The Ruby Magician

An arrow streaked through the air on Wyn’s left, causing a small explosion of magic in the distance. He wanted to look and see the effect and the fight around him, but he knew if he took his attention off his current enemy even for a second he’d lose.

So far the Lamiert was fighting him on equal footing. The enemy Mage must have boosted the creature’s abilities similar to their own spells and skills, as it was still glowing green and moved with impressive speed and strength. It wasn’t as fast as Wyn, but its body was dexterous and could move in angles that Wyn didn’t think was possible.

It was a skilled fighter, and Wyn was getting frustrated.

The occasional dagger strike broke through Wyn’s parry or dodge, and his pitiful leather armor was taking a beating. It held up, but not before gashes split it in various areas. He still knew he needed a better defense, and hopefully the reward from this experience would afford him an item or two for that very purpose.

Wyn stepped back again, narrowly avoiding a dagger strike to the throat. He was tired of this fight despite the engagement lasting only a few minutes - he wanted to get to the Mages and be done with this enemy.

“Feeble,” Wyn said, catching the Lamiert off guard. The spell took effect, and a magical skull floated above its head while its body shrank a bit. The spell enraged the monster, and it began attacking in a flurry.

The wild nature of the strikes made up for the loss of physical abilities, but the attacks were less skilled and much easier to deal with. Wyn was able to predict patterns and anticipate a follow up attack, and moved to one side after a poorly executed dagger stab. He slashed up with his spear and successfully caught the monster, slicing it from the base of the tail up to its shoulder. The gash wasn’t as deep as he would’ve liked, but it pushed the Lamiert back and off guard.

Wyn pushed harder, increasing his own speed further than he thought possible. He stopped the momentum of his spear on attacks that failed to hit sooner than normal, and followed up with many different angles of wide slashes and quick jabs. This wasn’t the time to hold back.

One of those stabs found purchase in the monster’s side, directly under its armor. It howled in pain, and when it retched back the spear flew out, causing a wide spray of blue blood to coat the area.

Wyn smiled and knew it was close to death. He readied his spear to finish it, but a brighter green glow covered the enemy’s body, and the puncture wound started to close up. The monster seemed to be revitalized and began its counterattack.

“Shit!” Cedric said, across the chamber. “They can heal!”

“We have to kill them now!” Marcy said. “Otherwise Wyn and John won’t be able to take them down!”

Cedric silently cursed and raised his scepter again. The opposing Mage was no weakling, and his lightning spells were being rebuffed with relative ease as he was on the wrong side of the elemental interactions. Each time he’d hurt one the other would heal it, and vice versa with the Lamiert Marcy focused on.

“Group up,” Cedric said. “Focus on one! Kill it outright instead of damaging it so it can’t be healed!”

Marcy ducked under a boulder that flew her way, then sprinted towards Cedric. She released an arrow at the Lamiert the Wizard was fighting, more to distract it than anything. The projectile bounced off a quickly erected green barrier, though once the magical defense dropped, a powerful bolt of lightning slammed into it. It was knocked back several feet, its torso smoking black from the hit. It writhed for a few seconds, stunned and in pain.

Marcy took advantage of the opportunity by launching a purple tinted arrow whose four fletching were small and striped with white and grey. It shot across the room with blinding speed, causing a small wake of air to shift away from its tail. The arrow struck the Lamiert in the abdomen, and the impact blew away the back half of the creature in a loud whoosh. The creature slithered to the ground in a heap, its breath ragged.

The last thing it saw was an errant streak of lightning coming towards it, the path jagged and unpredictable. The monster knew the spell was going to hit it, and it could only lie there and accept its fate.

A roar made every creature in the room flinch. The second Mage raised its staff in anger, forming an incredibly large rune to form above its head. The magical circle easily spanned thirty feet wide, and the magic was palpable in the air. Rocks began to fall from random places in the ceiling with enough force that it seemed as though they were falling from great heights. A brief runic circle would appear in the air, then a rock would barrel out of it, slamming into sections of the stone floor. Cracks and debris were all that remained, as the rocks themselves also exploded from the strength.

It was a powerful spell both in strength and sheer volume. The runic circles that spawned the rocks appeared all over the room, over a dozen appearing at once. When one created a rock it would disappear then be replaced by another elsewhere in the room.

Marcy deftly moved about the chamber, stepping in odd directions to avoid being crushed. Her Extrasensory skill was working in overdrive, and she couldn’t focus on anything else except its activation to keep her alive.

Cedric tapped his boots against the ground two times, and they began to glow with a red aura that quickly covered his body. He leapt to one side effortlessly, but the maneuver pushed him over ten feet, much faster than a normal hop. His eyes were focused on the ceiling, and he was able to evade the falling rocks easily with his added mobility.

Tasha screamed and fell, just avoiding a rock that pelted her with small pebbles after it broke apart on the floor. There were rocks falling everywhere, and she couldn’t move as well as the others to avoid them. It came down to sheer luck as she randomly darted around a small area.

She then looked at her boots and remembered her new gear and spells. Her defensive abilities had drastically improved, and this was the exact reason for obtaining them. Stomping the ground, she activated the Reflection spell, and she shimmered with white light. She mentally willed her cloak to coat her in its Arcane Aura spell as well, and the familiar, magical coat of armor surrounded her in protective magic.

When she straightened up, she smiled. Two other shimmering forms of herself were standing around her, moving in an exact copy of her own movements. The runic formations above created another rock and hurled it down at one of the three Divine Magicians, and Tasha tried to move out of its way but wasn’t fast enough. The rock splattered against the ground through the image, exploding in dirt and small chunks of harder earth. The illusion dissipated, and the two other copies of Tasha still moved about, edging towards Cedric so she wouldn’t be alone.

Wyn jumped to one side, avoiding another falling rock. Both he and the Lamiert he was fighting temporarily paused their engagement to avoid the falling stones from above. They were aiming for anything around, and when the monster Wyn fought was nearly crushed, it had a similar realization. The Ruby Magician tried to find an opening to still attack his enemy but was too distracted. The battlefield was becoming increasingly dangerous, as the rocks forming and falling were bad enough, but their remnants spewed across the ground made for terribly uneven terrain. A single bad step could mean the difference between life and death.

Another rune formed in the ceiling, and Wyn had an idea. He stabbed out with his spear in a feint, and the Lamiert easily dodged it to the side. The maneuver was its downfall, as half of its body was slammed by the falling rock, and it was knocked to the side several feet, yelping in pain as it fell. Wyn rushed to its side and stabbed it several times, finding no resistance or weapon to block his blows. The monster had blood pouring from its wounds, and its body slowed before coming completely still.

A moment later, Wyn jumped back as a rock slammed into the Lamiert, completely crushing it with a sickening crunch. He winced at the sight and sound, but knew there was no way it could return from that finality. It was likely already dead, but that was absolute confirmation.

John yelled across the chamber, and Wyn saw his shield fall to one side. The Lamiert he faced stabbed him with a spear that was now protruding through the Fighter’s left shoulder. The attack caused him to drop his defense, his multiple auras fading quickly around him. Where they were once a bright magical force, they now looked dim in the chamber, barely giving off any light.

Wyn sprinted across the room, urgency flooding his body. He didn’t bother trying to dodge any of the rocks - he needed every second to get to John’s side before any more damage was done. As long as he was alive, he could heal him. He just didn’t want a repeat of Cedric’s situation.

The Lamiert fighting John noticed Wyn approaching and increased its attack, attempting to finish John before anyone else could interfere. John, in desperation, stomped a boot on the ground, causing a shockwave to erupt in front of him directly at the monster. The Lamiert was caught off guard and stumbled, losing control over its spear while working to keep its stability on the shifting stone floor. It’s large, muscular tail served as an impressive stabilizing force, being able to prevent itself from being knocked back or falling.

The spell did, however, serve to interrupt another strike, buying time for Wyn to join their fight.

Almost to John, Wyn quickly checked his mark to make sure he had enough mana available to help. There was just about half remaining, and he knew it'd be plenty. His boots slid next to the Fighter, who was gasping for air and clutching his shoulder. Wyn placed a hand on him and cast Regen while keeping an eye above for another rock.

"Thank you," John muttered, wincing at the pain from the spear. "I wasn't a good match for it or its weapon."

"You've done well," Wyn said, a smile crossing his face subconsciously. He turned his head to look John in the eye and saw another man's face in front of a clouded background. The man had blood dripping from the corner of his mouth with more spewing out of him when he laughed.

"I did my best," the man said, his voice distant and hollow. "Thank you, Captain."

Wyn was confused. This was one of his soldiers, out at war. He remembered his face, only for a moment, and remembered covering it later as he helped bury him.

A slap stirred him from the memory, jarring him.

"Wake up!" John yelled, his face contorted in frustration and worry. "Damnit, Wyn, focus!"

Wyn clenched his jaw and cursed himself. Of all the times for a memory of war to come, now was the absolute worst.

He slapped John on his good shoulder and nodded sharply. The Fighter let out a relieved sigh and rolled his left arm as the white aura of Wyn's healing spell renewed him. His shield still lay on the ground, but he ignored it, holding his sword with both hands.

The rock-producing spell had ended as well as the threat from above. Now was their chance to finish this wave.

Unfortunately the Lamiert was already on the counterattack, hissing at both Climbers in anger. It lunged towards Wyn with a stab, the sharpened bone spearhead frightening while coated in John's blood. Wyn was faster, though, as his aura still bolstered him, and he sidestepped the attack, moving his torso in a practiced manner. A spear was his personal weapon of choice, and he knew nearly all manners of attacks with one. This was no longer a bad match up - now, the two Climbers held the advantage.

Wyn launched a quick stab of his own, and the monster hissed as it moved. It wasn’t quick enough, though still fast - a shallow cut formed at its side, and its hiss intensified. Wyn pressed his attack, alternating between slashes and jabs, quick movements and slow powerful ones to keep the Lamiert guessing. The enemy struggled to handle his onslaught, parrying or dodging some attacks but not all of them, and it yelled in frustration at the wind element weapon slowly and painfully cutting it down.

John moved around the monster, waiting for his opportunity to flank it. He realized Wyn had the upper hand but he wasn’t moving fast enough. Well, he was moving fast, but he wasn't killing it fast enough. They needed to end this wave now.

After another small hit from Wyn’s spear, the monster flared its body around, angling itself for a counterattack. Wyn tried to parry the spear but was pushed back by the sheer force of the blow, successfully avoiding the strike but not avoiding the strength behind it. The monster's anger was increasing its power, and his defenses were pitiful. Thankfully, he didn't need to absorb another blow, as he saw John move into position behind it. He tried to attack the monster's lower torso - or, rather, the start of its tail - with a quick jab. The Lamiert slithered back, avoiding the spear, but running directly into John's sword in its gut.

John pushed his sword forward, the tip piercing through the monster's front, indirectly spraying Wyn with some if its blue blood. An ear piercing shriek left the monster's snarling mouth, and it dropped its spear, trying in vain to claw at John behind it.

Wyn stepped forward and stuck it like a pig, jamming the spear into its chest for a killing blow. The monster slacked between them, its arms dangling limply at its sides while they held it aloft with their weapons.

The last remaining Lamiert roared, realizing it was alone and outnumbered. It writhed around the chamber, frenzy in its eyes as it darted back and forth without purpose. The staff it carried began to glow green again, and it raised it towards Wyn and John, hoping to attack them together. As a large green rune formed at the end of the weapon, an arrow suddenly pierced its shoulder, and the staff tipped down towards the ground.

A small explosion kicked up dust and debris all around it as the spell was cast, but it hit the ground directly in front of the monster instead. Deep throaty coughs came from the small cloud, but a torrent of wind strikes silenced it in a rush. The small cloud grew from the impact of physical wind cutting into the stone and rocks, a barrage that lasted several seconds.

The gusts were actually visible, arcing across the room in a trail of purple faster than Wyn could process. He looked over to see Cedric pointing his scepter in the monster's direction, breathing heavy, sweat coating his hair.

Just like that, being the last remaining enemy and easy target, the monster was killed.

Green light disappeared in the chamber, again being lit only by Wyn's lantern and Tasha's staff. The Climbers all moved without discussion this time, knowing they had limited time before the next wave began. The numbers weren't as great as the first wave, but they were battered and injured, and needed to gather as many rewards as possible.

"Are we in agreement that we're done now?" Tasha asked, not taking her eyes off the wall where the hidden entrance lay. The doorway was gone, as Wyn's lantern didn't quite reach far enough to reveal it. But she knew it was still there.

"I'd say so," Wyn said, looking at the others. "Gods only know what the next wave will be like."

"Then come show the door!" Tasha said, waving him over.

Wyn jogged back towards the wall, and everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief as the pathway magically appeared inside the dim light of Wyn's lantern. They all rushed out just as the green light behind them started to glow.

When they returned to the small room, Wyn shook his lantern, causing the mushrooms inside to bounce around. The dust within the jar calmed, and the glowing light was gone. The doorway disappeared without a sound, and they all stood there dumbfounded staring at a blank, stone wall.

"Well, that was unexpected," John said.

Wyn couldn't help but chuckle, causing a chain reaction that ended with everyone laughing, hands on their knees or hips in disbelief and fatigue.

"I can't believe that even existed," Cedric said. "If we were to find that again, that would change everything."

Wyn tilted his head. "Do you think its possible if we looked in this hallway again?"

"Tomorrow, please," Tasha said. "Not again today. I think I'm done for now, thank you."

Wyn smiled. "Of course. It's worth looking, though. You have to admit the rewards we found were incredible!"

Tasha reluctantly nodded her head. "Yes, you're right. Greater challenge, greater reward."

"Exactly," Cedric said. "That was quite a bit for any rookie to find. Most would be lucky to find that much in an entire season!"

"There's a reason for that," Marcy said, crossing her arms. "That challenge was the next tier up. No rookie should be facing that. We got lucky, honestly.”

Cedric sighed. "I suppose."

"Only with you two here," Wyn said, pointing at Marcy and Cedric. "We would've died without both of your abilities."

"Now that I agree with," Tasha said.

"So are we going to go back or what?" John asked. "We still haven't finished this floor."

Wyn glanced over the group. They had used quite a bit of resources, but all in all didn't seem to be in too bad of shape. John was the worst, but his injuries had mostly healed at this point. Their mana was another issue entirely - he and Tasha had each used a mana potion, and if they were to finish the floor, it would make sense for each of them to use another, just in case.

Using potions meant spending coins. The small vials were incredible but expensive when purchased. Using more than one a floor meant that the final rewards were more of an even trade than net gain. That might be different on higher floors where the rewards were greater, but in the first tier he couldn’t afford buying them so often. Not at the moment.

"We made it out with more than enough items and resources," Wyn said. "I'm not quite sure about facing the floor boss in our condition.”

“We aren’t quite that bad,” Marcy said. “We need to use some potions and they aren’t overly expensive.”

“Maybe for you,” Wyn said. “I can’t afford to be as liberal with them. And don’t forget the mental tole. We aren’t as hardened as you and Cedric about facing enemy after enemy in the tower.”

Marcy nodded slowly. “I understand. I don’t need any of the items, though - just my share of the coin and enough extra to cover the key.” She pulled out the portal key from a side pocket and waved it in the air.

“I’ll also forgo the items,” Cedric said, “and ask only for coin. You three could use the items to improve your gear.”

Wyn looked at John and Tasha, and they all smiled broadly.

“Then it’s time for me to improve my defenses,” Wyn said. “The only question is how?”