In the strategic planning room, deep within the Tower, Alexandur and the other top rankers gathered. The atmosphere was casual yet focused, each member bringing their unique personality to the table. They were there to formulate a plan for conquering the 7th floor and its formidable Vassal of the Demon King.

Alexandur, the de facto leader, was calm and composed. He had a natural ability to inspire confidence. “Alright, folks, let’s keep this straightforward. We need a plan that plays to our strengths,” he said, glancing around the table.

Aisha, with her fiery red hair and spirited demeanor, leaned back in her chair, her bow resting against the table. “I say we hit them fast and hard. I can take a vantage point here,” she pointed to a spot on the map, “and cover you guys as you advance.”

Ryu, the group's resident rogue, was quieter, his eyes hidden beneath a hood. “Stealth and surprise should be our allies. I can scout ahead, identify traps or ambushes.”

Isabella, the group's healer, had a nurturing presence, her gentle voice often bringing calm to their discussions. “I’ll set up wards and healing circles. We need to ensure everyone stays in fighting shape.”

Next to Alexandur was Elena, a mage known for her strategic mind. She pushed her glasses up her nose and scrutinized the map. “If we coordinate our attacks with Aisha’s arrows and Ryu’s positioning, we can create a choke point here.”

Alexandur listened to each suggestion, nodding. “Good points all around. We need to be adaptable. The Vassal won’t go down easily.”

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they took a break. Ryu cracked a rare joke, and even Isabella joined in with a laugh. Their camaraderie was evident; they were not just fellow climbers but friends who had been through many battles together.

“Remember the third floor?” Aisha chuckled. “Alexandur here nearly turned himself into a pincushion.”

Alexandur rolled his eyes. “Let’s not bring up ancient history. Focus on not shooting any of us in the back, Aisha.”

As the banter continued, Alexandur couldn’t help but think of Kagan. He missed his friend's humor and unorthodox approach. “Kagan would have loved this,” he mused aloud.

“He’ll catch up,” Elena reassured. “I did not get the chance to meet him but from what you have shared he’s probably giving those dark elves a run for their money.”

After the meeting, Alexandur lingered in the room, his thoughts drifting to the upcoming battle. He pulled out his system interface, the familiar holographic display materializing in front of him. It was a moment for self-reflection, a chance to assess his preparedness for the challenges ahead.

His stat page mirrored Kagan's in layout but showcased the impressive attributes of an S-rank class, "Hero." His level and stats dwarfed those of an average climber, a testament to the countless battles and trials he had overcome in the Tower.

* Class: Hero (S-Rank)

* Level: 68

* Health Points (HP): 8500

* Mana Points (MP): 7500

* Strength (STR): 85

* Agility (AGI): 80

* Intelligence (INT): 77

* Skills:

* Blazing Strike – Level 15

* Heroic Shield – Level 12

* Mighty Roar – Level 10

* Unyielding Will – Level 13

Alexandur scrutinized his stats, his mind analyzing potential strategies and maneuvers for the upcoming fight. The weight of responsibility as the leader and as the 'Hero' was not lost on him. He knew that his actions and decisions would significantly impact the team's success or failure.

Sighing, he pocketed the interface. His role demanded not just physical strength but also the ability to inspire and lead. As he walked out of the room, he passed a mirror and paused to look at his reflection. The face staring back at him was one of determination, but behind his eyes lay the understanding of the burdens that came with his title.

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As he exited the building, he saw his team members dispersed throughout the village, each preparing in their own way. Aisha was practicing her archery, Ryu was sharpening his daggers in silence, and Isabella was gathering medicinal herbs.

Alexandur allowed himself a small smile. His team was strong, not just in terms of power but in their unity and resolve. He felt a surge of pride; whatever the Tower threw at them, they would face it together.

Alexandur and his team stood at the threshold of the 7th floor, each member geared up and ready. The Tower, with its ever-changing environments, never ceased to surprise him. Floors two through ten all existed within the same sprawling, interconnected world, a concept that baffled him. To the residents of those floors, their world was all-encompassing, yet to the climbers, each was just another step in their ascent.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Alexandur turned to address his team, his voice steady and confident. “We’ve faced tough challenges before, but this...this is different. The 7th floor is uncharted territory for all of us. We need to be alert, adaptable, and, most importantly, we need to trust in each other. We've trained for this, prepared for every possibility. Now, it's time to put that preparation to the test.”

The team nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and focus. As Alexandur finished his speech, Isabella, usually the more serious member of the group, stepped forward.

In an exaggerated tone, she said, “And remember, if we come across any locked doors, we’ll just have Kagan talk to them. He’s good at making an entrance!” She mimicked Kagan’s carefree shrug and mischievous grin, a surprisingly spot-on impression of their absent friend.

The tension in the air broke as laughter erupted among the group. Even Alexandur couldn’t help but chuckle. Kagan’s humor had always been a source of light-heartedness, and Isabella’s imitation reminded them of the camaraderie they shared.

“Alright, team,” Alexandur said, still smiling. “Let’s do this. For us, for those who can't be here, and for every step forward we take in this Tower.”

They could all practically feel Kagan cringe at that.

"You really need to stop being so cringey." said Ryu.

From the side Isabella and Aisha were nodding.

Alexsandur just pouted.

The 7th floor of the Tower unfolded into a chaotic battlefield, teeming with climbers and monstrous adversaries. Among the cacophony of battle cries and clashing steel, Alexandur stood as a pillar of strength, his presence commanding and his actions decisive.

The landscape was a nightmarish tableau of gnarled trees and shadowy crevices, from which creatures of darkness emerged. Swarms of twisted beings, with eyes glinting malevolently, descended upon the climbers. Close to a hundred climbers, each with their unique skills and weapons, fought valiantly against the relentless onslaught.

Alexandur, at the forefront, was a sight to behold. His skill, 'Blazing Strike,' sent arcs of searing energy slicing through the enemy ranks, each motion fluid and precise. His strength wasn’t just physical; it was an aura that seemed to invigorate those around him. He moved through the battlefield with a sense of purpose, every strike of his sword felling a foe, every shout rallying his companions.

Aisha, from her vantage point, let loose a volley of arrows, each tipped with incandescent light, finding their marks with deadly accuracy. Her face was a mask of concentration, the bow in her hands an extension of her will.

Ryu, ever the silent assassin, darted through the shadows, his twin daggers a blur. He struck from the unseen angles, his movements almost ghostlike. Each attack was a dance of death, swift and silent.

Isabella, while more reserved in combat, was the backbone of their group. Her healing wards glowed on the battlefield, creating sanctuaries amidst the chaos. Her hands weaved intricate patterns in the air, casting shields and restorative spells, her focus unwavering amidst the tumult.

Elena, wielding her staff, conjured torrents of elemental magic. Flames, ice, and bolts of lightning erupted from her, carving swathes through the enemy lines. Her eyes blazed with an inner fire, her chants melding power and precision.

As the battle raged on, Alexandur found himself facing a towering beast, its form a maelstrom of shadows and malice. He charged, 'Heroic Shield' skill activating, forming a barrier of shimmering light around him. The beast roared, a sound that shook the very air, and lunged.

Alexandur met the creature head-on, his sword clashing against its dark hide. Sparks flew as he parried and struck, his movements a blend of practiced skill and raw power. With a mighty roar of his own, he activated 'Mighty Roar', the skill amplifying his presence, stunning the creature momentarily.

Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a final, powerful 'Blazing Strike', the energy cleaving through the beast. It let out a final, anguished howl before collapsing to the ground, dissolving into shadows.

Alexandur sheathed his sword, his gaze sweeping over his companions. They were weary but victorious, their spirits unbroken. It was only the 7th floor and it was this difficult.