XP

Stat Increases:

Strength: +3Agility: +5 +5Intelligence: +2 +5Endurance: +4

New Skills Unlocked:

[Grace (Basic)] – Passive Skill

Your movements are as fluid and graceful as a dancer's. You navigate your environment with increased agility and precision, reducing the likelihood of stumbling or making missteps.

[Rapid Draw (Basic)] – Passive Skill

You can nock and draw arrows at an accelerated pace, allowing you to fire up to three arrows in rapid succession with minimal delay. This skill significantly increases your rate of fire during combat.

[Flawless Accuracy (Rare)] – Passive Skill

Your aim is unerring, and your arrows find their targets with precision. This skill increases the likelihood of critical hits when using a bow, enhancing both your damage output and your chances of striking vital areas.

You have acquired: 40 Chaos Shards

Note: Chaos shards vary in appearance based on the type of creature defeated. Shards can be used in the System store to purchase items, skills, and upgrades.

Phanessa nodded with approval. She closed the notification with a quick swipe, her eyes once again focusing on the path ahead. She rose and dusted her pants before continued on to her leveling grind. 

Phanessa stepped into a new area of the cavern, her breath catching as the environment around her transformed into something breathtakingly beautiful and serene. The oppressive darkness of the previous chambers gave way to a stunning, otherworldly scene that seemed almost too perfect to be real.

She found herself standing on the edge of a vast underground lake, the water a brilliant shade of turquoise that seemed to glow with its own inner light. The surface of the lake was perfectly still, like a polished mirror reflecting the rock formations above, with only the occasional ripple disturbing its glassy calm. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the gentle sound of water dripping from the stalactites that hung from the high ceiling above.