It was strange seeing them again. Though he of course didn’t see them in the traditional sense. Alex wasn’t even in the building at the moment.
“Thanks for finding them for me.”
“What are you going to do now?” asked Archer.
“I haven’t decided yet. Rich and Eric tried to murder me. Almost succeeded too. In some ways he did kill a part of me. I assumed back then that I could just enjoy the Tower. The magic and powers that came along with it. Jump between both worlds and play this one like a game. But this isn’t a game even though people fight over it like one. I was naïve.”
“Should I leave?”
“No. That should be unnecessary. I’ll just be watching them today. You could say that I am just gathering information.”
“For the tournament perhaps?”
“That is definitely part of it. I plan on fighting in the Single’s tournament tomorrow. He will also be there. We will get a chance to meet once more and fight then. There I will kill him.”
“That is a bold set of assumptions. What If you don’t match up with him? There is qualifiers then the main event. You have a chance that you will not fight him. Whether it be from him or you dropping out from a loss. Why take that chance?”
“I’m not sure if I can get him alone other wise and I’m not some great assassin. Putting him down in front of a crowd is what he deserves,” Alex turned to Archer. “Thank you again for finding him for me. Will I be seeing you in the tournament this week or next?”
“I won’t be part of the Singles tournament. I am not a great fighter alone and work better in a support role. You can watch me in the group tournament instead. I’ve gathered a few strong people that together I hope we will prove a strong showing.”
“I will watch you when the time comes. Hopefully my issues here will be resolved by then.”
“Good luck in the tournament. Be careful not to show everything you have early on. You are weakest at range even with your battery pack. Other mages will out defend you every time and will not let you get to close.”
Archer turned and left leaving Alex to stay and watch. He couldn’t hear what the group was saying but they seemed to be in a good mood. It was likely about the tournament tomorrow or some dungeon that they had just returned from. He noted that they had found a new teammate. A robbed mage of some kind. Rich found himself a healer, Alex thought. He didn’t stay much longer knowing that he had other places to be and things to do before the tournament. Tomorrow he would enter the coliseum and fight.
His next stop was in the crafting quarters. The later afternoon meant that it was quieter. Shipments had already moved in and out for the day leaving few walking about and most crafters finishing up their work for the day. Following the familiar path to Angela’s newly rented workshop he arrived quickly and tapped on the door on arrival.
Angela opened the door shortly after a dirty apron on her though the rest of her was clean. Stepping inside Alex noted that the room was messy with a mix of half finished or broken projects on the tables. The forge was unlit but other assembly machines were turned on. She had a smile on her face as she closed the door.
“Things going well?” he asked.
“They are as good as they can be. I’ve been working on new products and selling off my older items. It would be nice if it went faster but it by no means has been going too slow for me. Have you been enjoying the dungeons on the floor so far?”
"Dungeons have been quite the adventure. I've faced some tricky traps and encountered some formidable creatures, but it's all part of the thrill. The real excitement, though, is what you've been up to." He gestured around the workshop. "What's the latest?"
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"I've been making strides with my magic boots project. Imagine being able to move faster and cling to surfaces with ease. I've been experimenting with various enchantments to get the right balance. It's not perfect yet, but I'm getting there."
"That sounds incredible," Alex exclaimed. "Being faster and more agile in the dungeons could make a world of difference."
Angela nodded, her excitement infectious. "Exactly! And that's not all. I've been dedicating a lot of time to the next battery prototype. My goal is to use spatial magic to shrink down the components while increasing the battery's energy density. It's a challenging process, but I believe it's possible.”
Alex raised an impressed eyebrow. "Spatial magic? That's no small feat. But if anyone can crack it, it's you."
Angela chuckled modestly. "I appreciate the vote of confidence. It's a lot of trial and error, but I'm determined to push the boundaries."
“I’m glad that you are making progress at least. It would be nice if were ready for the tournament.”
“I can’t work that kind of magic. The creation will take the time it needs to prepare. I need to do some internal testing first before I let you test it in the field. You will have to wait a week at least,” said Angela, her face shifting to a frown.
“That’s ok,” Alex responded immediately trying to lighten the mood. “I know that your work will take some time. My current battery pack works fine as is right now. Even if it has gained a few scratches and scuffs. Do you have anything new for me that I could use in the tournament?”
“Ah, that’s right the start of the tournaments is tomorrow.” Alex nodded. “I completely forgot. Time slips by in this place. Are you ready for the Single’s tournament?”
“I think I am. Did two dungeons runs and got to level 27 but didn’t quite hit 28. If I can get past these qualifiers then I’ll be level 28 for my first fights.”
“I’ll be honest. That is not great,” she paused. “Have you considered trying to get in that one last dungeon run before the tournament?”
“It is something that I could have done if I planned better and had more time to travel. I’ve done the dungeons in or around the city walls that interest me and might help me with the right items. While I could run the same dungeons again the rewards are not likely to be better than the first time around and likely are a bit worse.”
“Then be careful and do what you can to survive the day. Afterward you can level up and be on better footing with more preparation and experience. I’ll see if I can take a break at the start of the tournament. Watch you and the others compete. I can tell you if there is any interesting competitors.”
“You don’t have to do that Angela. I will be fine. Besides you’ve got your stuff here to work on.”
“Nonsense. I deserve a break. I’ve been working constantly with my mind stuck in thoughts of how to improve the prototypes and designs I’ve been working on. It will be a nice distraction,” said Angela.
“If that is what you want,” Alex paused this time thinking and considering. “I’ve got one other thing that I would like to discuss with you. I need your advice and suggestions. Insights on an upcoming matter.”
“What is it? I’m not sure if I can be of any help but.”
“I finally saw them,” Alex interjected. “Rich and Eric I mean. Archer was able to track them down for me and I watched them. They were. They didn’t see me. I want to run through my plan with you I guess. I’ve avoided them consciously and a bit unconsciously as well and now I can find them easily if needed. He betrayed me and a part of me wants to see him tomorrow. To be placed in the same qualifying round and kill him there no matter the rules. Another part of me wants it to be done later. Either in front of a crowd one on one or somewhere else entirely or perhaps a quiet fight at night with Rich against me.”
“I’m not sure if I can help you make this decision. They are your experiences and former friends, not mine. I understand the need for revenge, and it may come to that. I don’t think you will be able to meet Rich in the tournament how you have envisioned. So, try talking to him. In the alley if you really want to be more private and if it comes to a fight. If there is a fight then you will have done what you could to avoid the confrontation.”
“Thanks for the suggestion. I’m glad that I came to visit,” said Alex. Angela nodded.
The rest of their conversation ended shortly after. Alex stepped out of the crafting building and left to explore the crafting quarters. He had a few more things to do before the tournament.
Alex stopped by the necessary weapon and armor smiths. They went over his gear and made sure that the scars and chipped pieces were polished over and reinforced for the tournament. When it was over it wasn’t quite like having new gear or better gear but something in between. The items when the crafters were done with them held a new shine and roughness at the same time that showed its age.
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Name: Alex
Path: Magic (Sub-Path: Lightning)
Rating: F-
Level: 27 (86%)
Abilities (1/1):
Manipulate Electricity [F+]
Tower Points: 2100
Percent Soul Captured: 5%
<<<>>>