Chapter 43
“If you’re intent on being a mage,” Ryker was addressing Nyle as we drew ever nearer to the Cathedral, “I’d recommend donating as much as you can, as often as you can, to the Cathedral.”
“Is it that important?” Nyle asked. “Flint seemed quite evasive about the concept of donating to them.”
“Well Flint’s not too fond of them in general.” Ryker said with a chuckle, “he donated a rare bow to them back before he’d decided on being a Sharpshooter. And they refused to give it back to him. He’s never forgiven them.”
“What happens to donated items?” I asked. With the number of Climbers heading into the Tower daily, surely the Cathedral received more donations in a day than I could even fathom. “And is it only Climbers that donate?”
“They have a special altar within the Cathedral,” Ryker began, “the Tower Speaker presents the offerings to it once a day, and it grants the Speaker, and all the acolytes their access to their spells, abilities, and the likes. I don’t understand all of it,” he shrugged, “but as far as I’ve figured out, they have access to a massive, shared inventory within the Cathedral. And everything Climbers, and all others who go within the Tower donate, goes into that inventory. Conversely, once donation levels have been met, we are equally rewarded through that pool. Though I’ve no idea how much they value everything, and how they figure any of that out.” He looked us over, “far as I can tell, it’s completely random. Hence,” he focused once more at Nyle, “it’s best if you start donating as much as possible, as soon as possible, to ensure you can gather up a healthy list of spells.”
“They mentioned the chance of gear as rewards as well,” I pressed, “so should we donate right now? And are we able to pick and choose what we donate?” I was not about to have my entire inventory emptied against my will. I didn’t mind giving a few of my spoils from the day to them, especially considering how many cows and chickens and monster bodies we’d acquired, but I wasn’t about to part with all of them.
Ryker grinned knowingly. “You’re gear addiction is going to get you into trouble. But yes, you can choose what to donate to them. The day of the Reaping they take everything, because no matter how far you climb on that first day, it’s pretty much impossible to gather enough items to equal the value of your Climber’s Regalia.” He looked down at the three of us, all still in that particular black and silver outfit. “While it’s complete crap for defense, the Regalia is magical in that it repairs and cleans itself instantly when you unequip and re-equip it. Pretty sure they issue it to everyone to limit the filth covered Climber’s heading into town early on.”
I glanced at my own clothes, which were indeed covered in various bits of blood and grime. I looked at Lyn and Nyle, and we all had the same look on our faces. Ryker laughed.
“Yeah, I probably should have mentioned that to you before we arrived.” We were at the steps to the Cathedral. An acolyte with shadows for a face, always shadows due to their hoods, motioned for us welcoming.
“Climbers,” he rasped cheerfully, “come inside and bathe in the glory of The Tower. Grow stronger, so you may climb higher. And perhaps, return some of which the Tower has granted you, so we may grant you more in the future.”
“Off you go,” Ryker shoved the three of us forward. As we moved past the man at the entrance, Ryker stepped back, and I felt the acolyte’s focus shift to him.
“Do you not wish to donate today, Climber?” His voice had steeled itself somewhat. “It has been a long time since you last gave.”
“We pool our donations.” He said as we continued inside. “I’ve told you all over and over. All my Clan’s donations are given through Grey, as he is closest of all of us to The Tower.”
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“Unorthodox,” I heard the acolyte mutter, “and foolish.” I brushed past the man, and as I did, I heard him say one last thing. So soft that it would be impossible for Ryker to hear it. “Enjoy the Towers ire.”
I felt a chill run through me. Whatever was going on, I didn’t like it. The way that acolyte had just spoken, it seemed as if not donating directly, was frowned upon. I believed Ryker though. I had no reason not to. And from all he’d told us, giving their donations to their holy mage, Grey, to donate to the Cathedral made sense. Didn’t it?
“Guess we should all donate a little,” I whispered to my companions as we headed further inside. We made our way to the small, curtained off areas of the room, where acolytes all waited patiently. I looked at the others and nodded. “And don’t forget to level up.”
As I spoke I did just that, reaching level 7 as I put another point into dexterity, and one into constitution. I was torn on what I wanted to do. Torn on what I wanted to become. And while I realized it would slow my progress, I really didn’t want to over commit to a single stat just yet. So for now, my dexterity and constitution were both at three, my strength and arcane were at two, and my holy sat at one. Increasing Dexterity and Constitution also bumped my HP up by another two points, putting me at a grand total of… 105. Becoming a powerful climber definitely seemed more a marathon, than a sprint.
“Greetings Climber,” the acolyte before me said as I stepped close to him. He motioned to the seat within the curtained room, and just like yesterday, I walked inside. He closed the curtain, sat down, and held his hands out expectantly.
“What brings you here, blessed of the Tower?” His tone was expectant.
“I’m here to donate I guess?” I held my right hand out. The moment he grabbed it I felt a magic tingle. My stats appeared in the air before him. And mentally, I felt the tug indicating a trade was being initiated.
“Commendable growth, on your first day.” The acolyte said approvingly. “Uncertain though you seem, in your path forward.”
“It’s only my first day,” I said. “I’m not really sure what the best path is for Climbing.”
“Many do not. If you wish, we can seek the answer together.” He looked intently at me, and I stared into the shadows of his cloak. Even this close, I couldn’t make out a single feature. “Though the Tower’s guidance is mysterious.”
“Maybe some other time,” I said, uncertain of how exactly he intended to help me. It was pretty clear Climber’s were left on their own when it came to figuring out their paths. And I had the stark contrast of Ryker’s Clan, and Hans, to show there were definitely right, and wrong, ways to do things. Still, I couldn’t help but feel if the Cathedral actually wanted to guide Climbers, they’d offer a lot more knowledge at the start for us, rather than having us stumble blindly forward, seeking them out whenever we got lost…
Was that the purpose? Was that their goal all along? I pushed the thoughts from my mind before they formed. I was here to donate. Nothing more, nothing less.
“I’m here to donate to the Cathedral,” I said, trying to steady my thoughts. I looked at the shimmering boxes of our trade. Unlike before, nothing had populated on my side just yet.
“Then donate young Climber,” the man said with the faintest bob of his cloaked head, “and know your generosity will reflect warmly on your future.”
I sorted through my inventory. Did I really need four goblin carcasses? No. Did I need seven wolf carcasses? Also no. Still, I didn’t want to give away too much. I had no idea what all I could sell in the city, or trade for materials, or what I would need for future climbs.
“This should be good…” I mumbled as I made a quick decision. I donated two goblin carcasses, three of the wolf carcasses, and then split my chicken, pig, and cow numbers in half, donating half to the Cathedral. I didn’t want to give away too much… but I was also more than a little curious about what gear I could possibly receive, by donating.
“A fine donation,” the Acolyte said. As my items shimmered in the air within the trade inventory, a glow appeared on the other side. A single item appeared on the Acolyte’s side of the trade inventory. Then I felt the tingling indicating the trade was being accepted. I accepted, and watched as my items disappeared, and I received the one item from the Acolyte.
“Till next time Climber,” he let go of my hand and stood, moving towards the curtain. “Walk in the Tower’s light. And remember, if you ever lose your way, we will gladly offer you the Tower’s Guidance.”
I stood quickly and moved past him as the curtain opened. I was only half listening to him, as I mentally went through my inventory, looking for the item I’d just received. My first piece of gear. My heart beat in my chest excitedly as I looked at it. And a moment later, it beat even faster…as a pit appeared within my stomach.
“Seriously?”