Daniel was finishing his plate, soaking up the mushroom sauce with his roll. The chicken was coated in the delectable cream along with sugar coated carrots, creamy potatoes with cheese, and enough rolls to fill a small bakery.
The cooking staff at the guild hall outdid themselves for dinner, preparing a feast fit for royalty and the elite though served to the hard working Climbers of the tower. Daniel and Wendy were kind enough to bring up a platter to his apartment so he and Wyn could enjoy it in private. Daniel’s apartment was far nicer than it was before, and the food only increased the appeal. Wyn reflected on his own experiences watching others eat food of similar quality while he and his men would have the scraps and slop in their quarters after hours.
Another perk of being a Climber, he thought.
“Are you finally ready?” Daniel asked. He pushed his plate away from him and filled the empty space with a tea cup and saucer.
Wyn held up a finger while he finished his own bite of chicken. It was one of the best meals Wyn had ever had the pleasure of eating, and he was enjoying every bite as though it was his last. “Yes,” he said, after taking a brief moment to savor the food. “And thank you for being patient.”
Daniel waved a hand in dismissal. “Nonsense. I know you were going to share when you were ready. And you’ve been busy, jumping right into the tower this season. It’s impressive!”
Wyn smiled warmly. “I’ve had a good group with me. They make all the difference.”
“They absolutely do. As your mentor, I couldn’t be happier that you have a group you mesh well with to climb. This is a group effort, after all.” Daniel finished making his perfect cup of tea with a dash of honey and set the stirring stick down before enjoying his creation.
“I know. Well, it didn’t start that way…” Wyn started, before telling Daniel everything from his first trip into the tower last Faesday.
*****
Daniel set down his tea cup, finishing off his third. His tongue was numb after accidentally drinking his last cup too quickly, excited and on edge from Wyn retelling what happened in the final room of the second floor. Wyn stayed silent after telling it, set on making his own cup of tea while Daniel decided to make his fourth.
“That’s… an unusual experience,” Daniel finally said, processing the story.
Wyn nodded, content with smelling the scents of herbs and honey in his own cup.
“The final room shouldn’t have been that difficult,” Daniel continued, “let alone the rest of the floor. It sounds like the difficulty of more of the third or fourth floor. The fact that the three of you accomplished that is a miracle.”
Wyn blew on the top of his tea cup, the steam dissipating from his own breath. “That’s what Cedric said. Both he and Marcy mentioned it was harder than a second floor should be.”
“I’m sure it’s the witch you met. I don’t know if it was a fortuitous encounter or an omen of death.”
Wyn sipped his tea, satisfied that the taste matched the pleasant aroma. “I’m choosing to say it was positive since she gave me the Tower’s Blessing skill and magic item. Oh, and let me live.”
“Too true. I think I’ll side with you on that one.”
They both sipped their tea as the firewood popped in the fireplace. Wyn jerked his head towards the sound, but quickly relaxed seeing what happened. How an apartment room had a functioning fireplace was beyond him, but everything in this city seemed to be heavily intertwined with magic, so he thought nothing more of it.
Daniel noticed the reaction. “I’m sorry about the situation of you recalling your time in war, as well.”
Wyn snorted a puff of air. “Situations, you mean. It unfortunately happened more than once.”
Daniel smiled softly. “You’re right. Not a good occurrence within the tower. Or anytime, for that matter. Has it happened again this season?”
Wyn sighed and took a deep breath. “That’s what I can’t figure out. It was only during that trip. I haven’t had another spell since, though I’m not complaining.”
Daniel nodded, agreeing. “Maybe it was your first dangerous trip into an unknown environment, surrounded by people you didn’t know and someone you didn’t trust. The first time back in a life or death situation. But they could have stopped since the incident with Cedric. Maybe you pulling him to safety and saving his life was cathartic in some way. You did save his life, Wyn. That’s both a noble feat and something to be celebrated.”
“I appreciate that. And honestly, I’ve had the same thought. I do believe that exact situation and him living was some sort of subconscious redemption, as ridiculous as that sounds.”
“It doesn’t sound ridiculous at all! Though why do you feel as though you need to be redeemed? From what you said, what happened on that battlefield was out of your control. It’s not your burden to carry.”
Wyn held his cup of tea, trying to find warmth from the thin stone cup in his hands despite the fire roaring beside him. It was as though an internal cold crept inside him, and he was looking for any source to fight and overtake that absence of heat.
“I still carry that with me,” Wyn said. “Even if it wasn’t my fault. I don’t believe it was, but being in the middle of that… and how I left didn’t help either.”
Daniel raised his eyebrows, though didn’t respond. He simply drank another sip of his tea.
Wyn took the hint to continue. “I was dishonorably discharged. So they say. It wasn’t my call to be on that hill or push to the enemy, but I was blamed nonetheless. I was just following orders that shouldn’t have been given. It was a trap and I was stunned and furious after. But in a way I was happy to leave so I wouldn’t have to deal with it again. Coming home, though, I found my family’s debt with the worst group and decided to come here. I hated leaving my sister but this isn’t the place for her. I just… I had no other option. Though now I wonder if I made the right call.”
Daniel took a deep, drawn out sigh. He didn’t want to respond - he felt as though words wouldn’t quite do justice along with his pity for Wyn’s situation. Being a soldier was hard enough, but a leader in war being used as a pawn seemed even worse. Wyn’s tenure obviously affected him heavily, and coming home to find insecurity was packing on the pain.
Still, he wanted to be a safe space for Wyn. Maybe in time he’d open up, too.
“Well, often just talking it out and sharing is helpful,” Daniel said. “If you ever want to share more I’ll listen.”
The two sat in silence for several minutes, sipping their cups of tea after dinner by the firelight. Words didn’t need to be said. Not at the moment, at least. Enjoying each other’s company was enough, and they were both grateful for their own reasons.
“Have you thought about what spell you’ll choose for the skill you gained?” Daniel asked. He decided to change the subject, knowing full well the previous matter needed to be over for the current conversation.
“I can’t decide, actually. Don’t Ruby Magicians already have a combination of spells from the other classes?”
“Sort of. We are a rare combination of almost all of the other Magicians - the Divine’s support and healing and the various elemental’s attack prowess. With some Fighter skills thrown in there, but they don’t have spells, of course. Only Magicians and Sorcerers in your tier can cast spells.”
Wyn stared into the glow of the fire, content with holding his tea. “So the skill isn’t that helpful? I figured any more ways to have more spells would be a nice bonus. And it says I’m not limited by the class.”
Daniel chuckled, his beard bobbing with the small shakes of his head. “That’s not exactly what I meant. It’s a great boon! You may not have many options now, but what about when you’re in your third tier and can have a spell that’s limited to a specific class? You could pick and choose based on your skill set. That’s an incredibly unique, and honestly powerful, effect.”
Wyn stopped his cup right before it met his lips. “I’ve been so focused on the here and now I haven’t thought nearly that far ahead. That’s great news, actually, for a class considered to be awful.”
Daniel scrunched his face. “You know, it saddens me that that’s our reputation. No one sees our flexibility as useful anymore, able to perform any role at least competently when climbing. The current recommendation is only to have roles filled by the most ideal class, but you can bypass that with a cohesive group.”
Wyn furrowed his eyebrows. “You said anymore. What do you mean?”
Daniel sighed while leaning closer towards the fire. “Years ago, when I first became a Climber, Ruby Magicians were actually popular. Some older Climbers here - mentors, residents, even some merchants - will remember. Our versatility was an asset. Every party wanted at least one of us, just in case their group met something they weren’t ready for because we have the ability to manage quite a lot. But over the seasons as the tower has slowly changed and the Climbers have quickly changed that perspective morphed.”
“Why?”
“Only the gods know, but I have a hunch. Apparently one of the top guilds a couple of years ago determined that floors could be cleared faster with what’s called a three-two-one team. Three melee combatants, two ranged Climbers, and one support healer. They said it was more efficient. And, when they would find out the makeup of the floor, they said they didn’t a Climber who could handle anything when they knew what was coming. Other guilds took notice and adopted the strategy, and it trickled down to new groups as the seasons went. Now it’s nearly a standard practice.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Wyn sat back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. “That disregards so much. What works for one group of six won’t work for another.”
Daniel clapped Wyn’s shoulder and squeezed softly in a friendly gesture. “If only everyone saw it that way. Their argument was they could use various kinds of magical equipment to make up for any downfalls. But you can help them change, Wyn. I see that.”
Wyn smiled and then cleared his throat. He wasn’t expecting for Daniel to put so much faith in him. He was only here to make money, after all, not change an entire social structure.
“So I can choose any of them, then?” Wyn asked. For some reason Daniel had a way about pulling him out of their current conversation. “The spell, I mean.That sounds a bit ludicrous picking from any class. Surely that wasn’t what was intended?”
Daniel shrugged. “It says what it says.” He took a long sip of his tea.
Wyn jerked his head to the fire when one of the logs popped. He tensed for only a moment.
“Well, I misspoke earlier,” Daniel said. “I’m sorry, either I’m far too tired or my mind isn’t what it used to be! But the Hunter also can use spells. Granted, it’s a major step down compared to what you already have access to, and the Sorcerer has nearly the same list of spells right now.”
Wyn couldn’t help but feel stuck again. He thought the skill was truly a blessing, a leg up on the other Climbers here that he greatly needed. But, as is expected, it seems as though it was fairly limited at this point. If he climbed higher, then new opportunities would show themselves - but he needed to get there, first.
“So, I can just get another spell, basically.” Wyn shrugged his shoulders. “You know, I can’t be upset at that. Another spell is another tool.”
“You’re exactly right! What is it that you need?”
Wyn folded one leg over the other and scratched his chin. “I’ve been trying to think that way. I think I need to change my strategy a bit.”
Daniel furrowed his eyebrows. “What do you mean? It sounds like this week has been going quite well.”
“Oh, it has! I have a great group with me. We get along well and they are more than competent - they are some of the best in their class and personality. But I still feel like I’m missing something. I can’t put my finger on it.”
Daniel sat back, mimicking Wyn by placing one leg over the other. “I’m not following. Explain.”
“I want us to succeed in the tower. My ultimate goal is to pay off my debts. To accomplish that, I need to climb higher and clear floors more often. To accomplish that, I need to be more powerful. Power will secure me coin, safety, and keep my teammates safe, too.”
Daniel smiled. “Of course. That’s a very standard outlook for the tower, you know. But it’s something more specific than that, too, I’m sure.”
Wyn nodded. “I’ve been choosing a variety of spells. I have something for different scenarios - a ranged spell, a defensive spell, a healing spell, and a spell to make my weapon magical. Granted, I need to change that now, too, since everyone in my group has a magical weapon.”
“That doesn’t sound bad, Wyn. It sounds like you’re being smart, using the resources you have to the best of your ability. Remember, our class is made to be broad.”
Wyn put his leg down and leaned into the fire, sighing all the while. “I just don’t know. It feels like it isn’t enough. I don’t know if I need more skills from items or something else, but I feel like I need some form of focus. I’m lacking that right now.”
“Well, let’s think about your current team setup as a whole. John is a Fighter using a sword and shield. From what you’ve told me he’s a more than capable melee combatant, smart in battle, and trustworthy. Tasha is growing with her confidence, an adequate healer, and takes instructions well. And Marcy is holding back, obviously, though is able to handle any threat at a distance and alerts everyone to danger.”
Wyn ran his fingers through his hair, scuffing it up. Daniel explained their group so well and simply that it made him second guess his own ability to analyze his team. Granted, his mentor had much more experience in the tower as well as all matters regarding Climbers, not to mention life experience as a whole. Wyn was still young despite his time at war. He was used to managing inexperienced soldiers over familiar terrain, not rapidly changing magical environments and handling magic.
Hearing it out loud cleared the situation up, however. Wyn didn’t need ranged spell attacks unless the group was separated from Marcy, which was unlikely, not to mention his new spear had a mid range magical attack. They had all decided to always keep their group together anyway since they were smaller in numbers. The odds of him needing to use a ranged spell was low, and if he were to use it, it was likely just to relieve the pressure off of Marcy - though Wyn knew she could probably handle nearly anything herself the first floor or two.
When he used his Flamebolt spell on the first floor in the river it was mostly to try it out. Marcy could’ve hit every Lacert on that floor several times over. Plus, having the ability to use Wingbeat from his spear was plenty at the moment.
So, Wyn thought, he could scratch out having a ranged spell attack - for now, at least. It would reduce the chance of him using his Dyadcast skill but there could be other ways to implement it.
Without that and his Magic Weapon spell, he had two free options. Well, three, actually, with the addition of his new Tower’s Blessing skill. He wanted to keep his optional healing just in case, and having support spells would be beneficial.
A strategy suddenly clicked into Wyn’s mind. He shifted in his chair before grabbing another roll off the platter.
“I have an idea,” Wyn said. “But I need some guidance.”
Daniel simply waved him on with his hands.
Wyn picked up on the cue, not missing a beat. “Marcy is more than capable to handle anything at range, like you said. So I can cut my Flamebolt spell for now. I’d like to keep my healing and support. But maybe that’s just it?”
Wyn paused, and Daniel tilted his head.
“What do you mean that’s just it?”
“I mean, being support. Diamond Mages are one of the best healing and support classes but they’re limited. They don’t have anything to support their defenses outside of spells like relevant skills, they typically don’t use weapons, and they can’t wear traditional armor - right?”
Daniel nodded slowly, trying to mentally catch up to Wyn’s train of thought. “That’s all true, yes, though magical cloaks and robes help make up for that.”
“But,” Wyn continued, “I have all those things Divine Mages lack. I can wear armor. I have a weapon that affords me some reach and has a magical, mid range attack. My skill Speed Up gives me the ability to maneuver myself fast to support or attack. I can heal or support from anywhere while still having the ability to attack in the middle of direct combat.”
Daniel nodded faster now, seeing where Wyn’s strategy was coming into play. “You can essentially be a controller.”
“Like a battlefield controller.”
“Precisely. They can be crucial in a well rounded group, often changing the flow or outcome of a fight. Usually they are Sorcerers or skilled Rogues with good skills or items.”
Wyn ripped off a bite of his roll, thinking and chewing. “So what would be good spell options for me as a Ruby Magician controller?”
Daniel smiled and propped his feet in front of the fire. “Keeping Regen is good. Shield or Barrier would be helpful to give you quick, additional defense for yourself or an ally for either physical or magical attacks. Let Tasha use Arcane Aura since it takes more mana to use. You could use a short range magical attack to either stagger an enemy or inflict a fair amount of damage since you’ll be fighting monsters directly anyway.”
Wyn stopped mid-chew and sat up straight. “What’s that?” He said, with a mouthful of his roll.
“They aren’t commonly used spells because it requires the Mage to be up close, but they’re sometimes chosen to have as a last resort until movement-based spells become more usable at tier two. They are elemental based, firing a short blast of magic directly in front of you. I think it’d be very helpful for your strategy.”
Wyn smiled. “I do, too. So that’s one other spell to have. Swapping the defensive spells makes me have two other options.”
Daniel tapped his finger on the table, taking a few seconds to think. “I think both Flash and Feeble should be your last two spells to pick.”
“I haven’t heard of Feeble. And Flash causes a bright light to distract and blind enemies, right? I remember reading that and liking it!”
“Yes, that should be perfect for you! Feeble is actually from the Onyx Magician spell list. They’re a rare class like us though they focus on afflictions and death, the opposite of the Diamond Magician. But the spell causes enemies to have a curse, reducing their defense, attack power, speed, everything.”
“That seems a bit strong.”
Daniel laughed. “It is! But the class is rare and depends on curses to reduce the strength of enemies, so they have powerful spells. It should work well for your other spell from the Tower’s Blessing skill since we can’t normally use their spells. You should have a book on the Onyx Magician in the stack I gave you for your bookshelf.”
Wyn rapped his knuckles on the table. “That’s perfect, then! I’ll set on making the changes tonight before we climb again tomorrow. Thank you, Daniel! That was incredibly helpful!”
Daniel picked his teacup back up and sipped it contentedly. He simply nodded in response while he resumed his drink.
Wyn stood up but then paused. “Why didn’t I choose these spells before? It makes so much more sense now.”
Daniel laughed, hearty and full. He spilled his tea but he didn’t care. “Remember when I said you were rushing to go climb into the tower? We could’ve discussed this over training and began this season with this spell list and strategy. But at least you came to it now. That’s what matters!”
Wyn slapped himself on the forehead. Of course Daniel was right. If he would’ve taken his time he could’ve learned more about the intricacies of magic and climbing as a whole, though he didn’t regret his decision. What happened happened, and he learned from both successes and mistakes.
Wyn bid his farewell to the elder Magician and set off back to his room, hoping to finish scribing his spells quickly so he could get a good night’s rest. He had an exciting day tomorrow, and needed to be as healthy as possible.
*****
Wyn yawned again, the fourth time in less than a minute. The candle was nearly burned to the desk and the moon was well over halfway through its path in the night sky. Both sources of light were diminishing, and Wyn was more than ready to sleep.
He put his quill back in the jar and marveled at this spell sheet. Sleep was minutes away, but he wanted to review his newly forged spell sheet one more time.
Flash: Conjure a bright flash of light that dazzles and blinds creatures that see it. Covers approximately 20 feet of space in front of the caster in an arc. The light dissipates immediately, and would not work as a source of illumination. Consumes a small amount of mana.
*Feeble: Place a curse on a creature that reduces their strength, durability, and overall vitality by a bit. Target must be close. Lasts for approximately 5 minutes before the cursed creature gradually returns to normal over the span of 1 minute. Consumes a smaller amount of mana.
Shield: Conjure a magical one-sided barrier resembling a large shield, able to deflect physical attacks of comparable strength for a time. Consumes a smaller amount of mana.
Regen: A healing spell that will heal the user or target over a period of time. Heals basic wounds, not able to cure diseases or remove poisons. Currently takes more time to heal and consumes a less moderate amount of mana.
Fire Blast: Spew a stream of blazing hot fire in a 15 foot stream in front of you. Initially consumes a small amount of mana, though will continue to consume mana if the caster keeps the spell active. The caster must willingly stop the spell or it may consume all available mana.
Satisfied with his new spell list, Wyn folded his parchment and haphazardly went to bed. He had a big day tomorrow, and he was ready to both show his friends his new spells and climb the second floor.