kscans

Chapter 844 - The Starting Line

◇You have defeated [Eldart Lindia, Key Tree Spirit]◇

◇Special Title Acquired◇
　・『One Who Follows the Tree Path』

◇Special Title 『One Who Follows the Tree Path』 has been activated◇

◇First Floor cleared.◇
　・A reward has been granted—Acquired [PARLs].
　・A reward has been granted—Acquired [Verdant Gem of Covenant].
　・A reward has been granted—Acquired [Key of Genesis].

"Alright, alright, that's quite a haul."

A green phosphorescence scattered into the air as a golden light enveloped my body.

The battle took a little over thirty minutes. It wasn't... unexpected. Considering how pathetically weak my current fighting strength is, that was probably pretty fast.

In any case, the victory was mine.

With a potential that I have to admit was a bit tough for a Lv.1 to handle, the rampaging tree spirit was slowly chipped away until I achieved a no-damage finish.

And then, a storm of announcements and rewards rained down on me.

As usual, I've avoided spoilers directly related to the conquest, but I have gathered the basic information, including the special rules of the Key Tree Maze.

Therefore, I've already studied up on the "starter set" that's given out for the first boss clear, as if to say, 'Welcome to the starting line.' My clan members and Sora, who's ahead of me, told me all about it.

First up is [PARLs]... Since there's no official reading provided, it's provisionally being called "pearls." In appearance, it's a 'fist-sized orb modeled after a plant seed,' and to put it simply, it's like a wallet.

I took it out of my inventory and gave it a quick tap for confirmation—it must be the amount I got from the boss that just scattered. The number '1000' was clearly displayed.

It's a currency, a different kind from Luna. As for its use... well, that's something to look forward to after clearing the tenth floor at the earliest. It's the main element that's thrown the world into a frenzy of excitement and a vortex of pandemonium, so I'm half excited and half terrified.

Next, the [Verdant Gem of Covenant] is an item that removes restrictions. You get the first one for clearing the first floor, and then, as expected, you get a second, third, and so on for every ten floors after that.

In short, you can use this on your equipment that has ceased to function inside the Key Tree Maze to breathe life back into it. Of course, it's a one-time use item, and one gem can only reactivate one piece of equipment. Most people would have to think long and hard about this.

—However...

"It's pretty much a no-brainer for me."

If I'm told to choose only one, it's as if I have no other options.

For now, my stats are so pathetically weak that armor would be a drop in the bucket, so that's a secondary concern. The weapon comes first. So... [Rabbit Short Sword: Parabellum]? [Samidorizuki]?

No, that's not it.

"Hey, wake up, partner. Let's go climb a tree, Stella."

Taking various circumstances into consideration, my Anima, [Alv Stella, True White Star Sword], is the only possibility.

I gently tapped the marble-sized orb, which held a faint green light and was also shaped like a seed, against the ring on my right middle finger—and with a faint glow, the weapon regained its power.

The reason is extremely simple. The Rabbit Short Sword consumes my meager MP with its bullet generation and body regeneration, making it unusable since my MID is currently 0. As for my jade blade, its blade is surprisingly long, making it unsuitable for combat in confined spaces, and besides, it's too heavy for my STR of 0 to handle.

As for the latter's weight, I can fake it with the 'Limited-Time Complete Weapon Control' ability of [Naraka Gandharva], but the various environmental factors still don't mesh well, so it would be tough.

In that respect, [Alv Stella] has an orthodox size and a moderate weight, making it easy to handle. And above all, its indestructible attribute as an `Anima` is just too reliable.

The peace of mind that comes from an unbreakable weapon will undoubtedly be a strong ally in my conquest.

I did say it was 'pretty much' a no-brainer because my [Hypothesis: Wedge-Armor Singing of the Royal Road (An=Ru Galta)], which also has the indestructible attribute and the top-class handling of 'gauntlets,' was also a candidate, but...

Well, you know.

"Whoa, hey, hold on, don't come out...! If you drain my MP, it's all over! Calm down, I'm begging you, stay, stay, stay...!!"

Since we're going back to basics, this will be a good opportunity to deepen our bond again. The ring is blinking cheerfully, so Stella is in a great mood. In many ways, I'm sure I made the right choice.

By the way, even though it becomes usable, its numerical performance and special abilities aren't fully unlocked. Apparently, like us players, it will regain its power as we clear the floors.

This means I can't, for example, unlock the [Aquamarine Rabbit Heart] and get a +200 MID boost from the get-go. Life isn't so easy.

—Anyway, let's move on to the last item, the [Key of Genesis].

This is a reward exclusive to clearing the first floor. It looks like a small 'key' shaped from a glossy tree root, and if I grip it tightly...

◇Use [Key of Genesis]?◇

And then, if I tap 'Yes' on the pop-up dialogue.

◇You can unlock one optional skill.◇

And well, that's how it is.

The deal is that it lets you unlock one skill of your choice, ahead of the specification where a certain number are randomly unlocked every ten floors, following the initially unlocked weapon proficiency skills.

...And well, as for this one too...

"Yep, yep, another no-brainer."

◇Skill [Trickster of Zenith] has been activated.◇

[Rocket]? [Ignition]? Ha, you must be joking.

There's no way I would mindlessly choose something like [Rega-Lielta]. Are you kidding me? Who could possibly handle that ultimate wild horse without all the other control skills?

The sensory nullification of self-inflicted damage, the improved dexterity from DEX stats, and the fall resistance that has continued to support my acrobatics with a subtle yet solid power... I haven't forgotten for a moment, [Trickster of Zenith], that you're the true foundation of my build.

This won't dramatically change my playstyle for now, but at the very least, I can prevent a future where a cascade of difficult-to-control skills leads to my death the moment I clear the tenth floor.

That's what's important, that's what matters—ah, the special enhancement effect (Trickster) is not needed. House.

And with that...

"Alright, let's go. Let's do this, partner!"

────────────────
◇Status / Trance / Restarted◇
Title：Acrobat
Name：Haru　 Lv：1⇒2
STR：0⇒10
AGI：10
DEX：0
VIT：0
MID：0
LUC：0

◇Skill◇
・[Naraka Gandharva]

・Active
──None Skill──

・Passive
《Trickster of Zenith》

《REJECT SENTENCE》

◇Arts◇
【Kesshiki Ittoryu】
　──────……
　────……
　──……
────────────────

I sheathed the straight sword that had served me well on the first floor, keeping it as a sub-weapon.

I summoned my new, wonderfully familiar white sword and, holding it ready... I jumped into the pillar of blue light rising in the center of the plaza, the transfer gate leading to the second floor.