The portal to the third floor stood before them, its swirling energy a stark contrast to the tranquil forest that surrounded it. But this time, they were no longer the inexperienced players who had stumbled through the first and second floors. Their levels had reached the threshold needed to ascend, now standing at level 200 and beyond. The stakes were higher, the enemies fiercer, and the landscape of power had shifted.
Alex and his team, now seasoned veterans of ALBEKO, understood what lay ahead—an even more dangerous world where K’s influence would be stronger than ever. The third floor was known for its vast territories, and this time, players would face political turmoil, strategic guild warfare, and challenges requiring far more than brute strength.
“Third floor,” Betsy said, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. “We’re heading into uncharted territory, aren’t we?”
Alex nodded. “Level 200 to 299—that’s the new cap. Everyone we’ll meet here will be stronger, more dangerous, and more experienced. But we’ve leveled up for this. We’re ready.”
Drax stood by with his usual grin. “Let’s crush some heads. Whatever’s waiting for us can’t be worse than the last bosses we’ve taken down.”
But Alex knew better. He could sense it—K was ahead of them, building his influence. This floor wasn’t just about combat; it was about political power, alliances, and maneuvering between factions. K’s agents would be waiting for them, likely embedded deep within the kingdom they were about to enter.
“We’re not just fighting monsters anymore,” Alex reminded them. “This time, we’re stepping into the middle of something much larger. K’s here, and his people will be prepared for us.”
Luke stood at the edge of the group, his shield resting lightly in his hand. “Verum.”
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The moment they stepped through the portal, the world around them shifted. The familiar sounds of wind and rustling trees gave way to the sharp scent of pine, the chill of high altitudes, and the sight of towering mountains surrounding them. The third floor was vast, wild, and far more open than the dense cities of the second floor.
The system notification appeared before their eyes:
[Welcome to the Third Floor. Level Range: 200-299.]
[New challenges, quests, and mysteries await you.]
Alex dismissed the message, focusing on the landscape ahead. The third floor had been rumored to be a land of powerful guilds and ancient kingdoms, dominated by political intrigue and cutthroat competition between players and NPC factions alike. Unlike the second floor, where combat was the main focus, this floor demanded strategic thinking and careful navigation of the alliances between powerful guilds and the NPC kingdoms.
In the distance, they could see the towering spires of the Elven Kingdom, their first destination. According to the rumors, the Elven nobles had been at war for generations, locked in a brutal power struggle that was only worsened by the presence of K’s agents. The capital city, Eldorae, was both a beautiful and treacherous place, filled with intrigue, corruption, and the looming threat of rebellion.
“This place… it’s on a different level,” Betsy murmured as she scanned the vast expanse of forests and mountains. “I can see why so many players stay here after they reach the level cap. It’s like a whole new game.”
Drax chuckled. “Yeah, well, let’s hope the enemies are as tough as the scenery.”
Luke, ever stoic, adjusted his shield. “Verum.”
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The Journey to the Elven Kingdom
The trek through the third floor began with a journey through dense, enchanted forests. Every step felt heavier as the team moved closer to the heart of the Elven Kingdom, where political intrigue and power struggles awaited them. Unlike the combat-heavy quests of the second floor, the third floor required players to engage in diplomacy, negotiate with powerful NPC factions, and navigate complex alliances between guilds.
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Along the way, they faced high-level enemies, wild beasts, and rogue players. The monsters here were tougher, faster, and more intelligent, with combat tactics that required the team to adapt quickly. Alex could feel the difference—the stakes had been raised, and they couldn’t afford to make mistakes. Every fight pushed them to their limits, but with each victory, they grew stronger, inching closer to the level 299 cap that awaited them at the top of this floor.
But it wasn’t just about leveling up. As they approached the Elven Kingdom, they realized they would have to face an entirely new kind of challenge: the political landscape of the third floor.
“We’re not just dealing with monsters and bosses anymore,” Alex said as they camped one night in the forest. “The Elven nobles are engaged in their own war, and from what we’ve heard, K’s agents have already infiltrated their ranks. We’ll have to be careful who we trust.”
Betsy nodded. “The Elves have always been known for their internal conflicts. We need to get in, find out who’s working for K, and take them down before they can cause more damage.”
“I’m guessing they won’t exactly be rolling out the red carpet for us,” Drax said with a grin.
“Not unless we play it smart,” Alex replied. “We’ll have to earn their trust first, show them we’re here to help. If we can get the right nobles on our side, we’ll have a better chance of uncovering K’s influence.”
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Eldorae: Capital of the Elves
The Elven capital of Eldorae was a sight to behold. The towering spires of the palace gleamed in the sunlight, and the city itself seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Ancient trees grew alongside the elegant stone buildings, their branches twisting and turning as if alive with magic. The streets were filled with Elven soldiers, their armor polished and their expressions serious.
But beneath the beauty, there was a sense of unease. The air was thick with tension, and Alex could feel the political struggle that lurked beneath the surface. The Elven nobles were divided, their alliances shifting as they vied for control of the kingdom. And somewhere within the city, K’s agents were working to destabilize everything.
As they entered the city, the team was greeted by a contingent of Elven guards, who escorted them to the palace. The Elven queen, a regal figure with piercing green eyes and flowing silver hair, sat upon her throne, surrounded by her advisors. She studied them with interest, her gaze lingering on Alex.
“You are the outsiders who have come from the second floor,” she said, her voice soft but commanding. “I have heard much about your guild, CODE. Tell me, why have you come to Eldorae?”
Alex stepped forward, his tone respectful but firm. “We’ve come to stop K’s influence. We know that his agents have infiltrated your kingdom, and we’re here to help you root them out.”
The queen’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And why should I trust you? Many have come before you, claiming to offer help, but they all had their own agendas.”
“We don’t need anything from you,” Alex said. “Our goal is simple. K is a threat to this entire world, and if he isn’t stopped, he’ll tear everything apart. If we can stop him here, we’ll do it. But we need your help.”
The queen was silent for a moment, her gaze intense as she considered his words. Finally, she spoke. “Very well. But know this—trust is earned, not given. If you wish to prove yourselves, you must first deal with the rebellion that has been plaguing my kingdom. A faction of nobles has risen against the crown, and I suspect they are in league with K. Stop them, and I will consider your offer.”
Alex nodded. “We’ll do whatever it takes.”
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The Rebellion
The rebellion was led by a powerful noble named Valis, a charismatic and ruthless figure who had garnered a following among the disillusioned Elves. His army, though small, was highly skilled, and rumors swirled that K’s agents had been supplying him with weapons and magic far beyond what the Elves could normally access.
As CODE prepared to engage Valis and his forces, Alex knew that this fight wouldn’t be like the dungeons and raids they had faced on the second floor. This was a political war, and every move they made would have consequences.
“We’re walking into a trap,” Betsy warned as they scouted Valis’s forces. “There’s no way he’ll let us take him down without a fight.”
“I know,” Alex replied. “But we don’t have a choice. If we’re going to stop K, we need to start here.”
The battle against Valis’s forces was fierce. His soldiers were highly trained, their tactics precise, and it quickly became clear that they had been enhanced by K’s influence. But CODE was ready. Alex commanded his shades with precision, using them to outmaneuver Valis’s troops, while Drax’s sheer strength and Betsy’s pinpoint accuracy took down wave after wave of enemies.
As the battle raged on, Alex could feel the weight of the floor’s new challenges. This was no longer just about fighting monsters and leveling up. The third floor demanded strategy, political maneuvering, and the ability to navigate a world where every action had lasting repercussions.
But despite the challenges, Alex knew one thing for certain: K was here, and they were getting closer to uncovering his ultimate plan.