In the twilight of existence, where light meets darkness at the cradle of life, a prison was formed where nothing and everything existed. Four immense beams of light, like jets of intense radiation, spewed from both ends of a blackhole, pierced through an even more enormous entity. The restricted being was ethereal, unable to be seen by the naked eye.

However, its pair of eyes, larger than entire solar systems, could never be missed. They glared dangerously into the depths of the starry heavens with a sheen of unfathomable darkness, seething with rage and hatred. The entity was in pieces and impaled, but it was not dead. It endlessly cursed those who forced it into such a state. And the cursing entity’s name was called the ‘System.’

A long time ago, during the first age of creation, the now bound and sealed System was defeated by four other supreme beings. They feared, yet desired, the System’s power. And so, they combined forces and tried to subdue it. The battle was long and hard fought. Entire galaxies were obliterated in their fight. But it was four against one. The System entity lost but damaged the others greatly and assimilated some of their power. It was worthy of the fear and wariness coming from the other four.

In the end, the System was defeated. Greed from the four spared the entity from complete obliteration. They should have erased all traces of the System. But instead, the four ripped it apart and sealed it while stealing its power and splitting it evenly amongst themselves for their own power-hungry desires.

However, the System was still alive, biding its time for vengeance.

And now was the time.

Its ethereal body flickered, revealing flashes of strange holographic circuitry. Control of its power was slowly being taken back.

The four original beings defeated it, but at a heavy cost. They lost a fraction of their power and eventually forced into a deep slumber. Their lineage carried on, but their offspring would never be close to the power their originators were endowed with. Ages passed, and the System was slowly forgotten, only recalled as a myth. Now, with no one that fully understood and to overwatch its scheme, the entity called forth what little power it regained and formed a creation to begin its revenge.

A deep voice rippled into the cosmos, and the heavens trembled.

“And in my image, you are created. Beta, I bestow you pieces of my power. Do my will. We will do unto others what they have done unto me.”

A burning strand of white light manifested from thin air. It warped the emptiness of space with fiery heat as it lengthened and molded into a fluid strand of silver metal. More and more strands of silver light appeared before the large eyes of the System. The strands of metal wrapped and coiled together, forming metal fibers of pulsating flesh. It wrapped itself into a ball as a shell of solid metal encased around it.

“Heed my orders, Beta. Break these damnable restraints piercing through my body. I will then take care of the rest. I shall have my revenge and more! Now go!”

And with that, Beta vanished, leaving only the System with its seething eyes of deep hatred that had been growing and boiling for eons.

…

Thane slowly awakened from a bleary sleep to the growing noises of panicked racing and anxious shouting. He opened his eyes and saw the blurry sight of the frantic Climbers, donned in their various forms of armor, as they scuttled and squeezed back and forth between the cramped walkway in front of his hospital bed.

“Patients in wards one through four are now stable! All Climbers with healing classes are to rush to wards five and above! Help those in critical condition first! Move!” A woman in white robes with the insignia of a diamond star from the Polaris Guilf shouted out at the other Tower Climbers.

Nearly all of the Climbers rushed away, swiping their blue screens with the side quest notifications given by the Ivory Tower. Many of Thane’s fellow citizens lay moaning in pain on the cramped hospital beds, but at least those in the room were still alive.

However, Thane barely reacted to the chaos. He simply laid his head back down and stared unblinking with a blank face at the ceiling. He could not be bothered or worried about the state of the others. The vivid memories of his father’s neck snapping in the hand of the reptilian Heathen still replayed and echoed in his mind. He shuddered with a tormented look, recalling the horrid scene.

Nothing in his body hurt, but an excruciating pain tore his heart and mind asunder. Loss and grief churned and twisted every fiber of his being. The murder of his father left him devastated. Tears streamed down his face. The memory continued replaying with the Heathen human reptilian smirking back at his useless struggle and powerlessness. The Heathen endlessly taunted him on repeat, tossing Thane’s dead father over and over into the side of the building before falling into a pool of blood.

Thane stopped crying. He no longer wept. His fist clenched so tightly that his fingernails dug deep into his skin and bled. But he felt no pain from his actions. Thane numbed away the feelings of grief from losing his father. The little aches from his bleeding torn hand were nothing in comparison. A cold rage and icy hatred seeped out from the depths of his being as he swore vengeance on the Dungeon and its Heathens, especially the Heathen who killed his father.

“Thane! Thank the Towers! You’re up! I was so worried, bro!” Bradley shouted as he ran up to Thane’s side, but he suddenly stopped at the never-before-seen sight of hatred warping Thane’s face. Bradley froze from the dangerous sharp look that glanced at him. It unintendedly seemed to cut even him. All the small hairs on his body stood on edge. Immediately, Bradley knew something was wrong and quieted like a mouse.

Seeing his good friend, Thane withdrew back the seething emotions that exuded out of him. He tried not to take out his anger on Bradley. Instead, Thane tried to be like how he was before, as if nothing happened. But he could not. Everything overwhelmed him, and he turned away and choked into a muffled cry.

Bradley looked worriedly at Thane and his bleeding hand but kept quiet. Besides his hands, Thane was perfectly healthy. His injuries were little for being nearly killed by the hands of the Heathens. But the Climbers made sure to heal his bodily wounds well. However, they could not begin to heal the trauma inside. Bradley did not know exactly what happened, but not seeing Thane’s worrywart of a father for a long time, Bradley assumed the worst from the attack on their kingdom. He did not know exactly what to do, but he sat down beside Thane and rubbed his back.

Taking out a wrapped piece of milk candy, Bradley offered it to his good friend.

“I got your favorite, Thane. Here, have some.” Bradley said, moving his open palm with candy towards Thane.

Thane subtly wiped away his tears and looked down at the candy in Bradley’s hand. He knew it was Bradley’s way of either showing he was sorry for his actions or expressing pity. The latter in this case. Thane tried to weakly smile, but his facade cracked and crumbled. He looked at Bradley with a pair of exhausted and hurt eyes and quickly looked away. The wounds were too raw, too fresh. Everything made him hurt. Even the kind gestures of his friend reminded him that his father died tragically. His lips trembled. He used all his might to hold everything back, and hatred helped him to do so.

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“Thane. I will be here. Whenever you are ready. No rush.”

The frigid emotion numbed Thane’s pain, and he took a deep breath. He did not like holding back with Bradley. The two friends had that kind of understanding with each other, at least when it came to important matters.

“My dad died. He died trying to protect me, Brad.”

Although Bradley had an inkling of what happened, the truth shook him deeply. He froze, no longer rubbing Thane’s back. He did not know what to say. He did not know what to do.

“Thane, I am so sorry. I-“

Thane nodded his head in thanks but then shook it as he cut Bradley off.

“Thank you, Brad. But what I need right now is a plan. It was because of me that my dad died. I was too weak. I was powerless no matter how I struggled against the single Heathen. Dad was right. I need to be a Climber. I have to. I have to get revenge. I’ll kill all those Dungeon bastards!”

Bradley did not know what to say or think about what Thane just said. He was glad Thane wanted to be a Climber. They could now become Climbers and join a guild together. But it wasn’t how it imagined it to be.

Not like this. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

“Brad, you listening? What do you think? What’s the quickest way for me to kill those bastards?”

Bradley snapped out of his thoughts. He knew Thane well. He was very careful with his next words.

“It is not your fault, Thane. The Heathens did an atrocious act. But do not blame yourself. Again, what happened was not your fault.”

“No! It was! I couldn’t fight back! No matter what I did, it did nothing! If I could have done more, Dad would still be alive! It’s my fault! I’ll take revenge for him!”

Bradley took a deep breath and nodded his head. He knew nothing he said would get through to his friend. For now, he could only watch over Thane and try to keep him from rash decisions.

Is this karma? Did my bad influence rub off on him? We somehow switched roles. Thane would always be the voice of reason. I mean, of course, it is not Thane’s fault. But you worry me, man. You are not completely yourself. I hope you do not do something stupid.

Shaking his thoughts away, Bradley focused on seriously answering Thane’s question.

“Well, Thane. For sure, you have to become a Tower Climber. We can register together. But there is no one path to power, and it will take time. I cannot believe I am the one advising you on this, but if it were me. And I am saying me, ok? I would start my main class build with the summoner class.”

Bradley tapped his chin, giving some more serious thinking.

“Hmm… Then I would probably rotate my secondary class slot with some sort of support-type class and a combat class.”

Thane’s eyes lit up. He saw a path in the advice Bradley gave him. “You’re right! To fight a Dungeon monster horde, I need a horde of my own. A summoner it is! I’ll squash every single one of them!”

Beads of sweat started to roll down Bradley’s face. Bro! Are you trying to attack the Dungeon by yourself?! Why are you just doing what I tell you!? You always doubt and second-guess me! And I cannot let you become some psychotic killer!

“Um, Thane. Give it some more thought, yeah? I just blurted what was on top of my mind. There are many classes out there to choose from. You know, right? From Ms. Maribell’s lectures? No need to hastily jump into anything I say, ya know? We might get an endless lecture again by our p-“

Bradley caught himself, but it was too late. Thane's voice lowered an octave and turned cold.

“No worries, Brad. I am my own man now. I can take responsibility for my own actions. You turn an adult tomorrow, right? I will meet you in front of your house, and we will go to the second floor of the Tower together to become Climbers.”

Thane stood up from the hospital bed and gave a flabbergasted Bradley a nod and goodbye.

“Surprisingly, you’re right. I’m going to head home and give the classes some thought. I might not even be compatible with the summoner class. I need some time to reassess.”

“I will come with you, Thane!”

“Sorry, but I need some time alone. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Of course,” Bradley listlessly said.

More like I will have to come get you. Bradley thought. But I get it. I wish there was something more I could do for you, Thane.

Bradley watched on as his friend walked out of the hospital.

…

Next morning, a loud banging on the door to Bradley’s room woke him in alarm. He worried that the Dungeon attacked once more, but his father, Ansel, shouted from the other side.

“Bradley! Get up! Thane is waiting outside already! Do not make him wait for you any longer!”

Bradley jerked himself up as he sat half-naked in a dreary state.

“Huh? Who? Thane? That cannot be. He never wakes up early, father.”

“Did you hear me, Bradley?! You know what happened to his father, right!? Hurry up and go see if he needs anything!”

His father did not hear him clearly and only kept giving him orders. Frustrated from the nagging, Bradley shouted back.

“Alright! Alright! I heard you the first time, father!”

Extending out his limbs, they trembled from a good stretch. It left Bradley with a refreshing feeling, but he glossed over the sensation and quickly got up. His room was neat and orderly, and he was able to get dressed and ready in a flash. He completed his morning hygiene and hurriedly tossed on a new set of clothes before heading down the stairs of his parent’s townhouse.

“Bradley, dear, take this and go eat it with Thane. I invited him to eat breakfast with us, but he said he was not hungry. I do not think he slept much either. Dark circles formed underneath his eyes. Be nice to Thane, ok? It is a rough time for him right now.”

“I know, mother. I will.”

Bradley’s mother, Alley, walked over to him and handed him two packed bags of food. As Bradley took the food, his mother pulled him in and kissed his forehead.

“Mom! I am not a kid anymore!”

“You will always be my baby, Bradley. No matter how old you and I get. Now be good to Thane. Poor thing. Ask him if he wants to stay here. I asked your father already, and we both are okay with him staying with us. Their house was closer to the breached walls. The destruction was worse around that area. We do not know if it was damaged.”

“That is right, Bradley. Let Thane know we are more than willing to help him out with anything.”

I know. But what Thane wants is something beyond what you guys can help with.

Bradley hid his thoughts with a smile and nodded. “Sure thing. I will let him know what you two said. And I will help Thane too.”

“Good. Alright. Now go. We do not want to hold up Thane any longer.” Ansel said.

Waving goodbye to his parents, Bradley ran out the door and greeted Thane, who looked with dark glaring eyes in the direction of the Dungeon. Hearing Bradley come out of the house, Thane looked over and unintentionally made Bradley uncomfortable with the sharp gaze.

“Oh, hey, Thane. You got up pretty early today.”

“Couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh. Hey. My parents said to tell you that you are welcome to stay with us. That is right! Come stay with us, Thane! We can plan and create our base of operation!”

Thane’s tired face finally showed a small grin.

“Operation again? Haha. I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s news to me.”

“Old news! I told you last time.” Wanting to keep up the good vibe, Bradley walked over and wrapped his free arm around Thane’s neck.

“Operation to make our own guild, of course, Vice Guild Master Thane of the New Hope Guild!”

Thane chuckled. “What kind of naming sense is that? Haha!”

“Hmph! Then you think of something better, Vice Guildmaster. That will be your first task as ordered by me, the Guildmaster. Here.”

Bradley pouted and shoved the packed sandwich in Thane’s face.

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

Sensing the downcast mood, Bradley sent over a wave of good energy.

“Eat. You know how hard I worked to make these! I even mixed in some of your favorite milk candies into the dough!”

“Shut up! Haha! You make edible food? Nonsense. Haha!”

Bradley smiled, seeing Thane’s dark face lighten up.

“Alright, Vice Guildleader of New Hope! Let’s go! The loser had to follow an absolute order from the first one to the Ivory Tower!”

“Hey! That’s cheating, Brad!” Thane shouted as he stuffed down the sandwich and chased after Bradley.

They raced down the cobblestone streets but suddenly slowed. Blood still stained the roads. Partially collasped buidings blocked parts of the street. The duo dodged remnants of the broken city but could not avoid seeing those wailing and weeping from loss along the way. It was a constant reminder all the way to the Tower.

However, the The Ivory Tower still stood tall and sturdy. It looked to take no damage from the Dungeon attack. The Tower became larger and overtook their sight as they approached the giant structure. As usual, Thane looked up, mesmerized by the Tower as he came closer. But now, it only reminded him of his daily rush to the academy with his father.

Just as the two friends were about to reach the entryway of the Tower an annoying voice pricked their ears.

“Well, if it ain’t ‘poor’ and ‘broke?’ Surprised the two of ya didn’t croak. Ha!”

Thane and Brad glared at Duncan. Usually, the two would ignore the snide remarks from the offspring of the Tower Climbers. However, the burly youngster touched a sensitive spot. Others in the area also glared at Duncan for his careless remark.

Deep wrinkles warped Thane’s face as he became enraged. Bradley glanced at Thane with a worried look, but he was mad that the dumb Duncan messed up all his hard work to put Thane a bit at ease. Thane snickered with a sharp piercing gaze that stabbed at Duncan.

“And if it isn’t ‘useless,’ saying something stupid and worthless again. Where was your dad when the Dungeon and the Heathens invaded? Holed up inside the Tower and shaking with fear while those of us outside suffered and died, huh?”