Kelford pulled himself from oblivion with much protest. He immediately threw up his hands to block the gentle light from above as his head began to stop its protest. He felt as if he’d been ground up and spit out by a steamroller. Blinking he began to push himself back to his feet while swallowing a groan of pain building in his chest. No one was around and it seemed everything had remained untouched while he was out. It was impossible to tell how long he had been out. He didn’t have a phone and there were no windows to see outside. Really in his estimation it just added to the confusion of the whole place. Then there were the…messages from before the pain knocked him out.
“That couldn’t have been real. Right?” Kelford thought, “ More likely that the stress is just getting to me”
“ Oh no those were real”
Kelford whirled, eyes wide trying to find the source of the voice. He hadn’t heard or seen anyone approach! Hands up, his eyes scanned across the hall only to see nothing but the undisturbed braziers and altars.
“ The Interface has been installed successfully and your capacity for mana has just been adjusted. The Myriad Index has already gone through and made sure no issues have occurred with the process . I am merely doing various inspections on your intake of essence” The voice was feminine and distinctly chipper, “ I have observed a sudden uptick in stress levels. I wonder why that could be?”
“ Who are you !” Kelford’s voice filled the hall, “ Show yourself! Are you the one who brought me here? What’s this Interface you’re talking about?! I don’t know what sick game you’re playing but I’ll let you know I’m not participating in whatever this is.”
“Oh ,where are my manners? One moment” The voice went silent and Kelford kept his wits about him as he waited for whoever this was to come out of their hiding place. What he didn’t expect was for his chest to start glowing. His eyes widened as wispy tendrils of light snaked out from him in several strands as thick as his arms. They melded together like a small sun before stabilizing into a floating orb of pure light. The light was gently and despite looking directly into the orb his eyes felt no strain at all. Strangest of all,despite the floating orb having no eyes Kelford could feel the weight of this thing’s gaze. It was like something from a movie. How was someone supposed to react to seeing a miniature sun just materialize from your chest? The answer was probably not standing,slack jawed but Kelford couldn’t find it in himself to care.
“Well hello there Kelford Booker, I am your Tower User Interface or T.U.I for short. My most sincere apologies for not introducing myself earlier but diagnostics must come first. I’m sure you understand” Each phrase was punctuated with the orb brightening and dimming.
“ Oh..uh no worries” Kelford said before the reality of his situation broke through. “ What am I doing? I’m talking to a floating mini sun that just came out of my chest!” First he had been taken to who knows where, found himself wandering a creepy cave for who knows how long and now weird speaking light bulbs? He was still dressed in jeans and a T-shirt for crying out loud!
“I am sure you have many questions as according to the Tower’s sensors your world was in an essence deprived section of the wider galaxy. So, I'm sure you are very confused right now and have many questions. I will be certain to answer them all in due time. First, I would ask that you stop pinching yourself, you're not dreaming” The sun or T.U.I’s tone took a sharp edge as it brought attention to Kelford’s attempts at waking himself. He rubbed at his arm hiding the embarrassment of being caught pinching himself.
“Wait, I'm not being weird . This situation is just ridiculous!” Still if he wasn’t dreaming maybe it would be okay to take this somewhat seriously.
“ Okay, i'm not dreaming”
“No you are not”
Kelford nodded, “ And you’re here to answer my questions?”
“Among other things but we can start with questions now if you prefer”
“Great. So where am I and how can I get out of here?”
“ Excellent questions! You are currently in the beginner rest area at the base of The Tower and you can either reach the 10th floor or wait here for a month without leaving. I must warn you, being ejected from The Tower after the month long waiting period will result in a permanent ban from entering again” The light turned a deep red and Kelford took that to mean T.U.I was angry about that option. Thought he couldn’t see what was so bad about being banned from the place that he was currently trapped in.
“ Well, I’m not super interested in being trapped here for a month so how can I get to the 10th floor?” He looked around again seeing multiple doorways to the right of the altars. “ Is there a set of stairs or an elevator I can take?” It was a long shot but maybe it was that easy?
“Oh no silly. Thankfully your line of questions have lead us nicely to the introduction quest”
“ Introduction quest?” No sooner had the words left his lips before golden words appeared in his vision.
Quest: Welcome to The Tower
You have been teleported to the first Safe Floor in the Tower
Begin the introductions and have your questions answered
Rewards: Unlocking of the Interface, Tutorial quests, Class system, and First Floor
Do you accept?
Yes / No
“There’s golden words floating in front of me again”
“Well of course! How else would you receive the quest notification” T.U.I said it as if Kelford was asking a silly question. It didn’t bother him as the pieces of what was actually happening here began to connect. The weapons,weird notifications floating in his vision,the mention of essence and teleporting. He had to resist the impulse to pinch himself.
“T.U.I…are you telling me that magic is real”
“Accept the quest. It only takes a thought of acquiescence ”
With excitement building in his chest, Kelford focused on yes. The screen disappeared and T.U.I glowed bright before bursting into streams of light and flooding into his chest. It was over in seconds leaving him alone once again.
“ The answer to your question is complicated” T.U.I’s voice echoed in his head , “ Though the simplified version for your essence deprived civilization is yes. There are many civilizations that make use of the essence of reality to channel phenomena you would consider to be magical”
Kelford grinned , this terrifying kidnapping had turned into a dream all in one sentence. Magic! Real magic! He could already see himself casting fireballs, getting enchanted weapons, facing down monsters, being a hero. Forget dead end jobs and disappointed life goals, he could be waltzing around with the strength of ten men! He refocused as T.U.I continued.
“ You are one of the members of your civilization to be randomly selected to act as vanguards for your compatriots” a screen materialized showing a floating image of what could only be a galaxy, “ Your galaxy has begun to attract universal attention as the ambient essence has finally hit the tipping point. Soon, essence will cause systemic changes to your local reality. These changes which would have caused a jump in technological progress that would have revealed the wider universe” The image shifted to surreal looking forests with trees the size of skyscrapers then to floating ships glowing purple in space.
“Wow” the ship had floating crystals that emitted some kind of propulsion , while the main body of the ship was pale with faint glowing symbols along its hull.
“It is very majestic, unfortunately the Myriad Index has determined that many of the new civilizations that developed with in such circumstances did not survive the inevitable clash with established factions'' The ship exploded as a beam of light blasted through it’s hull heralding a fleet of ships that blazed with power. The image faded leaving Kelford flabbergasted. Alien civilizations and magical space ships were hard to swallow but the dream of being a hero was still alive. There had to be some kind of solution.
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
“Fortunately, the Myriad Index has developed a solution” An image of what Kelford could only describe as the mother of all standing structures appeared. The trees at its base were barely visible while clouds floated by its midpoint. “ A physical manifestation that can encourage the development of these civilizations to grow fast enough to have a fighting chance. The Tower manipulates the essence in order to appear without destabilizing the fabric of your world” T.U.I’s tone was still chipper even as she casually explained that the building he was standing in could destabilize reality.
“So what you’re saying is that this Tower is randomly intervening in other worlds to force them to grow? How is kidnapping me in this giant skyscraper supposed to help with that?” Suspicion had finally wormed its way past the excitement for Kelford. Seemed as if there was another shoe that was about to drop.
“Well the Tower has access to many of the relics and technologies of civilizations across the universe from all essence types. As one climbs they gain access to more of these treasures as well as the repositories of information held within the Myriad Index. Even entire fragmented worlds remain in the Tower for your exploration.”
“Wait, what do you mean worlds?” Kelford said, “What even is the Myriad Index?” According to T.U.I the Index was a universal power that was able to bend reality. Not something that seemed likely to just help random starter planets with their intergalactic neighbors out of kindness.
“Well any information on the Myriad Index is classified but I am more than happy to assist with your first question.” T.U.I said, “ By entire worlds, we mean actual recreations of entire planets, including their environments, cultures, and even their civilizations who failed the test.”
Kelford shook his head, having information about itself being classified didn’t make him feel better about this Myriad Index. Better to pick his battles for right now and drop that question. Kelford didn’t feel like pissing off the lightbulb in his chest was a good idea at this point.
“Alright T.U.I what is this about a test?”
“ Oh the Test of the Tower. Within 100 years of its arrival all qualifying civilizations must have at least one qualifying member reach the 100th floor within a standard century.”
Kelford’s jaw clenched ,“Well what happens if a civilization doesn’t reach that floor in time? What happens if my civilization doesn’t reach that floor in time?”
“Oh well that’s simple “ T.U.I replied, “As according to the analysis of the Myriad Index any civilization not able to show satisfactory growth will not be able to survive the rigors of life in the universe. The planets remain viable so it is best if every member of the qualifying species is wiped from existence and their records kept to grow the Myriad Index’s knowledge base.”
Kelford couldn’t breathe. This thing. It was going to kill all of humanity if they couldn’t reach the 100th floor? He thought of his siblings, his parents, the few friends he still had. All gone without a trace?
“I have to warn somebody” The government, the military, the news, just someone. Everyone! There wasn’t any time to waste! What had T.U.I said? He could wait a month before being essentially kicked out? Kelford shook his head, anxious energy forced his body into movement. He could do that but that was a long time to remain here without food. Besides, he wouldn’t be able to return if he took that route. Though, what was the point of him trying to climb the Tower? He wasn’t a soldier or even particularly competent in a fight. The lethargy creeped back in, like a blanket that threatened to take his new found energy away from him. Who was he to try larping the hero? He wasn’t good enough, not deserving enough.
Not Worthy Enough!
Kelford stopped and fists clenched. That was then and this is now. This was a call to adventure, a life’s purpose dropped onto his lap. Everyone needed to help! Had the right to help. That included him.
“T.U.I?” Kelford said.
“Yes, Kelford ?”
“ Can I pick one of those weapons now?”
“Well yes you can pick a class but there are many others…”
“I’ll listen to you on the way” Kelford marched over to the altars, “ Right now my entire species is in danger.” The sword gleamed in the soft light as he took it in hand. It lifted easily off the pedestal, its blade was polished steel that glinted off the pale light from the ceiling.
“Well this is most irregular the Tower has allowed for this occurrence to be a part of the introductions”T.U.I’s voice barely registered to Kelford as strength exploded through his body. The sword burned with power, flowing through his fingers and up his arm. It was like an adrenaline rush 5 times over. He felt powerful, invincible, like the whole world was within his grasp!
Emergency Quest: Introduction to The Tower
You have chosen to test your mettle against the floors early
Show your mettle or your folly
Your choices are your own
Restriction on floor 1 lifted
Quest must be accepted
A Class has been discovered
Heavy Warrior
Kelford swiped the messages away,so lost in the moment he didn’t bother to read the rest of the words. T.U.I spoke in his mind but he ignored her. A thunderous cacophony echoed through the hall as a large double door materialized against the far wall breaking apart stone. They reached 20 feet into the air, spewing layers of dust as they cracked open on unseen hinges. Stalking past the altars, Kelford hoisted his blade as naturally as a master swordsman. His body was light and his mind was so far from the lethargy that it was addicting! He could do it ! He could be a hero, forget just reaching floor 10! He could go all the way.
“ Kelford I do believe it would be prudent to at least look at your class skills. The rush from large amounts of mana can be addicting but once we pass the threshold I can not speak with you…..” T.U.I’s voice cut out immediately as Kelford passed the threshold. He found it hard to care. The world beyond the doors was rocky. The walls were no longer worked stone but those of a cave. Large, haphazard torches lit the room ahead of him casting a shadow of a creature in the dark. Kelford looked back only to see endless darkness, once crossing the threshold there seemed to be no way back. Only by moving forward could Kelford escape. He redoubled his grip on the sword, finding the heady rush was fragile now. He sprinted forward before the doubts could close in pushing for every bit of speed he had. The creature screamed as he burst into its sordid dwelling. It was small, barely up to his stomach, with pale skin and flapping ears. Its clothing was made of one disgusting rag that barely covered its chest. All this dimly passed through his mind before in one mighty sweep… he cut the monster down. Skin, bone, and flesh fell away with barely an effort. Kelford’s blade smashed into the ground burying itself a full foot into the rock. Everything was still as blood covered everything. Kelford stood there in shock, hands still wrapped around the sword before letting go with a gasp of disbelief. Blood covered his hands but it was some kind of monster. Satisfaction rolled through him despite the slight moral misgivings.
“Well that wasn’t too bad” Kelford let out a laugh perhaps a little too forced to be natural, “ Um T.U.I sorry for not listening to you earlier.What were you saying earlier?”
Silence was the only response.
“ Hey, i’m really sorry I just got lost in the moment and…” eyes from the dark met Kelford’s. Another pale creature stared at him, dirty knife in its hands. Kelford’s mind stopped, he hadn’t thought that there would be more than one in the first room. He tugged at his sword but it didn’t budge. The ugly thing smiled, spittle and broken teeth filling its maw. It seemed certain in its victory now that his weapon was out of action. Kelford snorted as he put his fists up. Just because he didn’t have the sword didn’t mean he was defenseless. His heart beat heavily in his ears as he prepared for another fight.
“You looking for a beat down too” Kelford took one step before pain stole his breath away. Then suddenly the creature wasn’t there anymore! It was dark, so dark! Something warm trickled against his cheek. He shifted only to see that the lights hadn’t gone out at all. The fire from earlier was still flickering, reflecting off the red liquid.
“ I’m on the ground “ Kelford’s thoughts were slow, “ I fell at some point”.
He flipped himself over with titanic effort. He was growing cold but that didn’t make sense. He was next to the fire and it was supposed to be warm. To his side lay the monster he had killed. Its lifeless eyes stared into his from the beyond. Blood from its corpse still pooled beneath it, mixing with another source. Looking beyond his victim's body, Kelford saw many more eyes. These ones were alive.
No
Four more came out from the darkness, all with knives and grinning maws. In the front,one of them already had blood covering theirs. Kelford went to rise, but he found his legs didn’t respond.
Not Like This
They rushed him. Kelford screamed as he felt knives bury themselves in his skin! Every one of his punches threw them away like rag dolls. He was a lion amongst hyenas, but he was injured.
I Don’t Want to Die Like This
Blood painted the rock as cackling laughter echoed in Kelford’s ears. He couldn’t fight anymore. Just as it had begun, Kelford’s adventure ended. Kelford saw the first creature, knife now drenched in blood, stand over him. Its arm was broken and face bruised. It leered at him before stabbing him in the chest. Kelford took his last breath cursing himself for a fool. He’d gotten himself killed for nothing and he could see that clearly now. What was he doing trying to be a hero?
Everything faded to black…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The world rushed back to focus in a rush causing Kelford to stumble as he couldn’t breathe. He choked and gasped as his lungs refused to work! Phantom knives pierces his chest forcing a whimpering scream to escape his throat. His mind roiled as he spasmed on the floor before finally his lungs inflated! He choked down air as best as he could.His own body rebelled against him screaming that he was injured. He was dying, no he was dead and so to was his limbs.Long moments dragged by before he fell bonelessly to the ground.
“I’m alive” ,Kelford couldn’t believe it “ I’m alive”
“Yes, you are.” T.U.I’s voice was back, “ Though if you had listened to the introduction you would not be surprised right.” Kelford’s mind couldn’t quite understand and somehow T.U.I picked up on his confusion.
“Within The Tower’s 100 floors death is not the end”
The teleportation, wandering dark caves, the discovery of aliens and now his death. Each event weighed on him and finally he couldn’t bear the pressure anymore. In the center of the altars, beneath the light of the ceiling , Kelford curled into himself and cried.