“Just fuck off! We can handle the Lava King from here,” Steve shouted.
He was angry. That word didn’t do justice to how he was feeling. It was like something had exploded within him. He could feel it energizing his whole body with a berserk energy. He attacked the Lava King with renewed vigor. His thoughts were frantic, moving from the present situation to Bon. That damn Bon! He had played him for a fool. He must have enjoyed playing the pig to eat the tiger, or in this case to laze around and leech off of everyone’s good intentions.
Steve had wanted only the best for him, training him to be a better player. Oh, how Bon must have laughed at him inside. He hated this feeling of feeling inferior to someone like that, someone who deceived others and took advantage of their kindness. Level a hundred and fifty? He would out level him eventually. The tortoise always won the race against the hare. Slow and steady!
“Get back, Steve!” Kara shouted, pulling him away from the Lava King’s AOE ‘Flame On’ skill.
They dodged the Lava King as it tried to come closer to them. Bon’s party had been able to tank this skill for quite a while. It must have been because of their equipment. Could it have been Legendary, like his bracer? Steve remembered the amused look Bon had made when he had offered him Mythical equipment. It had only been for a split second but he had seen a look of disdain on Bon's face. Or was that his imagination? That equipment deserved to be worn by the players with the best skills. Players were the hope of mankind and should have pooled their resources to ensure maximum efficiency. While Bon’s party was competent, it was not outstandingly so. He roared as he attacked the Lava Giant once its skill had come to an end. Why couldn’t he think of anything other than Bon?
Elizabeth cast an Ice Javelin at the Lava King, and it died at long last.
“Whoever wants the loot can take it,” Steve said, not even looking at the golden orb.
“Steve, are you okay?” Lucy asked, with a gentle and compassionate smile.
“I’m fine,” Steve grunted. “Let’s go.”
“It must be because of Bon,” said Elizabeth.
“Don’t mention his name,” Steve thundered. “Never again. He betrayed our trust. He should have helped us all with his power, but he kept it hidden just for his own amusement.”
“Such an evil man,” Elizabeth said. “We should never have taken him in. It was Kara who brought him to us and convinced us to take him along.”
“Elizabeth,” Kara shouted. “You bitch!”
“Kara,” said Steve, “This wasn’t your fault. He fooled us all. Now, stop arguing and let’s go.”
“I don’t think he was purposely trying to fool us,” said Jim. “He must have thought we wouldn’t believe him if he told us his level. His buffs were pretty OP from the beginning for a bard. We should have realized this earlier.”
“How did he get to such a high level anyway?” asked Steve. “He must have cheated somehow. If he had told us all how, we would all be much stronger. The human race would have a better chance of surviving the coming apocalypse.”
“Apocalypse?” Lucy asked. “It can’t be that bad, can it?”
“It is,” said Steve. “My guide let out a little more information in the waiting room. This might spell the end for the human race. And there are people like Bon, keeping their secrets so that they alone can be powerful. I will do everything in my power to make sure he doesn’t succeed in anything, once we get out of this Tower.”
“We all support you,” said Nia. Jim and Aisha shook their heads. What was their problem? Couldn’t they see how bad Bon was? Or maybe there was something wrong with him.
He had thought that Bon liked him. Steve had treated him like a little brother, and Bon had seemed to have happily gone along with it. He had taken a liking to Bon after a while. He may have been a little harsh in his words to him, but that was for Bon’s own good. There had been many sycophants in his past, and people who had wanted to take advantage of him. The true friends he had were few, and even they were far from perfect. He deserved more. Hard work and talent would make him the savior of Earth, and then people like Bon would be put in their place.
“He’ll get what he deserves,” Steve led the party to the NPC that had given out the side quest.
“You really succeeded,” the NPC gasped. “I didn’t think you had a chance. I made a mistake trying to warn you to give up.”
“Cut the chatter and give us the reward,” Steve said.
“Right. Right. Here you are. The Cloak of Shadows.”
They each received their reward and Steve Identified it.
Cloak of Shadows (Mythical) A cloak that once belonged to the Nether Fiend King.
Cloaking: Activate the cloak to become a shadow that is immune to all physical damage for 30 seconds. One can only deal magic damage while in this form. All skills will take 5X longer to cast. One can end the skill before its duration and choose to blink to any shadow within the area.
Mana Cost: 250
Cooldown: 10 minutes
Shadow Clone: For thirty seconds, each physical attack has a 5% chance of forming a shadow clone that looks identical to the wielder. Each shadow clone receives 1,000% damage, and deals 5% damage.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Mana Cost: 200
Cooldown: 15 minutes
“Not bad,” said Steve. “This is OP for magic casters and rogues. When are we going to get a good item for Paladins?”
“We’ll get one sooner or later,” said Nia. With her dual wielding skill, the second skill must have looked very attractive to her. Steve was happy that his party was getting stronger, but his mood was still sour thanks to Bon.
“With these items and our Titles,” he said to them, “We’ll soon out level everyone. When we get out of this Tower, we’ll be able to rule the world if we want to. As long as we stick together we can do anything.” He looked especially at Jim and Aisha. Would they betray him too? What could he do if they wanted to leave? There was nothing stopping them, except for their feelings towards him. He was not so confident in himself anymore. He must give them more incentives. “Jim, you shall be my right hand man when we get out of here. I’m counting on you.”
“I won’t let you down,” said Jim. Steve looked at him closely and nodded. Jim wouldn’t betray him, but he would have to keep an extra close eye on him just in case. If Bon had taught him anything it was that nobody could be trusted.
“These cloaks look so cute,” said Elizabeth. “Steve, can you adjust it so that its not pressing my neck so much?”
“Ask Lucy,” Steve said, walking towards the city by himself. The others quickly ran to catch up with him.
“Steve,” Kara said, when everyone caught up to him. “When we reach the city can you buy me a ring.”
“No, I want a ring first,” said Elizabeth. “Get in line, Kara. Steve’s given you so much jewelry but—”
“Shut up,” Steve roared. “I’ve had it with all your constant bickering. Act with some dignity.” Steve had quite liked it when they fought among themselves before, but now he found it very annoying. The group walked to the city in silence.
They rented two rooms, and Aisha and Jim retired for the night. Steve drank the night away, and the girls went back to the room after a while, not knowing how to deal with Steve’s moodiness.
“Hello friend,” Yuri came into the inn later that night and took a seat next to Steve. “It looks like you beat us to the city this time. How was your hunt?”
“It was alright,” Steve murmured. “When are we going to take down the Boss?”
“I’ve asked my aide to count the numbers. If everyone is here, we’ll go tomorrow.”
“That’s good,” said Steve, downing his glass of whiskey.
“You do not look to be your usual self,” Yuri said with concern. “Is there something wrong?”
“It’s nothing much. Betrayal and treachery. That’s all,” Steve laughed wryly to himself.
“Oh? Fuck! That sounds bad. What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’d rather not say,” said Steve. He wanted to keep Bon a secret. It wasn’t that he was respecting Bon’s wishes. He just didn’t want people to know he had been fooled. Steve admitted to himself that he was a vain man. Everything in this world depended on appearance. Reputation was hard to earn but easy to lose.
“I hope it won’t affect your performance.”
“It won’t,” Steve got up. “You don’t have to worry about me, Yuri. Worry about your position. We’ll take a vote on the next floor.”
“Why vote?” Yuri sighed. “I know when I’ve lost. After this floor, you will be the leader.”
“I won’t interfere with your training program,” Steve nodded gratefully. “It’s really toughening everyone up.”
“It’s hard to turn this lawless rabble into professional soldiers,” Yuri chuckled, “But I will do my best. You know, only the best of the best were sent to me. I find it hard to sympathize with this group’s sheer ineptitude. Adjusting my standards is difficult.”
“I would imagine so. Goodnight Yuri.”
“Take care Steve,” Yuri grasped his hand. “Don’t lose your confidence, pretty boy. Everyone is counting on you.”
“Fuck off,” Steve snorted. Despite how they had started off, and the twenty years age difference, Yuri and Steve had become friends. They might have been rivals, but that didn’t stop them from having fun. Would Yuri betray him one day as well? It was not likely. Yuri had some integrity.
Steve went to bed, but couldn’t sleep soundly. He kept dreaming that he was all alone, and that all the people he had met in his life had turned their backs on him. It was like he had a fever. He kept waking up, in a cold sweat, and sometime even cried out softly when he did. None of the girls were disturbed. Lucy was even snoring a little.
He couldn’t help remembering his childhood, when his father had died, leaving him the responsibility of taking care of his family. He had been only twelve at the time, and his devastated mother didn’t have the strength to keep going. He had brought life back to his house, and made sure his brother and sisters did well in school. They had all counted on him, and he had not let them down. He had earned their trust, just as he had earned the trust of his party, through sheer competence and hard work. He could have taken it easy, looking out only for numero uno, but he had always kept the larger picture in mind.
Dawn soon came. Steve observed a narrow beam of sunlight shine on his leg through the window. He got up, disturbing some of the dust. Steve was fascinated by the dance of the motes within the beam of light. If only he had light that could reveal the inner minds of men. Lacking this, he would have to come up with tests, to judge a man’s character. His inner circle would never have a traitor within it again.
Steve formulated many plans in his head as he ate breakfast. The tests would have to be harsh, but not too harsh. They would have to test the extremes of a person, but not subject them to trauma. Lucy was a psychologist. She would be able to help him.
Yuri came to their table an hour later, while Steve was discussing his plan with Lucy.
“We’re all ready,” he said. “We’re gathering outside the city now.”
“Let’s go,” Steve said to his group. He paid their bill and walked out the door.
It took a day and a half to reach the Boss. In that time, Steve’s spirits had risen, and the girls were back to their usual selves, competing against each other for his attention. The owl was a hassle to deal with, but everyone played their roles well. Only thirty people died, which was amazing considering that this was a flying Boss. It dropped an Epic bracer. After the auction they all walked through the portal.
“Steve,” his guide rushed at him as soon as he entered and gave him a tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much. What took you so long?”
“Prisica, you’re choking me,” Steve managed to say.
“Oh,” she let go and blushed, “Sorry. I was just so happy to see you again. I was very worried. The side quest was a little hard. I should have warned you earlier. Did you beat it?”
“Of course we did,” Steve smiled. “Can’t you see the cloak?”
“Wow! It looks so good on you.”
“By the way,” said Steve. “Have you heard of a player called Bon? He’s a level hundred and fifty and has a lot of Legendary equipment. How did he get such a high level? Do you think he’s cheating? We should complain to the management.”
“Bon? That must be my friend Tomato’s ward. She says he’s very rich, always treating her to delicious food. Nobody can cheat the Tower. I don’t know how he leveled up so quickly.”
Steve remembered that Bon said he usually ate the Tower’s food. He had scolded Bon for wasting his money then. Oh, what a joke!
“I want to eat something,” Steve said to his guide.
“Are you sure?” she opened her mouth wide, and then smiled. “I can give you a twenty five percent discount. That’s the best I can do. What do you want to eat?”
“A hot dog.” It was the cheapest food item he could find in the Tower’s food list. Even with the discount it was expensive. What was so special about this food?
“Coming right up,” Prisica began inputting commands on an invisible console, and a plate appeared on the ground. “I’ll feed you,” she said.
“No need,” said Steve. “I’m not a kid.”
“Please?”
He shrugged, “Fine.” He munched on his hot dog. He didn’t know what he expected to happen, but he was very disappointed when he finished it. The hot dog was tasty, but he felt guilty for wasting his money. Bon was probably so rich that he didn’t even notice. Eating whatever he wanted, and renting separate rooms in the inn for all of his friends, that man was a wastrel.
“Can you find out how Bon got such a high level?” he asked.
“I’ll try,” Prisica looked uncertain. “I’ll have to break into the records office and look at what Tomato has filed. If there’s a clue anywhere, it will be there.”
“Thanks,” said Steve, walking towards the thirty sixth floor.
“Give those monsters hell, Steve,” she shouted, waving her arms in farewell.
Steve raised his hand without looking back and entered the portal.