The Infinite Tower: The Unstoppable Salesman

The streets of Valtheris shimmered under the golden afternoon light, bustling with life and purpose. The excitement from Dain's trial victory lingered in the air as the pair wandered through the city. Joo Hyun found himself admiring the vibrancy of the Tower's inhabitants.

"Hey, Joo Hyun," Dain said, his voice still tinged with disbelief. "Do you think I really belong here? I mean, I passed the trial, but…"

Joo Hyun stopped, turning to face him. "Dain, you didn't just survive the trial—you earned your place here. The Tower is harsh, but you've already proven that you can adapt. Keep trusting yourself, and you'll go far."

Dain's face lit up with a small smile. "Thanks. I'll try not to disappoint you."

"You won't," Joo Hyun said, clapping him on the back. "Now, let's find a place to rest and regroup."

As they ventured deeper into the city, they came across a lively square filled with adventurers exchanging stories, weapons, and goods. A massive fountain stood at the center, its crystalline water flowing endlessly.

A woman sitting on the edge of the fountain caught Joo Hyun's eye. Her silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, and she wore light leather armor adorned with intricate runes. She was sharpening a pair of daggers, her movements precise and calculated.

Dain followed Joo Hyun's gaze. "She looks dangerous."

Joo Hyun nodded. "And experienced. Let's see if she's willing to talk."

Approaching her cautiously, Joo Hyun spoke up. "Excuse me. Are you familiar with this floor?"

The woman looked up, her piercing blue eyes scanning him and Dain. She didn't answer immediately, but after a moment, she sheathed her daggers and stood.

"You're new here," she said, her voice calm but firm. "You don't carry yourself like someone who's been on this floor for long."

"You're right," Joo Hyun admitted. "We're looking for allies and information. I figured you might be able to help."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Allies, huh? What makes you think I'd be interested?"

"Because the Tower doesn't care how strong you are alone," Joo Hyun said. "We all need people we can rely on."

She studied him for a moment before a faint smirk appeared. "Not a bad answer. Name's Arin. And you?"

"Joo Hyun," he said, offering a handshake. "This is Dain."

Dain gave a nervous wave. "Hi."

Arin shook Joo Hyun's hand firmly. "Alright, Joo Hyun. Let's see if you're worth my time. I'm about to head into the Western District. Rumor has it there's a rare artifact hidden in one of the old ruins there. If you can keep up, maybe I'll consider working with you."

The Western District was a stark contrast to the lively heart of Valtheris. The buildings were older, many of them crumbling and abandoned. Shadows stretched across the narrow streets, and the air was thick with tension.

Arin led the way, moving with the grace of someone who had explored countless dangerous places. Joo Hyun followed close behind, his hand on the hilt of Nightfall. Dain trailed nervously, his eyes darting to every shadow.

"What kind of artifact are we looking for?" Joo Hyun asked.

"An energy crystal," Arin replied without turning around. "If the rumors are true, it's powerful enough to enhance a climber's skills significantly. But the area is crawling with traps and hostile creatures, so don't expect this to be easy."

"Of course," Joo Hyun said, his voice steady.

The group stopped in front of a large, decrepit building. Its stone walls were covered in moss, and the entrance was partially collapsed.

"This is it," Arin said, drawing her daggers. "Stay close and watch your step."

Inside, the air was damp and heavy. The faint glow of Arin's runic daggers illuminated the narrow hallways as they navigated deeper into the ruins. Joo Hyun's senses were on high alert, every creak and shift in the shadows putting him on edge.

"Watch out!" Dain suddenly shouted.

Joo Hyun reacted instantly, swinging Nightfall to deflect a volley of arrows that shot out from the walls. Arin flipped backward, landing gracefully as the trap reset itself.

"Good reflexes," she said, glancing at Joo Hyun.

"Thanks," he replied, his eyes scanning for more traps.

They moved carefully through the ruins, dismantling traps and fending off small, insect-like creatures that scuttled out of the shadows. Arin's expertise was evident as she disarmed several complicated mechanisms with ease.

Finally, they entered a large chamber. At the center of the room was a pedestal, and on it rested a glowing blue crystal.

"There it is," Arin said, her eyes narrowing. "But don't let your guard down. It's never this simple."

As if on cue, the ground shook violently. The walls began to crack, and a massive stone golem emerged from the far side of the room. Its eyes glowed the same blue as the crystal, and it let out a deafening roar.

"I knew it!" Dain yelled, drawing his dagger.

"Focus!" Joo Hyun commanded. "Arin, any ideas?"

"Hit it hard and fast," she said, her voice calm despite the situation. "Aim for the glowing core in its chest. That's its weak spot."

Joo Hyun activated Void Step, appearing behind the golem in an instant. He slashed at its legs, his blade leaving deep cuts in the stone. The golem stumbled but didn't fall.

Arin moved like a shadow, her daggers striking with precision. She climbed onto the golem's back, targeting its joints and slowing its movements.

Dain hesitated for a moment before rushing forward, using his agility to dodge the golem's massive fists. He threw his dagger at the core, but it bounced off harmlessly.

"Not enough force!" Joo Hyun shouted. "Distract it while I go for the core!"

The three of them coordinated their attacks, wearing the golem down. Finally, Joo Hyun saw his chance. With Arin and Dain keeping it occupied, he activated Void Step again, teleporting directly in front of the core.

With a powerful swing, he drove Nightfall into the glowing core. The golem let out a final roar before crumbling into a pile of rubble.

---

The chamber fell silent. Joo Hyun retrieved the crystal from the pedestal, its energy pulsing faintly in his hand.

"Not bad," Arin said, a hint of respect in her voice. "You handled that better than I expected."

Dain grinned, though his legs were shaking. "That was insane! I thought we were done for."

Joo Hyun smiled, slipping the crystal into his inventory. "We make a good team."

Arin crossed her arms. "Don't get too comfortable. This was just one challenge. The Tower has much worse waiting for us."

Joo Hyun nodded. "Then let's keep climbing—together."

For the first time since entering the Tower, he felt like he wasn't facing it alone.