As Thal’Kor led Tyler through the corridor lined with hundreds of doors, each marked with arcane symbols, Tyler couldn’t help but ask, “Why bargain with me when you could just take what you want?”
Thal’Kor grinned. “Balance, my dear boy. Everything must be in equilibrium. If it were another floor boss, they might just take what they want. But my role is different. I must maintain balance. Bargaining can be... entertaining.”
They stopped at a door with a swirling portal behind it. Thal’Kor gestured for Tyler to step through first, and they were instantly transported to a bustling town. The safe zone on the 61st floor resembled an old western town, with wooden buildings, a lively market, and adventurers of all kinds milling about. The only difference was the area wasn’t a dessert but a humid jungle with tall trees surrounding the town.
“Welcome to the 61st-floor safe zone,” Thal’Kor said, sweeping his arm to encompass the view. “This is where adventurers gather before they climb higher. You can exit and enter the safe zone at will if you've defeated the 60th-floor boss. For now, you must stay here while I make the necessary arrangements.”
Thal’Kor then pointed to the mercenaries. “Except for you four. You are not allowed to stay in the safe zone. You are welcome to come back when you have completed all the trials on the lower floors.”
The mercenaries protested, but Thal’Kor was firm. “I will return in two days with what is needed for you and your group. Until then, make yourself at home or feel free to exit the tower if you wish. The only rule is that you are not to exit the safe zone to the 61st floor.”
The mercenaries, hearing the timeline, glanced at each other with determined looks. Thal’Kor forcibly ejected them from the dungeon, and they vanished in an instant, leaving Tyler’s group to gather their thoughts.
Tyler smiled. “You said two days?”
Thal’Kor smiled back, a knowing look in his eyes. “Yes, two days. But for you, my friend, it will be much sooner.”
The group looked at Tyler in confusion, and Tyler decided to enlighten them. “I asked Thal to say two days before he sent the mercs back so we would get a bit of a head start because the first thing they are going to do when they get out is sell that info to Lord Varon. If they think they have two days to find a group to hunt us down, they won’t be back for at least a day, I hope.”
Livia’s eyes widened. “Clever, but we should still get moving as soon as possible. Once we are in one of the multiple versions of the 61st floor, we should be hard to find unless they track our slave brands again.”
Tyler nodded. “Don’t worry about that. Thal said he will see what he can do about our brands. For now, we need to figure out who we can trust.” Tyler looked at Elric, tilting his head as he kept a calm demeanor.
Elric took a deep breath, looking around at his companions. As he started to speak, the world around them seemed to dull as everything became desaturated. "I’ve been working for the Watcher for a long time, longer than I’d care to admit. My life wasn’t always like this. I grew up in a small village, far from the machinations of empires and towers. My parents were simple folk, farmers who barely made enough to get by. But then everything changed. A local noble accused my family of treason. They said we were conspiring against the crown, which was a complete lie. My parents and my younger sister were imprisoned, and I was left on the run, desperately trying to find a way to save them."
His voice grew more intense as he continued. "That’s when the Watcher found me. I was young, scared, and desperate. He approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. He said he was working towards the power and influence I needed to free my family, but I’d have to work for him. He showed me his power, predicting events with eerie accuracy, and manipulating situations to his advantage. I saw him topple a corrupt governor by planting the right information in the right ears. It was like watching a master puppeteer at work."
Elric’s eyes grew distant, lost in the memories. "The Watcher recruited me under the guise of a noble cause. He told me I would be infiltrating the Empire’s nobility, working from the inside to bring about change. I believed him, partly because I had no choice. My family’s safety depended on it. My early missions were straightforward: gather information, sabotage minor plans, and create distractions. I never questioned his motives, convinced that every action was a step towards freeing my family."
"One of my tasks involved working with a shadowy figure who could manipulate others.” Elric looked at Edward, who was standing with the group at this point. “We never spoke much, but our objectives often aligned. I later learned this was Edward, the same shadow creature who took over Markus. Our paths crossed several times, but we were always kept in the dark about each other's true roles. It’s very likely he’s been under some kind of mind control spell. This concerns me because it makes me wonder if my blind loyalty to the Watcher is the result of a similar spell. The Watcher has a way of manipulating people, and I fear I may not be an exception."
Edward, looking shaken but resolute, nodded in agreement. "I’ve felt like I’ve been trapped in a dream for hundreds of years, unable to control my actions. If it wasn’t for your group, I might still be lost in that nightmare."
He paused, looking directly at Tyler. "After a year of brutal training where I learned the arts of rune inscription, manipulation, and subtle influence under the watcher, I spent months moving from place to place. Sometimes I would gather information; other times, I would simply open a door for Edward to come in. Eventually, I started asking questions about my family. They were suffering, and I wasn’t getting anywhere. The Watcher informed me that this was my last mission. Complete it, and my family will be free. I was sent to befriend a slave. He told me that this slave would be crucial to a grand plan that would ultimately topple the Empire's control over the tower. I didn’t fully understand how, but the Watcher’s orders were clear. I was to join you as a slave, gain your trust, and wait for orders."
Tyler looked at Elric’s shoulder where he still had the slave brand. Elric sighed his expression one of genuine regret. "The slave brand on me is fake, designed to ensure I could get close to you without arousing suspicion and leave slavery when the mission was done."
He looked around the room, meeting each person’s gaze. "Joining your group was supposed to be my final mission. I thought it would be simple, but I didn’t anticipate the bond we’d form. I didn’t anticipate the genuine loyalty I’d feel towards you all."
Elric’s voice softened. "And now, knowing the Watcher’s true nature, I realize I’ve been a pawn in a much larger game. I’m sorry for deceiving you all. I truly am. But my family's lives are still at stake."
The room was silent as Elric finished his tale. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, each member of the group processing the revelation in their own way.
Tyler spoke up, “I can tell you are telling the truth, mostly, but I can’t trust you anymore, Elric. You are a liability, and your loyalty is to your family and not to this group.”
“I understand where you’re coming from, Ty.” Elric tried out a nickname, and Tyler didn’t seem to care. “But you’re wrong. Our goals do line up. To free my family, you need to conquer this tower. The watcher is a powerful person, and clearly, he wants you to succeed in the tower. Why not let me,” then he looked at Edward, “Us, help you get there?”
Tyler, considering Elric's words, replied, "Thank you for being honest with us, Elric.” Tyler turned to Edward. “What’s your story?”
Edward stood out among them, a gaunt figure with pale skin and haunted eyes. His hair was a tangled mess, and his clothes were tattered remnants of what must have once been a simple villager’s attire. He looked worn and weary as if the weight of his experiences had etched themselves into his very being. He shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, clearly struggling to gather his thoughts.
Tyler, sensing the importance of understanding Edward's past, leaned forward. "Let's start from the beginning. Where did you grow up?"
Edward took a deep breath, his eyes distant as he recalled his memories. "I grew up in a village called Berenstain, nestled deep within mist-covered mountains. The village was known for its ancient and mystical traditions, where every child was tested for latent magical abilities at a young age. My parents had high hopes for me, but I showed no signs of any magical talents."
"Berenstain," Elric repeated, frowning. "I've never heard of it. Is it part of the Empire?"
Edward shook his head, looking puzzled. "I don't know. It's just a small village in the mountains. We were pretty isolated."
Livia leaned forward, intrigued. "So, what happened next? How did you go from being an ordinary kid to... this?"
Edward's expression darkened. "I stumbled upon an old, dusty tome bound in black leather in a hidden library beneath our village shrine. The pages were filled with intricate runes and symbols, written in a language I couldn't understand. Drawn to the book's dark allure, I began to study it in secret. Over time, I deciphered bits and pieces of the text, learning about an ancient artifact known as the Shadow Gem, said to grant immense power to its wielder."
"The Shadow Gem?" Elric interjected. "Sounds ominous."
Edward nodded. "It was. Obsessed with the idea of proving my worth, I embarked on a dangerous quest to find the Shadow Gem. I ventured into the forbidden depths of the Darkwood Forest, overcoming treacherous obstacles. After weeks of relentless searching, I finally found the gem hidden within an ancient temple, guarded by a powerful sleeping demon."
"I sneaked past the demon, and as soon as I touched it, a surge of dark energy coursed through my body, awakening magical abilities. The gem granted me the power to manipulate shadows and control minds but at a great cost."
"So you returned to your village with this newfound power?" Livia asked.
Edward's expression grew even darker. "I did. But my powers were seen as a threat. The once determined and hopeful young man had become cold and distant. The village elders, fearing the power would corrupt me, decided to banish me from Berenstain."
"That's harsh," Elric muttered.
Edward continued, "Exiled and alone, I wandered from village to village, using my powers to survive. I became a mercenary, taking on dangerous missions that no one else dared to accept. My reputation grew, and soon I was sought after by powerful individuals who coveted my abilities."
"And then?" Tyler prompted.
"Then I was trapped in a nightmare," Edward said, his voice trembling. "It felt like hundreds of years. I was trying to get out, but every time I thought I was close, I would end up in another dream. Eventually, I woke up in that boss room."
Markus, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Wait a minute. You said your village was called Berenstain and you could manipulate shadows. But I've never heard of such a place or such magic."
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Edward looked confused. "What do you mean? It's where I'm from. Does magic work differently here?"
Elric's eyes narrowed. "Describe how magic worked in your village."
Edward explained, "In Berenstain, magic was harnessed through ancient rituals and prayers to the gods. The Shadow Gem allowed me to control shadows and possess others, putting them to sleep while I used their bodies. It's a power I despised."
Livia glanced at Elric, realization dawning on her face. "That doesn't sound like any magic I've heard of in this world."
Tyler's eyes widened. "You think he might be from another world entirely?"
Edward's face contorted with confusion and fear. "Another world? What are you talking about?"
Tyler nodded slowly. "It makes sense. The Watcher has been manipulating events to get the right group members together to beat the tower. Maybe he brought you here because of your unique abilities."
Edward's face contorted with a mix of anger and fear. "I never wanted any of this. I just want to go home."
"You're not the only one," Livia said softly. "But for now, we're all in this together."
Tyler stepped forward, his expression stern. “Edward, Elric, I want to make something clear. We’re in this together now, but if I even sense you’re up to something, I won’t hesitate to abandon you. We need to trust each other completely to survive this tower.”
Edward nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting his sincerity. “I understand, sir.”
Elric, his face a mixture of determination and regret, spoke up. “I promise to share everything the Watcher tells me. No more secrets.”
Tyler’s gaze swept over the group. “Good. From now on, we share everything. No more hidden agendas.”
As he finished speaking, the world around them seemed to gain colour again, the shadows lifting and the town around them filling with a warm, golden light. Thal’Kor appeared, his presence commanding and otherworldly.
“It didn’t take as long as I thought,” Thal’Kor said, his voice resonating through the chamber. “Apparently, single-handedly defeating Palin and then returning him to the Tower is enough to get you past the lower floors.” He materialized a huge stack of supplies, including rare metals, various pieces of armor, some weapons, a large cabin, and various other items.
“And the slave brands?” Tyler asked, his voice serious.
“Ah, yes. Using the mercenaries' sacrifice, we can remove the brands,” Thal’Kor explained. “Stand still while I free you.”
As Thal’Kor began the ritual, Tyler, Darius, Markus, and Livia exchanged sombre glances. The weight of Marek's sacrifice hit them hard, a deep sense of guilt settling in their hearts as they realized they owed their freedom to him.
The group gathered around as Thal’Kor began the ritual. The air hummed with magic as he worked, the process taxing on both him and the group. Slowly, the brands faded, leaving only faint scars on everyone except Elric. Thal’Kor looked at Elric confused. “Yeah, mine’s fake, don’t worry about it.”
“Ohh so very interesting!” Thal’Kor said, beaming.
Tyler approached Thal’Kor. “Thank you. For everything.” Reaching out to shake his hand.
Thal’Kor nodded. “Remember, balance must be maintained. Take care as you continue your journey. For now, rest and regain your strength. Your path ahead will not be easy.”
Tyler picked up a few smaller bars of precious metals and handed a portion to Elric. “Find out everything you can about the 65th floor boss and the road to the boss room,” he instructed. As he placed the rest of the supplies into his inventory, he felt a sudden drain on his mana, nearly 80% of it vanishing in an instant. Elric nodded, determination in his eyes. “I will. See you guys in half an hour.”
The rest of the group ventured out into the bustling town, trading more metal for the supplies they needed.
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As they walked, Tyler couldn't help but notice the diversity of the adventurers. "Livia, what's the story with the beast folk?" he asked, genuinely curious about their origins.
Livia glanced at a group of beast folk, her eyes thoughtful. "The beast folk come from lands beyond the Empire's borders. They have a rich history and a unique culture. About a thousand years ago, the Lost Legion was transported to this world and eventually encountered the beast folk. Initially, there was a lot of tension and conflict as both sides expanded their territories. The beast folk were formidable opponents, and their early encounters with the Legion were marked by fierce battles."
"How did they manage to make peace?" Tyler asked, his curiosity piqued.
"A wise emperor saw the potential for unity and strength in diversity," Livia explained. "He initiated peace talks, and over time, the beast folk began to integrate into our society. They still maintain their own territories and customs, but many now live within the Empire. Most of them have learned Common, though they speak their own languages among themselves."
Tyler nodded, absorbing the information. As they continued walking, a realization hit him. "Wait a minute," he thought, eyes widening. "I've been speaking Latin and not English this whole time and didn't even realize it. Common is just Latin." Tyler decided he would put a pin in that one for later.
First, they stopped at a clothing shop. The storefront was modest but welcoming, with various types of adventuring gear displayed in the windows. Inside, the shop was packed with racks of durable, practical clothing designed for the rigours of dungeon exploration.
A middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a friendly smile greeted them as they entered. “Welcome! Looking for some new gear?”
Tyler nodded. “We need some proper adventuring clothes. These robes aren’t exactly practical.”
The woman chuckled. “I can see that. Follow me.”
She led them through the store, picking out sturdy leather pants, breathable tunics, and weather-resistant cloaks. She also selected padded vests and arm guards, ensuring they had protection without sacrificing mobility.
Livia, always practical and detail-oriented, began selecting clothes for Elric, who was still out gathering information. “He’ll need something light but protective. And a new cloak, his old one is practically in tatters.”
She held up a few options for the group to see, and they nodded in agreement. She added a few more items to her basket: a pair of sturdy boots, a set of gloves, and a woollen scarf.
Meanwhile, Edward stood awkwardly by a rack of tunics, clearly overwhelmed by the array of choices. Tyler noticed his discomfort and walked over.
“Hey, Edward, need some help?”
Edward nodded, his eyes wide with amazement. “I’ve never seen such fine clothes. The quality is incredible.”
Tyler smiled and picked out a few items for him: a pair of dark leather pants, a comfortable yet durable tunic, and a cloak similar to the one he was wearing. “Try these. They should fit you well.”
Edward took the clothes, still marvelling at the craftsmanship. “Thank you, Tyler.”
Once everyone had their new outfits, they moved on to the supply section. They picked out ropes, soap, dried food rations, water canteens, and other essentials for their journey. The group worked efficiently, each member contributing their knowledge and experience to ensure they had everything they needed.
With their purchases made, Tyler led them outside and found a quiet spot near the edge of town. He reached into his inventory and pulled out the mobile cabin Thal’Kor had given them. The shape of the cabin shimmered and then appeared before their eyes. It stood sturdy and inviting complete with four separate rooms, soft beds, a bathroom, a kitchen, and even a small sitting area. “Edward, you’re on the couch in the living room for now. Check that closet, there should be some extra bedding in there” Tyler called out to Edward who wouldn’t have a bed since Tylers only asked for five beds.
The group explored the cabin, their excitement palpable. Darius and Markus immediately picked beds and tested them out, while Livia examined the kitchen, impressed with its functionality.
Tyler and Edward moved to the bathroom, where Tyler added and linked up the required runes and then showed Edward how to activate them to heat the water. “These runes will ensure we have hot showers.”
Edward watched in awe as Tyler activated the runes, the water heating up almost instantly. “This is amazing. I haven’t had a proper shower in what feels like a hundred years.”
Tyler chuckled. “Go ahead, Edward. You’ve earned it.”
Edward hesitated for a moment, then stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash over him. The sensation was almost overwhelming, a stark contrast to the years of feeling trapped in his nightmarish hallucination. He closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling truly clean for the first time in ages.
After a long, luxurious shower, Edward emerged from the bathroom with his hair now cut short and neat. He wore the new clothes Tyler had picked out for him—a comfortable yet durable tunic and dark leather pants. He looked sharp, but also a bit embarrassed, as he stepped into the living room where the rest of the group waited on the couches by the unlit hearth.
Livia looked up and couldn't help but tease him. "Well, don't you clean up nicely, Edward! Almost didn't recognize you."
Edward's cheeks reddened slightly, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, Livia. It's been a while since I've felt this... normal."
Tyler grinned. "Glad you're feeling better. We all need to be at our best for what's coming next."
One by one, the rest of the group took their turns in the shower, each of them relishing the chance to wash away the grime and fatigue of their recent trials. The atmosphere in the cabin grew more relaxed as they freshened up and changed into their new clothes, shedding the weight of their past struggles for a brief moment of comfort.
After everyone had taken their turn in the shower and settled into the cabin, they gathered in the sitting area. The cabin was cosy and warm, a safe haven in the midst of their perilous journey.
Tyler stood up, addressing the group. “We’ve been through a lot, and there’s more to come. But we’re stronger together. Let’s get ready for what lies ahead.”
----------------------------------------
Elric wandered through the bustling streets of the safe zone, his new mage’s robe billowing slightly as he moved. The town was a hive of activity, with adventurers of all kinds preparing for their next challenge. The air was filled with the sounds of haggling merchants, clanging metal, and animated conversations.
His destination was the Adventurers’ Guild, a large, imposing building at the heart of the town. The guild was the central hub for information, resources, and support for those brave enough to challenge the tower. As Elric approached the entrance, he steeled himself for the task ahead. Gathering information on the 65th-floor boss was crucial, and he needed to be both discreet and thorough.
The interior of the guild was grand, with high ceilings and walls lined with trophies from past conquests. A large board near the entrance displayed various quests and notices. Elric made his way to the counter, where a seasoned guild member with a stern but approachable demeanour was stationed.
“Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. How can I help you?” the guild member asked, his eyes briefly scanning Elric’s robe.
“I need information about the 65th-floor boss,” Elric said, keeping his voice low.
The guild member raised an eyebrow. “That’s a tall order. Information on that floor is rare and highly sought after and it doesn’t look like you are a guild member. “
“I have things to trade.”
“Let’s see what you have”
Elric reached into his pouch and pulled out a small chunk of the rare metal Thal’Kor had given them. He placed it on the counter. “Will this suffice?”
The guild member’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the metal. He picked it up, examining it closely. “This will do nicely,” he said, pocketing the metal. “Follow me.”
Elric followed the guild member through a series of corridors until they reached a small, dimly lit room filled with books and scrolls. The guild member gestured for Elric to sit at a table in the center of the room.
“Now, what specifically do you need to know?” the guild member asked, sitting opposite Elric.
“I need to know everything about the 65th-floor boss and the trial that adventurers face there,” Elric replied.
The guild member nodded and began to sift through a stack of scrolls. After a few moments, he pulled out a particularly worn-looking scroll and unrolled it on the table.
“The 65th-floor boss is known as the Sentinel of Oblivion,” he began. “The trial is unique in that it wipes the memory of the adventurers who attempt it. No one remembers what the trial entails, only that it is incredibly difficult.”
Elric leaned forward, his interest piqued. “How does the trial work?”
The guild member continued, “If your group isn’t killed and they fail the challenge, they are moved back here to the 61st floor safe zone. From there, they must solve the floor’s puzzles and fight their way back to the boss room to try again.”
“No one has ever passed the trial?” Elric asked.
The guild member shook his head. “Not that we know of. There are many theories about what the trial involves, but without memories, it’s all speculation. Some say it tests the very essence of an adventurer’s soul. Others believe it’s a series of ever-changing challenges designed to break even the strongest of wills.”
Elric absorbed the information, his mind racing. “Is there any advice for those who attempt the trial?”
The guild member sighed. “Preparation is key. Bring the best equipment you have, and make sure the adventurer attempting the trial is both physically and mentally resilient. But beyond that, it’s a mystery.”
Elric nodded, grateful for the information. “Thank you. This will be very helpful.”
As he made his way back to the group, Elric couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. The 65th-floor boss and its trial were formidable obstacles, but they had to be overcome if they were to conquer the tower.
When Elric returned to the cabin, his expression was grave. The rest of the group was gathered in the cosy living room, the warm light of the hearth casting a comforting glow.
“The final boss wipes your memory of the trial after you complete it,” Elric began, capturing everyone’s attention. “If you don’t lose your life and fail the challenge you are moved back to the safe zone.”
Tyler frowned. “Where the entire Empire will be waiting for us.”
Elric nodded. “Exactly. You’ll have to solve every floor’s puzzles and fight monsters to get back to the boss room to try again. No one ever remembers what the trial was, so they can’t prepare for it. There are many theories, but no one has passed it so far.”
Tyler’s expression hardened. “Then we’ll have to be the first. We need to prepare for anything. Get some sleep. We move out in six hours.”
Everyone groaned but knew even six hours was a risk. Tyler added a shield to the cabin and activated it and after grabbing some food, they climbed into bed, their minds heavy with the knowledge of the challenges ahead. The soft creaking of the cabin and the distant sounds of the bustling town outside were the only lullabies they had.
Tyler lay staring at the ceiling, the weight of leadership pressing down on him. The faint glow of the rune lights cast eerie shadows across the room, dancing like the thoughts swirling in his mind. Sleep came reluctantly, and even then, it was restless, filled with visions of trials and shadowy figures.
The clock was ticking, and with each passing second, the tower loomed larger in their futures.