The Ruby Magician

The river was raging over various stones and debris, though in a different direction than last time. The entire jungle environment looked oddly familiar but slightly different - the tree line wasn’t quite right, the foliage wasn’t the same color, and the path through the first floor wound an entirely new direction. The experience felt like returning to a place years later and recalling it from a foggy memory.

Wyn still couldn’t wrap his head around the tower’s ability to change so much and so quickly, but he was more concerned with the task at hand. He hated traveling over water, and he lamented the fact that he was back on the first floor having to traverse the river yet again.

Worse, Cedric and Marcy were practically sprinting, and Wyn was barely keeping up. They weren’t concerned with looting or efficiently killing monsters, but rather purely getting to the end to ascend to the next floor. Marcy told him to push ahead while they decimated a group of Lacerts not one hundred feet back, and the Ranger said she could hear the river ahead. Wyn decided to let the two deal with the enemies and compete, as it seemed as though they were trying to see who was better.

It was a competition Wyn was not fond of, as magic sprayed in all directions from both Cedric’s new scepter and Marcy’s magical arrows.

One of which suddenly zipped not far from Wyn and pierced the running water. He turned around and saw both Marcy and Cedric bolt out of the forest, laughing.

Seeing the Lightning Wizard was a sight Wyn wouldn’t soon forget, and he had a feeling that Cedric wanted to make a good first impression to anyone who would question his abilities. He was wearing a new robe and no cloak or spellbook on his side while holding a topaz-crested scepter. The robe was sleek and thin, mainly yellow with accented colors that looked professional yet obvious about his Lightning Wizard class. It was pinned at his left shoulder so the fabric wouldn't blow around due to his missing left arm but making it more of a focal point than likely intended. A fine circlet hung around his head as well, and his boots were an off dark grey but complimentary.

All in all, he looked like a professional Climber far more than before.

"I guess having one less arm makes you faster," Marcy said, jogging to the water's edge beside Wyn. "You're keeping up better than before!"

Cedric jogged alongside the Ranger. "It's my new boots, you ass. It gives me more mobility. Which is the focus of my new kit."

"Your boots are the main draw of your equipment?" Wyn asked.

Cedric shook his head. "No, it's the effect they have. I decided that if I was coming back into Alistair, I was going to be nearly impossible to hit again. So, my equipment allows me to do that. I sacrificed some attack power for defense but I really don’t care."

Wyn nodded, though knew he'd have to see for himself. He began to pull up one of the several canoes on the water's edge but stopped when he heard Marcy snicker.

"You would do that," the Ranger said. "Still trying to beat me to the end?"

Wyn looked around, confused. He noticed Cedric jogging across the top of the river as though he was running on solid ground that formed inches above the current. He rubbed his eyes, unsure if what he was witnessing was actually real. The Lightning Wizard trotted around a small area on the river, showing off that he could walk on water before resuming his trip down river.

"I guess we take the canoe, then," Wyn said, going back to readying the boat.

Marcy sighed. "I guess so. It seems like his competitive nature is worse than ever now."

The two Climbers jumped into the canoe, Wyn's heart racing. He tried to gain his balance as the boat rocked, though it was much harder than any previous time due to Marcy flinging her oar around her in a whirlwind.

"Come on, Wyn, stop messing around," she said, pulling an absurd amount of water with each stroke of her oar.

Wyn didn’t answer, doing his best to focus on not flipping while trying to row at the same time. His focus could only go so far, and he was already at a disadvantage since he was terrified of being capsized.

Marcy more than made up for Wyn’s inability to navigate in the canoe, and they flew down the river much faster than he expected. Cedric was keeping pace, though, like he was just moving across an even surface without need for direction. He was able to stay just a bit ahead of them despite moving at a brisk walk.

“How is he doing that?” Wyn asked between pulls of his oar. “It has to be his boots.”

“Right you are,” Marcy replied. “They’re Boots of Mobility, and purple rank, at that. His base speed is faster, endurance is better, and he can levitate over surfaces. Honestly, I’d like to have them, myself.”

The canoe tilted side to side from a small rushing current, and Wyn did his best to keep his balance by ignoring his rowing duties. He chastised himself by even asking about Cedric’s ability, knowing he needed to focus on the task instead.

To Wyn’s delight, they were at the necessary bank to continue along the floor without any trouble on the river. Not that it would have mattered as Cedric would have just fried anything resembling an enemy like the Lacerts before, but the absence was welcome. Wyn then jumped out of the canoe the instant he had clearance of the water.

Cedric stood at the edge of the continuing jungle, tapping his foot impatiently. “About time! So slow in that boat.”

“You’re telling me,” Wyn groaned. “Thankfully we didn’t have any Lacerts to deal with, though.”

Marcy snickered. “You can thank him for that,” she said, readying her kukris to clear the jungle thicket.

“What do you mean?” Wyn asked.

“He killed the one batch of enemies along the way before we even saw them,” Marcy said, slapping Cedric on the shoulder. “That’s another for you, then.”

“And that puts me one ahead,” Cedric said, smiling. “From what you’ve said, it doesn’t seem like we have far to go, either, making it more likely it’ll stay that way!”

Marcy sighed and pushed past him, chopping down bushes and tall leaves in anger.

Wyn grabbed his spear and looked at it. “I don’t even know why I brought you along.”

*****

The Lacert giant hit the jungle floor with a thud, it’s top half nearly blown off. Blood and guts were scattered in a wide area around it, stinking up the clearing just before it all dissolved back into the tower.

Wyn walked up and checked the now empty spot, crinkling his nose. No loot was left behind - only a stench that rivaled the barracks of sweaty, dirty soldiers.

Wyn had been demoted to being both the clean up guy and loot-checker, combing over each body for possible rewards. Marcy and Cedric were killing enemies faster than Wyn could spot them or form any sort of plan of attack in his mind. The sheer power they both held as mid-level Climbers working through the first floor was both apparent and frightening.

He had a sudden thought of what it would be like being a higher tier Climber running through this first, easier tier. He imagined it would be child’s play, and even more trivial than how Marcy and Cedric were literally sprinting through it. That may not happen in a month or two, but likely after several like them. The thought was a bit intimidating but exciting, too.

A loud crack stirred Wyn out of his head. He looked around and spotted the third and final Lacert boss with a large hole in its chest, still standing. It toppled over in a heap similar the the last one, smoking from whatever spell Cedric decided to obliterate it with.

“Damnit,” Marcy yelled. “Honestly, I think you might be faster now than before.”

Cedric whirled his scepter in his hands before sticking it back into a cloth sash around his waist. “I’m definitely faster than I was before, but I’m glad you’re starting to realize it.”

The portal behind them opened, and they both stretched their bodies as though preparing for a training run. Wyn noticed that yet again no loot appeared, and sighed at his uselessness.

Cedric pulled out a piece of parchment from his robes. “24 minutes. Not bad. We need to pick up the pace to finish within the hour, though.”

Marcy nodded as though he wasn’t speaking insanity and it was perfectly normal to rush through a place where death waited at every corner.

“You’re both mad,” Wyn said. “I haven’t done a thing to help. Why am I even here?”

“Because you’re faster than Tasha,” Cedric said. “In case we need healing you can help, and you’re solid in a pinch. Plus your speed skill is good. I’m surprised you haven’t used it yet.”

Wyn gawked at him. So he was only here as a precaution in case they got hurt. It was strange feeling both wanted and an afterthought simultaneously, and Wyn didn’t have words to respond.

“And,” Marcy added, “you can get some more coin this way.” She elbowed Cedric and shot him a reprimanding look.

Cedric clicked his tongue. “I’m not going to beat around the bush anymore. Tact is out the window, I’m afraid. He asked, I answered. If I’m going to climb, I’m not taking it easy on anyone, especially Alistair. Now let’s see what her second floor has to offer.” He immediately stepped backwards into the portal and was swept away in an instant.

“I think he’s still adjusting,” Marcy said, staring at the portal. “He’ll come around.”

“As long as he keeps that determination, he can say whatever he’d like to me.” Wyn held a hand out to the portal. “After you.”

Without hesitation Marcy stepped into the floating clear portal, and Wyn soon followed. He emerged with a slight dizzying sensation but felt leagues better than his previous teleports.

Cedric was standing at the jungle edge, facing the temple alongside Marcy. The Magician walked beside them, unsure of why they waited.

“These are very different circumstances than the last time we climbed the second floor together,” Cedric said. He kept staring at the temple and ruins ahead, his right hand clenched in a fist. “Let’s hope this go around will be more fruitful and less erratic.”

“Shouldn’t we go at a slower pace due to traps?” Wyn asked. “Not to mention the Lamierts roaming around. They’re more dangerous and faster, and your lightning spells aren’t as strong against them.”

Wyn recalled his parchment after looting the new snake-man hybrid monsters and finding their name. They shared a commonality with the Lacerts but seemed to be of a higher order regarding both their race and power in this section of the tower. Or at least that’s what he assumed.

“Do you regret inviting me in, then?” Cedric asked. “I am a Lightning Wizard, after all, and earth elemental enemies are my worst match up.”

“Absolutely not,” Wyn said. “You’re stronger than any enemies we’ll face these first several floors, even if your element is weaker.”

Cedric pulled his scepter from his belt and twirled it in the air. It projected a slight shimmer, different from magical auras. The head of magic weapon that held the topaz gem seemed to shift colors in the light like a prism or shard. “This will help reduce that weakness. It’ll be enough for now.”

Wyn nodded and tapped his spear against the ground twice. “Then we should be ready. I’ll do my best to keep up.”

“That’s the spirit,” Marcy said. “How about a wager to add a bit of fun?”

Wyn cocked his head to the side. “Hmm? How so?”

“I’ll bet a loot drop item you can’t kill at least three enemies,” Marcy said. “At least blue rarity.”

Wyn barked a laugh. “I’m not exactly the betting type, and I’m at a huge disadvantage. I’ll pass, thanks.”

“What about me?” Cedric asked.

“What about you?” Marcy said, a grin on her face. “I already know you can kill plenty of enemies. Just leave some for me.”

The three Climbers moved to the large archway signaling the start of the ruins. Similar to the day before, the sun was berating them from above, relentless with its light and heat.

Marcy and Cedric moved a bit slower than the first floor to allow Marcy adequate time to identify any traps. Wyn, on the other hand, picked up his pace, musing that both of the veteran’s decreased pace was still quite fast. Despite the dangers found by Marcy and monster threats dealt with almost immediately, it was still an incredibly impressive change from his group’s ability.

The rookies definitely brought the pace and efficiency down a few notches, though Wyn was realizing that the two veterans possessed a confidence he hadn’t seen before. When they were on the second floor last week chasing Lionel, they were ragged, barely equipped, and on a time crunch. With those pressures removed, it was like they were different people, even if Cedric was dealing with the loss of his left arm and navigating the tower with a different perspective. The ease at which they cleared the first floor made him curious about being able to clear future floors himself. Would he get to a point with his confidence to clear the first floor alone? Both Marcy and Cedric were too confident last week leading the rookies and didn't bother recovering enough to be prepared. He saw now why they had that initial bravado for climbing the first floor.

He vowed to not make the same mistake again. Deep down, under their little game they played, he knew both of the veterans thought that way, too.

After about ten minutes the three had already cleared two small groups of Lacerts and a couple of trapped hallways. No Lamierts had appeared yet, and Wyn knew it would slow them down.

Almost as if on cue, Wyn jogged forward to turn a hallway and came upon a group of two Lacerts and one Lamiert, catching them in surprise. He immediately swung his spear horizontally, casting his Wingbeat spell and hitting all three at once. The two Lacerts hit the ground, but the taller Lamiert roared from a gash now spewing blood across its stomach.

It slithered forward towards Wyn, hissing in anger. A beam of ice suddenly slammed into its chest, causing a small blast of snowflakes to fill the air. Wyn covered his face, unsure of what was happening.

When he took his arm away, he stared in confusion. The monster was frozen in a block of ice in a fighting stance. Chunks of ice fell apart like falling stones, and the monster’s body began to dissolve, leaving behind a small glowing pile of loot.

“Not bad, right?” Cedric said with a smile.

“Not at all,” Wyn said. “I didn’t know you had ice spells, too!”

“That’s what’s so great,” Cedric said. “I don’t.” He walked over to the loot before pausing. He put his scepter back in his sash before picking up his rewards.

“It’s his new weapon,” Marcy said, watching the Wizard loot the creature’s remains. “It lets him change the element of a spell. Talk about being helpful for enemies who resist lightning.”

“I’ll say,” Wyn said. “That’s an incredible feature! Useful for an elemental Wizard not wanting to be resisted or to catch enemies off guard.”

“Exactly. But those two enemies still only count as one.” She slapped Wyn on the back and continued on through the ruins.

Wyn took a deep breath, noting the veterans were already jogging ahead. If they wanted to be impressed, he needed to do something impressive. Not that he was part of their bet. But a piece of him still wanted their approval, strangely enough.

He activated his Speed Up skill and forged ahead, trying to keep up. A smile flashed across his face as he passed the two Climbers and stepped into a more intact part of the ruins. He remembered this was the second half of the maze and wanted to be the first to find a group to kill. Somehow the two showboaters were giving him a new level of confidence, even if it wasn’t the smartest move.

The veterans weren’t the best influences, but Wyn felt like a new Climber compared to their climb in the caves. He was confident they’d make it relatively unscathed, even if it exhausted his mana and endurance.

Marcy turned to Cedric while they ran and jabbed a thumb in Wyn’s direction. “So he was all it took to bring you back?”

Cedric laughed. “Not exactly. I was on the fence, truth be told, but still leaned towards coming back. I just wanted him to want me back.”

“You knew he wanted you in the group?”

“Not quite, but I had a hunch.” Cedric jumped over a wide pit that formed behind the sprinting Ruby Magician, easily clearing it as his boots emitted a faint glow. “He’s a careful guy who only wants to surround himself with people he trusts. I figured after what we went through I fell in that category.”

Marcy leaped over the next gap both with grace and without any piece of her equipment enhancing her. She landed in a tumble before repeating the process on the next gap, thankful that this was the only type of trap laid out so Wyn wouldn’t recklessly get hurt.

"You're right," Marcy said, pausing between the various pits to talk. "It's good to have you back, even if we only finish the first tier this month."

Cedric floated over the last pit in front of Marcy, trying to catch up to Wyn. "At least it'll let me try out my gear. It'll be a good opportunity for the group to grow, as well."

Wyn suddenly appeared beside the Climbers, skidding along the rubble coated floor. He was glowing with a faint red aura as his speed skill was still active. "Dead end ahead. I guess we try the other way at the last fork?"

"That's our best bet," Marcy said. "Check it off the list, then backtrack again if we need to."

Wyn crouched, ready to run, then stopped. "Huh. I guess I made those pits appear. I was trying to stay ahead so badly I didn't realize they showed up."

Cedric snickered. "Maybe we should stop trying to rush and be a bit more careful? I guess I was a bit excited coming back to climb."

Wyn smiled and took a deep breath. “That’s probably for the best. At this rate I won’t have any mana to be of any use at all.”

“We’ll be alright. Honestly, it’s the traps that we need to worry about. Like these pits. We can handle monsters just fine.”

Wyn took one step towards the pit he caused to appear and shook his head. He didn’t want to get anywhere close to one again. “I can understand that. I can heal wounds from those monsters but not from half a dozen spikes as big as me.”

“Still, that was an impressive run,” Cedric said.

Wyn scratched the back of his head. “Truthfully, I was only trying to impress you both. There was a fair amount of false confidence, there.”

Cedric patted Wyn on the back. "I'm already back in the tower - there's no need to impress me further. You're our leader. You don't have anything to prove. Besides, I have a feeling I’ll be plenty satisfied after seeing your new spells you were bragging about."

A mischievous grin spread on Wyn's face. "Just you wait. I told you it'd be worth it."

"Get a room," Marcy said, nearly yelling from across the path, having cleared all of the pits while Cedric and Wyn talked. "You'll never see it if we don't get there!"

Cedric gave one last smile before he started back across the pits, never stopping his stride. He looked incredibly strange running on air as small magical circles appeared below his feet over the pits, but Wyn was still jealous.

He took one deep breath before starting his more cautious approach of jumping the pits, though his enhanced speed made it easier to clear each gap despite the small distance between each one. Each step brought more confidence both in his teammates and in himself. Maybe there was hope for him to be a great Climber, after all.