Chapter 5: Guide
Deep in a woods somewhere, howling of monsters and beasts can be heard, along with the occasional humming of a cold weapon as it swings through the air, often followed by a howl or a scream that appears to be from creatures who are gradually losing the vigor and vitality in them, making those experienced ascender realize that whatever is in this area, it is definitely a battlefield riddled with blood and death.
The truth doesn't come off too far from this guess as should one follow where the sound come from, they can see a young man who appears to be in his mid-20's, the desolate, seemingly rugged and yet unfettered air around him making him appear like some sort of vagabond, that is despite the fact that everything he carries seems to be cleaned too often given now neat his clothing is despite the monster corpse littered field around him.
Showing his mastery to no one, or rather to himself, the young man's attention was directed towards another monster, a dire wolf-like creature standing a bit above a grown man's height, its fierce eyes glowing in murderous intent as it watches him carefully, and despite its overwhelming appearance, its predatory nature still shines through as it makes circle around him, gradually closing in the distance between the two of them as time goes by.
Should the one being targeted by this wolf-like monster is a beginner who just entered the tower for the first time, then it, along with its pack, would definitely have some good food that they can feast on for later, but unfortunately for them, this young man is anything but a beginner in the tower, and he has acute mastery over all things within it, only if it is within the range of the first floor, that is.
Thinking that the chance has arrived for it, the wolf-like beast immediately exploded in speed as its hind legs shot itself forward like an arrow, pouncing towards the young man who appears all too defenseless in the creature's eyes, an assumption that will cost its entire life to pay.
"Yeah, a monster is still a monster no matter how smart~" with his gaze now moving towards the location of the wolf monster, the young man revealed a cunning smile on his face as his grip on the sword tightens, his lower body solidly planted on the ground as he held the sword with both hands, his muscles bulging while he inhales, inflating his chest as well while he raises his sword with both hands high in the air.
This sort of things should've been a fatal mistake for a beginner as this creature is anything but safe, with razor sharp claws enough to tear apart any armor and shield, a strength way beyond that of any normal ascender can muster, and the even more absurd speed to back its strength up, is more than enough to spell the doom of even the most combat adept ascenders in the first floor, and yet...