A death rate of 100 percent implies that no one has ever succeeded.
Tyler furrowed his brow, perplexed as to why Viviana had specifically warned him about this.
— “Remember, never attempt the F·I·F·T·H level of difficulty in the trials, no matter what!” She had said.
(Did I appear to be a reckless person?)
Tyler couldn’t fathom the reason.
(Silly Nissen: Hehe, you don’t understand-o, do you?)
(Silly Nissen: When a girl cares for someone, she’ll worry about even the smallest things, like choking on water!)
The stupid girl, for once, seemed more “intelligent” than Tyler and sang triumphantly.
With the cacophony of the “background music,” Tyler continued to inquire about the Gateway of Trials from Oleg.
“Branch chief, if that’s the case, doesn’t everyone opt for the white trials?”
“Indeed, there is a tendency for that, but some choose higher difficulties for better rewards.”
Oleg elaborated further on the details of the trials.
Challengers could unlock level restrictions by completing any level of difficulty, but higher difficulties promised greater rewards.
Moreover, the strength of demons within the trials would adapt according to the challenger’s level. In the most “laid-back” scenario, one could choose to face the white trials at level 20, 50 and 90, which was the choice of the vast majority.
“After all, life is the most important thing. If you die, you lose everything.”
Hearing Oleg’s words, Tyler could somewhat guess why the old man’s level had stagnated at 50 without further advancement. Additionally, Emilia’s Combat Occupation level was precisely at 20.
“What do you mean by level tiers?”
“Oh, it’s simple. Levels 1 to 20 make up the first tier, 21 to 50 make up the second tier, and so on.”
“I see. So, it’s better to reach the highest level within the corresponding tier before challenging the trials, right?”
“Exactly.”
Oleg found it strange that this friend of Viviana’s was entirely unfamiliar with such basic knowledge. However, he was a discerning man who knew what to ask and what not to ask.
“Sir, your level should still be in the first tier, right? There has been a shortage of level-one white trials recently, but if necessary, I can help reserve a spot for you.”
As expected of a branch chief, Oleg was considerate, but Tyler wasn’t ready to make a decision just yet.
“No need for that, I’ll think it over and contact you later.”
Rather than choosing the trial’s difficulty, Tyler was more curious about how Oleg had deduced his first-tier level.
(It must be based on experience… I must appear weak, lacking the presence Viviana and the others possess.)
Tyler believed that, aside from his slightly higher magic power, his strength and dexterity attributes were far from satisfactory. Furthermore, his abilities in direct combat were a significant weakness.
The road to becoming stronger was long and arduous.
·
“Is there anything else I can assist you with, sir?”
“Not at the moment. I’ll come find you at the guild if I need anything.”
After their conversation that evening, Tyler believed that Oleg, the branch chief, was a valuable acquaintance.
Oleg’s attentiveness wasn’t solely due to the Scarlet Family’s golden emblem but rather his friendship with Viviana.
Viviana was truly impressive, a sixteen-year-old girl with such a robust network.
Before parting ways, Tyler suddenly remembered something.
“Branch chief, I have an impertinent request…”
.
Early the next day, Tyler arrived at the entrance of The Quest Guild.
At that time, there were only staff members who had just started work and not a single bounty hunter in sight.
Upon entering the hall, Tyler’s gaze met Emilia’s.
To his surprise, she took the initiative to wave and indicate the location of the “Gateway of Trials Guide”, though her face remained expressionless.
Tyler wasn’t a narcissist; he understood this wasn’t Emilia being friendly but rather a display of professional courtesy.
(Such people are rare in society.)
Tyler appreciated Emilia’s integrity, but Silly Nissen saw it differently.
(Silly Nissen: Really? I suspect she might have facial paralysis.)
Hearing the term “facial paralysis,” Tyler felt a pang of nostalgia.
He, too, had been called that in the past.
.
Having heard a detailed introduction from Oleg the night before, Tyler thanked Emilia for her kindness and headed straight for the quest board in the hall.
On the wooden board, a multitude of classified tasks were neatly posted.
Tyler was well aware of his own capabilities. Although he had reached level 20, it was due to sheer luck. In terms of combat ability and experience, he was still far from proficient.
There would be no one to rely on in the trial, and once inside, there would be no option to flee.
In this world, there were no potions to restore health or magical elixirs readily available. Challenging the trial at his current strength would be tantamount to suicide.
Thus, before attempting the trial, he had to be fully prepared – this was why he had come to view the tasks. 𝒐𝗏𝑙ℯxt.𝐜𝑜𝔪
Undertaking tasks would allow him to improve his skills and gain experience, as well as earn money to upgrade his equipment and items, perfectly aligning with Tyler’s current needs.
.
As time passed, more people gradually gathered around the quest board.
Since there were few people in the guild the night before and Tyler had left midway, his appearance at The Quest Guild today did not draw attention.
Blending into the crowd, Tyler heard everyone discussing the same task: “Hunt the Treant Lurking in the Wasteland.”
(Click the paragraph comment for quest details.)
The bounty hunters were discussing two main points of interest:
The task had been posted for half a month, but no one had managed to complete it.
The Meditation Ring was a favored piece of equipment for branch chief Oleg, who had previously refused to sell it despite numerous offers. It was surprising that he was willing to offer it as a reward this time.
“The internal quests released by the guild are great! I’m a level 31 warrior! Is anyone interested in teaming up with me?”
“Level 34 sword wielder here, level 29 sniper archer here, level 36 advanced grappler here, we need one more front-line tank to withstand the treant’s attacks. Anyone interested?”
“…”
These recruitment messages reminded Tyler of his days playing League of Legends. However, he had no intention of forming a team; he planned to go solo.
Stupid loli was puzzled by Tyler’s inner thoughts.
(Silly Nissen: Huh? Weren’t-o you going to find a girl to woo? Why are you looking at quests here?)
(Tyler: I’ve already chosen the girl. Completing this quest is the first step in wooing her.)
(Silly Nissen: Huh? When did-o you decide that? Who is she?!)