The battle on the second floor of the Tower raged on, a chaotic dance of fire and steel. The climbers, still adjusting to this new challenge, fought valiantly against the relentless siege. Amidst the chaos, Kagan's humor and bravado continued to shine, but those close to him noticed subtle changes. He was more focused, more intense, hinting at depths yet to be explored in his backstory.

As the group battled to repel the fiery onslaught, a new development quickly shifted the dynamics of the fight. From the direction of the castle, a diverse group of warriors emerged, a coalition of beings from various realms: towering Giants, graceful Elves and Dark Elves, stout Dwarves, curious Gnomes, and ethereal Spirits. They approached the battlefield not as enemies, but as allies against a common foe.

Aleksander, ever the leader, called for a temporary retreat to regroup and understand this new turn of events. The climbers gathered, warily eyeing the approaching warriors.

A commanding Giant stepped forward, her voice booming yet imbued with a sense of calm authority. "We are the defenders of this realm, connected to your Tower through pathways unknown. We've come to aid you against the besiegers," she declared.

The Elven leader, a lithe figure with piercing eyes, added, "Our worlds are linked, your battles resonate in ours. It's in our interest to assist you."

Kagan, leaning against a scorched boulder, quipped, "Well, isn't this a regular interdimensional mixer? Do we get name tags, or do we just call each other 'Hey, you'?"

Despite the seriousness of the situation, his comment drew a few chuckles, easing the tension slightly. Isabella, while tending to a minor burn, shot him a grateful smile for the light moment.

The group quickly formed a strategy with their new allies. The Spirits provided aerial reconnaissance, the Gnomes shared their ingenious siege machinery, the Dwarves bolstered the front lines with their unyielding strength, the Elves and Dark Elves offered their unmatched archery skills, and the Giants led the charge with their formidable presence.

As the allied forces launched a counterattack, Kagan fought alongside them, showcasing not just his combat skills but also a strategic mind that surprised many. His movements were precise, his decisions quick and effective, revealing a side of him that went beyond the humorous façade.

Aisha, fighting back-to-back with Kagan, noticed this change. "Didn't take you for the strategic type, Kagan," she said, loosing an arrow.

Kagan, deflecting an incoming projectile with a well-timed shield spell, replied, "There's a lot you don't know about me. Like my deep love for fluffy kittens and tragic backstories."

The 'Floor Clear' notification flashed across the climbers' interfaces, signaling their victory over the castle siege. A collective sigh of relief spread among the group, but Kagan’s expression was pensive. “That was far too easy,” he muttered, eyeing the surroundings warily.

As if on cue, the Tower’s system interface interrupted with a new message, transforming the atmosphere from relief to anticipation. “Main Quest Administered. Heroes of a different realm, the world of Eden needs your help. The Demon King has terrorized this sacred realm. Floors 2-10 will be completed on Eden. Difficulty: S-rank.”

The climbers exchanged looks of shock and uncertainty. Kagan’s annoyance was palpable. “Great, not just a floor challenge, now we’re in a full-blown fantasy saga,” he grumbled, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Before anyone could react further, a swirl of light enveloped them, teleporting the group to the third floor. They materialized in an expansive, lush landscape, markedly different from the previous floors. The beauty of Eden was undeniable, with its rolling hills, pristine lakes, and towering forests, but the air was tinged with a sense of impending conflict.

They were soon greeted by a delegation of leaders representing the various factions of Eden. Elves, Dwarves, Spirits, and more stood before them, their expressions a mix of gratitude and hope. Aleksander, Aisha, Ryu, and Isabella were complimented for their bravery and skill, hailed as the prophesied heroes who would aid in their struggle against the Demon King.

Kagan, however, received a different reception. A haughty Elven lord eyed him with disdain. “Why is a lowly E-rank climber with you four heroes?” he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.

Kagan, unfazed by the slight, flashed a grin. “Lowly E-rank? Ouch, you know how to wound a guy’s pride. I’m here for the scenic views and the charming company,” he quipped, gesturing to the surrounding leaders with exaggerated courtesy.

Isabella quickly intervened, her tone diplomatic. “Kagan has proven himself invaluable. His skills and insights have been crucial to our success.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The Elven lord looked unconvinced but said no more, turning his attention back to the group.

In the midst of the introductions, the Dark Elf leader, a woman with an aura of mystery and sharp intelligence, approached Kagan directly. Her keen eyes seemed to pierce through him as she asked, "Why is your body so heavily poisoned?"

The question hung in the air, drawing shocked looks from Aleksander, Aisha, Ryu, Isabella, and the other climbers. They all turned to Kagan, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

Kagan, visibly uncomfortable with the attention, responded tersely, "Did it to myself." He avoided their gazes, adding, "I'd appreciate it if you dropped it."

But the Dark Elf leader was not deterred. "Your meridians are all destroyed. How the hell are you using magic and in this good of shape?" she pressed, her bewilderment evident.

"No clue, guess I'm lucky," Kagan replied with a forced chuckle, his usual humor failing to mask the tension.

Aleksander stepped forward, concern etched on his face, but before he could speak, Kagan cut him off. "I'm good, man, just need some air," he said quickly, turning to leave the room.

As he walked away, the others noticed him reach into his back pocket. He pulled out two rings on a leather necklace and slipped it around his neck, a gesture laden with unspoken emotions.

The climbers watched him go, each lost in their thoughts. Kagan's revelation and his hasty exit had raised more questions than answers. His typically carefree demeanor had cracked, revealing glimpses of a deeper, more complex story.

Outside, Kagan stood alone, his eyes distant.

"Well fuck..."

The quest for the third floor of the Tower was clear: to dismantle one of the Demon King’s strategic bases in the world of Eden. The climbers, alongside the leaders of the various factions, prepared for an assault that would test their mettle and unity.

As they approached the enemy base, a sprawling fortress shrouded in dark magic, the air was thick with tension and determination. Aleksander led the charge, his voice resonating with command. Aisha, Ryu, Isabella, and the others fell into formation, each ready to play their part in the impending battle.

The fortress gates burst open, and a horde of demonic entities poured out, clashing with the assembled forces of Eden. The battle was a maelstrom of magic, steel, and sheer will.

Kagan, in the midst of the chaos, fought with his usual blend of humor and agility. "I always wanted to crash a demon party. Guess I can check that off my bucket list!" he joked, casting 'Magic Missile' spells into the throngs of enemies.

Despite his spirited efforts, it became apparent that Kagan was being outclassed by the other top climbers. Aleksander’s strategic prowess, Aisha’s expert marksmanship, Ryu’s stealthy assassinations, and Isabella’s crucial healing and combat support overshadowed Kagan’s contributions. Even climbers who weren’t ranked as high showed more effectiveness in battle.

During a particularly fierce skirmish, Kagan noticed a climber in trouble, cornered by a group of demons. Without hesitation, he dashed to their aid, picking up a discarded sword on the way. His handling was clumsy, clearly unfamiliar with the weapon, but his intent was unmistakable. He managed to fend off the attackers, protecting the climber until they could retreat to safety.

Yet, as he fought, his movements became increasingly labored, a grim reminder of the toll his poisoned body was taking on him.

The battle raged on, with each climber pushing their limits. Kagan, despite his physical limitations, continued to fight valiantly. His jokes became less frequent as he focused all his energy on the battle, but his determination never waned.

As the last of the demonic forces fell, the climbers stood victorious but exhausted, their breathing heavy, their clothes stained with the remnants of battle. Kagan, leaning against a broken wall, looked over the battlefield. There was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, but also a deep-seated fatigue.

In the aftermath of the battle, as the climbers caught their breath amidst the ruins of the fortress, a moment of unexpected dialogue unfolded. The Dark Elf Queen, Vold, approached Kagan, who was leaning against the crumbled wall, his gaze distant and contemplative.

The surrounding area fell into a hush as Vold spoke, her voice steady and resolute. "Let me train you," she said, her eyes locked onto Kagan's.

The statement sent ripples of astonishment through the gathered climbers and leaders. Aleksander, Aisha, Ryu, and Isabella exchanged surprised looks, while the leaders of the different factions appeared visibly taken aback.

"Vold, you can't be serious," protested one of the Elven leaders. "You're one of the pillars of this world. You want to waste time on him?"

To everyone’s surprise, Vold smiled, a rare expression that softened her usually stern demeanor. "Yes, we leave for the base of Yggdrasil tonight," she declared, her decision clear and unwavering.

Kagan, opening his mouth to crack a joke, was promptly silenced by a stern look from Vold. He sighed, the weight of the offer and its implications settling on him. "You guys can last without me, right?" he asked his fellow climbers, a tinge of seriousness beneath his casual tone.

"Of course," Aleksander responded confidently. "We'll manage. This might be a good opportunity for you, Kagan."

The night had fallen as Kagan and Vold embarked on their journey to the base of Yggdrasil. The path was lit only by the moon's ethereal glow, casting long shadows across their path. The air was thick with unspoken questions, and Vold finally broke the silence.

"Your past," she began, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern. "It influences who you are. Understanding it could be key to unlocking your potential."

Kagan, walking beside her with his hands tucked into his pockets, gave a non-committal shrug. "Past is past. I prefer to look forward, not back."

Vold's patience, however, was wearing thin. "At least tell me about the poisons in your body. They need to be cleansed so your meridians open, and you can actually start using magic effectively."

Kagan paused, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "It's not poison per se," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. "Most of it was medicine. Just... abused it." He resumed walking, his pace slow and contemplative.

There was a moment of silence before he added, almost as an afterthought, "I was a drug addict." The words hung heavily in the air, a stark admission that seemed to weigh on him.

"Did some major damage to my life and to my folks."

"But its in the past, so let's keep it that way." he said with a smile.