Chapter 60

The conversation died down almost immediately once Alax joined our group. There was palpable tension in the air, and it was obvious to everyone. Quill looked like he wanted to say something more than once, however, he stayed quiet. In silence then, our group followed Pren and the rest of the Hunters and Climbers as we made our way first to the Tower, then through its gates, and finally, to the second floor.

“Gather round,” Pren’s voice was stern once we stepped foot on the second floor, the tone leaving no question about who was in charge. We all did as she instructed, the immediate heat in the air adding weight to the already heavy air around my group. Nyle took a few heavy breaths, and I remembered it was his first time on the floor. Even knowing what to expect, the feel of the floor, the sickly wet air, was a stark change from the pleasant feel of the first floor.

“We’ve less Climbers than normal, and I understand that may make some of you uncomfortable.” Pren began as she looked over everyone at her command. Other groups, with different roles, had split away from ours. Others still, were already moving in an organized manner away from the gate, likely heading to the next floor. I wondered as they moved, noting only a single Coal with their group, what the third floor was like. Tomorrow, hopefully, we’ll see it.

“However,” she continued, “I know well the skill of each and every Hunter here. You’ve spent more time in this Tower, on these floors, than even the Climbers,” her gaze shifted to the Climbers, lingering on our group, “meaning it is your job to guide the Climbers who are with you, and ensure the success of this outing.”

There was murmuring among the Hunters. Quill shot us a grin, and I saw a few of the other Hunters knock their fists against the fists of the Climbers paired with them. It was clear some of them had worked together before and built a level of camaraderie that was evident. For them, this was just another day. And yet, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. I glanced at Alax and felt his venom. Put aside personal feelings, lest they cause you to die. Commander Phyr’s voice echoed in my mind. Easier said than done, apparently.

“Our purpose today is to hunt the gorilla that frequent this floor. I know I do not need to go over the dangers of this floor to my people, but for the sake of those just joining us, I will. First, know that our prey are not weak. Do not underestimate the gorillas. They are strong, they are cunning. To underestimate them, will result in your death.”

She said she was speaking on behalf of the new Climbers, but I had a sinking realization she was spending most of her time looking our way. We were, after all, the only group with four new Climbers.

“Next are the Jaguar. These cats are stealthy. They are swift. Yet they will not strike from obvious places. Keep your head on a swivel, and watch each others backs. Jaguars are ambush predators, and if you let them get the first jump on you, it is likely they won’t need another.”

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“Well that’s just lovely.” Nyle muttered at my side.

“Third are the slimes,” Pren continued, “they will quite literally try and get the drop on you. They are monsters on this floor, meaning they’re level four, for purpose of experience for you Climbers.” This time there was no mistaking it, she looked full on at our party. “I know how the Tower works for Climbers, these slimes will make for tempting targets for those looking to level up to level ten.”

“Well, she’s not subtle.” Lyn said with a quiet huff.

“Do not forget why you are here,” Pren’s voice was stern, “slaying any slime you find is fine, especially if it ensures the safety of my Hunters. But your job, first and foremost, is to help us deal with our prey, and ensure our safety. Do not go chasing monsters that are not a direct threat, and do not purposefully seek out monsters, for your own gain. The jungles of the second floor are dangerous enough, without stupidity weighing down the scales.”

She took a deep breath, “finally, the biggest threat is the Goblin Warriors. Luckily, these monsters often do not venture far into the jungle itself. The only time to be wary of these foes, is when we enter, and leave, the dungeon. Climbers who are skilled enough are expected to scout ahead to ensure the Goblin Warriors are not laying in wait. Those who are not, well,” she looked at the Hunters this time, “the Hunters will have to pick up the slack.”

“Is that it?” I asked Quill, taking advantage of the long pause in Pren’s speech. “Are those all the threats?”

“Hardly,” Quill said with a chuckle. “There are venomous snakes, constrictors, various birds that get their feathers ruffled if you go near their nests, and that’s just within the jungle. Word of advice don’t go in the river. It won’t end well for you.”

“Alright.” I said quickly, as I noticed Pren beginning to speak again.

“A successful hunt is judged by multiple aspects. While obviously we want to take down as many of our prey as possible, that is secondary to the most important goal of each and every hunt. Be safe, be smart. No amount of slain prey is worth the loss of a Hunter. I expect each and every one of you to return home tonight, safe and sound. Do not put your pride, your goals, your ambition, before your own safety. You only get one life, and it is far more valuable than anything else you may gain on today’s hunt. Remember this. All things are possible with time, all goals able to eventually be reached. But when you die,” she closed her hand tightly in a fist for effect, “your time, your tale, your hopes and dreams, they die with you.” Her voice got softer, and everyone stepped closer to her, to hear her voice as she continued. “Come home,” she practically whispered, “that is the only thing I truly ask of you today. Live, so we may hunt again, tomorrow.”

The mood was somber, even the animosity, the friction in our party, quelled before her words. Pren blinked a few times, then straightened her shoulders, standing tall and powerful once more. She pulled out a golden whistle from around her neck and held the object to her lips.

“Now then,” she said around teeth clenched against the object, “call forth your companions, and let the Tower know the hunt has begun.”

All around us, Hunters pulled whistles from around their necks. Quills whistle flashed silver, and I noticed a few others were silver as well. I noted a single additional golden whistle, in the group that only had a single Climber, and one other group, which also had two hunters, had a copper-colored whistle. Before I could ask Quill about the colors, Pren blew hard into hers. On cue, all of the other Hunters blew into theirs, and suddenly, the area around us, the entire second floor, echoed with the shrill pitch of the whistles, and the tingle of magic.