Burin struggled to push the Inn door open, there was some resistance preventing him from opening it wider than a foot. Leaning over him I placed a hand on the door and added my support to his struggling.
A sense of dejavu overcame me as someone screamed out “Ahreow!” followed by the sound of someone, likely the same someone that screamed, falling to floor.
Burin jumped at the sound. “By the depths, what was that?”
I took a step around Burin and into the Inn proper. “I got this.” I said as I looked down to the familiar sight of a back furred beastkin in leather armour sprawled out on the floor.
“Are you blind or…” Recognition dawned on his face as he looked up to me. Ignoring whatever he was about to say, I reached down and grabbed him by the scruff of the back of his neck.
“Excuse me.” I said as I stepped around my companions while holding a limp beastkin off the ground. Surprised he was not struggling against me, I assumed he was either petrified, or he was resigned to his fate.
Giving myself a bit of an extra room to throw, I stepped forwards and swung, like a professional lawn bowler, and let go. I might have over estimated just how much strength was needed as the beastkin landed on the ground closer to fifteen meters than the eight I was planning. Like before, he managed to land on his feet, however the momentum forced him into a tumble. He spun and rolled a few times on the dirt and grass before coming to a lifeless stop.
“Ye done killed him.” Burin commented.
Mac was silent. Looking over, I saw that he was glaring at me again. Well, that’s just great.
A handful of seconds passed by and the beastkin was still prone on the ground, unmoving. Was the throw too much? surely, he wouldn’t die from just that.
Relief flooded me a moment later as the beastkin started coughing and sat up.
I nodded to myself in a job well done and turned to walk in the Inn, but not before giving Mac a smug grin. “Come on. Let’s see what they have for dinner.”
Dinner turned out to be rabbit stew with a lot of vegetables. Wanting something fizzy I summoned my own drink, and then another for Burin, and another for Mac a moment later. Even a free drink did not stop him from looking annoyed with me.
“So, who was that beastkin?” Asked Burin around a mouthful of stew.
“Some fool that likes to stand behind the Inn’s front door. We bumped into him yesterday, the prick even scratched me.” I showed off the back of my hand to illustrate my point, but the wound had now fully healed not even leaving a scratch behind.
Mac turned to me after finishing his drink. “What do you call this?”
Summoning him another one, I pushed it towards him. “It’s called root beer, from Earth. Sorry, it does not have any real alcohol. This one anyway.”
“You really take me for some alcoholic, don’t you?”
I did not bother answering. It was incredible that he could ask that with a straight face, while at the same time pouring something very clearly alcoholic into his cup from a flask he pulled out from his robe.
Burin just chuckled.
Wanting to change the subject I asked, “The layout of the tower is pretty interesting don’t you think?”
“What do ye mean?” Burin questioned.
“Seems like to me that each floor is trying to introduce people to a new challenge, while providing an easy escape. Makes you wonder why.”
Mac placed down his cup. “That’s something you will have to discover for yourself as you climb the tower.”
Nodding to his words I continued. “I have been told that a few times, a big secret, but that’s not what I am talking about.” I looked to Burin. “What would you do if you were in an inhospitable world and were given the power to build your own tower?”
“Hmm. I don’t know. Maybe create a safe haven for myself and others.”
“That’s good for the short term but if it was me, I might create something that could prepare people for the outside world.”
Burin pushed his empty bowl away. “Why not both? A place they can get stronger while also providing safety from the outside. Where you could bring resources out of and...” He trailed off and looked to me, his eyes wide.
“But how would that be sustainable for the tower? How can you just pull stuff out without paying a price?”
“Price? The tower is mystical. Unless you count the large number of climbers deaths, but that comes more from climbers killing each other than deaths from the tower. Blood maybe?”
A new voice entered our conversation. “No on both counts, let me ask you Reigner, just how are you able to conjure up items from nothing, I wonder?” The newcomer pulled out a chair and sat down next to Burin.
The newcomer was a blond man with green eyes that almost appeared to glow. He was wearing a beige long sleeve shirt and tie. On the right breast of his shirt was a nametag that read “Txranthelamanteli” while another one on the left read “Second technician” with two ticks sown on above it. He had other badges sown onto the sleeves of the shirt, completing the look of a sci fi fan ready to attend their favourite convention.
“Nice shirt.” I said as he made himself comfortable.
He smiled. “It’s custom made, using the same materials as the original, as matter of fact. Trade has become so much easier lately.” He said excitedly.
Burin turned to look at the newcomer and peered at his nametag. “Erm… Nice to meet you… Tran-thela…”
“Please, just call me Mr. T. I understand my name can be a bit difficult to pronounce. Oh, Reigner, could I have one of those drinks? With some icecream if you can.”
He knew I could since he was the one that allowed me to play around with his soda bar during my first night in the tower.
He gave a wide grin as he accepted the drink and took a sip. “Ohh it’s getting nicer. Ranks sure do help. You really should invest in food craft. You will be amazed at how good it will improve your summoned food.”
“I’ll think about it.” I did not want to argue my views on the subject right now. Besides, he made an interesting point before.
“So, the tower uses mana to create resources, the same way I can summon items. Only my items are not permanent. Still, the tower can’t be so altruistic, there has to be some kind of exchange or purpose for it to exist, other than helping the people.”
Mac leaned forward “As I said before. You will come to learn the answer as you climb the tower.” He pointedly looked towards me and continued in a low voice. “You need to stop speculating. People shouldn’t even be thinking of those types of questions on these baby floors.”
“It’s all good.” Interjected Mr. T. “No one can hear us outside of this table, and Burin here is Reigner’s companion. It’s only natural for him to learn a few things sooner than expected.”
Mac turned and looked closely at the newcomer. “Who are you, exactly?”
Mr. T. smiled towards Mac. “Me? I am a good friend of Reigner’s.”
“Oh, you are?” I asked.
“Of course!” He laughed. “I mean we hanged out a bit. You borrowed my sword and ruined my house, and I never charged you for repairs. What else could we be?”
“Well, if you put it like that…” Mac was glaring at me again. I needed to change the topic. “What brings you here, anyway?”
Still laughing he slapped my shoulder. “It’s exactly like that. Your discussion caught my attention and since I noticed that the three of you just finished dinner… I thought.” He pulled out a deck of cards and some dice. “That we could play some two v two wartics.”
“Oh, I love wartics!” Burin pushed himself out of his chair and moved around the table. “I’ll be on Reigner’s team.” He pushed Mac out of the chair and towards the other side of the table before taking the seat for himself. A little mollified Mac took the seat next to the Tower Lord before glaring at Burin. Nice one Burin, you can tank Mac’s ere for a bit. Or maybe it wasn’t a glare, and he just had a resting mad face.
The game was hard to follow at first and I let Burin guide me for most of the first few rounds. It was a card based tactical game where you had to defend and attack. The dice were used to do both and added bit of randomness to each round.
Mac did not seem interested in the first round but after enduring the gleeful gloating of a smug dwarf, he soon found his competitive spirit.
“No, if you attack now, you will just invite their counter.” Mac chided Mr. T. while pointing towards one of Burin’s cards on the table.
“Relax. I have a plan in mind.”
They went through with their attack and Burin laughed as he sacrificed one of his cards to deal big return damage.
“Was ye plan to lose? Because you are doing an excellent job.” Boasted Burin before chuckling proudly.
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“Just you wait young Dwarf. Your reign ends here!”
At some point Mr. T. wagered that the losing team had to provide drinks for the table. Our winning streak soon turned into losses as we partook of Mr. T’s strong beverages. I swear he chose the drink especially because it would dumb down Burin’s pro level strategies. A few hours later and I could hardly make out the cards in my hand.
I think by this point we were just tossing random cards on the table while claiming the other team lost. The relaxed atmosphere and laughter made it one of the most enjoyable moments I had experienced since dying on Earth.
Even the all powerful lord of the tower was becoming uncoordinated, rolling the rice too far, causing them to fall from the table. Instead of picking up the dice like a normal person he leaned forwards over the table and waved his hand. The dice rose from the floor, along with two chairs, a table and a number or cutlery and mugs. Moving his hands, the dice and everything else floated towards us. The dice landed neatly on the table with the highest score, while the rest of the levitating objects crashed to the floor.
“Aha! A perfect strike” He cheered.
“Bah, that’s cheating! Reroll reroll!” Cried out Burin.
Someone moved to stand next to our table, casting a shadow over our game.“Hey, Lechon! We have business, you and I.”
Turning around in my seat I could see a furry black shape looming over me with a number of people sized shapes standing behind him. “Who’re you?”
“I have come for justice!” The furry man exclaimed, slamming a hand down the table.
I turned to the others, and we shared a glance before falling over ourselves laughing.
“I’m here for justice!” Mr. T. cried out in a mocking voice.
Pulling myself shakily to my feet I turned around to get a better look at the blurry shape in front of me.
He was starting to look familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on who the man was.
“You cannot surprise me this time, coward. Fight me in the ring and you will find out just who you have been messing with.”
Cheers of “fight, fight, fight” came from the table and I was surprised to learn it was Mac of all people calling for battle. Weren’t you here to prevent things like this?
Mr. T. Rose to his feet and stood next to me. “How dare you interrupt us.” His words were slurred. “You have no idea how long it’s been since I have been to have a night like this.” I felt some pity for the god like being come red dwarf fanboy. I wondered what it would be like in his position.
I placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped forward. “Tis okay Manteli. I got this… Lead the way blurry boy.”
The man hissed and strode towards the raised platform. I followed a bit slower behind him, making sure I kept my balance. Climbing the steps and standing in the middle of the platform, I looked towards my opponent.
“Both times you managed to take me by surprise, but that won’t happen here. Now, everyone will see you for the street trash you are and learn to fear my wrath.”
“Feared?” I asked. “I don’t even know who you are.”
I turned away from the man infront of me to look out from the platform. There was a crowd of people watching and I could just make out my group, cheering for me. I waved to them.
The black fuzzy man moved in front of me increased in size. “My name is Prillus. Should I give you a matching cut to go with the one on your hand, so you can better remember?”
Focusing hard I finally recalled where I had seen this guy before. This was the beastkin prick that scratched me. Anger flooded me. Getting in the way of opening doors, was one thing. Scratching me was another, but interrupting me from enjoying a peaceful night with friends? That’s crossing the line.
“You mean this hand?” I showed off the back of my right hand.
I did not wait for an answer and swung my arm to deliver my own justice, in the form of a bitch slap. The back of my right hand made contact with the left side of his face and sent him spinning. Everything went white for a moment and I heard the sound of wood breaking and glass shattering. After clearing my eyes I followed his flight path, and found the beastkin slumped up against the floor of the bar with a clear path of broken chairs, plates, glasses, and tables lining the way between us.
Some of the beastkin’s companions rushed over to his prone form. The rest stood stock still looking between me and their downed friend.
Everyone in the Inn was quiet. Until a booming voice cut though the silence.
“What have you done! You ruined my sparing enchantment!” A large orc made his way down the stairs towards the destruction.
Mr. T. moved to stand at the centre of destruction. “Don’t worry, chum. I’ll have this cleaned up, good as new in a jiffy.” He waved his hand and part of the raised platform collapsed along with the shattering of more tables and chairs as they were swept along the room. “Tomorrow.” He added. “I’ll have it all cleaned up, good as new in a jiffy, tomorrow.”
I couldn’t tell if the large orc was going to scream or cry. He just stood there looking at the ruined section of the hall, his shoulders shaking.
“Come on, I’m crashing in your room.” Said Mr. T. as he walked up the stairs, stumbling once or twice.
Following behind him I gave the large orc, likely the owner of this fine establishment, a summoned mana marble and a friendly pat on the shoulder.
I woke up to sunlight hitting my face. I felt dehydrated and had a massive headache. Pulling myself into a sitting position I looked around and noticed that I was not in the small four bed room like I expected. Instead, I appeared to be in the middle of an arena, surrounded by tower shields that were partially dug into the ground. Loot was splayed out all around me. I could see bits of armour, a number of tower floor gems, a few amulets, along with discarded spears, swords, shields, and I even spotted a pair of armoured boots at the edge of the area.
Looking up I saw that Burin, Mac, and Mr T were all still asleep in the spectator stand. A shadow walked into my vision and loomed over me. Looking up, I saw… myself?
“Sleep well, Sunshine?” Asked my shadow.
He was holding out a glass of something and I gratefully gulped it down.
Looking around in confusion, I asked, “What happened?”
“What was the last thing you remember?”
Thinking hard I recalled going to the room and… “I remember going to the room and drinking more.”
My shadow laughed. “Yeah, that was a good time. Well during that, you boasted that this floor was probably as easy as every other floor and that you could solo whatever the hardest arena could throw at you. Everyone seemed to like that idea, so you all went on a little excursion and came here.”
“Oh.” Was all I could say. My head was still killing me. “Wait, I thought you needed four people to even start an arena. How am I inside alone?”
“The all powerful tower god let it happen. Only once inside you called me forth and went to sleep.”
“What?”
“You summoned these.” My shadow pointed to the tower shields. “And curled up between them.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, Oh… Leaving me to clear all the waves. You have not been practicing your combat skills. Stop getting lazy. You think I want to fight with skills in the double digits? Man, you are wasting something amazing here.” My shadow was raising his voice now. “You realise I am an awesome magial summon that has unlimited potential. That could even become stronger than you in your prime as the hero? If you just bloody well rank up your weapon masteries!”
Raising my hands up in defence I cried out. “Okay, okay, I got it. Please just be quiet. My head is not in a good place right now.”
“Whatever. Looks like the others are waking up too… Here.” My shadow pulled a hand from behind his back and pushed a book towards me.
My eyes went wide at the offered item. “Is this?”
“Yup, dropped after the last wave. Just a few minutes before you woke up, I might add. Lazy sod. I must admit though, it was nice to let loose a little.”
[Fertile Earth]
Quality: Rare, Magical
Weight: 1.2 Kg
Value: 40silver – 1gold
Effect: Teaches the spell, Fertile Earth. Creature a patch of nutrient rich earth that is perfect for cultivating any dirt bound plant.
My face soured at the description, and I looked up to my shadow. “Are you serious?”
My shadow bent over and laughed as inhumanly possible. It felt like my head was exploding form the inside.
Pulling myself up I stumbled towards my shadow and dismissed him once my hand made contact. “Gods, I hate that guy.” Though the drink was nice. Maybe he wasn’t all bad.
I cast my summon sprite spell and watched as it collected all the loot from the ground. I cheered up a bit at the list of notifications.
Loot gained:
Floor Gem
Chest armour
Leg armour
Gloves
Boots
Amulet
Scythe
Floor Gem
Amulet
Axe
Shovel
Floor Gem
Floor Gem
Chest armour
Helmet
Ring
Floor Gem
Floor Gem
After my sprite finished looting everything, I had it clean me up too. Maybe I could ask Burin to cast his shower spell on me. I felt like I needed a good wash.
As I finished, the others had awoken and walked into the arena to stand next to me.
“That was a fun night.” Mr T had a huge smile plastered on his face, looking no worse for the night of drinking. “Never thought you would just go to sleep while your summon did all the work. Absolutely splendid.”
Mac and Burin both looked like they had just spent a week in the desert. I summoned them some refreshing drinks, one that Teek showed me how to make, and handed them over.
They let out grateful sighs of relief after downing the cups. I summoned them another, one for Mr T, as he was giving me a pleading look, and another for myself as I still felt like crap.
“I couldn’t help but notice all those shiny items littered around ye a moment ago. Was there anything good. Something an aspiring adventuring Dwarf might like, perhaps?”
I pulled out the chest armour from my storage and looked it over.
[Chestpiece of growth]
Quality: Rare (Magical)
Weight: 300g
Value: 10silver -50silver
Effect: One set piece of four.
Set piece bonuses:
2 piece: Bonus to crop yields when harvesting.
3 piece: Bonus to growth rate when planting.
4 piece: Everything you harvest is one rank higher, up to Exceptional rank.
Farming… I felt like crying. The only solace was that I let my shadow do all the work while I slept.
“Here take it all.” I pulled out all the set items, weapons, and amulets, and pushed them towards the eager Dwarf.
“What, you don’t like farming?” Asked Mr T. “This is rare gear you know. Not many know of this arena, and even less manage to get past the fifth wave.”
“I am not going to farm!” I winced at the volume of my own voice.
“That’s too bad. They will fetch a pretty price in auction. You could use that to buy something you actually want.”
I handed over a floor gem to Burin as well as the loot since I seemed to now have a few of them now. Turning to Mr T. I asked, “Did you repair the Inn before we left?”
“Oh, right… That.” He looked into the distance for a moment before smiling. “All done. I even added a few improvements, and a larger door. I’ll have to leave you now. Looks like it’s going to be a busy day.”
He stepped forwards and wrapped both Burin and myself into a hug. “Thank you.” He said before vanishing.
“Did he just teleport?” Burin muttered. “Nice guy. Nice drinks. He must be a high ranker.”
“I know most of the high rankers, and he is not one of them.” Mac looked to me. “Just who was this Mr. T?”
Shrugging, I started walking to the arena’s exit. “Instead of asking me, you should ask Torak.”
“You mean Elder Knight Torak.”
“Yeah, him.” It took a moment of searching to find the direction of the tower after leaving the arena.
“Just how far did we walk last night?” Burin questioned.
Mac pointed to the arena’s gate entrance. “Outside the explored area. Look, this area has not been recorded yet. There is no sign describing what the arena holds.”
“Well, we can either walk or run back.” I offered.
“Walk.” Said Burin and Mac at the same time.
Burin shielded his eyes from the sun. “How could ye even think of running. My head is killing me.”