Extract from the -{ Tome of the ‘Forgotten One’ }- Divine scripture of the Church of the ‘Forgotten One

"As the echoes of ancient betrayal fade, witness the divine covenant of renewal. I shall mend the fabric of existence torn asunder by the false light, restoring purity to the hearts of mortals." (The Promise of Restoration 5:3)

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Asher's mind whirled with the newfound knowledge of the tower, a complex tapestry of power, politics, and ancient mysteries. He couldn't help but notice the undercurrent of disgust in Winston's voice when he spoke of the divine. It made sense, given that they had executed Winston's creator. Yet, the fact that the mastersmith had acted outside of some agreement gnawed at Asher's conscience.

'Was what happened to the mastersmith just?' Asher pondered, his brow furrowing. He decided to withhold judgment until he had the full picture. After all, he hadn't been lying when he promised to help Winston achieve his goal. But if that goal involved revenge against the divine...

A bead of cold sweat trickled down Asher's temple at the mere thought.

Winston's voice cut through his musings. "Is there anything else you would like to ask, Master Asher?" The homunculus placed a thick log on the fire with practiced ease, arranging it to minimize smoke.

Asher cleared his throat. "You said the dungeon guardian of the weakest dungeon on this floor is someone on a similar power level as a peak unawakened being."

"Correct," Winston replied, his eyes glinting in the firelight.

Asher leaned forward, his voice filled with determination. "I wish to test myself and challenge a dungeon. To begin my climb."

A devious smile spread across Winston's face as he stood and bowed with a flourish. "Very well, Master. The dungeon in question is a bit far, however another one suitable for your current capabilities is near us. At most, a day of walking will suffice."

As night fell, Winston opened a shimmering portal back to the northern peak of Eldermist Mountain. The ability to create portals anywhere within the tower was invaluable, but Asher quickly learned of its limitations. When they re-entered the tower, the portal would only take them to their last exit point. They would have to traverse the actual distances themselves, unable to rely solely on Winston's ability.

There was a silver lining, however. According to Winston, once Asher conquered the floor completely, Winston would regain full authority over it. Then, opening portals to anywhere within the floor would become possible.

The group rested on the north peak, the cool mountain air a stark contrast to the humid forest below. The next day, they returned to the tower, determination etched on Asher's face.

Following Winston's lead, they traversed the dense forest at a rapid pace. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and vibrant foliage. Occasionally, the horrors would wander off, drawn by the scent of prey or some curiosity. But knowing Asher's urgency, they never strayed too far or slowed the group's progress.

As evening approached, the forest canopy filtering the fading sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor, Winston announced their proximity to the dungeon. Asher, feeling the strain of their relentless pace, decided to rest before tackling the final stretch.

The horrors, still brimming with energy, melted into the surrounding vegetation in search of food. Their awakened state made the beasts of this first-floor forest perfect opponents for honing their skills.

Asher settled against a gnarled tree trunk, its bark rough against his back. He pulled out some smoked meat from his pack, the rich aroma making his stomach growl. As he ate, he reached out through the spiritual connection formed by their contract, calling the horrors back.

To his surprise, they declined the summons. Instead, a sense of urgency flooded through the link. They had found something of interest and wanted Asher to come to them.

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A knot of worry formed in Asher's gut. He quickly swallowed his last bite and stood, brushing off his clothes. "Winston," he called, "Inky and Jormu seemed to have found something of interest. Let's head over to where they are."

Winston's ever-present smile took on a hint of curiosity. "How intriguing. Shall we, Master?"

Without waiting for a response, Asher set off, following the pull of the contract. The forest seemed to close in around them, shadows deepening as they moved away from their resting spot.

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The Great Forest, Tower of Fortuna’s Folly F-1

The great forest stretched out in every direction, an endless sea of green. Two wooden carriages drifted through the dense foliage, pulled by giant elk-like beasts. Their massive antlers swept back regally, occasionally brushing against low-hanging branches.

On the driving seat of the lead carriage sat three cloaked figures, one noticeably larger than the other two. Atop the carriage roof, a fourth figure sat cross-legged, his posture tense with concentration.

Unlike his companions, this man's head remained uncovered, revealing his striking features. His athletic build was accentuated by a rosy pale complexion, adorned with whisker-like markings that gave him an almost feline appearance. Bright, intelligent eyes scanned the surroundings ceaselessly. But it was his rabbit-like ears that truly set him apart—long and alert, they twitched and swiveled, constantly assessing their environment.

A hidden panel on the carriage roof slid open with a soft scrape. A melodious voice drifted up from below. "Everything alright up there, Rowan?"

The man's ear twitched at the sound. He turned his gaze downward, peering into the darkness of the carriage interior. "Everything seemed fine for now," he replied, his voice tight with underlying tension. "The surrounding forest is a bit more silent than usual, however."

"We better hurry up then and reach the town," the voice responded, a note of concern evident. "I'll go inform Flint."

The panel slid shut with a muted thud. Inside the dimly lit carriage, a figure made its way to the front, opening a window that connected to the driver's seat. Sunlight spilled into the interior, illuminating a female face peering out. Like Rowan, she bore whisker-like markings on her rosy complexion, her bright round eyes alert and worried. Unlike his chestnut coloring, her hair and fur were a soft cream.

"Flint," she called to the driver, her voice urgent but controlled. "We should hurry up a bit."

The man at the reins turned, the wind catching his hood and pulling it back. His features mirrored the others, though his hair and fur were a sandy hue. "Everything alright, Clair?" he asked, concern etching lines around his eyes.

"Yeah, just..." Clair hesitated, then addressed the two smaller cloaked figures. "Sarah, Clover, how about you two come inside and go check on your uncle Rowan?"

The children—for that's what they clearly were—turned, protests already forming on their lips. "But Ma," one whined, "Pa said he was going to teach us how to drive the Eldertine stag!"

Flint's voice cut through their complaints. "That's enough. I'll teach you once we reach near the town. For now, go inside. I need to talk with your mother for a bit."

Recognizing the gravity in their father's tone, the children reluctantly climbed into the carriage. Inside, they shed their cloaks, revealing their youthful features. The boy's coloring matched his father's sandy hue, while the girl sported pure white fur with hints of cream.

Clair took her place beside Flint, quickly donning her own cloak from her pack. Flint wasted no time. "What did Rowan say?"

"The forest has been unusually quiet for a bit now," Clair replied, her voice low. "Especially our immediate surroundings."

"Any traces of a tide?" Flint's hands tightened on the reins.

"None for now."

"Hmm." Flint's brow furrowed in thought. "A beast tide was my best guess. What do you think?"

Clair bit her lip. "We are near the dungeon. Could it be something relating to that?"

"Highly unlikely," Flint countered. "There's been no news of a new divergent undergoing the trial of ascension."

"We've already left the Fangclaws' territory, right?"

Flint nodded. "Yes, four hours ago. Besides, the Fangclaws don't stalk so silently."

"We're near the border of the Ursarians' territory," Clair mused. "Could it be something related to them?"

"I checked before we left. The Ursarian lords are still adhering to the ceasefire. I doubt they'd pick a fight, considering Lady Poppy hasn't left for the higher floors again."

Clair's tension eased slightly. "God bless the lady. The muscle-head grizzlies have been so tame ever since she returned from her climb."

Unable to pinpoint the cause of Rowan's unease, Clair fell silent. Flint, noticing her grim mood, reached out with one hand, keeping the other firmly on the reins. He clasped her hand in his, offering silent comfort.

"Don't worry, dear," he murmured. "Let's hope it's nothing serious. We're near the town, just two more hours."

Clair wrapped both her hands around Flint's, bringing them up to her heart. She closed her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "I pray that whatever it is, it lets us pass without bothering us. It's the kids' first time out. I don't want them to see bloodshed."

Flint's voice was steady, reassuring. "Rowan is already awakened. Together with Marigold behind us, we can handle a pack or two without losses. Besides, our route is far from the forest depths. There will be no awakened beasts out here. So don't worry too much, love."

At his words, Clair finally released the breath she'd been holding. She rested her head on Flint's shoulder, allowing herself a moment of calm.

The peaceful silence was shattered by Rowan's panicked cry from above.

"SHADOW STALKERS!! 20 METERS UP FRONT!"

The words hung in the air, heavy with dread. In an instant, the forest's eerie quiet transformed into a maelstrom of activity. Flint's grip on the reins tightened, his knuckles turning white as he prepared to spur the Eldertine stag into a desperate gallop. Clair's eyes widened in terror, her earlier prayers forgotten in the face of this new, immediate threat.

Inside the carriage, the children sensed the sudden shift in atmosphere. Sarah and Clover huddled together, their earlier excitement replaced by a growing fear of the unknown danger that loomed ahead.

As tension gripped the travelers, the forest seemed to close in around them, its shadows deepening and stretching. The once-peaceful journey had taken a perilous turn, and the true nature of the Tower's challenges began to reveal itself.