Several days had passed, and Oskar had now grown accustomed to the forest. He crafted weapons from animal bones and began hunting in the second zone of the forest.
He started by hunting wolves that usually traveled in packs. They were silent and clever, attacking quietly and experts at stalking their prey.
Using pieces of meat from a deer he had hunted the day before, he smeared blood onto several sticks and placed them in the opposite direction of their den.
The night wind carried the scent deep into the forest, and Oskar waited behind the bushes, observing.
One, two… caught by the aroma, leaving the pack leader on guard at the back.
Oskar pulled a string he had set earlier, producing the sound of breaking twigs on the other side. The leader turned, hesitant, then stepped away to investigate.
Perfect. They were now separated.
He gripped his bone spear tightly and began moving silently, hunting the weakest one first.
Oskar spotted a wolf far from the pack and launched his attack.
After the wolf fell into the trap, he pulled the string and the wolf was caught. Oskar then appeared, and the wolf's anger was clear.
It howled loudly and began chasing him.
Oskar ran past the rocks, purposely letting the wolf fall into his trap, but the clever wolf avoided them all.
The wolf kept chasing and suddenly, Oskar's presence vanished. The strong scent of meat around him disturbed the wolf's sense of smell.
Unexpectedly, Oskar jumped from behind and kicked the wolf into a hidden trap filled with sharp thorns beneath dry leaves.
[You gained EXP]
"I have killed enough. My level should be sufficient."
Oskar opened his status window to check his leveling progress.
[Status Window]
[Name: Oskar River]
[Level: 18]
[Class: (Unselected)]
Strength: D
Agility: B+
Endurance: C+
Intelligence: B+
This should be enough. I am ready for the Hidden Trial.
The leveling system within the tower is not that important in the middle of the story, but early on it matters greatly until one obtains a class.
There are two ways to obtain a class. The first way is to level up and gain the attention of the Tower.
By gaining the Tower's attention, a Climber receives a card from the Tower to advance their class and become an awakener.
There are many classes, including Warden, Striker, Sentinel, Shade, and Runist. These are common classes that can be improved through the Climber's chosen path.
There are also Unique Classes with hidden requirements. Sometimes they demand a rare potion, and other times… a sacrifice.
The second way is more difficult but well worth it, finding a Sigil. A symbol that can be implanted into a Climber's soul, granting a special class.
Sigils come in many varieties from useful ones to those that are completely useless. So luck decides which Sigil one obtains.
Additionally, those who acquire a Sigil are not bound by the Tower, making Sigil bearers more independent.
Various Sigils are scattered throughout the Tower, and the rarest is a Hidden Trial found in the tutorial.
Although not mentioned in published novels, it was the author's early idea when submitting the manuscript to the company.
So my theory is that the story in the novel does not follow the published version but rather the author's original concept.
As a former editor, Oskar knew the gaps between stories. He thought it best to take the chance to investigate, especially since this Sigil had never been touched and was guarded by a keeper.
Oskar prepared his weapons and entered the third area, where ferocious monsters roamed. The place was far from normal.
The plants there stood upright and emitted a strange scent. Heavy footsteps echoed around the forest, and it felt as if hungry eyes were watching him.
With careful steps, he moved within the shadows, heading toward the Hidden Trial.
Oskar held his breath as he passed through trees with twisted roots that looked like giant hands.
A foul stench stabbed at his nose, mixed with the sharp scent of metal.
Suddenly, a heavy sound echoed from the darkness.
duk… duk… duk…
The rhythm was too strong for a mere beast.
From between the trees emerged a figure two meters tall, its skin rough like moss-covered stone, eyes glowing red. Every step it took caused the ground to tremble.
Oskar remained still, pressing his body against a tree trunk, watching closely.
On the creature's chest was a faint glowing rune circle, just like the one he had seen in an early draft of the manuscript.
That's it! The Hidden Trial guardian! The Guardian of the Forest, Kelembai!
The creature patrolled around a black menhir stone, surrounded by rusty spears stuck in the ground.
Oskar knew that to start the Hidden Trial, he had to touch the menhir. But one wrong step and the creature would turn him into stone.