Vesely felt her body clench as she watched Kenny slam the broken piece of wood right into the side of the Skeletal Knight Commander’s face and making it fall to the ground for the first time. This wasn’t the first time she felt her body going on a rollercoaster of anxiety and it wouldn’t be the last.

This fight Kenny and Val were going through was the toughest they’ve had during the entire Trial Grounds so far. If she was honest, due to their handicap of only being a two person team, this had turned into the toughest fight for anyone in this Trial Grounds.

There have been some…hard to watch fights as the days went by that led to deaths, but that was due to infighting, sheer stupidity of the young thinking they knew best, or overconfidence. Kenny’s and Val’s fight on the other hand was more of lack of people and not having the proper weapons or abilities for the job.

Vesely had agreed with some of the others that the mid-boss for this specific area was an interesting one. She didn’t know much about this area because many usually didn’t pick it and those that did would die either before reaching the Mid-Area boss due to getting swarmed and overwhelmed, or they would be a party of all fighters with no magical abilities when they reached that specific mid boss.

It was thanks to Val’s awakening that helped them discover the trick to that boss that they were able to get passed the part where others had failed. Even the physical fighters in the room was impressed that the two had shown not just wit in figuring out the combination needed to take down the boss, but also the amount of trust they placed in each other. Something they were showing once again during this fight.

Vesely saw the smile on a few of the women in the room when Kenny appeared when Val called for him. They were also impressed with Val’s valor for trying to keep the monster’s attention on her so Kenny could recover from the Debuff he was suffering. Vesely thought the ability to punch a Debuff onto an enemy was broken. Especially since it was able to somehow bypass his jawbone mask that should have lessened the effects.

Vesely heard someone awed as Kenny picked up Val in a princess carry and brought her over to their bags where he gently placed her down and swiftly grabbed a couple of health potions. He helped her with the first one and handed her the next one when she argued that she could do it herself. Vesely held back the laugh that wanted to slip as she noticed the embarrassed look and flushed cheeks on Val’s face.

Kenny grabbed a couple of vials filled with yellow liquid and downed them before grabbing a few more and placing them somewhere he could easily grab them. The two were back to full health, mana, and stamina and were ready to go back into the fight. Anger was written on their faces as they stared down the boss monster slowly getting back up.

“So, what was that all about?” Estrella suddenly asked bringing all of their attention to her. “I mean we’ve all seen him fight monsters, skeletons especially in this second half, but this guy…” She pointed at the Skeletal Knight Commander, “it feels like his attack pattern and his fighting prowess disappeared. That fire we’ve all seen in his eyes, sure it returned, but where was it before now?”

“I have a theory,” Lisandra started as she looked towards the woman. When no one said anything she continued, “I think the Confusion Debuff that he was hit with made his mind see the monster as something he wouldn’t fight seriously enough to the death. However, since the confusion debuff can’t…”

“Wait, he was hit with a Confusion Debuff? How? When?” Gunnar questioned. Surprise written on his face.

“I’m also curious about this,” Christian chimed in, eager to learn this new development.

“That creature’s gear is enchanted with mental magic resistance. All except those gauntlets. They have an enchantment that allows them to place a Confusion Debuff on whatever it attacks when striking them with the gauntlets,” Lisandra explained, slightly annoyed she was interrupted.

“But doesn’t he have that jaw guard to protect him from Debuffs?” another asked with a puzzled look on their face.

“It does. However, the way it works is…very specific,” Lisandra stated with some hesitation.

“What do you mean very specific?” Mimi inquired. “It either works or it doesn’t. Equipment isn’t wishy washy.”

“No, but they do have specific wording that can create confusion on how they work,” Lisandra corrected. “For example, the wording on that jaw guard states, The rune-like markings helps defend the wearer against Hex, Curse, and Debuff like attacks used against the wearer.”

“Okay,” Mimi said with a frown. “I still don’t see the problem. He was hit with the Freezing Cold Debuff when those ghosts ran through him and he was able to lessen them.”

Vesely took a moment to replay the words in her mind several times as she too was confused. She thought about what Lisandra had said about how the debuff was applied on Kenny and then back to the specific line of words she chose to single out before thinking about Mimi’s example of Kenny’s other fight. After contemplating it she believed she had the answer and slowly replied, “Is it that the Confusion Debuff wasn’t applied like an attack but rather as an effect?”

Lisandra pointed at Vesely and smiled while saying, “Bingo. The attack wasn’t the Confusion Debuff itself, but the punch. The debuff was only an added effect so therefore it didn’t register as a Debuff-like attack.” She then looked at Mimi and answered, “Those ghosts weren’t the attack but the Debuff itself.”

Mimi let out a loud huh of annoyance as she muttered, “That’s stupid. This is why I don’t like complex shit. I prefer simplicity much better.”

“That still doesn’t explain why he went from going in with a plan and looking alive ready to destroy to running on autopilot trying to dodge and…whatever that was,” Another commented. “I mean he looked excited in all his fights trying to survive and defeat his opponents to looking miserable and barely putting in the effort.”

Lisandra frowned as she thought back to it. After a good moment she shook her head. “I don’t know. Maybe it has to do with something psychologically? Unless we knew his past or whatever it was the Confusion made him see. I don’t think we’ll get an answer.”

“I might have to do with whoever trained him,” Christian suddenly chimed in, causing everyone to turn to look at him with surprise. He gave them a confused look before saying, “What? You see this with many people who were trained by those who had specific goals in their minds or when someone is forced to learn how to fight when they don’t want to. After watching him fight so many battles I don’t think it’s the latter so the former has some merit to it.”

Lisandra thought about what he said before replying, “That sounds logical, but then again unless we know what he saw we won’t really know what the answer is.”

“Maybe we can ask him…,” someone tried to suggest before Estrella let out a loud scoff cutting them off.

“Ask him when he gets out?” Estrella started. “You’re acting like he’s going to survive and make it to the end. Even if they somehow make it past this Area boss did you forget he hasn’t awakened a single Skill Tree besides his Defense Skill Tree? It’s already annoying the stupid Debuff girl has fully awakened, but him? He has no chance unless he find out which area has his triggers and even then he would need to find the right combination of portals and fight his way through each area. They have less than twenty four hours till the Trial Grounds are over.”

“Negative much,” Vesely muttered.

“I prefer realistic,” Estrella stated with a glare. “You’re just too optimistic. I don’t know what you are hoping to see out of him, but if I were you I’d accept reality. He’s nothing but an unlucky physical fighter with a less than helpful ability that is only useful in certain situations. Besides being a meat shield for miss Debuff stacker, he really doesn’t have much worth nor potential.”

“Five days,” Ayla suddenly said causing the whole room to go silent.

“What?” Estrella asked as she raised a brow.

“Correction, less than five days,” Alya corrected before adding, “He only had five days to take on this Trial Grounds while everyone else had seven. It has taken him to get through areas one through four a single day each. The first two were by himself until the third day when he met his current partner. Someone he had help fully awaken without any hesitation nor fighting to search for his own triggers.”

The information laid before her was irrefutable. Kenny’s journey through the Trial Grounds so far wasn’t easy. He fought tooth and nail by himself through Mid-Area Bosses and Area Bosses as well as a Nest Challenge before he had met Val. And even after teaming up with her it didn’t take them long to learn how to properly use each other for situations. Not many could lay claim to the Titles he gained nor the impressive achievements he had gained coming this far.

“I’d say he has proven he has potential to make it to the end. Maybe even the potential to become a Tower Titans for this generation,” Ayla commented, her facial features schooled into a neutral one not giving away any signs of emotions.

Tower Titans. Tower Titans were Ascenders who were top of their Tier and generation. In order for one to become a Tower Titan they needed to pull off a feat that none in their current generation could do. When doing so they would receive a certain Title from the Tower itself proclaiming them they have what it takes to go all the way without anyone being able to argue or fight it.

Becoming one gave them rights and benefits others were not privy to. Their fame would rise and be known to everyone not just inside the Tower, but outside as well. They received support from a previous Tower Titan in the form of mentorship, management, or both depending on how active they were in the Tower.

Previous Tower Titans like Vesely and everyone in this room besides Ayla. That’s what they were doing right now. Assessing these potentials and making note of not only who they think could reach this achievement, but also determining if when they got to this point if they want to claim them.

Other benefits Tower Titans received early on was better chances at resources to help grow a solid and powerful path meant for them. A support team the same tier as them, or a tier above depending on their role, of crafters, merchants, chefs, and more that were allowed to move between floors and layers without having to fight.

The chance to get scouted by one of the well-known families, clans, tribes, organizations, Companies, etc. and become one of them. The list of benefits were endless and really determined how serious an ascender was after becoming a Tower Titan. That seriousness would also be tested at the Ranking Tournament on the Fifth Layer where the Ascenders had a chance to fight each other and see how they stacked up against each other no just against their generation but other generations after reaching higher tiers.

Of course it wasn’t just the Tower Titans who got a good deal out of this. Anyone who was a part of their team received benefits as well. Especially the crafters hand picked to work and grow along side the Tower Titans. They received their own mentors to help them not just grow but also so they could properly support their Tower Titan Patron. They also received resources along side and knowledge not privy to most.

Even their Mentors and managers got bragging rights they used to flaunt against the other Mentors and Managers. Those who were a part of well-known family, clan, tribe, organization, and the like would get publicity showing other Ascenders who are looking to join these places how great they were.

For the mentors who were more independent they got their own recognition too in the form of how great their mentor was. There was a lot to a Tower Titan and those who received the Title definitely showed they deserved it.

That’s why these viewing they were all taking part in were important. Those who didn’t have a claim to a Tower Titan were here looking to see the possibility of the new crop. They wanted to see if there were any possible upcoming Tower Titans that fit their style of combat or even support. Nothing was off the table.

“Tha…That’s a bold claim. Even for you Ayla,” Estrella stated hesitantly. “We all know we won’t know who exactly could receive the most sought-after Tower Titan title until at least the Second Layer where they come across tougher challenges. Since the only challenge worth pursuing on the first layer would be to get a perfect Tier up, something we all know new Tower Ascenders don’t have the patience for, and kill the Layer Guardian. Another impossible feature that would require at least a couple to several Ascenders having a Perfect Tier Up as well as a well-balanced team. However, even then he would still need to awaken both of his Skill Trees. Are you saying even with all the odds stacked against him he will still make it?”

Ayla shrugged before saying with a neutral tone. “I am not saying. I am only implying that so far he has done what we have deemed impossible. But you make particularly good points. He still needs to finish this fight and so far he’s been beaten and bloodied due to unfortunate stupidity, and possibly that Debuff, and continuously attacking the same spot on the armor. However, he is lucky enough to have that bracelet and refilled vials of water. Maybe…”

A loud screech suddenly echoed throughout the room causing everyone to jump out of sheer surprise to look at Gunnar. Some looked annoyed at the sheer gall he had to interrupt Ayla, a few were annoyed due to getting shocked like that, but those who were smarter saw the shock on his face before it slowly formed into a smile.

Vesely, confused by the man’s actions, turned to look at the object of his attention. Even Vesely was surprised at the sudden turn of events happening on the screen. It took everyone a short time before they turned to see what was happening.

Ayla, who was trying very hard to keep a neutral expression on her face, allowed herself a small smile before saying, “It looks like whatever was cobwebbing his mind has finally been shaken off and he’ll be joining those who are waiting to fight the final boss of the Trial Grounds.”

Estrella stared at the screen with a mixture of confusion and annoyance. She had no words to say so she didn’t say anything. Instead, she watched as the young man stepped to the side and brushed the gauntleted punch thrown at him to the inside as he stepped to the outside of the monster before slamming his elbow down on the forearm and throwing his knee up under the bicep of the monster snapping the bone at the elbow joint.

The creature let out a hiss of annoyance as Kenny jumped back right in time for an empowered Pain Hex attack to smack the creature right in the face. Five ghosts swarmed around and through Val, filling up her the two runes on her hands giving her the power boost she needed to successfully land her own attacks when Kenny gave an opening.

Estrella was getting more and more annoyed every time she watched how well they worked together. After successfully getting Victor to dismiss the useless wretch, only for her to show she had even a smidgen of worth with a different team, a single member team might she add…it both grated and pissed her off greatly.

Not only that, but the one she had teamed up with was showing more promise than any of the other prospects. That included her Victor. Never mind he hasn’t awakened any of the two Skill Trees he needs to pass the Trial Ground, but he also successfully soloed the first two areas by himself without any awakened Skill Trees or abilities other than his Defense Skill Tree and an ability that saved him against poisons.

Even in the third area, after teaming up with that lanky girl, he still hadn’t awakened anything and was still trudging along. Now it looked like they were going to make it pass the fourth area after almost dying.

This could not stand. She was going to need to make this right or else her Victor was going to get overshadowed. And to her, no one got away with overshadowing what she believes is the best.

Gunnar slowly sat back down as he continued to watch Kenny finally start fighting like he supposed to. He knew everyone saw his reaction moments ago and probably believed it was because of how the tide of the battle was going. However, they didn’t truly know why he reacted the way he did.

Kenny’s fighting style had changed the moment he stepped into the courtyard to battle this Area Boss. He had noticed the changes and had a feeling he understood exactly what was going on in his head.

He hadn’t explained his thoughts on the issues Kenny displayed earlier nor did he explain why he was so happy to see the martial style of fighting he was displaying. He didn’t want them to know. Because the style he was displaying had a lot of elements derived from his clan’s fighting style.

How or why, he was displaying elements of a fighting style that only existed in the Tower and from their family could be easily explained. There were some Tower Ascenders who trained with their clan but after a few years decided this lifestyle wasn’t for them so they left the tower entirely and lived back on the planet where they slowly died away.

So, seeing this young lad displaying movements and fighting tactics that he could understand wasn’t such a shocker. Well, it kind of was because he wasn’t expecting it, but he didn’t question where it came from.

Kenny kicked the open jointed areas of the skeletal creature that wasn’t covered by armor. He was swift, well as swift as his Agility stat allowed him to be, and precise. He could still see the wincing on Kenny’s face which was understandable. Endurance could only mask so much of the pain he felt when attacking with nothing but his fists, shins, and feet. He needed nodes that could help with strengthening his body, maybe even more damage mitigation to help him.

If he kept going down the hand-to-hand combat way of fighting there were some ideal styles of fighting he could go down. Evasive swift aggro kiter with some powerful attacks sprinkled in. A tanker probably could be an option, but the lack of powerful damage abilities would become a problem later one. A bruiser-type fighter was a great option as well. It really came down to his last two Skill Tree awakenings and class.

Gunnar frowned at that last thought. As much as he hated the woman, Estrella was right. His chances of awakening his last two Skill Trees were woefully low. He didn’t want to get his hopes up in the chance he couldn’t make it, but there was a big part of him that wanted to see this young lad succeed.

His character was exactly what his clan strived for. Protect your team, pay back the debt built up, and most importantly have fun fighting. Even though he could tell Kenny was pissed for his blunder earlier in the fight and allowing his only teammate to get hurt, he could still see the joy burning hot in his eyes as he fought and slowly tore this creature down bit by bit.

He was happy the young man wouldn’t die now and had the spark he had been displaying in his previous fights. Deep down he hoped he would pass the Trial Grounds. He wasn’t sure why, but watching him made the old man want to train him even more. It had been a long time since he felt that way. Not since...

He shook his head. he wouldn’t fall back into that state of mind and focus on what was in front of him instead.

Unlike most of the people in the room, Lisandra kept her eyes on Val. While many wrote her off, Lisandra didn’t. She saw potential. Her use of her Slow Debuff before was horrible, but Lisandra believed that was because her teammates around the time held her back. After teaming up with this Kenny kid, she had gradually gotten better at landing them. Not only that but her confidence after Kenny praised her ability had only grown to help her.

Something many people didn’t know or realize about Buffers, Debuffers, Hex and Curse Users, etc. the state of their mind is what helped them when landing their abilities. Of course, things like stats, resistances, and the like had a big impact, but the more a person was confident or understood they had the trust of their teammates or, in Val’s case, teammate the higher their chances of successfully landing them would be.

It didn’t make much sense to many people, but there was a study on the state of a person’s mental state when using Buffs, Debuffs, and everything in that area. Val was showing results for the positive mental state side of the arguments, something Lisandra believed many in the organization she belonged to would instantly love to hear and accept her without questions.

Lisandra spared a glance at Kenny for a long moment, taking him in. While she had no interest in him as a fighter, she did have an interest in his character. He didn’t toss Val aside and had nothing but praises and compliments for the girl. No one could tell what exactly he was saying to her at times, but Lisandra knew praise and compliments when she saw them.

Not only that but he had placed his body on the line to protect her a few times. That was the level of trust any caster wanted from those on the front line. So, after all was said and done, she guessed she too was hoping the young man would pass the Trial Grounds. After all, if both of them passed and they continued to climb the layers together as a team then there was a chance he could continue to help grow her confidence and make her one of the best Hex and Debuff users out there.

 

---

 

Kenny threw a hard right hook across the Skeletal Knight Commander’s bony face. He was angry. He was pissed at this creature for messing with his mind in the way that it did. He was angry that it hurt Val, someone he swore he would protect. He was angry with his less-than-ideal performance. But most importantly, he was angry at himself.

Because of something his father drilled into him every time he trained he was taken advantage of. His mindset had changed for reasons he didn’t know. He didn’t see this as a fight to win. He saw it as a battle of attrition and was waiting for the person to give up and walk away.

Except it wasn’t a person. It was a monster and to this monster it was a battle to the death. He still didn’t understand how he thought the skeletal monster was a person. He was going to need to explain to Val why he acted the way he did and apologize for breaking his promise. He only hoped she didn’t want to use this as a reason to break their group up once they reached the final boss when they needed to form a raid team.

Tower damn it. He really messed up, letting her not just take a punch or a kick but also had her leg sliced up by that monster’s sword. Luckily, the healing potion was able to heal wounds like that and the sword hadn’t taken her entire leg off.

He couldn’t remember if the potion was strong enough to reattach it. That would have screwed her over if the monster had sliced her leg off and it would have been his fault.

Kenny jumped to his left keeping to the outside of the monster’s body. He made it in time as a magical blast slammed into the monster’s chest further indenting the iron metal and causing cracks to form.

He was rather impressed with the fire power her wand had when her Runes of Absorption were full. He didn’t know if she was using both runes at the same time or one for this attack and another for her Pain Hex or Slow Debuff. Either way her support was making it so much easier to deal with the monster. Once the chest piece was finally destroyed then it would only be a matter of time before they…

Kenny felt a powerful surge of mana suddenly come to life behind him. Knowing where it was coming from, Kenny swiftly rolled away from the creature creating as much space as he could as the powerful ball of mana flew and crashed right into the same indented spot Val had been aiming and hitting over and over. As soon as the blast collided with the spot both Kenny and Val heard the sound of metal cracking and breaking fill the room.

Kenny stared at the piece of armor slowly crumbling apart with disbelief. He now knew what a double empowered Rune of Absorption magical attack looked like. Something he didn’t want to test his body against. At least…not right now.

Kenny took this opportunity Val had presented and wasted no time getting back into the fight. He threw in a flurry of punches and kicks all over the creature’s body. Apparently, the magical attack did more than just destroy the armor, it had also damaged the rib bones. Kenny learned this as he punched each one and watched them snap away upon impact without much effort.

The Skeletal Knight Commander tried to throw one last powerful punch right for Kenny’s skull with its last good arm and hand, but was stopped as Kenny swiftly transitioned into a hip throw using every ounce of strength he had left to slam the bone body into the ground. He let out a sigh of relief as he watched the Area Boss monster shatter into a pile of broken bones the moment it hit the floor.

Kenny gave Val a smile as he breathed heavily. He raised a hand out with a thumbs up as he tried to take in as much air as he could. As he did this he felt all the tension built up within his body suddenly disappear causing every muscle and bone in his body to grow limp before he fell face first onto the stoned dirty floor.