Wyn knew his spear was going to lose its magical boost soon, and he didn’t want to waste the time. The orange mushrooms were in their way and needed to be eliminated. Quickly.
Unfortunately for Wyn he found their cap armor was sturdy, though the monsters themselves were slow. They didn’t wield weapons like the yellow mushroom and didn’t move quickly like the green one, but he knew if he got caught by a blow from them it would be incredibly strong.
Well, he didn’t know for a fact, but he assumed based on their armor and bulk.
His stabs at the armor were effective though not as much as the last round of enemies. It was only from the spell, too, as the mundane metal spear tip was nearly useless. He was finding more resistance with each stab, and his attacks were only damaging the outer cap due to the magic radiating from his weapon. Unfortunately, even that was fading.
The fight further emphasized his need for a magical spear. When he returned, it would be the first item he’d look to obtain.
He sidestepped the first mushroom and went for the second, who was several feet behind it. He swept the second’s leg, cutting a shallow gash under the cap that protected what he assumed would be a knee. It stumbled but didn’t fall, and Wyn tried to expand on his attack with another strike. The mushrooms were thankfully moving slow, like they were trudging through water, which gave him additional time to maneuver himself.
He turned to the back of the first mushroom and saw an opening. There was no armor on its back, and it was completely exposed. He stabbed it, happy that his magical spear tip went much farther than before. It was dense, but still not resistant to the magic coating the metal spear.
When he pulled out his weapon he followed it with a quick slash, opening up the mushroom’s back and causing it to fall. It collapsed into a large pile of spores. He then noticed Cedric in front of him, his staff raised and pointed at him, while a runic circle appeared in the air.
Cedric was casting a spell. And he aimed it directly at Wyn.
He couldn’t hear what he said as his focus was on the current fight, but he began to yell, hoping some magic in the tower didn’t cause Cedric to turn on him or have him think he was an enemy.
Helplessly he raised a hand towards Cedric, hoping a peaceful gesture showed he wasn’t going to attack him. Right as he did two things happened at once. One was a heavy thud at his back that felt as though an angry mule or a mean drunk smacked him hard undefended. The attack was enough to make him lurch forward and fall to the ground exactly like the mushroom he just attacked.
The second thing that happened was that several small yellow streaks flashed out of Cedric’s staff, flying in several directions but mostly where Wyn was just standing.
Only the magical shots didn’t go for Wyn. They went wide around his space.
Wyn lifted his head from the ground to see, wanting to visually follow the magical lines, and saw the second mushroom monster standing directly behind him with a raised stalk leg ready to attack him again.
The yellow streaks all flew into it at once, and magical lightning erupted from the mushroom at the points of impact. It stopped mid attack, paralyzed and smoking, and crumbled to dust as it fell to the ground.
Cedric was attacking the mushroom, not him.
Why would he even think his ally would do such a thing?
Wyn’s back ached and stung when he tried to lift himself. He paused, hoping there wasn’t any major damage, but when he twisted his back he didn’t find any worrisome effects.
Wyn’s cheeks flushed with heat. He looked at Marcy, who simply smirked and nodded. Both shame and embarrassment welled up inside him, for questioning Cedric and for his own mistake, respectively. He wasn’t looking much like a leader here in the tower. The experience he had leading his company in the war would only take him so far.
Immediately two of the stalagmites retreated down halfway from the roof of the cave. The middle one stayed tall. Marcy inspected it more, and tried to climb over one side but failed after several attempts.
Cedric reached a hand to Wyn to help him up. “I know how it looked. You’re not the first to think I was attacking them.”
“I’m sorry,” Wyn said. “I’m still getting used to this place. And magic, too.”
“I understand. I won’t try to critique you on fighting - you’re much more experienced than most Climbers, especially rookies. But you have to expect the unexpected here. Always be on guard. You just never know here in Alistair.”
Wyn remembered Daniel telling him the same thing. Obviously the experience of a veteran Climber was worth more than any gold crowns or magic items he’d find. They were right, of course. He needed to trust them more for the tower’s challenges and his own assumptions less for his survival.
“But don’t be too hard on yourself,” Marcy added. “You’re still getting your feet wet. At least you didn’t freeze like on the last floor.”
Wyn grimaced. “I know. I’ll be better. But how are you going to get out of there?”
“I have an idea about what’s happening,” Marcy said. “I think you killing those two monsters moved these two bars.”
“And the third?” Cedric asked.
Marcy looked back towards her hallway. It was empty, though she had a hunch it wouldn’t be for long. “I think there’s one more to kill. On this side of the bars. Another test from the tower, separating us.”
“Like we need that,” Wyn said. “We’re only three people down here as it is.”
“The tower knows it, too,” Cedric said. “It adapts as Climbers enter it.”
Marcy began walking down the tunnel, though she wasn’t in a hurry like before. She took careful steps, checking her surroundings as she went. Wyn could’ve sworn at one point he saw her sniffing the air.
She stopped about halfway down and quickly drew an arrow from her quiver. About twenty feet in front of her another mushroom began to sprout from the ground. It was the same orange color - caps began to expand in size like before in areas of potential weakness for armor.
Before it even materialized fully, Wyn heard the Ranger mutter a spell right before she loosed her arrow -“Ignite.”
Wyn’s eyes went wide.
A complex, green runic circle appeared at the very tip of the arrowhead, and it caused the pointed tip to light up like a torch. Not just any torch, though, but a large one - it was at least the size of a campfire. The arrow flew towards the orange mushroom in a red line leaving a trail of smoke behind it. It hit the enemy directly in the chest, piercing its cap armor.
The arrow sunk in for a second, and it set the entire plant on fire. It barely even stood to fight before succumbing to Marcy’s attack.
“You don’t see Ranger’s often,” Cedric said. “Their abilities are quite a sight.”
The third stalagmite barring the tunnel began to retract, and when it met the others halfway down they all moved towards the cave floor. The entrance was opened, and Marcy was able to exit.
“I guess that wasn’t the way either,” she said. “Now we know what will happen if we pick the wrong way.”
“So I’ll pick next,” Cedric said. “Wyn can stay back and help handle the two that pop up and I’ll take care of the one that shows up in the tunnel.”
“I won’t argue,” Wyn said. “Are you positive that’s what happens, though?”
“Not entirely, but I have a hunch,” Marcy said. “The tower tends to follow a pattern with puzzles like this. I’m sure once we get through this tunnel and to the next it’ll be harder but similar. Just like this one was compared to the last tunnel.”
That explanation made sense to Wyn. So far, the tower had shown a certain pattern. First there was just one enemy, the tunnel wasn’t barred, and there were six possible paths. Now there were three enemies, the tunnel required them to be defeated to proceed, and there were four possible paths. The mushroom monsters were all formed the same way, too.
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Even though this was his first trip into the tower Wyn was able to get a better sense of the progression. He only imagined how confident Climbers became with more experience as they completed the floors over and over.
Cedric began to survey the other tunnels. He checked each one, taking his time to pick the tunnel he wanted to try.
“So a Ranger,” Wyn said. “I don’t remember that as a class option.”
Marcy chuckled. “I started as a Hunter. Ranger was my second tier class upgrade, but you don’t need to worry about that right now.” She held up her bow and inspected the bow string, plucking it gently. It vibrated a bit then quickly went still.
“Why is that?”
“Because getting to the second tier isn’t our focus at the moment. Living to see tomorrow is.”
Wyn relented. Of course she was right. His curiosity was getting the better of him, though.
“Humor me. What makes your class stand out?”
Marcy stared back in his eyes, seemingly looking beyond them. Her gaze was piercing.
“Alright. There aren’t many classes that are more ranged outside of pure magic. Some Fighters and Rogues specialize in ranged combat, and of course there are Magicians and Sorcerers. But I’m a sort of magical hybrid focusing on a bow.”
Wyn laughed. “You sound like a Ruby Magician, just ranged.”
Marcy scrunched her face up. “Huh. I guess you could say so. But my spells are specific and different from your options.”
“I guess that makes you more desirable, then. That’s good for you.”
Marcy patted Wyn on the back. “You’ll find a group like I did. Who knows, you might’ve already found a couple of members with Tasha and John.”
Wyn thought about that. Maybe Marcy was right. What the three rookies went through, culminating with Lionel’s betrayal, created a sort of bond, in a way. He’d certainly ask them to group up when he got back.
He still wanted to ask Marcy, too, even if she was in another group. But he needed to find the right way and time.
“Alright,” Cedric said. “I think I know which one I’ll try.”
“Finally,” Marcy said. She began to walk over to Cedric and the tunnel he chose. “I’m ready to get out of here and find Lionel so I can kill him.”
“And make sure John is okay,” Wyn added.
“Don’t worry,” she responded. “He’s fine. The guild medics are second to none.”
“And, like I said,” Cedric added, “Tasha was healing him when I ran after all of you. He made it back. Let’s just focus on ourselves.”
Marcy and Wyn nodded.
Cedric was right, of course. Wyn was realizing he must’ve been the voice of reason in their group. A tactician, too. If he wasn’t the leader, he was definitely someone who they turned to for direction.
The three stood outside the main hub of tunnels. Cedric walked to the far left tunnel this time, then stopped. He shifted his feet and went to the tunnel beside it, second to the left.
Marcy chuckled. “Always superstitious.”
Cedric ignored her and walked into the tunnel. All three of them waited for a second and nothing happened.
“Huh,” Cedric said.
No mushroom shook its powder and no bars erupted from the cave floor to seal him off. There was only silence.
“What does that mean?” Wyn asked.
The three Climbers then heard a sound further into the tunnel. It sounded like stone moving against itself, something shifting further down they couldn’t see at the entrance. Something was happening though they weren’t sure what.
“I’ll go take a look,” Cedric said. “You two just wait here. It’ll only take a minute.”
Wyn felt a bead of sweat roll down his neck. He knew Cedric could handle himself but he hated the thought of him going in alone. He wanted to interject and say he’d follow him but ultimately decided to respect his request and stayed behind.
Cedric walked down the tunnel and disappeared around a bend out of sight. Marcy and Wyn waited impatiently.
“So Rangers aren't too popular, then,” Wyn said, breaking the silence. “Ruby Magicians aren’t either. Obviously.”
“That’s not a question, just a statement,” she said.
“You didn’t let me finish.”
She nodded, conceding.
“Have you seen another Ruby Magician? Is it really that bad?”
“Why does it matter?”
Wyn took a deep breath. “In the military we respected rank. Someone higher up could give orders without question and we’d follow them. We looked up to them.”
“Of course. Makes sense.”
“I was a captain. I led a company of men who looked up to me and relied on me. They respected me. I earned it, too.”
“That’s great. But then something went wrong, didn’t it?”
“Yes.” Wyn looked at the ground, breaking eye contact. His shame returned, and he closed off.
“I’m not going to push you to talk about it. I’m sure it’s not easy.”
“Thank you.”
“But what’s your point with all this?”
“My point is that in the military camaraderie and working together was crucial. Those leaders were useless without soldiers to listen and act. It takes trusting people to accomplish a goal. The same goes for here. To really climb Alistair you need a group that’s rock solid. Together.”
Marcy plucked her bowstring again, keeping her fingers busy. She let Wyn go on, not wanting to interrupt.
“Which is why what Lionel did was unforgivable. But do people really not trust others because of their class? He ridiculed me just because I’m a Ruby Magician. I don’t care, honestly, because I know my abilities - but have you seen that here?”
Marcy drew an arrow and twirled it with her fingers. “Yes, unfortunately, I have seen it.”
Wyn wasn’t surprised. Just disappointed.
“The main classes all find their place in one way or another,” Marcy continued. “Fighters are the most common and the most general. They have many different kinds of skills they can use for enhancing their physical abilities. Magicians, in their different forms, are the strongest magic classes and typically focus on spells that either hurt enemies or help allies. Look at Diamond Magicians like Tasha or Lightning Wizards like Cedric.”
“You keep calling him a Wizard. Is that his class upgrade, too?”
Marcy smiled. “Yes. He was a Topaz Magician.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever figure this out.”
Marcy laughed. “You’re being too hard on yourself. Classes are specific, yes, but also generic. Rogues are generic physical attackers. Sorcerers are generic magic users. You just happen to be one of the classes that falls under both.”
Wyn didn’t answer. He didn’t know how.
Marcy took a second before elaborating. She scrunched her face and brought her hand up to her chin. “Think about it like this. Generic classes can be helpful because there are a lot of them and they are varied. You can have a dozen Sorcerers all with different skills and different spells to cast, and they will seem unique despite being generic.”
“Like one focusing on the fire element, or one focusing on ice?”
“It could be that way, yes. Or one Sorcerer having skills and spells to support area based magic instead of targeting a single enemy.”
“Okay, I think I’m catching on. And on the other hand, Fire Magicians, for example, all cast fire spells and are basically the same?”
“In a way. Though they’re called Garnet Magicians. They’re based off the gem that helps provide the elemental magic. The difference in the gemstone Magicians, though, is that they’re immensely helpful by being so focused.”
“That’s the secret, then.”
“In a party of six people, let’s say, you want roles to round out your group. It’s good to have a variation. It’s also good for that one person filling that role to be great at what they do. And on the higher floors it’s necessary.”
“So a Ruby Magician, as an example, being both generic and specific, is neither? And not useful?”
“To most people, yes.”
“To most people. My mentor told me that, too.” Wyn smiled. “I’m guessing you don’t fall under that category?”
Marcy smiled back. “No, I don’t. Because my class is also considered not very useful.”
Wyn laughed. “No way. Don’t make me try to feel better.”
Marcy furrowed her eyebrows and stopped smiling. “I’m serious. Why do you think there aren’t many of us? We’re seen as not useful. When given the option, climbers don’t take Ranger.”
“That doesn’t make sense. I’ve barely seen you use your skills and you’re incredible.”
Marcy’s cheeks flushed. “I’m grateful to be in a group that thinks the same thing. Which is what you need to do, Wyn. Find people who see your worth. Prove them right and then prove the masses wrong.”
Wyn thought on that statement. She was absolutely right - just because people think Ruby Magicians aren’t helpful doesn’t mean they aren’t. Variety is useful, and having a group to utilize that like Marcy’s group would be his key to success.
John is someone like that. Tasha, too.
A rush of cold flooded through Wyn’s body.
“John,” Wyn said to no one. “He agreed to team up even knowing my class. I have to make sure he’s okay. I want him in my group.”
“He’d be lucky to have you,” Marcy said, and tapped her arrow on Wyn’s arm.
“Maybe your group needs some more variety,” Wyn said. He smirked, and twirled his spear in a flashy display.
Marcy laughed. It was hearty, loud, and warmly comforting. “Maybe so! You need some better gear, though. You can’t be taking on even the lower middle floors with basic weapons and no armor.”
“This should help with that,” Cedric said.
Both Marcy and Wyn jumped, startled by the Wizard. He was standing at the entrance of the tunnel holding something in his left hand.
“What happened?” Wyn asked. “And what do you mean?”
“Oh, it was a dead end,” he replied. “But at least at that dead end was a chest!”
“What happened to focus on the task and don’t be distracted by loot?” Marcy said, mocking him.
“We’re doing alright on time,” Cedric replied. “I checked. Plus, Wyn is right. We’ll make it out of here fine.”
“Well, spill it already,” Wyn said, “What did you find?”
“Some silver cloaks, a few gems. The basic monetary rewards. But this - this was more special. And you should have it, Wyn.”
Cedric then held out a dagger. It was simple - black and silver, plain, and sheathed. It looked to be an ordinary dagger. Except it was not, as it had a blue aura around it.
“Damn,” Marcy said. “A blue weapon on floor two? That’s pretty rare.”
“What’s the importance of that?” Wyn asked. He took the dagger from Cedric. The faint blue aura was captivating, like his eyes were drawn to it.
“Magic weapons and armor have a certain amount of magical power to them based on their aura,” Cedric said. “Green is the most common and least powerful.”
“Next is blue,” Marcy added, “followed by purple, then orange.”
“But besides the aura it doesn’t look all that special,” Wyn said. “No offense.”
Both Marcy and Cedric chuckled.
“What’s so funny?”
“It hasn’t been identified yet,” Cedric said. “Once it is, its appearance will reflect its true, magical nature.”
Wyn opened his mouth to respond, but Marcy cut him off.
“And before you ask more questions, just put it in your pack. No sense in Cedric using his limited mana to identify a weapon that may not even help us right now. Let’s just stick with what we know and you can identify it back at the base. Alright?”
Wyn already had his pack open and placed the dagger inside. “Alright. And thank you, Cedric. I’m sure this is worth quite a lot.”
“Don’t mention it. This is your climb, after all. An atrocious one, mind you, but still.”
Wyn nodded. “How about I check the next path? It’s my turn, and there are only two left.” He turned around and walked to the next tunnel in line to try.
“Do I see smoke coming out of the end of that tunnel?” Marcy whispered, trying to look down the cave path where Cedric explored.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied, smiling. He followed Wyn to look for another path.
She accepted his reply without another word.