A fight

" Hmm… so this is how I earn points," thought Ashen as he finished reading the information provided by the system. "The system truly operates according to the laws of the jungle."

There were many ways to acquire tower points, but five primary methods stood out.

The first was obviously by trading. You can do this with the store's owners or in a hall called the Exchange Hall.

The second way was by events that the system would launch. These events can be something like the five disasters or other types of events depending on the situation on the planet

The third way was by entering a test hall where your strength will be rated. you would earn a certain amount of points for every level you pass. Additionally, there was something called the hall ranking list that awarded a consistent amount of points weekly based on your rank. However, this feature would only become accessible after surviving the first disaster.

The fourth way was to have an establishment within the tower. You can do that by becoming a Blacksmith, Alchemist, Rune Master, Arrays Master, chef or other similar classes. You can also work in these establishment as a worker and get paid by towet points

Lastly, the fifth and simplest way was by killing. When you kill another creature, you would receive points from the system as well as a portion of the points possessed by the defeated person, depending on your luck.

Despite the multiple ways to earn tower points, Ashen was well aware that the vast majority of people would go for the fifth method, and the reason was quite simple. Why would someone work tirelessly to start an establishment, participate in events, search for resources to trade, and more when they could easily gain the same or even greater amount of points simply by taking another's life?

However, you first need to enter the tower at least once to earn points by killing. Without that qualification, you wouldn't even be eligible to pursue this method. It truly was a matter of survival of the fittest.

Ashen was contemplating various ways to earn points for himself and the twins, lost in his thoughts. However, his musings were interrupted by a notification from the system.

[ You have reached your destination! ]

Upon receiving the notification, Ashen shifted his attention back to his surroundings.

He stood before a building located on the outskirts of town, its appearance far from ancient, yet intriguing in its simplicity. The structure had a modern touch, with clean lines and a welcoming facade. It seemed out of place amidst the rural surroundings.

Upon entering, he found himself in a brightly lit foyer, the walls adorned with vibrant paintings. The interior was surprisingly spacious, with a well-lit central corridor extending ahead.

As he explored further, the corridor branched off into several doors, each labeled with a different number

"What am I supposed to do now? Just enter?" wondered Ashen.

The system promptly responded, [ To acquire a class, you can enter any room. You will be presented with several options after being analyzed. ]

"Nice, this information library thing is really helpful," thought Ashen as he proceeded to open the closet door.

He couldn't help but feel that the 50 points he had paid for the basic knowledge book might not have been a waste after all.

Inside the room, there were no windows, only the door, The room's design was intentionally simple. Stone walls enveloped the space, and at the center, A single, elegant, obsidian-like platform with its purple glow caught Ashen's attention as soon as he entered. This platform bore intricate, colorful patterns that would intermittently shine and then fade into obscurity.

Adorning the ceiling were sparkling crystals, casting their radiant glow to illuminate the room.

After surveying the room's interior, Ashen approached the platform and stood upon it. As he occupied the center of the platform, all its patterns began to glow, creating a captivating display as the colors blended together.

A system notification chimed in,

[ You are being analyzed! Stay on the platform. ]

A confirming notification assured him that the process had started.

The process lasted for about 20 seconds, and then another notification appeared before Ashen.

[ You have been successfully analyzed. Here are the available class options:

1. Assassin: B+ rank

2. Mage: A rank

3. Berserker: A rank

4. Archer: B+ rank

5. Summoner: A+ rank

6. Knight: A+ rank

7. Lightning Battlemage: S+ rank

8. Extraction Master: SSS+ rank

Choose wisely, as your selection for your first class will impact all your next classes.]

"Even though you say 'choose wisely,' the choice is really obvious," thought Ashen to himself, and then he confidently exclaimed, "I choose Extraction Master!"

The system inquired, [ Are you sure about your choice? The eighth option might seem the best, but it will have the hardest requirements. ]

Ashen responded with determination, "Yes, I'm sure."

[ You have chosen Extraction Master as your first class. ]

[ Extraction Master is a class related to your unique talent, extraction. It marks the beginning of a series of classes centered around extraction. Anyone on the path of extraction becomes a figure to be feared throughout the vast universe. Their journey will be paved with the corpses, blood, and bones of their enemies. To continue on this path, you must meet the following requirements:

- Kill 5 first-class enemies by yourself: 0/5

- Extract the corpses of ten first-class enemies: 0/10

- Extract one talent rated A rank or higher: 1/1 ]

Ashen stood there, utterly shocked, unable to say a word as he stared at the notification.

"What kind of nonsense is this? Do you want me to die? Do you realize how powerful first-class monsters are? You expect me to kill five of them and extract another five? Just say ten. I'm asking for some compensation or, at the very least, a change in requirements," Ashen protested.

The system's response was unwavering

[ The requirements are unchangeable. However, if you fail to meet them within a month, it will be considered an automatic failure, and you can then choose another class. ]

The system notification shattered Ashen's hopes and confronted him with the harsh reality.

"Huh... at least I meet the third requirement. Let's think positively... positively," Ashen attempted to calm and reassure himself.

However, memories of the solitary encounter he had with a first-class monster haunted his mind. He had faced it alongside the twins, but in the end, they had fled for their lives, narrowly escaping death. These memories obliterated all his attempts to find peace.

"I will find a way, let's stay optimistic. And besides, I'm stronger than the last time I fought one," Ashen muttered to himself. "Speaking of my strength, I forgot I should take a look at my status window."

"Status window," Ashen commanded.

_______

Ashen Evilian

level : 20

exp : 3 276 800 / 3 276 800

Race : Human

title : none

class : none

subclass : none

__________

Stats :

Strength : 280 (+ 170)

Agility : 322 (+160)

Dexterity : 177 (+15)

Health : 197

Mana : 206(+15)

Stamina : 229(+20)

Free points : 10

_________

Active skills :

silent steps ( unranked )

Lightning Pierce ( unranked )

Lightning reflexes ( unranked )

Passive skills : none

Unique talent :

Extraction [ rank : X ]

Lightning bolt [ rank : A ]

Unique talents stored (3/5) :

Fire hands (C rank)

Ice shield (C rank)

Thornal roots (B rank)

Lightning bolt (A rank)

_____________

System note :

You have reached level 20 and in order to continue leveling up, you must obtain your first class.

- 21 days 4 hours and 21 minutes are left for the next disaster.

_________

"It's really frustrating that I can't continue leveling up and gaining attributes, but at least the kids can come and choose their first class. I doubt that their requirements will be as hard as mine," thought Ashen.

He then instructed the system to guide him to the exit, and the translucent arrow reappeared, showing him the way.

It took Ashen a few minutes to reach a room with the word "exit" written above its door.

As he opened the door and stepped through it, he found himself standing outside the tower.

His vision was momentarily blinded by the abrupt shift in lighting. The town within was only partially illuminated, while outside, the sun blazed brightly. Just as he was about to shield his eyes with his hand to survey his surroundings, he heard Ethan's scream.

"Ashen, move!"

In an instant, Ashen's body instinctively reacted, swiftly moving him out of harm's way.

- BOOM -

A fiery explosion engulfed the spot where Ashen had stood, and even though he had leaped ten meters away, he still felt the burning heat on his skin.

"Don't stop!" Another urgent cry rang out, this time from Emma.

Ashen didn't hesitate, he continued moving as soon as her voice reached his ears.

Another icy explosion struck his previous location, freezing everything in a ten-meter radius circle.

These relentless attacks continued for several rounds, leaving Ashen with no opportunity to even check his surroundings, as the speed of the assaults closely matched his own. He was able to dodge them by only relying on his high attributes points and his sharp instincts, he did not use his lightning reflexes as he wanted to keep it as a trump card.

Then, a voice echoed, "Stop! His speed is faster than yours. There's no need to waste your energy."

Following the man's order, the attacks stopped, but Ashen continued to move cautiously, fearing a potential trap. However, as he sensed the attacks had really stopped, he raised his head and from the moment he got out of the tower, took a moment to assess his surroundings.

As he ran through the area with his sight, he couldn't help but notice the aftermath of destruction, with fire and ice having ravaged the landscape as if a disaster had swept through. He turned his sight to the source of this destruction. Two individuals with magic staffs in hand, one red and the other blue, were aiming at him.

His attention then shifted to a figure in black knight armor behind them, the face concealed, leaving only the sight of a menacing black sword slung across his back. This was the man who ordered the mages to stop.

As his gaze moved to the next group of people, a surge of rage engulfed his mind. Behind the knight stood five individuals: two in assassin's-like cloaks and three in leather armor. But the reason Ashen was raged was what they were guarding. The twins. Their bodies were full of injuries from head to toe. They were bonded with a rope hanging from a stone pillar.

"Who are you?" Ashen inquired, his voice tinged with an icy tone, his gaze fixed on the knight.

"We are the prince's guards, and we're here because you killed one of the prince's subordinates who was tasked with guarding the tower. However, after witnessing your power, I believe we can spare your life, as long as you pledge your unwavering loyalty to the prince. In return, we will also spare your two friends. What do you say?" the knight responded

"The prince, again, every single fucking time. I've lost everything because of him, and now it's him again, and you're asking me to become his dog? Are you out of your fucking mind?" Ashen seethed, his voice searing with rage. His eyes started to emit a violet glow, his vision clouded with red, and he felt his rational mind slipping away as anger seized control.