Blood rushed in his ears as Kelford ran for his life.He juked right and then left, heedless of the direction. He just needed to get away. Knives scraped the rocky floors, screams and jeers chased his feet as the gnoblars followed. The air whistled ,forcing Kelford to jump through a shack as the thin barrier of leather protected him from trash and stone. Gnoblar hurlers, faster and lighter, had caught up throwing their projectiles whenever a shot could be found. Holes in tents and shacks were filled with poorly aimed debris. What they lacked in quality were made back in quality as the makeshift shelter fell apart from the repeated blows. With a scream Kelford threw himself out the back, farther from his goal but out of sight of the hurlers. He scrambled to his feet only to see two gnoblars rushing down the passage towards him. Knives raised in rage , the gnoblars died in the moments it took to cross the distance to Kelford’s sword. Kelford gasped for air but soon it was filled with stones again. He began running again!

The fire was growing worse. Every place he stole away to, every place he was forced to make a stand left bodies and flame. The flame-enchanted flamberge was good for many things, but among those was burning. The buildings were perfect kindling and Kelford’s panic flight an easy opportunity to spread the flames. Kelford wanted to sheath it, to prevent the now smoky air from getting any worse. Yet, every encounter with the gnoblars was only survived with his sword's power. The gnoblars were getting the worst of it. Kelford double backed multiple times only to see burning homes and figures screaming as they chased him. Corpses began to fill the air and to Kelford’s adrenaline soaked mind it was all beginning to blur together.

“ This is hell” Kelford broke through a ramshackle shack, blade burning the blood of a fresh victim. The only salvation were the runes that glowed through the darkness. The tunnels lead to the next floor, if he managed to get to them he’d be scott free. A stone smacked him along the thigh sending him crashing to the ground . Gnoblars screamed in victory as a group of them pounded down towards the fallen human. Lungs burning, and with a fresh bruise, Kelford climbed to his feet to face them. The five rushing in were grinning, and the two hurlers were already reloading. At this point the uncoordinated mob of gnoblars had devolved to small groups, each trying to hunt him down. It may have been his mind finally tapping out when it came to fear but he no longer felt nervous. Now he was just frustrated. He flowed into the movements of [Weapon Proficiency]. First he would break their charge. He rushed them, flaming sword leading the way as he became a whirlwind of burning steel. The gnoblars screamed as his blade burnt skin and chopped at limbs. He burst past them charging straight for the gnoblars hurlers. They screamed snapping slings filled with stone and burnt wood. Focus at a razor's edge, Kelford swung the flat of the blade at the mess.reverberations of bouncing stones and wood rang up his arm followed by what he couldn’t deflect. Ash and blood covering his face he fell upon the hurlers like a maddened dog, cutting through them before making his escape.

The world began to devolve into near misses, burning faces, and a distinct exhaustion the colored all of his thoughts. 2 gnoblars were left dead as the fires caught up to him.

“Come on Kelford, don’t give up now”, Kelford said the words out loud, “ Just keep going”

It was beginning to seem hopeless. 50 yards wasn’t too far. He must not have been a good judge of distance. It was hard to tell, he’d been running through multiple shacks, tents this entire time. Running forward, doubling back, fighting. It was weighing on him. He hid between a stalagmite and burning buildings. The gnoblars were everywhere again, now aware of his existence. They chased him even as they burned. Even as their homes burned. Why? Cause of a sick game played by this place? Kelford pressed himself against the Stalagmite as more gnoblars ran past. At this rate, more of them would be blocking the tunnels. He was exhausted, outnumbered by who knew how many of these monsters,and with more injuries. It was a losing game. He considered just throwing in the towel. The gnoblar gorger was somewhere out there, probably just waiting to kill him. If he just died here..he’d appear just at the beginning. Maybe…just enjoy a month of boring tedium. He’d go home. Not have to endure this literal hell anymore.

Gnoblars screamed, some having spotted his hiding place. Kelford’s grip on his sword tightened. Was it okay to give up now? He’d promised himself this was one last try. He checked the progress of the gnoblars coming for him. They’d clumped together, and he could see a few more were trickling in. It was only a matter of time before they rushed him. He could force a reset. The thought was bitter, filled with his exhaustion and frustration. He didn’t want to be stabbed and eaten right? To look at their smug faces as the reveled in his death. To see them look at his failure. The gnoblars were gathering a group of 10 now. It was now or never. “ Just give up” the voice tempted.The weight of his actions fell upon his shoulders. The lethargy was back, exasperating the tiredness already in his bones.

“ But I want to win” he’d gotten all this way. Killed monsters and gotten a cool sword. Outside of here he’d been no one. Now he was fighting creatures five, six , even seven at a time. Why give up now? So many things in his life could have been different with just a little more effort. Just one more attempt to grasp victory! He could have been luckier, smarter, or been stronger. Here he could be all those things, but only if he reached for it.His heart was racing , maybe it was insane but he had to admit it. A twisted part of him was enjoying this. He’d been running around in a burning cave , fighting monsters and winning. Every moment was precious, every attempt just one more step closer to getting to the next floor.

“How do I win in this case?” He couldn’t fight all of them at once, that was clear. Yet, the fire had spread them all out. Into little groups that couldn’t easily support each other. Why even attempt to dodge or avoid them. Gnoblars were cowards, he’d seen them only attack when they were sure he was weak or had overwhelming numbers. If he played that cowardice to his advantage he might be able to get out of here. The gnoblars screamed as they rushed to his hiding place. The smallest in the front, while the few hurlers began to spin their slings. He would start right here, right now.

Hard Slash

Flaming debris shot everywhere followed by steel. Kelford burst through leaving a trail of dead gnoblars in his wake. He grabbed one of the gnoblars and threw it into the clumped hurlers . They all fell into a heep of screaming legs and arms, only to be slain as Kelford followed behind. He turned, heaving from the loss of stamina, but refusing to show it. The other gnoblars were gaining their courage as the shock of the charge began to wane. They knew his pattern by now, he’d flee and they’d give chase after regrouping. In shock, they watched as Kelford slowly walked towards them. Sword up and ready to kill them as it had killed their brethren. They roared and he roared right back. A few hesitated breaking up what cohesion they had. Kelfrod stepped forward and killed the braver ones leaving the rest to run. With a way out the gnoblars never stood their ground. Only when pushed into a corner would they try to kill him with no regard to themselves. His plan may just work. He dashed into the fire, hunting instead of running. Kill just enough of them to cause a panic, and his chance would come.

The groups of gnoblars were no more then 7 if he gave no time for them to call backup. It was hard, but Kelford was motivated more than ever. From the smoke and fire he appeared like a spector, a ghost of fire and flame that fell upon them without warning. First he cut down their hurlers before scattering the rest. They would run, and he’d tail one of them. They’d inevitably find another group talking about his new tactic. Then he appeared again, killing most before letting some escape to continue the story.The blaze began to pick up speed as Kelford no longer tried to prevent his strikes from causing more fires. The mayhem and smoke were blinding. The lone gnoblars ran screaming as soon as he appeared. Then it was the pairs of hunters. Then when one group ran off he made his play. He jogged towards the tunnels, most gnoblars fleeing from him. He was bone tired but Kelford couldn’t help but feel slightly proud. It was working. He appeared before the tunnels and to no one’s surprise the gnoblar gorger stood with what little was left of it’s forces. The rest fled as the two stared each other down. It spoke in it’s guttural language but Kelford just shrugged. He couldn’t understand it and he just needed to get out of here. He moved to move pass the gorger but it readjusted itself to block him again.

Stolen story; please report.

“So it’s going to be like that?” Kelford said. It probably couldn’t understand him but that was fine. He rallied what little he had in the tank and put his sword up in a guard position. The blade shook and Kelford could feel the weakness in his arms. The gnoblar gorger smirked before bellowing it’s challenge. It rushed forward, club wrapped in two hands for a devastating blow. Kelford met it, relying on the power of his sword and the strength of his class skills. The weapons met in a thunderous boom as to both the combatants' shock they were equal in strength. Recovering first,the gnoblar kicked Kelford. Kelford gagged, stuttering back before a rain of blows chased him. Parrying and dodging through the storm, Kelford kept his life by the thinnest of margins. He was to tired for fancy maneuvers and he wasn’t in the condition to endure the assault. Blocking with the flat of the blade, Kelford slide the club aside before unleashing a kick. The gnoblar jumped away before laughing as it threw itself at him again. Kelford saw no other option, he had to break the stalemate.

Hard Slash

Steel became a blur as Kelford knocked the club aside before shoulder checking the gnoblar. It stumbled before it roared in pain as Kelford’s follow up strike cut it across the chest. His spirits rose as he thought that was the end before the monster spit blood in his face. The wind was knocked from his lungs and the monster tackled him to the ground. A combination of the stamina depletion and surprise let the gnoblar gain the upper hand. Claws carved deep rents into Kelford before he could defend himself. He endured as best he could, before sneaking a punch through the roaring gnoblar’s attack. Luck more than skill disoriented the monster allowing Kelford to throw it off. It rolled a few feet away allowing Kelford a few moments of reprieve. He looked up seeing that nothing was in his way to the tunnels. He turned to see the gnoblar already getting back on it’s feet . He groaned, this thing wouldn’t quit. He made it to his feet just in time to block a punch.The gnoblar rained punches upon Kelford, claws leaving his arms bruised and bloody. Here they were again at a stalemate. Kelford began giving ground, step after step getting closer to the tunnels. He was so close. It was then his arm gave out. Already weak from constant abuse, the stone from the earlier floor cracking the bone, it couldn’t take anymore. The arm fell and a fist to the jaw sent Kelford to the floor.

The gnoblar roared its victory, it’s lesser brethren screaming from their hiding places. Fire and smoke had taken up almost all of the cavern, leaving little remaining of the gnoblars' home. Kelford was done. His arm wouldn’t respond and his sword was gone. He grabbed at the ground with his remaining arm turning over to make it to his knees. He wheezed ,summoning what energy he could to prepare himself. He had just one more chance to come out on top. He couldn’t climb to his feet but if he could get off a Hard Slash he might pull a win. In the smoke, he couldn’t find his sword but he had a spare. The gnoblar gorger sunk it’s claws into his shoulder preparing to turn him around. A flash of light was hidden and as Kelford turned a large axe materialized in his working fist. The gorger’s eyes widened as the weapon appeared seemingly from thin air. Kelford’s grin was bloody as he put all he had in his skill.

Hard Slash

Blood fountained as the gnoblar fell to the ground. Kelford fell to his back, axe forgotten. Fires raged around him and the screams of gnoblars filled the air. His body was no longer responding and he couldn’t think straight anymore. Above him a blue rune glowed through the smoke, he was only a few feet from the tunnel to the next floor. His remaining arm shook, unable to move. The world grew dark and hazy.

“I was so close”, Kelford’s throat was ravaged leaving his voice just a whisper, “ I was right there”. He craned his neck to see the yawning tunnel and the few feet that lay before the threshold. If he could drag himself even 10 feet forward he’d have done it. Instead of bitterness all he felt was desire to improve. With just a bit more effort he’d have made it. He was going to come back here. The world grew hazy and Kelford used his last minutes to make an oath to himself. He would never waste another second not pushing for more. 10 feet was all that separated him from victory, and he wouldn’t let that stand. Death came over him, quiet and gentle. Surrounded by fire and smoke, Kelford’s second run of the Tower ended.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Echoes of pain followed moments after he was resurrected. Tears popped into his eyes as he rode out the agony. Long minutes passed until the pain faded, his psyche catching up to the reality of his resurrection. Kelford gingerly stood, stumbling to his room. T.U.I was silent as Kelford burst to the bathroom splashing water onto his face. He panted as his mind wrestled with the memories of his ordeals. A mirror reflected his face back to him. His skin was a healthier brown then they’d been in life, with his hair a vibrant black. He splashed water onto his face again, relishing in the feeling. Despite everything, it seemed as if he was healthier than ever. The irony made him chuckle, he looked healthier after dying in the tower then for most of his life beforehand. Speaking about the Tower reminded him of something that T.U.I had said before the last room.

“ Hey T.U.I, what was the surprise you mentioned?” Kelford saw the wisps of light flow from his chest.

“ Oh you have unlocked the store function in the main area along with a training room” T.U.I’s voice was just as enthusiastic as always. Kelford stopped the water, turning fully to listen.

“ With your dedication to climbing, the Myriad Index has unlocked the Shop to provide for some of your basic needs. You may have noticed that despite your lack of food you have suffered no ill effects. Despite this fact, many organics do gain benefits from eating and psychological benefits from luxury items. Understanding that these resources may help you progress, you may spend karma to buy items you can not make for yourself.” T.U.I began to float away with Kelford following in her wake. In the main room a golden orb now floated across from the altars, aside one of the walls. Next to it a new door had materialized. Kelford ducked his head in to see a large rustic room filled with training dummies and equipment. Enough room to run if he so chose, with towels on bone benches. He came back to T.U.I to see a huge screen floating above the golden orb. Food, chairs, cutlery, books , anything and everything. Yet all of them seemed to be..different in a very distinct way.

“T.U.I what is the matter with all of these options? “ Kelford began scrolling through the options,

Bone Cutlery

Fine Enchanted Pot

Haunch of Mountain Drake

Broth of Thunderhorn Tusk

Languages of the mountain

“ All of these items are based off of the section of the Myriad Indexes you are currently experiencing”

“ …right” Kelford continued shifting through the lists. The theme didn’t matter, the tunnels to the third level still burned in his mind. He had made a promise to himself and he was going to fulfill it. First, he was going to train.Between this new Shop and the new training space he had some work to do.With a thought he selected the Languages of the Mountain.

Languages of the Mountain

Price: 10 Karma

Description: Grants the General skill [ Languages of the Mountain] allowing you to understand all residents of the planet Dowor.

Kelford thought of the Gnoblar Gorger and it’s attempts at communication. They couldn’t understand each other which opened up a bigger issue.The higher Kelford climbed the more intelligent the gnoblars seemed to grow. If the gorger had been just insulting him, this purchase would just be a waste. If the gorger was trying to make a deal, well this could become almost invaluable the higher he climbed. It was a risk but one he felt was worth the effort.

Would You like to Purchase: Languages of the Mountain

Price: 10 Karma

Current Karma: 10 Karma

Yes/ No

Kelford thought yes and the screen disappeared. Golden light spilled from the orb forming into a book. It fell into Kelford’s grasp and he looked it over. The book was heavy, bound in thick leather with rough paper shoved inside of it. Jagged symbols were etched into the cover, glowing with a pale light.

Would You like to Learn the skill [ Languages of the Mountain]

Yes/ No

Selecting yes, Kelford prepared himself. Next time, he was going to see the third floor.