Argo looked up at Halcyon, the white tower that stood unmoving, a monolith of humanity. Now that he was right next to it, he could make out the intricate carvings that decorated the tower. There were murals depicting deities, and mortals alike fighting wars, tending to animals, or adventuring. Yet there was still a systematic aesthetic it followed, with pillars and arches maintaining it as a building of divine origin. No matter how far he craned his neck, he couldn't see the top of the tower.
There were many paths and roads leading up to the grand edifice, but Argo decided to take a more indirect route to find a less crowded portion of the Tower. Other "entrances" would be subject to the scrutiny of the masses, and influential figures that had their heirs or members attempting the First Floor. This also incudes the regulation of the Central Guild, in which they tried to keep tab of who was entering.
The Central Guild was one of the major powers of the world, serving as a regulatory body for adventurers and the Tower of Halcyon. Compared to the major clans, it served to represent all of humanity and treated all adventurers equally. Its existence was pivotal to those that wanted to begin climbing the Tower, and those that had already ranked up. They facilitated information exchange, bartering, and training all to increase one's chances when undergoing the trials.
Why did Argo avoid them? Helkon would ramble on and on about the empty platitudes they preached, and the never-ending road of restrictions and regulations one must endure. He acknowledged they were a monolith to the human race, but found them irritating nonetheless.
Maybe Argo should've forsake the drunkard's advice and interact with the Central Guild. After all they held a treasure trove of information regarding the Tower, monsters, and items. It would also have been a stupid move to waltz into the first trial without actually gathering information.
But Argo's excuse was simply because there were multiple First Floors. Too many to count, but enough that there would be a sizable human population inside that could help him. Or simply it was because he was too lazy to learn and interact with people. Definitely not that. Right?
He also lacked the money to get himself properly registered, and pay for the required instruction he would have to endure.
Apparently the day he picked was a popular one, as the moment he left the inn the streets were filled to the brim with people heading to Halcyon. He wasn't sure if it was his luck, or maybe many people dared to challenge the the trial of the Tower.
Argo took a deep breath, placing his hand on the Tower. It was cold and smooth to the touch, and it seemed to radiate an aura of divinity. He couldn't quite understand the feeling brewing inside him, but he felt a tenuous connection forming. He pushed it aside, attributing it to his anxiety. Using what the villagers taught him, he tried to circulate ambient mana into his hand.
Without a mana core, humans are unable to fully utilize and manipulate mana. Upon entering the Tower, regardless of their rank humans would develop their mana core. The core allows them to take in mana into their bodies, and use it in specific ways. Without it, the most humans could do is will mana to certain parts of their body or area.
Argo concentrated, his brows knit in concentration as he tried to feel the mana present in his surroundings. Albeit slowly, he felt his hand glow and the mana agglomerated form a connection with a divine power on the other side of his hand.
***
A long time ago, in a time more ancient then history itself, deities walked the land. They stood as manifestations of power and authority, helping to nurture humankind. It was an era of prosperity, and peace. Civilization prospered, cities flourished, and monuments erected. Humans who received the graces of divinity lived in everlasting peace. Or what at the time seemed to be everlasting.
As all things do, these peaceful times lasted for only so long. Presences took interest in this world from beyond the stars. Their authority and powers encapsulated foreign and unknown concepts, creating an imbalance in the world. An imbalance that threatened the existence of even immortals. "Outer Deities" they were called, rivalled that of humanity's patron deities in power- spreading corruption and malevolence.
No one knew their exact origin, or reason for existence. Every Outer Deity varied like the stars in the sky, but most harbored feelings of violence. Whether their instinct to conquer was inherent in their being, or this world harbored treasures worthy of their greed only mayhem followed in their armies they brought.
Deities and humans alike perished during this period, a war of holiness and defilement as humanity and their Gods waged war on those from beyond the cosmos and their creatures. In the end, after many untold sacrifices a barrier was erected around the planet and the travelers from the cosmos were expelled. Their influence still lasts, and they wait outside of the barrier scheming and plotting till this day.
In the event the barrier is shattered in the future, and to combat the evil creatures that lay behind and multiply the remaining deities erected a Tower. Each floor held a trial, a quest in which humans would slowly climb the steps to divinity and gain power. The Tower would forge heroes, and mold humanity into warriors that could destroy all that is wicked. They called the Tower, "Halcyon" encapsulating the years of idyllic peace and happiness it would bring.
And that was the extent of the Tower's power. It could only nurture heroes for the inevitable time when the barrier would be shattered- the last remaining vestige of divine power left behind. Since then most of the Gods have went silent, a handful of them still interacting scarcely with their descendants.
As the creatures left behind by Outer Deities began to multiply, humanity was forced to adapt and climb the tower. After all mundane humans stood no chance against creatures harboring the boons of Outer Deities. Every generation a hero would be crowned by the Tower, and serve as a pivotal figure. That, was Halcyon Tower.
***
[Welcome to the First Floor, Adventurer!]
[Your Trial Awaits!]
Quest: Free the Sun from it's eternal bindings.
Name: Argo
Epithet(s): The Last Hero
Rank: 0
Inherent: [The Miracle]
Traits: [Dichotomy], [Hero of Finality]
Skills:
Stats: [Strength: G-], [Endurance: G-], [Dexterity: G-], [Agility: G-], [Mana: G-]
Equipment: [Iron Sword]
***
"Yer think the lad is dead?"
"I don't know try prodding the boy."
"Oi, are yer okay lad?"
Argo's head was spinning, and his joints felt like they were filled with jelly. It was a nauseating feeling, leaving his brain all jumbled. His head was filled with a flood of information, as if the Tower was trying to fill his head with endless history. The feeling felt disgusting, his head crammed with a myriad of knowledge.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Add to insult when he tried to open his eyes, all he saw were blurred faces. The stench of alcohol and hot breaths met his face, and gradually the fog around his head cleared. Their breaths were stinky, like they hadn't brushed their teeth in weeks.
"Where am I?" He said slowly, attempting to lean his head away from the voice's bad breath. He tried to sort out his thoughts, waiting for his vision to return. He had entered the first trial, and gained access to the Records for a brief moment.
He pieced together fragments of his memory, remembering the quest was related to the sun? That was all about he could remember, as the quest was the first thing he saw.
Argo slowly sat up, much to the disappointment of the figures around him. To which he found deeply unnerving. He didn't have a good feeling about his current circumstances. The people around him reeked of sweat and booze; not a very good combination for a place described as a death zone.
"With a disappointed tone, someone muttered. "Ah blast it, he's alive."
"A pity, we could've used the bait."
Bait? What the hell did he mean by that?
As his vision gradually came to, he saw two figures kneeling in front of him, while a crowd of individuals watched from behind. They formed a loose semi-circle, keeping their distance like he was a rapid animal.
Argo felt the floor beneath him rocking, and the familiar smell of the ocean filled his nose.
'Ah crap, not the ocean again. I've had it with the damn ocean!'
Before he could fully register what was happening, he attempted to unsheathe the sword from his back. Maybe try to threaten the drunkards with the pointy stick. Except... his hands and knees were bound. As he looked around him, he was tied to the mast of a ship, with another individual similarly tied next to him as well.
'What the hell?'
Noticing the confusion on his face, one of the figures in front of him grinned. It was more unsettling then assuring, his teeth representing a piano that had been smashed with a club. Yellow teeth sparsely protruded from his gums in crooked manners.
"Sorry about this, we don't take kindly to sudden intrusions on the ship. I hope you can understand." With a slight slur, the man scrutinized Argo somberly.
The man who spoke had short, dirty blond hair that looked like he cut it with a razor. He sported a long beard that stretched to the middle of his neck, and it was unkept. Filled with bread crumps, dirt, and other things Argo couldn't even discern.
His eyes were sea green, but within them seemed to hold a brewing storm. Judging by the demeanor of the crew, and the confidence the man spoke with he seemed to be the captain of this ship. His attire seemed to be haphazardly worn, as he had a leather trench coat over a red collared shirt and blue pantaloons.
Trying to adopt a serious tone, "Hmm how about this, state your name and purpose."
Argo mulled over his words, but he didn't see any other choice besides answering the man. Despite being a novice in terms of an adventurer, the man in front of him exuded an aura of strength. Despite his carefree attitude, he could feel his eyes examining him closely.
"My name is Argo, and I was attempting the First Trial," he answered truthfully.
The man nodded with enlightenment before standing back up.
"Alright lads, cut this once free. We'll question the other before letting her go too," the man ordered with a wave of his hand.
Argo's brows twitched, "Just like that?!"
The captain laughed, seemingly amused by his outburst. The rest of the crew had already dispersed, shaking their heads in disappointment. Argo observed this wasn't the first time this had happened.
"Yeah, don't worry. We're all familiar with new adventurers entering in weird places. What are the chances a kid appears on my ship? I'm not a babysitter," the man complained. Taking a long swig from a bottle in his hands, he sighed in satisfaction.
The man standing next to the captain frowned, "Yeah, the Tower is much more dangerous then you realize, boy."
Argo sensed the disdain mixed in with his tone, clearly the other man wasn't too keen on his presence. Argo couldn't blame him, he was an intruder and most likely a naive kid playing adventurer. As the man cut his rope bindings, Argo got a better view of him.
Cerulean colored eyes, with short black hair and a mustache. Compared to his captain he was neatly groomed and exuded an air of solemness. He wore a black vest over a white shirt, paired with black pantaloons. He must be the first mate?
With their conflicting personalities Argo couldn't help but wonder how those two could get along.
After his hands were freed he got to his feet, rubbing his reddened wrists. He was deeply unsettled by his current situation, he didn't expect to be dumped on a random pirate ship. He barely had any time to gaze at the Records before the Tower unceremoniously deposited him into a crowd of drunkards.
"You said this happens often?" Argo questioned the Captain, finding their familiarity with such occurrences strange.
The captain nodded, "When adventurers pour into the First Floor like this, the Tower ends up teleporting them all over the isles. Some go straight into the ocean or a lucky few end up straight in a major city."
He then smirked, "Some end up straight into a sea creature's mouth."
When Argo didn't budge, he cackled, slapping his knee laughing at his own joke. This man behaved very similarly to Helkon, shamelessly boasting and uttering crude jokes. They were cut of the same clothe. Were all sailors destined to become such unruly individuals?
"Anyhow, my name's Reid, Captain Reid to you. And the ole fellow over there is Jackson. As you can see, we're a merry band of pirates attempting to conquer the trial!"
Argo's brows twitched again, people were playing pirates inside the Tower? The false image of the trial being a sanctified battleground in which the heroes of humanity conquered the vestiges of the Outer Deities' creations started to shatter.
"I'm sure this is all very confusing to you, especially with how the land is here on this Floor 1," Captain Reid remarked, observing the conflicting emotions on Argo's face. "But make no mistake, this is still a death zone."
Before Argo could ask questions, the remaining figure bound to the mast began to twitch and wake up. He didn't notice the person earlier, more confused with his surroundings then anything else.
Argo couldn't get a clear picture of the individual before, since he was bound with his back to them, but he remembered Captain Reid mentioning it as a she? The girl started coming to her senses, the hood over her head falling down.
Argo was almost starstruck- almost. Her waist-long black hair cascaded like a waterfall behind her back, and her obsidian eyes complemented the slim contours of her face. She had short bangs that failed to hide the incredulous expression that slowly started to form on her face.
"Where. Am. I." With a deadpan expression, it was like she was issuing orders from a high throne. Seemingly oblivious to the crowd of pirates watching her, she didn't waver in the slightest.
Argo took a step back, feeling a palpable tension pervade the air. Whatever it was he didn't want to further anger the lady in front of him. Despite her age being around the same as his he assumed, her aura seemed to be suffocating.
"Another child? HAHAHA. State your name and purpose if you will." Seemingly oblivious to her attitude Captain Reid let out a laugh that seemed to shake the very deck.
Jackson eyed the girl, making him believe that on this floor were there creatures capable of mimicking the looks of humans? Argo couldn't help but shiver at the thought of a creature being able to mimic the thoughts and actions of a human seamlessly.
His eyes suddenly widened a vague memory rising to the surface.
'Wasn't that similar to the tale Helkon spoke about? Did such monsters really exist, and did Helkon experience this Floor 1?'
"Where. Am. I."
The girl repeated her phrase, seemingly more angry with her circumstances then scared.
"Ah well she seems to be normal, no walker would want to act as her," Captain Reid admitted, taking another large swig from his canteen. Only a handful of minutes had passed, but he downed booze like it was water.
Captain Reid almost bellowed out in laughter again, if not for Jackson's glare. The first mate began cutting her binds, ignoring the anger radiating from the girl.
Argo wondered if she was from some high-status guild or organization, not that he would know the specifics. He knew that there were organizations out there that held major power, and their influence and heroes were something to fear. Yet living in the boonies had made all of that information go over his head.
He did know however what it meant to be fed with a golden spoon, and wondered if the lady in front of her was one such individual. Argo had never met such people, but the great powers of the world had their heirs and legacies enter the Tower like any other.
They held significant advantages unavailable to the regular populace though. Helkon talked about how they were trained from birth to wield the sword, and taught anything remotely useful to surviving the trials of the Tower. They would also be gifted with powerful gear and armaments that would increase their chances of survival.
'An ice queen.'
Argo mused, comparing her attitude to a women he had read in a story. Long story short, it was about a princess who was cursed with a frozen heart. Bearing an attitude of ice, she abandoned her emotions to live in seclusion for eternity. It was a strange tale, and he couldn't recall its exact contents.
A threatening glare that seemed to chill him to the bone came his way, prompting Argo to freeze.
'Can she read my thoughts?!"
As she rubbed her wrists, she turned to Captain Reid.
Without faltering, "Can I have a room until we reach land? I can pay."
The girl's manner of speaking was cut down to the bare necessities without a single word wasted. Straightforward. It even contained a hint of arrogance, like she was looking down on the captain of the ship himself.
Captain Reid's brow raised, before waving his hand. "What kind of adult would I be if I extorted kids? Jackson show them their rooms."
Jackson calmy started walking across the deck, before unlatching a trapdoor that revealed a set of stairs that went deeper into the ship.
"Are you coming?" He tossed behind him, before lighting a lantern. With a reluctant nod, Argo followed closely behind.
'What a start...'