The Thrill of Power

As the group pressed forward, Sebastian hung back, eager to test his newfound ability. The battlefield lay strewn with the bodies of defeated goblins—a perfect opportunity for his awakened power.

With a whispered incantation of "Devour," he watched in awe as the life force drained from the fallen creatures, leaving behind withered husks. The display was both terrifying and exhilarating. 

With each goblin absorbed, Sebastian felt a surge of strength and vitality coursing through him. It was as if he could feel himself growing stronger with every heartbeat. 

Checking his status after each absorption, he confirmed the incremental increase in his stats and the experience gained. This newfound power filled him with excitement, a tantalizing glimpse into his potential for growth within the Tower. Each devoured goblin had rewarded him with a random stat increase of 0.1 and 5 experience points. 

Yet, as he turned his attention to the fallen classmates, Sebastian couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Though they were mere acquaintances, their lives now served as fuel for his ascent. With a sense of detachment, he absorbed their essence, but to his disappointment, the gains were minimal—perhaps a reflection of their lower level compared to the goblins.

The notification of his total Devour gains flashed before him, detailing the boost to his stats and the experience earned. Satisfied with his progress, Sebastian hastened to catch up with his classmates, his mind buzzing with anticipation.

Devour Notification:

Strength: +1.5

Agility: +1.2

Endurance: +1.3

Intelligence: +0.8

Perception: +1.1

XP Gained: +165

Devour XP: +2.5

As he checked his status along the way, Sebastian felt a newfound confidence surging within him. His journey through the Tower was just beginning, and with each step forward, he grew stronger, more determined to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead.

Name: Sebastian Azalith

Race: Human

Level: 2: 125/200

Strength: 6.5

Agility: 8.2

Endurance: 6.3

Intelligence: 4.8

Perception: 8.1

Available Points: 5

Abilities:

Devour (Level 1: 2.5/100): Absorb the essence of defeated enemies to permanently increase stats and gain a low chance of stealing abilities. Dagger Proficiency (Level 2): Enhanced skill and damage with daggers.

Every time an awakened levelled up, they would receive 5 free attribute points to allocate in any stat. However, Sebastian felt that they aren't needed at the moment, if anything, it might cause the instructor to question his strength.

Sebastian re-joined his classmates, who were clustered together, their expressions tense as they surveyed the cavernous chamber ahead. The instructor stood at the forefront, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. There were now ten students left, their losses a stark reminder of the Tower's merciless nature.

Marissa glanced at Sebastian, her curiosity evident. "Where were you?" she asked, trying to sound casual but failing to mask her concern.

"I was... paying my respects to our fallen classmates," Sebastian replied, his voice steady but devoid of emotion. The lie came easily, and it had the desired effect. The others shifted uncomfortably, guilt flickering in their eyes.

Marissa nodded, her face softening. "I'm glad you're back."

With no further questions, the group pressed on. The corridor opened into a vast, open chamber, faintly illuminated by bioluminescent fungi. The eerie light cast long shadows, and the air was thick with tension. At the far end of the chamber, a heavy iron door stood ominously, likely leading to the next area.

Just as they began to relax, a guttural snarl echoed through the chamber. Five figures emerged from the shadows—elite goblin warriors, larger and more imposing than the ones they had faced before. Their eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, and they moved with a predatory grace, their crude armour and jagged weapons glinting in the dim light.

"Formation!" the instructor barked, his voice cutting through the silence. "Two students per goblin. Stay focused and work together!"

Sebastian and Marissa found themselves paired together, facing one of the goblins. The creature snarled, its eyes locking onto them as it raised its weapon. Despite the danger, Sebastian felt a thrill of excitement. This was a chance to test his newfound strength.

The goblin lunged, its sword swinging in a wide arc. Marissa parried the blow with her spear, the clash of metal ringing through the chamber. Sebastian moved with a speed and precision that surprised even himself, darting forward to strike at the goblin's exposed side.

Their movements were a coordinated dance of offense and defense. Marissa's spear flashed as she kept the goblin at bay, her strikes powerful and precise. Sebastian moved with agility, his dagger slicing through the air as he exploited every opening.

The other students were similarly engaged, their battles fierce and desperate. The elite goblins were formidable foes, their strength and coordination posing a significant challenge. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing steel and the occasional cry of pain as a blow found its mark.

Sebastian's focus never wavered. He dodged a wild swing from the goblin, his dagger flashing as he struck at its thigh. The creature snarled in pain, its movements becoming more erratic. Sensing an opportunity, Marissa lunged, her spear piercing through the goblin's neck with a powerful thrust.

Seizing the moment, Sebastian moved in for the kill. He drove his dagger upward, the blade piercing through the goblin's eye and into its brain. The creature convulsed, a guttural cry escaping its lips before it collapsed, lifeless, to the ground.

Without hesitation, Sebastian whispered, "Devour." The goblin's body decomposed at a visible speed, its essence absorbed into him. He felt the familiar surge of strength and vitality, a dark thrill coursing through his veins. His newfound power made him feel invincible.

Marissa, breathing heavily, looked at Sebastian with a mix of awe and confusion. "You're... really strong," she said, her voice tinged with admiration.

Sebastian merely nodded, his expression unreadable. "Let's help the others."

They turned to assist their classmates, who were still locked in battle with the remaining goblins. Sebastian's enhanced strength and agility were evident as he moved swiftly, his dagger finding its mark with deadly precision. Marissa fought beside him, her spear a blur of motion as they dispatched another goblin.

With their combined efforts, the remaining goblins were soon defeated. The chamber grew silent once more, the air heavy with the scent of blood. The students stood amidst the bodies of their fallen foes, their breaths heavy and their bodies aching from the exertion.

The instructor, who had been watching the entire time, approached them. "Good work," he said, his voice firm. "But this is only the beginning. We must remain vigilant."

Sebastian wiped the blood from his dagger, a cold smile playing on his lips. The power he had gained from the fight surged within him, a reminder of the potential that lay ahead. The Tower's secrets were still shrouded in darkness, but with each battle, he grew stronger, more determined to claim the power that awaited him.

As they prepared to move forward, Marissa glanced at Sebastian, her eyes filled with questions. But she remained silent, sensing that there was more to him than he let on. The journey through the Tower was fraught with danger, but with their newfound abilities and determination, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Devour Notification:

Strength: +0.2

Agility: +0.2

Endurance: +0.1

Perception: +0.1

XP Gained: +25

Devour XP: +2.5

Each elite goblin kill had also rewarded the students with 10 XP.

Sebastian checked his status as they regrouped:

Name: Sebastian Azalith

Race: Human

Level: 3: 0/350

Strength: 6.7

Agility: 8.4

Endurance: 6.4

Intelligence: 4.8

Perception: 8.2

Available points: 10

Abilities:

Devour (Level 1: 5/100): Absorb the essence of defeated enemies to permanently increase stats and gain a low chance of stealing abilities. Dagger Proficiency (Level 2): Enhanced skill and damage with daggers.

With their breaths steadying and resolve strengthening, the group made their way towards the imposing iron door at the far end of the chamber. The eerie light from the bioluminescent fungi flickered as they approached, casting long, wavering shadows on the cold stone walls.

The instructor stepped forward, his hand reaching out to the ancient handle. With a deep breath, he pushed the door open, the heavy metal groaning in protest.

The door creaked open, revealing a dark and foreboding corridor beyond. The air was cooler, carrying a faint metallic tang that hinted at the challenges to come. The group exchanged wary glances, the anticipation and tension palpable.

Sebastian, standing at the rear, felt a thrill of excitement mingled with a twinge of unease. His recent gains filled him with confidence, yet the unknown ahead demanded caution. As the group stepped through the doorway, the darkness seemed to swallow them whole.