Alex waited at the stairwell for the dungeon entrance. Down below was the attendant making note of who wanted to enter. They were given a time to return and then would enter the dungeon. He had packed his bag lightly this time. On his back was his battery pack. His bag held stuff for torches, rope, and an emergency set of mana and health potions. He looked up as he heard the sounds of feet on the stone steps.

“Ready to go?” asked Alex.

“Of course, I am,” Finn replied, a big smile on his face. Around his waist was a new belt that had several pockets.

“You didn’t find anyone else to join us,” Alex remarked as he looked up the stair seeing no one else behind Finn.

“Nope. I talked to a few people, and they were usually mean or didn’t care what I had to say. Two of them didn’t even believe that I had a second person on my team. Instead, I gave up on them and got this new belt. Then I decided to see what information I could find about the spatial dungeon.”

“Was that trip worth it at least?”

“It totally was,” said Finn excitedly. “I got information on the first area of the dungeon. It should be a puzzle though the exact nature of it will change from run to run. The second area is usually a combat zone.”

“That seems do able. I suppose we should discuss strategy surrounding combat because it will just be the two of us.” Alex took a deep breath. "Alright, Finn. Here's what I'm thinking. Given our unique skill sets, we should play to our strengths."

Finn nodded, eager to hear more. "Go on."

"Firstly, I'll use my lightning magic to keep our enemies at bay. The sudden shocks and bursts of electricity will disorient them, making it harder for them to focus and attack. This will give you an opening. I will also be in charge of finding ways of grounding flying enemies."

Finn's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Right. While they're distracted, I can get in close and use my martial arts skills. My fists and feet can deliver powerful blows, especially if I can catch them off guard."

Alex continued, "Exactly. And if we find ourselves overwhelmed, I can use my knives for close combat. But I'd prefer to keep a distance and let you handle the front lines. Your monk training has made you more resilient and agile. We should also have a signal for when one of us needs help or when we need to retreat. Communication will be key."

Finn agreed, "How about a whistle? A short one for help and a long one for retreat."

Alex nodded, "Sounds good. And remember, if we encounter any enemies that are resistant to my lightning magic, we'll need to adapt quickly. Always be on the lookout for any weaknesses. Hopefully they will respond better to a good pounding."

Together they walked up to the attendant at the gate. The process went quickly once they stated their intention of entering the dungeon. Their information was logged by the worker, and they were given a time to come back for an hour from then. At that time, they could enter the dungeon.

“What do you want to do for an hour?” asked Finn.

“I need to meet with some people. What you do is up to you. Just make sure that you are back here on time,” said Alex.

“Meeting people but couldn’t find anyone else to join us. Who are you meeting with?”

“People who won’t and can’t join us in the dungeon for one reason or another. It doesn’t concern you. If we keep working together then maybe you will meet them,” Alex answered.

“Does it have something to do with that box on your back?” asked Finn.

“Not completely,” said Alex keeping his answer short.

“What does it do?” asked Finn.

“It assists me with my magic and that is all that you need to know,” said Alex as he walked away from the stairwell to his next destination. Finn was left there alone.

“Hopefully Finn doesn’t get into any trouble while I am gone,” thought Alex to himself. “He seems reliable and showed some initiative. I’ve got to see two things right now though. Angela is probably already working hard in the crafter’s quarters. I will have to ask her about how her dungeon adventures go when she starts on them. Meeting Archer should be quicker and shorter considering I already know where he will be staying.”

It took Alex a few minutes to find Angela’s working space once he got to the crafter’s quarters. Each building around him was similarly built and was made for forging. After a little asking around he was able to narrow it down and knocked on the door. He knocked again a little louder.

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“Come on in,” shouted Angela form behind the door.

Alex opened the door to find her busy with starting the fire. It was heating up and she worked to fan the flames.

“I see you haven’t stopped being active. How have you been?” asked Alex.

Angela looked up, her face flushed from the heat of the flames, and smiled. "Alex! It's been a while. I've been good, just busy with my new inventions." She gestured to the various tools and unfinished projects scattered around the room.

Alex raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Always the innovator, huh? I've missed seeing your creations."

She chuckled, "Well, you've always been my favorite audience. What brings you here?"

He hesitated for a moment. "I had to stop by eventually and now seemed like a good time as any. Did you get caught up on what needs to be accomplished on this floor?”

“Of course. I have been here for longer than you,” she said with a smile. “Us crafters grabbed all the information we could and have been at work ever since.”

“You haven’t been here for that much longer than me. It was five maybe six hours before we snuck through the city and into the teleportation circle,” he said with a fake roll of his eyes.

“How did that whole sneaking into the city thing go?”

“It was well organized and at least from my end it worked. I didn’t stay for very long once I was on the third floor though. I actually was meaning to meet with him after this and see how things went. That also reminds me that have something to show you. I worked out another so called ‘spell’ within my arsenal on accident and it is pretty nice.”

With a hand he quickly reached out and put it on Angela. “So forward,” she replied smugly. He ignored it.

Alex focused on his power and activated mana sense before using his focused Alter Senses ability. He carefully removed her hearing one at a time and then did it to both ears. Finally, he deactivated it and tried something else. Looking into her eyes he manipulated the signals going to and from them so that she could not perceive anything. He deactivated it a second later and removed his hand.

“That was creepy. I can see why that could be very useful. You can essentially disable every sense someone has. With hearing it could potentially affect someone’s balance as well.”

“It is something I have considered. I can’t believe I didn’t try it out sooner though I suppose that the undead were a bit of a roadblock in that regard. Though these powers would be useable on any regular tangible monster.”

“You have essentially extended your alter sense from internal to something external. I imagine that this could also extend to something like pain as well. If this was usable at range then it would be extremely useful to have.”

“That would be nice to have but for now it is something that requires touch. I don’t have enough energy and air becomes a difficult medium otherwise.”

“That is too bad. I’m proud of you though. You have improved once again without necessarily growing your level. You will have to tell me about how the dungeons go with those new powers and with your battery pack.”

“I expect the same from you,” said Alex. “I want to hear about the wonders of the crafting dungeons. Maybe you will have an update for me on the next version of the battery.”

Angela laughed at that suggestion. “I will make no promises.”

There discussion started to peter off and Alex checked the time. After saying his goodbyes Alex set off for his next destination. Archer, by Alex’s estimation would likely be found at his guild’s house if he wasn’t busy with other things such as running a dungeon. Alex already knew the location of the location of the house and as such headed for it immediately. The guild Archer partnered with and worked for was part mercenary and part police force. They were the Earth government’s connection to the Tower and one of their main powers within it. Though because of the nature of Earth’s governments there were many similar guilds built up based on each individual groups interests and goals.

Alex walked to a smaller section of the city. It was on the opposite side of the coliseum with a few businesses and empty buildings for guilds to buy or rent. The guild’s name was etched in a simple slab of metal hung over the door Alex was looking for. Pushing open the wooden door, Alex stepped inside. The hall was bustling with activity. Warriors in armor, mages with their staffs, and scouts with their keen eyes were all moving about, discussing their next moves.

Spotting Archer in a corner, Alex made his way over. Archer looked up; surprise evident in his eyes. "Alex! It's been a while," he greeted, standing up.

"Hello Archer. I need your help I’m sure that it is something that you can do," Alex began without preamble. "I'm looking for Rich. Do you know where he is? Can you locate him?" He then went into a description of the man, Eric, and Alex’s other former teammates.

“Why do you need to find him?” asked Archer.

Alex sighed, "It is important to me. You have heard some of my story and how I am interested in revenge. Well, now is when I want to get it. While he is here on the third floor, and I have a chance to catch up to him.”

“Are you going to beat him up in the tournament or something like that?” Archer asked jokingly.

“Something like that would be nice. I haven’t really formulated a complete plan yet but locating him is my next step. Then I can see how he has grown and if I am lucky then I will face him in the tournament.”

“I will see what I can do for you, but it may not be quick. I’ve got a few things to take care of now that I am on the third floor, such as the tournament and will be a bit busy. I’ll update you with what I find later. If you can get going I have other things to attend to,” said Archer stoically.

“Thanks for your assistance. Any leads that you can provide will be very helpful,” Alex said with a nod. “I’ve got to get going to my next appointment. I hope the rest of the mission went well last time.”

“It went well enough and didn’t have any further hiccups. You did well back there with your actions. The illusionists were able to clean up after you were gone and I had my scouts adjust their procedures. Things were a bit slower, but we got it done in the end,” said Archer.

“That is good to hear,” said Alex with a smile. “Sorry I’ve got to leave. We should catch up later though.”

Alex backed up and turned to the door. He still had a bit of time but would have to hurry to make his way to the dungeon entrance at a reasonable time. Alex cut through some side streets and took the stairs down two at a time. The same attendant as before was waiting for him and Finn.

“ID’s please.”