Chapter 14
It only took another hour before the final new climber stepped out of the resurrection chamber, as it was apparently called, and into the revival hall. Shortly thereafter, they emerged from their tent to fanfare and celebration. The new Climber, named Jaxon Stelle, had apparently made it all the way to the fourth floor before falling. From the way he spoke, he’d also made it to level 6. Meaning three more levels than I had. If I understood the system correctly, that meant he’d slain 30 monsters before dying, since he’d only get to keep half of the Tower’s Essence from those creatures.
He was quickly surrounded by his squad mates, most of whom had been here before I got here. I didn’t know Jaxon well, but I knew of him. He was larger than the rest of us, physically gifted in a way that made him stand almost a head and a half taller than us, with more muscle definition and proportions to boot. When it came to our training, he’d constantly been praised by our instructors, and excelled at all he did. I just, hadn’t realized how big a difference there was between he and I.
By the time the commotion over his return and word of his accomplishments had dulled to a murmur, the door to the resurrection chamber opened once more. Commander Phyr boldly made his way into the room, followed silently by the Tower Speaker.
“First,” the Commander said loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. Granted, his massive, armored frame and commanding presence had already done that, his voice just ensured no one would look away. “Allow me to congratulate you all on completing the Reaping. You’ve done me proud, and with through your first death, have taken the final step to becoming Climbers.”
Cheers rang out, mugs raised into the air, and drink sloshed everywhere. The Commander wore a rare smile as he acknowledged our cheers.
“Henceforth, you lot are no longer my recruits. Today, you and I, are peers.” The eruption of cries was thunderous, enough to make the room shake. He raised his hand in the air, and after a moment, the room quieted once more.
“Before I release you all back into society, freed from your eight years at my hands though, there are a few matters that must be discussed.” Not a person stirred as all eyes focused on the Commander.
“First, per tradition, will be the Ceremonial March to your new homes. As of today, as official Climbers, you’ll no longer reside in the recruit barracks. When we leave here, I will march all of you, parading the city's newest Climbers, to Climbers Rest. There, you will join the other Climbers, and officially become a permanent member of our ranks.”
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There were excited murmurs.
“Think we’ll be stuck with bunks still?” Nyle asked, his voice slightly slurred, “because if we are, I think I want the bottom bunk this time.” He let out a slight, quiet burp. “Don’t think I like heights anymore.”
I stifled a laugh as the Commander continued.
“Second, I must prepare you for what is to come. My final instruction so to speak.” He looked over at the Speaker. The hooded figure nodded, a slight motion, barely discernable. The Commander continued, his tone slightly subdued. “Before I return once more to the Tower for one last climb.”
“As Climbers,” he began, his normal tone back in his voice, “you are Blessed by the Tower. Your gifts, as you’ve all learned, are vast. When you die in the tower, you do not die for good. No,” his voice grew in strength, “instead, death is but a fleeting moment. The Tower gives each and every one of its chosen climbers infinite potential. But with that potential comes a great responsibility. You are responsible for yourself, your actions, and your contributions to society. You must continue to climb, to challenge yourself, to gain new power. But you must always remember what your power is for. It is not for personal gain. No,” he shook his head. “Your power is for the benefit of the city and all its people. You, as Climbers, are the sword and shield of the people. You are the ones who keep our people safe, and who allow those without the Tower’s Blessing to safely traverse the lower floors. In exchange, they harness the bounty of the Tower, and through our combined efforts,” he spread his arms wide in a dramatic flourish, “we all can prosper.”
More cheering erupted, but all I could do was focus on the Commander’s face. He was smiling, sure, but his eyes. His eyes told a different story. Something was happening. And a part of me knew it was important. But I’d already been assaulted with too much this day. Combined with the drink and feast, my mind was foggy. I was food and drink drunk, sluggish, tired. I could tell something was wrong, but that was all.
“Gather now your wits about you,” Commander Phyr said in a boisterous tone, “form up ranks outside, and let us show the people their newest Climbers. Stand as proud men and women of the Tower, stand proud, as this years Climbers. And know, each and every one of you, that I’ve had no greater pleasure in all my life, than spending the last eight years overseeing your growth. I am confident, I am certain, I’ve given you all the tools you need, to accomplish more than I ever could.”
It started as a single figure, then two, then four. Before I knew it, I was standing as well, as all one hundred of the new Climbers stood, leaving food and drink on the table, to face the Commander. We all stood proudly at attention, heels together, right hands placed proudly against our chests. Our marks shone with a glimmer of magic, as we saluted Commander Phyr. He’d been a constant in our lives these past eight years. The first face we saw every morning, and the last face we saw at night. His voice often felt more familiar to me than my own. And now, after today, it was clear he’d be leaving us.
Our devotion to him, our dedication, our respect for him, shown in that moment, as all hundred of us offered him our first, and final, salute as Climbers.
He snapped to attention himself, his Mark on his grizzled, worn hand, glowing brilliantly in return. His face was hard, his mouth set. And yet I could see it, we all could. His eyes shone with tears that he refused to shed.