The Slaughterer of the Beginner's Forest
For some reason, she suddenly craved potatoes. Tap-tap— The sound of small animals scurrying quickly through the underbrush echoed around her. Sparrows chirped, and the rustle of creatures stirring the grass filled the air—a symphony of nature's harmony. These were the everyday sounds of the Tower's 1st floor, the so-called Beginner's Forest.
It was an unnaturally pristine wilderness, one even hard to find in the real world's forests. Because of this unique atmosphere, even those who never challenged the Tower would occasionally stroll through the 1st floor. They'd linger at the edges of the Beginner's Forest without signing any contracts or taking exams, simply enjoying a forest bath before heading home. It was a space where even non-climbers could come for a break—a sanctuary of sorts. For that reason, the Beginner's Forest symbolized peace for the people and served as the starting point for truly learning about the Tower's system.
And right now, in that very Beginner's Forest, an unprecedented massacre was unfolding.
Shiiik—Kyaang—! The pitiful screams of horned rabbits filled the serene woods. Beside them, a black-haired girl shook the blood from her dagger with practiced ease.
Her name was Ha-yeon. She was now a fairly skilled hunter, having taken down countless horned rabbits in the Beginner's Forest.
It was around the time Ha-yeon had slain roughly a hundred horned rabbits.
Agility has increased by 1.
A flat, emotionless voice rang successively in her ears.
"Hm?"
Ha-yeon tilted her head and opened her status window.
Bonus Points: 16
Current Floor: 1F | Qualification: Apprentice Climber
Every stat except Agility was stuck at 5, while Agility alone had reached 6.
On her way to Nelly to collect potatoes, Ha-yeon asked about it.
"Repeated actions can sometimes raise stats. The probability is low, and it only gives 1 point anyway, so it's not efficient."
"Hmm."
"Titles work the same way. You get them for special actions that achieve feats others can't."
At Nelly's explanation, Ha-yeon checked the title she'd just acquired.
Ha-yeon invested her excess bonus points evenly.
Agility has increased by 1.
Strength has increased by 1.
Vitality has increased by 1.
She grabbed Nelly's sleeve and tugged it playfully.
"More than that, Nelly—I killed another horned rabbit."
"Yeah, I was waiting for you to say that."
Nelly grinned and pulled something out. A potato.
Sniff— Saliva pooled at the corners of Ha-yeon's mouth on reflex.
"Here, your potato."
"Potato!"
Nom— Ha-yeon snatched it and took a huge bite. The fluffy, moist texture of perfectly steamed potato exploded in her mouth.
"Mmm!"
Maybe because Nelly's favorability had gone up. The potatoes she gave as rewards now were different from the earlier ones—no more half-broken or undercooked ones. These were properly steamed quest rewards. No salt or sugar was a bit of a shame, but to Ha-yeon, who had happily eaten the undercooked ones before, it was no different from a delicacy.
"Nom nom...."
"You really savor it, huh."
Gulp— Nelly watched Ha-yeon's potato mukbang from the side and swallowed her own saliva.
It was a familiar sight, repeated several times already in the Beginner's Forest.
*
Meanwhile, Nelly wasn't the only one watching.
Outside the Tower. More precisely, in a dimension beyond human perception. There, dozens, hundreds of gazes floated. Like constellations. The twinkling lights looked less like stars and more like eyes.
They were the Constellations. Ever since the Towers appeared, they had peered inside, enjoying the spectacle.
Climbers' choices. Battles. Frustration and growth. Unexpected actions. All of it was mere "entertainment" to them.
"...No horned rabbits are spawning in Tower #324's Beginner's Forest. What in the world...?"
The Observing Constellation, who watched in silence, spoke. A cheerful voice replied.
"That's because of this kid!"
The Playful Constellation manipulated the screen for all to see. It showed a girl. She dispatched horned rabbits the moment they appeared, then went straight to Nelly for her reward. The reward? Steaming hot steamed potatoes.
She took the potato from Nelly and devoured it on the spot, looking blissfully happy. It was enough to make saliva flow just watching—but the Constellation who asked couldn't help questioning.
"...One climber wiped out the horned rabbit population?"
"Yep."
"Why would she do that...?"
"For potatoes! Seems like she does it to eat potatoes!"
"She repeats that... for mere potatoes...?"
Incredulous mutters. Another Constellation stifled a laugh.
"The epitome of inefficiency. Modern climbers are so quirky."
It was the Challenging Constellation, who valued trials.
But the Observing Constellation, who had been quietly watching, reacted a bit differently.
"...No. It's not just about eating potatoes."
His gaze delved deeper into the Tower. Ha-yeon's face on the screen. Receiving the potato, eating it with a joyful expression. Confirming the surge of emotion—focus, satisfaction—Observing spoke.
"...There's flow."
"Flow?"
Challenge questioned.
"Few climbers show that level of immersion in something as simple as eating...."
"Yeah? It's fun, but that big a deal?"
"Always making a fuss, Observing."
The Playful Constellation chuckled softly.
"I think it's fun."
"What a boring sideshow. So what if we watch a climber eat potatoes?"
Challenge grumbled, and another joined in. The Admirer Constellation, collector of cuteness.
"It is weird. Climbers at that stage usually prioritize efficiency."
"They wouldn't repeat that for potatoes, at least."
"Still, that kid's cute. Maybe make her my apostle?"
Their gazes focused on one spot. Ha-yeon slaying another horned rabbit, heading to Nelly for a potato. And eating it without hesitation. As if it was the most delicious thing ever.
"...Why."
Observing muttered as he watched.
"Watching her... makes me feel hungry...."
Challenge beside him scoffed in disbelief.
"Illusion. No way."
"We don't feel hunger! No need to eat!"
"...Yeah, true...."
Yet their eyes didn't leave the screen.
"More importantly, this kid!"
The Playful Constellation spoke up.
"What's her name?"
Moments later, information floated up somewhere in the space.
Qualification: Apprentice Climber
"Ha-yeon! Yeah! Nice name!"
Observing, examining Ha-yeon, murmured softly.
"...She's peculiar. Not especially strong. No bizarre skills either. So why does she draw the eye like this?"
"First time you've shown this much interest in a climber."
Admirer drawled slowly.
"Sponsor her?"
"...What?"
"She's fun. Cute too. Aren't you curious what happens next?"
Challenge crossed his arms, displeased.
"Hmm... Too early, no?"
"She's a beginner. Could die any second!"
"Sponsoring someone who dies would be a waste...."
"Challenge just lost an apostle like that recently, right?"
"Shut your mouth...!"
Playful laughed at Challenge's rage.
"That's what makes it more fun!"
She replayed Ha-yeon's image.
"Will she survive? Or die munching potatoes? We could even bet on it!"
"...Still got that twisted hobby, Playful."
"Hmph, she's always like that."
That was when it happened. On the screen, Ha-yeon popped the last potato into her mouth and muttered.
—Delicious.... So, so sincerely.
Observing, seeing it, murmured.
"...Dangerous."
"What?"
"That kid."
He paused, then added.
"Keep watching... and it might affect us too."
"Kuhahaha, fun! A climber influencing Constellations."
Challenge burst into mad laughter at Observing's words.
"Definitely rare—a climber giving immersion through something so trivial!"
"Indeed...."
"Let's watch a bit more, then."
The Constellations' gazes locked onto Ha-yeon all at once.
Observation had begun from an unseen place.