After a night of much-needed rest at the inn, I woke up feeling rejuvenated.

The comfort of the bed and the peace of the night had worked wonders, easing the exhaustion from my journey and the events of the previous days.

I stretched, my muscles grateful for the rest, and got ready for the day ahead.

Descending to the reception hall, I found a quiet corner where I could enjoy my breakfast. The meal was simple but satisfying.

Finishing my meal, I approached the reception counter to inquire about the best way to reach the Tower. The innkeeper, a man of middle years listened to my query and pondered for a moment.

"Your best bet to reach the Tower quickly would be to find a carriage heading in that direction." he suggested. "Many travelers and merchants pass through here. You might be able to hitch a ride with one of them. It's a common practice, especially for those headed toward the Tower."

He gestured towards the window, where several carriages were arranged outside. "Take a look out there." he suggested, his tone implying a stroke of good fortune. "Due to yesterday's downpour, many travelers sought refuge here, so you might find yourself in luck with so many carriages gathered in one place. There's a good chance one of them could be heading towards the Tower. It's a long journey on foot, especially for someone who hasn't traveled much."

I thanked the innkeeper for his advice and headed outside.

As I approached the carriages, I could see various people loading their goods and preparing for departure. I approached each group, politely inquiring about their destination and whether they were headed toward the Tower.

Most were friendly, though they were traveling in different directions. But I didn't lose hope; I knew it was just a matter of time before I found someone heading my way.

Finally, after several attempts, I noticed a group of young adventurers, not much older than myself, preparing to set off.

They caught my attention not just because of their age, but also due to the air of camaraderie and excitement that surrounded them. They seemed to be around the same age as me, and their energy was palpable.

Curious, I approached them and inquired about their destination. A young man, who seemed to be the leader of the group, turned to me.

He had a confident demeanor and a friendly smile. "We're heading to the Tower." he announced, his voice carrying a hint of pride.

Hearing this, hope surged within me. "Would it be possible for me to join you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even.

The thought of traveling with a group, especially one heading to the Tower, was appealing.

The young man hesitated, exchanging glances with his companions. "Give us a moment." he said, before turning to confer with his group.

As I waited, I took the opportunity to observe the team. There were four of them in total – two boys and two girls – and their bond was evident.

The first boy, presumably the leader who I had spoken to, had an air of natural authority. He was tall, with short, dark hair and keen eyes that seemed to miss nothing.

The second boy was slightly shorter, with a lean build. His eyes were bright, and he had an easygoing smile, giving off a vibe of being the group's lighthearted spirit.

The first girl of the group was striking, with long, flowing hair and a serious expression. She carried herself with a quiet confidence, and from the way she checked and double-checked their supplies, it was clear she was meticulous and detail-oriented.

The second girl was a contrast to the first – she had a vibrant, infectious energy. Her hair was cut in a practical bob, and she laughed easily, her enthusiasm seeming to guide the spirits of the entire group.

Watching them interact, it was clear they were close, their conversation marked by inside jokes and shared glances. Each seemed to bring something unique to the group, creating a balanced and cohesive team.

"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting. We got so caught up in our plans that we forgot the basics. Let me introduce ourselves. My name is Isaac." he said, extending a hand.

He then gestured towards his companions. "These are my childhood friends – Lucas, the quick-witted one with a knack for strategies," he pointed to the boy with the easygoing smile. "That's Lila, our group's planner." he indicated the girl with long flowing hair and a serious demeanor. "And this firecracker here is Mia, she's the... well, she's Mia." he concluded.

"Hey! That's hardly a fair introduction. I'm the...the,uh, yes, I'm just Mia." she nodded, breaking into a contagious laugh that soon had the whole group chuckling.

Isaac joined in the laughter before regaining his composure.

"We've been together since we were kids, and now we're setting out to fulfill our dream – to become S-ranked adventurers by conquering the challenges of the Tower." Isaac explained, his eyes shining with ambition and excitement.

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'I had forgotten all about rankings!'

The ranking system for adventurers is a crucial part for those who delve into the Tower.

It operates on a scale from F to S, with F being the lowest and S the highest.

Most adventurers, especially those who challenge the Tower, register with the adventurers' guild.

While registration is not mandatory, it is highly beneficial for a couple of key reasons: wealth and fame.

Firstly, wealth plays a significant role. Adventurers who are not registered with a guild often struggle to earn any significant compensation for their efforts.

Once registered, they can accept various quests and missions from the guild, providing them with a steady stream of income. Additionally, they can legally sell any items they find in the Tower, be it monster body parts or rare artifacts.

These items can fetch a high price, making them a lucrative source of income for adventurers.However, due to their rarity and exceptional qualities, many adventurers often choose to utilize these finds themselves.

The second major benefit is fame. In a world where power and status are paramount, an adventurer’s rank in their guild can greatly influence their standing in society.

Higher ranks not only bring greater prestige but also open up opportunities for more challenging and rewarding quests, further increasing an adventurer's wealth and fame.

This visibility can garner attention from the nobility or influential figures.

An adventurer's rank is determined by their accomplishments, skills, and the successful completion of quests. Climbing the ranks from F to S is no easy feat. It requires not only strength and skill but also intelligence, perseverance, and often, a good team.

For many, reaching the S-rank is the ultimate goal, signifying that one is among the elite adventurers.

S-rank adventurers are revered and respected, often becoming legends in their own right.

They are the ones who have not only survived the Tower's countless perils but have also made significant progress to its floors.

"About my request..." As I inquired about my request to join the group, I could sense their hesitation.

They exchanged uncertain glances, clearly weighing the potential risks of having an unknown individual like me join their tightly-knit group.

Despite my eagerness, I could understand their concerns; after all, they had no idea about my abilities or intentions.

Determined not to give up so easily, I insisted, even offering to pay them for the opportunity to travel together.

This offer seemed to change the dynamic of the conversation. The group huddled together once more, deliberating in hushed tones.

The smaller boy, described earlier by Isaac as the strategist, nodded after a moment, signaling some level of agreement.

Isaac then turned back to me, his expression more open but still cautious. "We might consider it." he said, "but it depends on how much you're willing to offer."

I pondered for a moment. My financial resources were limited – a few bronze coins and even fewer silver ones. However, the chance to travel with a group, especially one that knew the way to the tower, was too good to pass up.

Considering the cost of lodging and food at the inn, I decided to start with an offer that seemed reasonable. A night's stay and a meal cost 5 bronze coins, so I proposed to double that amount. "I can offer you 10 bronze coins." I said, hoping the amount would be enticing enough. "It's the equivalent of two nights at an inn, including meals. It seems fair, don't you think?"

"Alright, we're leaving now. You can get into the carriage while we sort out our belongings,” Isaac announced,

Accepted into the group, I clambered into the carriage, a wave of excitement washing over me. The interior was cozy, and as I settled in, my mind buzzed with the thought of making new friends.

Friendship was something I never experienced in my previous life, so the prospect now was both thrilling and new.

As I looked around, eagerly taking in every detail, I noticed a small crack near the back of the carriage. Curiosity piqued, I squinted my eyes, peering through the gap to catch a glimpse of the group outside.

I was still musing over the idea of forming bonds with these fellow adventurers when the atmosphere I observed through the crack took a sharp turn.

The easygoing smiles and camaraderie that had been so apparent in our earlier interactions had vanished. Isaac, moved towards his luggage with a purposeful pace. His expression was no longer warm and inviting; it was serious, almost grim.

I watched in confusion, as Isaac pulled out a short dagger from his bag.

With practiced ease, he concealed it in his pocket. He then exchanged a look with the other three – Lucas, Lila, and Mia. Their faces, usually so open and friendly, were now stoic, marked by a silent understanding that passed between them.

'What is he going to do with that knife? Don't tell me...' The thought sent a jolt of anxiety through me.

The shift in their demeanor, the hidden dagger, the unspoken communication – it all pointed to something I hadn't anticipated.

My excitement about making friends gave way to a flicker of doubt and apprehension. What had I gotten myself into?

Lucas took his position at the front of the carriage, ready to take on the role of the driver.

Isaac, along with the two girls, made their way to the carriage entrance, their expressions still void of any emotion. However, as the door opened and they stepped inside, their faces transformed. Bright, joyous smiles appeared, as if by magic, masking any hint of the serious exchange that had just taken place outside.

Their smiles seemed genuine, a continuation of the friendly demeanor they had shown earlier.

As I observed the sudden transformation of the group's demeanor, my initial excitement turned into unease. The shift from open friendliness to secretive actions and back to smiles made me reconsider my decision.

I cleared my throat, ready to voice my change of heart. "Isaac, I've been thinking," I began, my voice hesitant.

"I feel like I'm intruding on your long-shared adventure. It's clear you all have a strong bond, and I wouldn’t want to impose. I think it’s best if I leave."

Isaac, who had just stepped into the carriage, paused at my words. "You already paid, and it wouldn’t be honorable to let you leave now. Would it?" he said, his tone suggesting a mix of surprise and insistence.

I was adamant, though. "Please, keep the money. Consider it a thanks for considering my request." I said, moving towards the carriage door.

But before I could finish my sentence, the carriage jolted into motion, rolling forward and marking the start of our journey.

Taken aback by the sudden movement, I stumbled slightly, grabbing a seat for balance. I looked at Isaac and the others, realizing that leaving now wasn't an option – the carriage was already making its way down the road, and we were en route to the Tower.

"Oh! Glad to see you've reconsidered," Isaac said with a noticeable hint of relief in his voice.

Resigned to the situation, I sat down, attempting to calm my nerves. A faint sense of foreboding coursed through my mind.