Chapter 4

The stream was roughly four feet wide, and maybe a foot deep. It gurgled and burped around the occasional rock or fallen log, but otherwise was pristine and crystal clear. Within I could see colorful darts here and there, trout from the looks of it. Much like many of the wildlife on the lower floors, climbers could acquire them, though not as easily as those with the proper job assignment from the Tower. Hunters and fishermen were gifted traits and skills that made acquiring such things much easier and guaranteed them higher qualities of the animals and fish. Still, I watched a rainbow trout lazily swim about, and figured I’d give it a go.

With my sword still drawn I glanced around, noting I was still alone. Ever since I’d entered the forest, I hadn’t seen any of my fellow recruits. Did that mean they’d found the path to the next floor already? Was the forest the wrong place to go? Or was the floor really just that expansive, that a hundred recruits were able to quickly get fully separated?

With these thoughts in mind, I set my shield down at the edge of the water. I hesitantly stepped foot into the water, sword ready to stab at one of the fish. The moment my foot entered the water, the fish all scattered in different directions.

“Ugh,” I growled, realizing stabbing a fish wasn’t going to be an easy task. How did fishermen do it? The water of the stream was cold, and it quickly soaked into my boot. The soft bottom of the stream, a fine silt, sucked my foot down, making me sink slightly into the stream. I planted all of my weight on my other foot, which was thankfully still on the outer edge of the stream and lifted myself from the stream. There was a slight resistance from the muddy ground as it fought against me, but it eventually gave in, and my foot was released with a plop. The sudden force of it made me stumble slightly away from the water, and I fell to the ground, cursing aloud at the wet and unstable ground.

Outside of the Tower, there wasn’t anything like this. Everything was stone. Everything was solid and firm. I was finding it somewhat difficult to navigate the new terrain, the new surfaces. It once again went to show just how different the Tower was, compared to the world I’d known for the past 18 years. And while I was frustrated, and embarrassed, a part of me was grateful. I’d much rather learn these things now, than on later floors, where the danger was grave. These missteps, while unfortunate, were necessary. The path of progress, Commander Phyr liked to say, is paved with new experiences and failures.

I brushed mud off my hands and moved back towards the stream, carefully kneeling at its edge. As if to taunt me, the fish had left their hiding spots and returned, daring me to try again. I ignored them, finding a small, still section of the water. Within it, my reflection was clear. Pale skin, a gaunt face, with large, dark purple eyes, accustomed to seeing in the low light of the dimly lit world outside of the Tower. My dark hair was unkempt and shaggy, the results of barracks haircuts done hastily with knives. On my face, slight stubble could be seen, though I was still a long ways off from having a beard like the veterans. I looked young, inexperienced. After today, that would all change.

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With that thought I licked my lips. Being so close to the water continued to drive my thirst, and I couldn’t wait any longer. I moved from the clear pool to a swiftly moving part of the stream, using the cool running water to wash my hands. Then, I cupped my palms together, and gathered some of the clear liquid. I brought it up to my lips and took a long sip.

“By the Tower.” I gasped as I finished. The water was crisp and cold. So cool I could feel it as it partially chilled my throat, and even stomach, as I drank it. I quickly cupped more and slurped it greedily down. It was the most refreshing thing I’d ever consumed. There was none of the earthy taste of the well water either. This water in the stream was pure bliss. I’d never thought a single sip of water could taste so good. A third mouthful, and I couldn’t help but let out a small, satisfied burp. My lips and fingers were numb from the cold water, but I didn’t care. I felt drunk, euphoria rushing through me. The Tower was too good. This water was divine.

I looked about, hoping for some way to collect more of the water to take with me. For our first climb, the only gear we’d been allowed was our shield, sword, and leathers. Meaning no waterskin. A fact that once again reminded me of why I was here. I’d been losing myself to the wonders of the first floor, just like I’d judged my peers for doing only an hour or so ago. There would be time for such things later.

With that thought I grabbed my shield, sliding my left arm once again through the loop as I took hold of it. I paused, undid the shield, and took it to the stream. Then, I washed the gore off my shield, and likewise gave my sword another once over, ensuring I’d cleaned off any excess gore on the blade. Proper care of gear had been drilled into us from day one. Nyle and I had been punished more than I could count for missing specks of dirt on our clothes, or for not properly polishing or caring for our training weapons. In fact, the first year or so of training had been purely focused on physical conditioning, and instilling discipline within the newly marked recruits. Sure, we’d gotten to hold and tentatively swing around the different weapons, but it wasn’t until year two that we got to truly begin such training.

Your gear is your life. Commander Phyr would say every time we were punished. If you fail in caring for your gear, your gear will fail in caring for you.

Certain I’d done my best to clean not only my shield and sword, but also my boot as best I could, I stood, once again focused. I needed to find the portal to the second floor. I needed to progress. I needed to stop messing around on the first floor and getting distracted.

I grimaced as I realized there was no clear path around the stream. Only the smallest tops of rocks jutted from the water, and there was no doubt they’d be slick. The sticks that lay in the stream were all small and narrow. And while I was confident it’d be easy to walk across, I’d rather not have to clean my boots once again. Especially because I already knew walking with wet feet inside my leather boots was a form of suffering, I’d rather not endure if I didn’t have to.

Which only left me a few options, really. I could follow the water upstream, or downstream, looking for a possible path to cross. Or… I thought as I eyed it. I tested my leg. The pain in my knee was mostly gone. I glanced about once more, confirming there were no threats. Seeing nothing but forest, I sheathed my sword and walked a few feet away from the stream. Then, I sprinted forward, running as fast as I could. It was only four feet. I could jump that easily.