Ash walked slowly across the open field, the grass brushing against his legs as the wind moved through the valley.
A bird passed overhead, casting a shadow across the grass.
Participants were already scattering in different directions. Some ran toward the forests. Others climbed the rocky hills that surrounded the plain.
Ash kept his pace steady.
Inside his mind, the translucent screen hovered quietly.
"Alright," he said after a moment.
"If I already unlocked my passive ability… what about the other two?"
The guide responded instantly.
Your remaining abilities have not yet been developed.
Ash glanced toward the distant mountains.
"And how do I unlock them?"
Through mastery.
Ash frowned slightly.
"Mastery of what?"
The screen flickered softly.
Mastery of the abilities contained within your animal classification.
A list of faint silhouettes appeared on the screen — shapes of wings, talons, feathers, shadows.
Crows possess a wide range of potential abilities.
The guide continued.
Flight. Camouflage. Enhanced perception. Talon combat. Environmental adaptation.
Ash blinked.
"That's… a lot."
Correct. Participants may develop different abilities depending on what they train first.
Ash raised an eyebrow.
"So the tower doesn't decide my abilities?"
No. Your choices determine which abilities awaken.
Ash thought for a moment.
Then something clicked.
"…Wait, you said flight?"
He looked up toward the sky.
His eyes widened slightly.
"I can fly?"
The guide answered without hesitation.
Eventually, yes.
Ash stopped walking.
"You're serious?"
Every participant in the Tower of the Animal Kingdom possesses the full potential of their assigned creature.
The screen shifted again, displaying a faint humanoid silhouette surrounded by different animal traits.
This includes physical adaptations, instinctive abilities…
A new outline appeared — half human, half bird.
…and hybrid transformation.
Ash stared at the image.
"You're telling me I can actually turn into a crow?"
Not exactly.
The guide corrected calmly.
Participants develop hybrid forms — part human, part animal.
The silhouette shifted again.
Wings extended from the figure's back. Dark feathers spread across its arms. Talons replaced its fingers.
Ash let out a slow breath.
"So eventually…"
He looked at the sky again.
"I'll have wings."
If you train toward that ability path, yes.
Ash's lips slowly curved into a grin.
"Yeah."
He started walking again, this time toward the forest at the edge of the field.
"Let's start with something simple."
The guide paused.
And what ability do you intend to develop first?
Ash looked toward a tall tree branch swaying in the wind.
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Observation."
He tapped his temple.
"I already have the memory. Now I just need the eyes."
The guide processed the statement.
Enhanced perception path detected.
Ash smiled slightly.
"Good."
The Enhanced Perception path offers several advantages.
A new screen appeared in Ash's vision, displaying faint diagrams of eyes, vision cones, and movement patterns.
In combat situations, this ability allows you to perceive movements the moment they begin — sometimes even before they fully occur. Reaction delay is significantly reduced.
Ash raised an eyebrow.
The guide continued.
Your visual range will also increase. You will be able to see two to three times farther than a normal human.
The screen shifted again, showing a wide circular field of vision.
Additionally, your field of vision will expand to nearly 360 degrees. Blind spots will be minimal.
Ash nodded slowly.
"Sounds amazing."
There was a short pause before the guide spoke again.
However, there is a disadvantage.
Ash sighed.
"Of course there is."
Enhanced Perception does not directly increase your offensive or defensive capabilities.
The screen dimmed slightly.
Participants who focus on combat-oriented abilities — strength, speed, claws, venom, or armor — may possess a significant advantage in direct confrontation.
Ash thought about that for a moment.
Participants with lion or tiger marks would likely focus on power.
Which meant they would win in a straight fight.
The guide asked calmly.
Would you like to select the Enhanced Perception path as your first developed ability?
Ash didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The guide processed the command.
Selection confirmed.
A faint pulse ran through Ash's mind.
Enhanced Perception Path initiated.
Ash exhaled slowly.
"I'll learn the combat abilities later."
His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the landscape.
"For now…"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Tell me… how to unlock those eyes."
© 2025 Moku. All rights reserved. The Tower of the Animal Kingdom is an original work by Moku. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.