A firm shake roused Joe from his thoughts. He blinked, turning his attention back to his surroundings. TJ shared a concerned look with Brian before removing his hand from Joe’s shoulder.

“Sorry about that. I was checking my stats after our training session in the Battlebox.” Joe lied, trying to shake off the vacant look he realized he had. No way he was going to tell them he’d been distracted by some blue flame entity invading his mind.

TJ rounded the large table, his hand trailing along the spiny bone-like protrusions from the chairs lined on either side. “Best to do that now rather than when you’re facing off against Titan or one of its minions on the first floor.”

Brian nodded, gesturing to the bunk beds on the far side. “If time was on our side, I’d have recommended restoring mana with the rest of the bunks, but I suggest you eat some mana-rich foods or drink a potion instead.”

“Look around, big guy. It’s not like mana grows on trees. We’ve got no health, stamina, or healing potions either,” TJ said, frustration creeping into his voice.

A knowing grin spread across Brian’s face. “Thank the stars you’re in the presence of a supremely talented alchemist who chose very wisely back in the Induction room.”

“Supremely talented alchemist?” TJ grinned while looking around the near empty room. “Who would you be talking about then?”

“Why, me, of course.” Brian crossed his arms and gave TJ a scowl. “I’m modest too,” he added with a teasing smile directed at TJ, who shook his head and laughed.

Brian pulled out a mana potion, leaning over to plant it on the table. “Have a restorative drink, my good friends. There’s more where that came from.” He turned a ring on his finger with an emerald-cut gem.

TJ didn’t hesitate. He took a generous swig and handed it to Joe. “Drink up.” He motioned with impatience. “Can’t have you spacing out from lack of mana. Kobolds in my clan are used to mana depletion. I wager my stamina is rock solid compared to yours.”

Brian took the bottle from Joe as soon as he was finished and stored it away in his ring. “There was mana on my world, but I came from a low mana region. We learned to regulate it through meditation and breathwork. My stats here reflect my experience as a dwarf in the Ironside Mountains. I’m curious, Joe, we have similarities, you and I. What was life like without mana?”

Joe shrugged. “Suppose you don’t miss what you never had. The nearest thing I can compare to is science and technology. We had some great storytellers, including my grandpa, telling tales of magic. We ran games that took place in worlds like this, so I’m not completely clueless. Just never believed somewhere out there magic was really real.” He decided not to get into the Lich Master’s confession that Earth was one of his favorite places to spy on.

He took some seaweed from his inventory and offered it around. A smile spread across his face, thinking about all those big-game moments with Tao and Kyle. Would they continue to play Isekai Cultivator now they were down a mage?

That made him think of classes. Now that he knew Brian was an alchemist, he had an idea he’d make a great artificer too, given his keen eye and attention to detail.

“I chose Rogue class. How about you, TJ?”

“Outsider.” TJ rolled his shoulders back, cracking his neck to one side like a battle-ready barbarian. “I was the runt of our clutch of eggs, but I showed everyone when I grew up that I was a born fighter. Had to fight for everything from the time I was born, especially among my bigger brothers and sisters.”

Joe offered him another pack of seaweed, and he eagerly took it. “How many were there in your clutch?”

TJ’s eyes darted left, as if thinking about it and counting up in his head. “Our clan are prolific breeders. Nobody counts, but I’d say anywhere between 30 and 40 brothers and sisters. I was the last one out as I had a small egg tooth.” He flashed his teeth, working his jaw as he chewed the seaweed stuck to his teeth. “I proved size doesn’t matter, it’s what you do with it that counts. How about you?”

“Just me and my little sister, Emma.”

A lump rose in Joe’s throat thinking of her cherubic smile. He swallowed it down.

“There’s only me, no brothers or sisters,” Brian said, looking a little sad.

“Count yourself lucky. I lost count of how many of my so-called brothers and sisters tried to eat me before I was barely a day old,” TJ said, squeezing in between Brian and Joe and throwing an arm over each of their shoulders. “It’s survival of the fittest where I come from. Never knew who my parents were as a kid. They were pretty hands-off until we reached maturity. My clan didn’t want to waste precious resources if we didn’t survive to be productive members of Kobold society.”

Joe’s eyes went wide.

TJ waved him away. “Don’t pity me. I don’t need or want it. We were protected while we were inside our eggs, as much as a Kobold clan is expected to do.”

“I don’t pity you,” Brian said. “I pity the fools that dare to take you down. Seen you fight, remember? I’m glad we’re on the same team.” He chewed his lip as if he’d just remembered something. “Poppy dear, if I recall rightly, we’ll be spread out on the first floor. Is that correct?”

A dark screen pinged to life near the entrance to the first floor. The little Kaiju avatar slid across the screen in pixelated, glitchy excitement like she’d consumed the entire cast of Candy Rush. “Yip-yip! Unless you’re in a party, you go your separate ways on the tower floors.”

Joe looked at TJ and Brian. “Want to make it official through the system so we stick together?”

TJ squeezed them in closer. “Party time!”

“Excellent!” Joe made a rock salute.

“I agree.” Brian smiled. “I distinctly remember you mentioning we need more than three adventurers to take on the mighty Greensnare, and I’m sure as the mana level increases up the tower, so will the strength and levels of the Titans we face.”

“Poppy, can we form a party using our system user interface? I’d like to invite Dawn. Is that possible?”

Poppy nodded, jumping up and down, her tail swishing behind her, eyes bright, ram horns sparkling. “You can send anybody an invitation. It’s up to them if they ignore it or say yes or no.”

"Yeah, let's make it official." Joe navigated his interface. He sent out the invites, watching as the system notifications popped up.

[System Notification: You have invited TJ to join your party.]

[System Notification: TJ has accepted your party invitation.]

[System Notification: You have invited Brian to join your party.]

[System Notification: Brian has accepted your party invitation.]

[System Notification: You have invited Dawn to join your party.]

Joe held his breath as time stretched out. He tried not to feel a little disappointed when it remained unread. Perhaps she was too busy fighting monsters on the floor; yeah, that had to be it. But a doubtful voice niggled in his mind. Maybe she’d already joined another party or formed her own. She was strong, powerful, and a great fighter.

Truth is, I need her more than she needs me.

That thought was a revelation that took him by surprise. He shook off the disappointment; it was time to get grinding on the first floor. Perhaps they’d meet Lucky, and he’d join their party. If he made friends, they could round out their numbers to five.

TJ strode forward, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s go!”

Brian threw a mock bow. “After you.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” TJ raised his voice in challenge to whatever creatures waited on the other side of the doorway. “What doesn’t kill me first, better run. FAST.”

With a whoosh, the valve-like entrance peeled open, mists snaking through the widening gap. TJ charged through, disappearing into the swirling haze. Brian and Joe followed, the dense air hitting Joe like a wet fish slap to the face.

Catching his breath, Joe wiped his muggy brow as his watering eyes adjusted to the salt sting. After a few steadying breaths, his senses returned. The jungle floor was littered with dead leaves the color of a dragon’s horde: golds, amber, and deep crimson, almost like blood splatters at Joe’s feet.

They stepped forward as a team, and Joe couldn’t help humming the tune “Welcome to the Jungle.” He needed some heavy metal motivation to steel himself against the riot of colors, sounds, and noises assaulting his senses. The distant roar of unknown beasts, the rustle of unseen predators, and the eerie silence in between was a cacophony that threatened to overwhelm him. If he activated Quick Wit, he would be overwhelmed.

TJ sniffed and raised a fist. “Don’t move a muscle.” His voice was low and dangerous. “Dead ahead, twenty paces, camouflaged…”

Joe’s pulse raced, his hands trembling by his sides, sweat trickling down the side of his face and pooling beneath his chin. Itching to wipe it away, he held fast and narrowed his eyes. No point in activating Quick Wit. He needed to conserve his mana until he knew what they were dealing with.

A dark shape moved, the camouflage breaking as the creature shifted. Massive, with sinewy limbs and a mouth lined with jagged teeth, it looked like a cross between a tiger and a crocodile. Its red eyes locked onto them, hunger gleaming in the depths.

Joe’s mind returned to Dawn, wishing she’d join them. Three against whatever the hell nightmare tower creation they were about to face didn’t feel like great odds.

As soon as the words "identify" escaped Joe’s lips, text appeared above the creature as it emerged on giant, green, thorny paws.

[Tiger Lily - Level ?]

She moved in eerie silence, the only sound a faint buzz from a swarm of green flies overhead. One fly dipped low, and with deadly elegance, she swiped a paw, knocking it to the ground, her eyes never leaving Joe. The green fly spat orange goo, sizzling against her mane of petals, which shifted from vibrant orange to dark brown malignant spots.

A rumble emanated from her chest as she pinned the aphid to the ground, first with one paw, then the other. Lightning fast, she tore the insect to shreds, her wilted mane restoring to a tangerine glow. She kept staring at them, clearly uninterested in eating her prey.

“Back up slowly and draw your weapons,” TJ commanded, already gripping his machete.

Brian sighed, taking a slow, cautious step back. “Here I was, thinking we’d dodge a few traps, smack around some man-eating plants, and hope I didn’t get my face melted off by some magical doodad.” Keeping one hand behind his back, he tapped the top of his ring, summoning a crossbow into his hand.

Joe pulled out his butterfly knives as she fully emerged from hiding.

Her muscular body resembled a jungle version of Battle Cat, but this wasn’t some cartoon character. It was more like his worst nightmare and a bouquet of tiger lilies had a love child. Those petals sprouting from her back, head, and tail looked almost delicate if they weren’t part of a creature that could rip him to shreds.

She prowled forward, claws revealed. Jeez, they’re like nature’s answer to a chainsaw. Each step she took was calculated, like she’d done this a million times before.

Joe tensed, his voice a whisper. “Have you heard the saying, the female of the species is more deadly than the male?”

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Brian and TJ shook their heads, eyes locked on her.

“Yeah, well, they were talking about her.”

“She’s the queen of this jungle hellhole, and she knows it,” Brian said, raising his crossbow and taking aim. “The vines and leaves part for her like they’re bowing down to royalty.”

Gripping his machete, TJ’s eyes blazed with fury. “Alright, BK. Time to overthrow the monarchy.”

“Wait, we don’t know her level.” Joe grabbed TJ’s arm. “She’s a statement from Mother Nature herself: ‘Welcome to my jungle. You’re screwed.’ Let’s start with ranged attacks. Brian, how good is your aim with the crossbow?”

“Not good, I’m afraid. Low perception, and no time to practice.”

Joe activated Quick Wit. Channeling his inner movie ninja, he spun the handle, ready to fly his butterfly knives. “Two ranged attacks are better than one.” He leaned closer to TJ. “If we miss, she’s all yours.”

TJ gripped his weapon tighter and grinned.

Her green and gold tail swished almost hypnotically.

“Now.”

Brian pulled the trigger, and a bolt flew.

Joe used Quick Wit to hone his aim on the moving target. He steadied his trembling form and flung the dagger. It spun in a gleaming silver arc, and he held his breath as the world slowed down.

TJ charged, clearing the way of vines that sprang to life, snaring their ankles.

They were weak, Level 1 vines, which Brian easily shook off and stomped on. Joe took more effort, but he managed to break free in time to see the biting tip of his butterfly blade sink into the tiger lily’s ruby red eye. It howled, pawing at it just as Brian’s bolt grazed her flank. Although it didn’t land true, the contact activated something within the bolt’s head, exploding in a shower of white powder.

TJ used the tiger's pain and distraction to his advantage.

Leaping high, he closed the distance and with a two-handed swing, put all his power behind a diagonal strike through its thorny hide on its right shoulder. Planting his foot hard on one paw, he trapped it while yanking the blade free from the tough hide.

The machete was slick with sap-green blood as he spun into a follow-up strike, slashing across its neck as it raised its head to bite him. Blood gushed from the wound, silencing the ground-shaking roar of the beast into a gurgling pained cry.

It snapped its teeth, biting air inches from TJ’s face, and swiped with its free paw. It caught TJ across the chest, sending him crashing to the ground.

Fueled by adrenaline, Joe threw his second knife, but the clever beast swiped it away before it hit his other eye.

With fangs bared and claws extended, it stalked towards Joe.

Brian raised his crossbow once more and pressed the trigger. This time his alchemy-infused bolt hit its mark right between its eyes, exploding and cracking its skull open like an egg.

[Congratulations! You have killed Tiger Lily Level ? Monster. +1 Intelligence, +1 Dexterity]

Nice! It was just as Joe had hoped—as members of a party, no matter who killed the monster, they all got recognition for the kill. The monster core appeared in Brian’s hand, and his emerald glowed as he deposited it into his ring.

Without haste, Brian rushed to TJ, who rubbed his ribs as he rolled onto his other side. Brian lent a hand and helped him to his feet. Leaves fell from TJ’s orange sweatsuit as he brushed himself off, seemingly no worse for wear. Joe released a held breath, relieved there wasn’t a large gash across his chest.

“No need to look so worried, I’m fine, the claw strike was powerful but not enough to penetrate my heavy armor.”

“Wow really?” Joe’s brows rose, unable to hold back his surprise. “What defensive weave stat is your clothing?”

TJ flexed his thick arms, striking a proud pose like Superman. “Twenty percent damage resistance.”

“Mine’s only five per—”

Out of nowhere, a bloodied figure covered in gore emerged, heavily panting, crouched low. Joe’s heart skipped a beat, his hand instinctively moving to his weapon. The fiery red ponytail flipped back as she looked up, revealing a familiar, fierce determination in her cat-like eyes.

A notification flashed in Joe’s vision.

[System Notification: Dawn has accepted your party invitation.]

Dawn staggered, her breath labored. “I’ve been poisoned and you’re going to help me kill the fucker responsible.”

Joe rushed over to help her.

A roar shook the leaves.

“Get in line, Dawn.” TJ growled. “We’ve got more furry, fang-toothed bastards to deal with, and you just stole our thunder. Next time, try bleeding a little quieter.”

Dawn glanced down at her blood smeared green sweatsuit, grimacing as she tied her hair back and wiped blood from her face. “Relax. None of it's mine.”

Brian lobbed his Titan’s tears potion to Joe. “Give some to Dawn. Sounds like we’ve more company in coming.” He raised his crossbow in the direction of the sound.

TJ flanked Brian, flicking blood from his blade. Vibrant green splattered against the leaves. “Looks like it’s you and me, buddy, until those two are finished playing nurse and patient.”

“Thanks for the compliment, nurses are awesome.” Joe opened the bottle and offered it to Dawn.

She stood upright, shadows writhing around her like living tendrils. Her eyes were dim, her face strained as she steadied herself. “Down the hatch.” She took a gulp and handed the potion back to Joe.

He tossed it back to Brian, who stowed it in his ring right before three forms exploded from the greenery.

Dawn reached for her weapon, but Joe stalled her, gesturing to TJ and Brian. “They’ve got this. Take it easy. You need a minute to recover and let the potion work its magic.”

TJ sprang forward, his blade flashing towards the smallest and fastest of the attacking tiger lily beasts. Brian took aim at the one furthest away, the bolt exploding on impact, slowing its bounding strides. TJ's two-handed strike nearly cleaved the beast's head off. Brian fired another bolt at the third tiger lily charging.

He completely missed.

“No time to reload,” Brian muttered, charging forward. With a grunt, he stomped and smashed the beast with a front kick, his boot connecting with a sickening crunch. The tiger lily's jaw snapped around his heel, locking on tight.

Brian winced, shaking it off. Not wanting to drop his weapon, he spun the handle and struck the beast with the butt. A mighty crack echoed, and the stunned beast went limp with a pained cry.

Color returned to Dawn’s face as she raised her weapon. “Can’t let them have all the fun.” She rushed forward as a new threat emerged on flying wings.

Joe’s eyes narrowed as he tracked the green blur the size of a small terrier darted through the air. Activating Quick Wit, he watched Dawn whip her weapon out of her sheath and lop off its crystal-clear wing. The creature careened downwards, crashing into the ground with a shower of red and gold leaves.

Dawn finished the winged monster off before the last leaves fluttered back down to the ground, green blood spilling out against the crimson foliage. She exhaled, gaze locked on to its blood with an odd expression of satisfaction.

[Congratulations! You have killed Horse Fly. Level 2 Monster.]

Joe raised his butterfly knives, readying a strike on the incoming winged creatures. But the monsters stalled as distant pained cries fell silent.

Glancing toward TJ and Brian, they’d hovered over the remaining tiger lily beasts they’d dispatched. Unlike the Level 2 Horse Fly, Joe could only see question marks where the beasts’ levels should be.

A heavy scent of death filled the air, sending the rest of the green bugs in the overhead swarm to disperse better than a can of bug spray.

[Tower Party: Dual Strike Skill earned.]

“Yip-yip!” Poppy’s avatar blinked into Joe’s view. “Your team unlocked a skill. You want to know more about it?”

A warm, fuzzy feeling washed over Joe despite their grim surroundings.

[You have gained a level notification.]

“Thanks but no, Poppy.” Right now, Joe wanted to focus on Dawn. He’d check his stats and assign his flex point to one of his attributes before it expired.

“Feeling better?” Joe asked, motioning to Dawn as her hands glowed around the green insect goo. It crystallized, and with a satisfied grin, she scooped it up in her hand.

“Much better. I love the smell of crystallized bug guts in the morning.”

Curious, Joe stepped closer to examine it in her palm. “I saw you do the same thing with the rainbow beetle goo. Why do you do that?”

Dawn smirked. “It’s like alchemy. This goo is potent. Crystallizing it makes it easier to handle and use in our gear. Plus, it smells way better than raw bug guts.”

The mention of alchemy got Brian’s attention. He dusted his hands off and joined her side, inspecting the crystal.

“Be my guest.” She handed it to him.

Brian held it up to the light, watching it sparkle. He stroked his beard as though he were in deep thought. “Very interesting indeed. You realize this can be used for all sorts of applications, not dissimilar to Titan's Tears. But a whole lot easier to obtain.”

Dawn shrugged. “Not so easy when you’re surrounded by the bastards. I arrived on the first floor not far from the Greensnare.”

TJ looked at her with newfound respect. “And you survived?”

“Yes, because I wasn’t stupid enough to take the titan on by myself. Unfortunately, it’s riddled with parasites—some type of spore the size of a baby elephant. I saw the Greensnare shedding hundreds of them.”

“Then what happened?” TJ asked.

“I ran away from the titan as fast as I could. A dozen of those spores tracked me, and I managed to evade them in the jungle. Some fell afoul of poison traps laid by other adventurers. I was poisoned too, but my stats and health were high enough that I could still fight off eight of them.”

“Impressive.” Brian glanced from the crystal back to Dawn.

“Not really. Never corner a ratfolk. I might be a changeling now, but I fight like hell and never give up. It’s the only way to survive back home. Here, there are perks. Killing eight of those damn things leveled me up twice, and the loot—oh man, it was sweet,” she said, her voice turning nostalgic.

“So that’s why you didn’t respond to our party invite.” Joe twisted the cord on his hoodie.

“No, I didn’t join you because I liked being on my own. I figured I’d level up fast by grinding my way through more spores. I didn’t account for how potent the damn poison was. What boils my piss, is it wasn’t from a monster but another adventurer. If I find out who, they are dead.”

“Traps were set for the monsters, not for you. It’s bad luck you were snared by one.” TJ tapped his machete on a tree trunk.

“You’re a fool! Luck, good or bad, had nothing to do with it. I believe the adventurer who laid the trap hoped other ascenders would be poisoned. Monsters are driven to kill; that’s their primal instinct. But trap-setting, backstabbing ascenders deserve to die slow and in pain, just like they wanted for those poisoned by their traps.”

“So what made you change your mind and join our party?” TJ sheathed his machete and crossed his arms.

“This system has a sneaky agenda.” Dawn’s jawline set hard as she exhaled. “I get the feeling there’s more to this tower-climbing competition than the Lich has let on. He is a lying sack of shit. Not to mention, we all would have died in the tutorial when those rainbow bugs attacked if it wasn’t for Joe’s tracking skills. Something about that bug attack was way off, like we were set up.”

A spark of heat pierced Joe’s chest, the blue flame flickered and spoke in a mocking tone. “Or you’ve captured the attention of the tower.”

Quick being so vague. Is the system testing me? Joe kept that thought between himself and the blue flame. And while you’re here, how about telling me who the hell you are, and why I should listen to you?

“Tut tut, if I told you that it would spoil the intrigue, like opening presents before your birthday. For now trust your instincts and stay on the lich’s good side.” The blue flame faded, leaving Joe’s chest with a cooling sensation.

Dawn glanced over her shoulder from the direction she came before shifting her gaze back to the group. “I think people like Andras know the score and will take advantage of the system and corrupt other ascenders.”

“I feared as much.” Brian nodded. “There’s a reason he chose bard class. He can inspire others, and I have a feeling it won’t be for the good of any other ascender except himself.”

“So you’re lucky we sent you an invite.” TJ grinned.

“No, you’re lucky I accepted. I had many offers.”

“Oh yeah?” TJ’s brows rose. “Like who?”

“Andras, for starters.” She counted on her finger., “Then some random guy called Sterling I met in the tutorial hall before Andras butted in and scared him off by flirting with him.” Pausing her count, she smiled. “I almost considered joining Ryan’s team—”

“Who’s Ryan?” Joe cut in a little too eager. His cheeks flushed, and he cleared his throat to shake off the embarrassment.

Dawn didn’t seem to notice. “He’s a really nice, friendly guy. Dunno what he was before, but he’s a human-elf hybrid now. He’s got a great big bushy beard and some cool weapons he tinkered with in the Green Zone.”

“And you said no to joining his party?” Brian asked, stroking his beard.

“Yeah, there was this haughty chick with him—a human—who I didn’t click with. So bossy and opinionated, you know the type.”

Joe smiled and nodded. He wasn’t going to point out the lack of self-awareness in Dawn.

“No way I was going to join Andras. So that left you guys. I’ll be honest, you have to shape up fast. What are you, level…oh, QRL 4 now. Good, but you are lagging behind. Prove me wrong and show me you can rise up and fight the system with me. I’m already a QRL 6. I’ll be honest, I’m here because I believe I can trust you and I see potential. Don’t end up like Lucky. With your low life expectancy, you’ll age fast if you rely on respawn tokens.”

Joe sighed. “I’m with you on that. This system is skewed in favor of the time-rich and those that don’t play by the rules, no matter what we’re told by the Lich.”

“So where to next?” TJ looked around, almost dismayed there was nothing to fight.

“You’ll be happy with my suggestion: anywhere there are monsters to kill so we can level up fast.”

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” TJ unsheathed his machete.

“You need to be clever.” Brian handed the crystallized bug guts back to Dawn. “We were lucky—not only that we survived and killed those tiger lily beasts but also because they were a level or more above us. If we want to level up fast, we need to find more of these higher-level beasts.”

“Bingo!” Dawn pointed a finger at Brian. “Low-level beasts aren’t worth your time, and remember, time here is everything.”

“It’s our lifeblood,” Joe said. “Dawn, can you lead us close enough to the Greensnare Guardian so we can fight spores?”

“Sure thing, Wonderboy. If you want to give your respawn token a spin and age a few years. I’m not going back there unless we have another party member.”

TJ’s brows furrowed. “Yeah, but you single-handedly killed eight of them. Are you saying four of us couldn’t do that?”

“You could try but will most likely die. I used my surroundings—poison traps remember? Then, I got the hell out of dodge and accepted your invite,” Dawn said, her hands crackling with a fiery, molten glow.

Joe tapped his thigh, knowing what she said made sense, but he’d no idea of who and where to find someone they could trust to join their faction. “You seem to have met more ascenders, have you got anyone in mind who’d be a good fit for our party?”