Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel
Chapter 4: The Trial of Endurance – Fifth Floor
The portal shimmered as Lee Hwan stepped through, leaving behind the volcanic ruins of the fourth floor. He emerged in a dense, mist-covered forest. The atmosphere was eerily silent—no monsters in sight, no visible threats. But he could feel it.
Something was watching.
[Welcome to the Tower – Floor 5]
Objective: Survive for 30 Days in the "Forest of Dread"
Rules: You will receive Daily Tasks. Failing a daily task will result in penalties.
Special Tasks may be assigned. Completing them grants rare rewards.
Your current level: 29
Recommended level: 30+
You may not leave the floor until the survival period ends.
Lee Hwan's expression stayed calm.
"Survive for a month, huh? Sounds like a vacation compared to everything else."
But he wasn't reckless. He activated one of his most crucial skills.
[Skill Activated – Eye of the Dragon Lv. 2]
The world around him changed. His vision sharpened—he could now see heat signatures, mana pulses, hidden lifeforms. The forest, which appeared lifeless, was now full of movement. Small beasts, lurking monsters, even traps buried under foliage… all became visible.
"So that's the trick. This floor pretends to be peaceful, but it's a jungle of hidden death."
Suddenly, a system alert popped up.
[Day 1 – Daily Task Issued]
Task: Hunt and cook one "Scarlet Stag" and build a shelter by nightfall.
Time Remaining: 12 Hours
He smiled. "Alright then. Let's begin."
Lee moved swiftly through the woods, his Phantom Step allowing him to glide silently through the terrain. Within an hour, he spotted the Scarlet Stag—a crimson-horned beast that blended into the reddish trees. It was fast, agile, and extremely alert.
But Lee wasn't ordinary.
With a quick dash, he moved behind the stag and used Dragon Aura, his presence suppressing the creature's movement for just a second. That was all he needed.
Slash!
Using a sharp bone dagger he'd crafted from the fourth floor, he slit the stag's neck with precise motion. Clean. Efficient.
[Task Update: Scarlet Stag hunted – Cooking required]
He quickly built a small campfire using dry moss and dragon heat. Within 30 minutes, a cooked portion of the Scarlet Stag sizzled over the flames.
[Task Part 1 Complete: Cooked Meat Delivered]
Next was the shelter.
Lee used thick leaves, broken branches, and natural vines to construct a simple but sturdy lean-to. He reinforced it with Dragon Aura to keep away mana-sensitive beasts.
[Task Part 2 Complete: Shelter built before nightfall]
[Day 1 Task Completed – +100 XP, +10 Contribution Points]
Lee leaned back under the cover of his shelter, staring at the stars peeking through the forest canopy.
"So this floor tests survival instincts, not just strength…"
He checked his status.
[Lee Hwan – Level 29]
Skills: Eye of the Dragon Lv.2, Dragon Aura Lv.2, Dragon Summon Lv.2, Flame Burst Lv.2, Phantom Step Lv.1
Available Points: 20
"I'll hold off for now," he muttered. "Let's see what tomorrow brings."
But just as he closed his eyes, another window appeared—blood red in color.
[Special Task Unlocked – Blood Moon Hunt]
Objective: Defeat the "Midnight Howler" before dawn
Reward: Rare Equipment or Skill Core (Randomized)
Time Left: 5 hours
Lee opened his eyes.
"A special hunt on the first night?" He grinned. "Bring it