“ - and so from there we have the building blocks of creation” T.U.I’s said, her cheerful voice bouncing off the walls. “ In summary Light and Shadow gave birth to order and chaos. These forces gave structure to the elemental forces primarily considered to be Earth,Wind, Fire, and Water. These forces allowed for life and Death to flourish while their prevalence led to the animating force of spirit. Your spirit’s source will influence the higher energies that you can more easily withstand” . She glowed happily in the dark bedroom that Kelford resided, her cheerful demeanor contrasting the depressive atmosphere.
“And that should do it! Congratulations, you completed your first quest!”
Quest Complete
Quest: Welcome to The Tower
You have been teleported to the first Safe Floor in the Tower
Have your questions answered and the basics of your new life explained
Rewards:
Interface Unlocked
Tutorial Quests Revealed
1 Class Slot Permanently Unlocked
First Floor Permanently Unlocked
The prompt faded from Kelford’s view after a moment only to be followed by more. Before even the temptation could strike, Kelford hid the rest of the prompts from view. His thoughts ran like molasses, making even the barest of attention that he had paid to T.U.I’s lecture utterly exhausting. He gazed along the room, only lit by the soft glow of T.U.I hovering by his bedside. It was small, with thick furs that covered the bed and glowing symbols along the wall. Shadows into a bathroom and a closest that Kelford hadn’t bothered using. Everything was dim. The glowing blue symbols were dimmed at his request, while the bathroom was only turned on the occasional visits. Dimly, Kelford noted that everything smelled of dried sweat and that he hadn’t eaten in three days. Atleast, that was what his glowing companion had insinuated.
Ever since his first foray into the Tower’s floors and his subsequent resurrection, Kelford had been falling apart. T.U.I had pointed out this room he had missed and he had all but collapsed into the bed ignoring any attempts at correspondence. Scenes of his death continued to flicker through his mind, and only lethargy provided any kind of relief. Deeper and deeper until waking and sleeping didn’t seem to matter. Kelford hated himself for doing this, but it was hard to justify leaving his new bed. Still, today had been different somehow. He had pulled enough of himself together to hear T.U.I’s explanation of the Tower. Just enough to finish the quest. He teetered on the brink of falling back into that oblivion, far from the craziness of his new life.
“ Hey…T.U.I” Kelford’s voice was quiet.
“Yes Kelford?” T.U.I’s said
“ I messed up pretty bad…right?”
“ I am not entirely sure what you mean?” T.U.I’s response was light as if she really didn’t understand.
“I died, almost as soon as I entered the 1st floor”
“ Yes. You died 5 minutes into the first floor. “
“ That’s pretty pathetic….” Kelford fell back. Hitting the soft furs and with a dull smack. “ I pretty much just ran in there high off of power, like an idiot, before dying.”
“A traumatic event that would certainly cause a large amount of mental damage that the Tower graciously helps you mentally process…”
“ I failed !!!” Kelford was breathless, the images were back. Rage had replaced terror as he thought about their leering faces. He was definitely strong enough to kill any of them. If he hadn’t been stabbed in his spine maybe he could have changed things. Though that wasn’t worth the effort of considering. The disparaging thought sounded in his mind with Kelford’s own voice. Worse, he couldn’t disagree.He sucked and that was that.
“Kelford, I am confused on why you consider your first attempt a failure. According to the Myriad Index, 80% of the participants haven’t even attempted the first floor.” T.U.I said, “ I would consider your present circumstances closer to the state of “Failure” you are speaking about.”
Kelford stared at the ceiling for a few more moments. His thoughts still ran like molasse, his body was tired, and he had no reason to force himself from his comfortable bed.
“One more try wouldn’t hurt” Kelford threw off the covers and stood for the first time in 3 days.
It was sometime before he left the room but the lethargy that had gripped him was far behind him. The shower had taken a second to puzzle out as the hot and cold water were governed by runes but after some questions to T.U.I, he figured it out. Raiding the closest had exposed all that he would need while he was here… including clothes. It had only taken a moment of indecision before he had discarded his old clothes. The clothes he wore now were a light tan, felt like silk, but were thick and baggy. Sturdy boots now protected his feet and he couldn’t help but smile a bit. He walked to the altars gazing at their prizes.
“Huh, they’re different,” Kelford said, “ Why is that?”
“The Tower switches up the weapons for each attempt. This way each climber must adapt continually. Which will force them to grow faster” T.U.I said, causing Kelford to roll his eyes.
“ The classes stay the same but the weapons differ, not sure how that is supposed to help with growth but thank you for the information”
“ Always happy to help”
Kelford chuckled before refocusing on the altars. Instead of the weapons he had seen when he first appeared there was now a great axe, a crossbow, a rapier, a staff, and some jewelry.
It threw him off only a bit before he focused on the prompts that now floated above them.
Heavy Warrior
Ranged Warrior
Light Warrior
Acolyte
Apprentice
“Where was this the first time I was here?”
“All of these features were locked before you finished the Introductory Quest ,now you can access the full utility of the baseline Interface. If you pick up one of the classes you will now be able to see more information.” Kelford walked around the circle of altars until stopping before the staff. It was at least as tall as him, made of a rich, brown wood that felt cool to the touch.
Apprentice
The Laws of Reality Must Be Understood Before They Will Bend to Your Will.
Skills:
Essence Pool Manipulation
Enhanced Intellect
Wand, Staff, and Ritual Proficiency
Random Basic Spell
Each class gave basic skills that would act as the base for any attempts at the Tower’s floors. These skills could potentially make or break the run. More importantly from what Kelford remembered of T.U.I’s lectures, the classes would also influence some of the treasures and challenges he would find within the floors. Making his choice here even more important then he had first thought. Kelford could only shake his head at his past self.What if he had made it past those monsters. Maybe the class he chose would have lost his shine after he had made it just a bit farther. Speaking of Heavy Warrior , Kelford stood right in front of the Axe.
Heavy Warrior
It Is Strength of Arms That Will Bend The Universe to Your Will
Skills:
Enhanced Strength
General Melee Weapon Proficiency
Heavy Armor Proficiency
Active Skills:
Hard Slash
Kelford took a deep breath before grabbing the large axe. It’s haft was made of the same material as the staff but with leather grips. Power welded within him just like last time, He felt invincible! His hands could crush mountains, his legs could lift seas, with this axe he could leave entire continents sundered in his wake. For a moment Kelford’s eyes flicked back to the double doors that stood, imposing along the far wall. He closed his eyes as the rush washed over him before finally he gained back control. The strength was steady , instead of overwhelming.
“Man this really does give you a rush”
“It’s the rapid changes in your bodies capabilities” T.U.I said, “ It creates a euphoria like effect especially in the more physically inclined classes”
“Thank you T.U.I but that was more of a rhetorical question” Kelford flipped the axe along his body exalting in the lightness of the weapon.
“ I know, I just figured you should be enlightened” T.U.I’s reply left Kelford snickering before he placed the axe back on its altar. He stumbled as the strength left him but after a moment he was able to stand.
“ You should refrain from choosing a class that you have no intention of attempting the floors with. The loss of skills will cause stress on your body. “
“Thanks for the heads up T.U.I” Kelford said before moving to the next class.
Ranged Warrior
Why Risk Getting Close When You Can Shot Across the Stars Themselves
Skills:
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Minor Enhanced Strength
Minor Enhanced Dexterity
Bows,Crossbows,Thrown Weapon Proficiency
Medium Armor Proficiency
Active Skills:
Perceptive Eye
Kelford’s gaze covered the last two classes.
Light Warrior
Obtain Grace Unmatched as You Explore The Worlds Before You
Skills:
Enhanced Dexterity
Small Blade,Short Spear, Buckler Proficiency
Light Armor Proficiency
Active Skill:
Backstab
Acolyte
Align Yourself With The Powers Beyond Your Comprehension
Skills:
Enhanced Willpower
Randomized Essence Attunement
Staff, Ritual Orb, Essence Focus Proficiency
Random Basic Spell
“ Essence attunement and Essence pool manipulation both sound like they allow you to touch upon magic. T.U.I does essence have something to do with the cosmic forces you were speaking about earlier?”
“Why yes Kelford they do “ T.U.I’s replied happier than ever to be of assistance, “ Essence Attunement is much like Essence Pool Manipulation except instead of creating and cultivating a pool of essence within you, it allows you to touch upon the motes of energy surrounding you”
Kelford stepped back from the classes,brows furrowed in consideration. “ So what is the difference? It sounds as if they do the same thing?”
“If you wish to find out more, you must explore the Tower. Knowledge such as this can be discovered by your civilization or by treasures found through the floors.”
“ Is one stronger than the other? Can you tell me that at least?”
“Both skills have their advantages and disadvantages. If you wish to discover more information you must climb the Tower.”
“I’m not sure I’m going to climb the floors T.U.I” Kelford sighed as he turned towards the giant doors. A part of him swore that he could hear monsters laughing as they killed him. A shiver ran up his spine at the thought. No ,he had no intentions of playing the hero anymore. He’d try out the classes, maybe explore this starter area a bit. Risking his life against those creatures beyond the doors no longer appealed to him.
“ Oh but why not” T.U.I spun out of his chest this time colored in gentle blues and purples, “ I had hoped your exploration of classes indicated a resolve to continue climbing?”
“I died in there T.U.I, I was stabbed to death!”
“ And within the Tower death is only temporary.” T.U.I seemed unconcerned at Kelford’s rising frustration.
“ So what? I’m obviously not good enough to climb to the 10th floor. So why go through all the effort just to see myself fail.”
“ Well…” T.U.I began,
“ Just stop, I don’t want to talk about it” Kelford’s voice was firm as he ripped his eyes from the imposing doors, “ Just show me whatever I unlocked for finishing the Tutorial quest.”
T.U.I was quiet for a moment before saying, “ Alright” prompts flooded Kelford’s vision a moment later.
Interface
User: Kelford Booker
Class: N/A
Class Slots: 1
Skills: None
Spells: None
Relics: None
Karma: 0
Inventory: 0/10
The interface seemed to be pretty empty but Kelford couldn’t be too disappointed. It seemed that he could only have room for one of the classes but the idea of the slot being at one may point to a future where multiple classes could be picked. Did that mean he could get two sets of class skills? It could potentially lead to broken combinations, especially if there were more class options eventually.
“T.U.I are there more classes then the basic ones I’m seeing now?”
“As you may remember from the tutorial lecture..” T.U.I said, “ there are many potential classes,with their number increasing depending on your relics, class choices, and even skills. The amount of classes you will be exposed to will increase in variety after floor 10”
“ Thanks” Kelford said even as he tried to keep himself from being embarrassed. He couldn’t believe he had forgotten that. Still, he pushed aside the embarrassment in favor of the rest of the interface. Karma was the currency of the Tower apparently but he had yet to get a single one yet. T.U.I had told him that it could be spent on treasures and relics. While he had no idea where to get Karma, he definitely had no idea what to do with his Inventory . Apparently if he continued climbing the Tower he would be able to carry items within some kind of pocket dimension. It sounded crazy but no more crazy than anything else in this madhouse. Kelford minimized the Interface with a thought only for more golden words to appear.
Tutorial Quests:
The Foundation of Your Path Is In Many Way the Most Important
To Assist With Development the Myriad Index Presents Guidance
Quest
The First Floor
Description:
Complete The First Floor:
Reward: 10 Karma
Quest
Jack of All Trades
Description:
Reach to At Least the 5th Floor With Every Class
Reward:
1 Class Slot
Quest
Rarity
Description:
Unlock one Rare Relic
Reward:
100 Karma
Quest
Friends in Safe Places
Description:
Make Your Way to The Second Safe Floor
“ I’m guessing some of these quests may change as if I pass the first floor?” Kelford said, “ I mean one of them does make mention of a higher floor so it makes sense…right?”
“Yes, and excellent deduction” T.U.I’s voice was nearly as bright as her new pink and purple colors, “ Many of these quests are merely the start of a questline. By following the quests you will eventually grow till you can conquer the 10th floor!”
“ Sure” Kelford was unamused, each quest only rewarded him for climbing the Tower. It made sense, everything in this place seemed geared towards forcing him to attempt the floors. A month was a long time with nothing to do.
“ Have you thought about what you will do when you leave?” T.U.I’s question caused Kelford to stop his musings.
“ What do you mean?”
“ Have you considered what life will be like in your world after you leave the floors?”
Kelford hesitated, “ No, I haven’t”
“ With the advent of essence flooding your world a period of chaos will occur. Many civilizations in the past have seen a tremendous loss of life in the direct years after the Tower’s arrival. Those that survived were either powerful in essence, protected due to their usefulness, or at the mercy of those much more able then they were. In each case the Tower played a key factor in their lives. For those unable to enter or make use of the bountiful harvest of the floors…well they fell behind.”
“So what are you saying? I have to throw myself into a death trap so I can become some uber useful magician to survive? I’m not buying it. I’m not a hero and I'm not going to suffer just for some crumbs of power.” Kelford was screaming near the end. Was he scared or angry, he couldn’t tell anymore.
“You’re not seeing the bigger picture Kelford” T.U.I had no eyes but seemed to stare into his soul, “ If you get kicked from the Tower, you won’t be able to enter again. Your world will continue to gather essence and soon your native fauna and flora will become just as dangerous as any Tower borne creature. For every one of you who gives up, that is another sword not raised in your world's defense. Those you care for will die due to your inaction.”
“T.U.I please… I don’t know if I can do this. The first death…”
“Was manageable. The Myriad Index has made it so. The only factor to consider is if you have the will to try again.” With those words T.U.I flowed back into his chest, silent after her admonishments.
He sat there in silence before grabbing the axe from its pedestal. Power flowed into his veins once again and he held on to the euphoria as his body ingested the large amounts of essence. He came off the high after several long minutes before turning back towards the door. He’d gotten up today with the promise he’d try one more time.So he was going to make the most out of it. If he failed this time no one could say he didn’t give it his all.
“ T.U.I any advice before I go in there” Kelford slowly approached the doors again causing them to shudder as they opened.
“Remember that your class is about being physically strong, this means most of the early floor creatures will be weaker than you. Your active ability Hard Slash will empower one of your blows twice over at the cost of your stamina. Use it to end a fight early or to get out of a tough spot.” T.U.I’s voice echoed with conviction in his head as he pushed past the doors. Kelford just hoped he would be worthy of her belief.
Kelford marched past the doors feeling the smack of stale,dirty air. The corridor had the same rocky texture, so similar it was as if he had never entered the first time. He squeezed his axe as his fear ratched up to 11. The memory of leering faces and gleaming knives threatening to break his concentration. He turned around only to see darkness behind him. It had happened last time but his beating heart threatened to leap out of his chest. The only way was forward and every step was painful. Soon the path opened up into a larger room, with a familiar figure standing in the fire light. This time Kelford didn’t rush in and his unlocked interface made itself known.
Gnoblar
Species:Goblinkin
Description:Mostly seen as good for nothing layabouts, gnoblars are the first stage of ogres. Their low cunning is all in service to engorging themselves on what helpless prey they can find
“ Gnoblar” Kelford hadn’t gotten this information the first time around. It wasn’t directly useful but it only made his mad rush when he had first attempted the floor that much more pathetic. He peered past the gnoblar sitting in front of its small fire to see two more barely hiding in the gloom. They hadn’t seen Kelford yet, occupied as they were with chewing on some kind of leather or arguing amongst each other. In fact, hiding was too generous a term for what they were doing. Fear gave into rage as Kelford prepared himself. There were definitely a few he couldn’t see from his perspective, but he wouldn’t be taken by surprise. Not this time. Taking a deep breath Kelford shifted his grip on the axe before launching himself into a sprint. Enhanced Strength made his bounding steps eat up the distance in moments, sending his axe through the face of center gnoblar before it could even blink. He stood dead center of the room, axe dripping with blood. Adrenaline burned through his veins as he yanked his weapon out of the corpse. It came free easily.
The burning eyes around Kelford widened with surprise as each gnoblar tried to hide itself in the shadows waiting for their opportunity. Behind Kelford two gnoblars grinned in glee as they began to creep behind the tall human. They had left their weaker sibling to bait out any creature that came from the dark. Now they could take the human down without risking themselves. The leers had just crossed their faces before Kelford twisted, swinging his axe around in a blurring arc much faster than his strike.
Hard Slash
Steel became a blur cutting through the sneaking gnoblars as easily as a knife through butter. Kelford sagged as exhaustion hit him like a truck. He wasn’t prepared causing the axe to slip through his now blood covered fingers sending clattering against the fall wall. Panic surged through his brain but he had no time to waste. The other gnoblars were already upon him. He whirled a blade already coming for his spine now only leaving a burning cut along Kelford’s side. Kelford screamed desperately moving back as the second gnoblar threw itself at his face. He tripped and all three fell into a pile of blood and flashing blades. Kelford’s mind raced as he felt the same panic rise up in him. He was going to die, just like last time! The thought screamed in his mind even as he desperately tried to defend himself. He punched one of the gnoblars only to have the other stab him in the side. He cried out smacking it away before trying to get some distance. Kelford coughed as he put a hand against the wall. He came to one knee before turning to see where the gnoblars were.. The one he had punched hadn’t gotten up but the last one was now moving towards him. Bruised and bloodied it still leered at him, holding up its knife and licking the blade. Its leering smile and beady eyes taunted him, seemingly certain in its victory. Kelford’s foot snagged on something beneath him and despite the cuts along his body, Kelford smiled. He climbed to his feet axe in hand again. His scramble from the gnoblars had led him right to it! The leer being wiped from the gnoblars face was sweeter than anything Kelford had experienced before.
Hard Slash
The axe blurred, killing the monster and leaving Kelford as the last one standing. His chest heaved as bloody cuts made their presence known. Kelford couldn’t feel them lost in the realization that he’d done it.
“I did it” Kelford laughed unaware of the bloody scene around him, “ I completed the first floor!”
He laughed wildly, relief, fear, adrenaline all too much to keep inside. It was just one step but it was a victory. His victory, and it was sweet.
First Floor Complete