The Ruby Magician

“Keep formation!” Wyn yelled. “This doesn’t change anything!”

“This changes everything!” John said. He plucked the gemstone from the hilt of his sword and stored it in his pouch with trembling fingers. When his hand emerged, it held two gems that he fumbled in his palm. “They’re a different element! Damn it, Cal!”

Cal held his shield and hammer at the ready. “This must be a different ability! I’m sorry, I didn’t hear about it at all!”

“We can still do this,” Marcy said, raising her bow. “Calm down, John. Steady yourself!”

The Fighter took a deep breath, then another. He calmed further when he felt Tasha’s hand on his back and her Arcane Aura spell engulf him in a magical suit of white armor.

“Get a topaz gem ready,” Cedric said. “The guardian is still the same, and lightning and fire don’t have negative interactions. We’ll adapt if it happens again.”

“Exactly,” Wyn agreed. “Now press forward!”

John and Cal moved together, both enhanced under Cal’s oath, and John further boosted from his own Fighter skill. The opposing creatures were already rushing them from across the room, leaving behind small trails of embers smoldering on the stone floor. One of the flying monsters flew to the side and began glowing red hot, about to release some kind of magical fire attack when an arrow pierced it’s abdomen. It shrieked and released a small trickle of liquid flame from the protruding arrow, flying haphazardly from the injury.

Another arrow sent the monster reeling into the wall where it quieted, its lifeless body erupting into a small fire.

John yelled as he met a Lacert in combat, blocking a flaming claw with his shield and slicing back with his lightning-infused sword. Cal performed similarly, blocking attacks where he could and retaliating with his hammer, both Climbers working in tandem to block and counter when able. They held their ground against multiple enemies, their magical auras keeping errant flames and heat at bay while protecting them from attacks they couldn’t defend quick enough.

A lightning bolt surged through several of the enemies, making them spasm and jerk before smoking and falling to the ground. Another magical bolt pierced three more enemies with similar results.

Wyn stared in utter awe of the sight. The group was pushing forward and giving it their all, and he now understood Tasha’s feelings about not contributing. He could stand there and watch and they likely would be able to hold their own. Even if they were injured Tasha could heal them much more efficiently that Wyn.

Where did he fall in their group? Was he blinded to the reality that his class truly wasn’t as helpful as he had hoped? He could do a bit of several things, but was his broad capabilities too much of a hindrance to overcome?

“Wyn,” Tasha said, her eyes frantic. “Get in there! They need you!”

Wyn looked ahead. Did they, though? Cal and John seemed to be holding their own. Still, he wouldn’t let his doubts hold him back or prevent him from doing whatever was within his power. He didn’t have to be the main force of their group - if he could help here and there, keeping them alive at the end of the day, that would be enough.

Wyn shook himself from his indecision and assessed their current situation. A few of the larger Lamierts were pressing hard from the left, drawing the attention of John. The monsters were too numerous for only the two Climbers to manage, when Wyn noticed that they weren’t disappearing like normal after being cut or hit to the side.

The guardian was healing them. Its staff was a constant source of magic, blue runes lighting in front of it and sending magical healing to the monsters not completely felled fast enough.

“Attack the guardian!” Wyn yelled. “It’s healing the grunts!” He stepped in beside John and swept his spear ahead of him, casting Wingbeat horizontally. It both slashed and pushed back several Lacerts, but only lightly cut two Lamierts with their armor and bulk. His fire spell wouldn’t be helpful now as they were also the fire element, but he could distract several at a time if needed.

John yelled as he cut down two of the Lacerts with two quick but forceful strikes, killing them on impact. A Lamiert raised its axe to strike back, but an arrow pierced its chest as a heavy splash of water exploded its neck and torso.

The monsters screamed in frustration, realizing that less than a dozen of them remained. The momentum suddenly swung the Climber’s way with the foot soldiers starting to actually die.

“Push through,” Wyn said, locking eyes with John. “We’ll keep the rest off your back!”

Without hesitation, John turned and stomped forward. He activated his boots’ spell and knocked back several encroaching monsters, further clearing a direct path to the guardian. In seconds he was before the large protective bubble and raised his sword to strike it. A red glow began to envelope his weapon, another of his skills activating. He struck the bubble without much effort, but the goal was for the skill to affect the magic - his Magic Break skill leeched onto the bubble like a sickness, breaking it down as it spread across its translucent surface.

The guardian sensed something was wrong and scowled, raising its staff and moving with haste. Runes shown in front of it as it blinked out of existence just as the bubble completely disappeared. John frantically searched for it, then trudged off to the right as he found the monster had teleported across the room to escape. It slowly swiped its staff in an arc, summoning another black hole where more monsters began to emerge.

"Damnit," John cursed, stopping his advance. "More monsters over here!" He yelled, hoping for more support.

Meanwhile, Wyn was facing more monsters than he'd like. He held his hand in front of him and cast his Flash spell, blinding each one. In seconds he pierced, slashed, and struck each one down, making sure to kill one before moving to another to ensure they wouldn't be healed.

After finishing them, he heard John yell to his right, then noticed Cal was already moving to help. Marcy and Cedric refocused their attention to the next wave, too, as even more monsters began funneling out of a new black summoning hole next to the exposed but attentive guardian.

Wyn knew they did well for the first round. They used their mana on spells and skills, sure, but they didn't seem to be injured, which was a success. Something needed to change, though, to make the engagement tip back in their favor.

Wyn's thoughts were interrupted as he heard John laugh followed by the deafening sound of two fiery explosions. The monsters before them were now stark-white, and he felt a chill in the air even from halfway across the room. Gazing to the braziers, he saw their color had changed from red to white.

The guardian changed their element to Ice, and it was a grave error.

Wyn rushed the creatures and began torching them with his Fire Blast spell. The cries of agony and pain didn't deter him as he raked his hand over as many enemies as possible without crossing towards John and Cal, but the effect was terrifying. The monsters either ran away trying to put the flames out on their bodies or slumped to the ground in a heap of embers.

Marcy drew another arrow and released it into the mass of enemies, causing another eruption of fire from her spell. Between her previous arrow and Cedric's scepter changing his element to fire, they eliminated over half of the new wave of monsters in seconds, and her next arrow killed another small group. Wyn's spell had roasted most of the remaining monsters, and Marcy started picking off the stragglers with normal arrows. She smiled at their fortune from the guardian's blunder, hoping this would secure their success.

John ignored as many as he could and attacked the guardian beside Cal, both Climbers flanking the large monster. After the group's efforts the monsters were blown apart with ease, and they relentlessly attacked the leader. It wasn't a pushover, though, as its staff served many roles, blocking attacks from both Climbers or striking back when an opening presented itself. The monster moved quicker than either John or Cal anticipated, though with Cal's oath boosting both of them, they were managing to hold their own and damage it when able. John's lightning infused sword caught the guardian in the chest on a well-placed and timed thrust, and it bellowed in pain from the hit. In a desperate attempt to save itself, it pushed back and blasted both Climbers away from itself in a cone of water, holding its chest with a free hand.

Blue blood poured from the wound, and Wyn knew they were close to the end.

The guardian stomped its staff against the ground again and disappeared once more, appearing back at its throne. It held a hand to one of the white-flamed brazier and changed the color to blue before absorbing its flame. The blood stopped pouring from its chest as a blue aura engulfed its body, and the monster roared, shaking the room.

"Shit!" John yelled.

Wyn could feel the magic radiating off the creature. The muscles on its body seemed to be bulkier, and it appeared to be a full head taller than before.

The magic not only healed its wound, but buffed its entire self.

The guardian twirled its staff in the air and held it towards the Climbers. Wyn watched in a mixture of awe and disbelief as the staff changed into a footlong spear with the spearhead rippling of pure water. The sapphire gem shifted to the spear's shaft just below the multi-pronged head that was now shaped like a trident.

A large blue rune appeared under the guardian as it hissed at them ferociously. Two smaller black holes appeared on either side of it, and two Lamierts began crawling out of the spaces. They were their typical green color, but still larger in size than before with more leather armor covering their body and menacing weapons ready to attack. One held a tall spear and rounded shield, and the other two curved swords.

“We’ve got more!” Marcy shouted.

Behind the group at the entrance to the large chamber, another black portal opened on the stone floor. A third wave of creatures began climbing out of it, all more familiar with their color and size. Still, there were already a dozen clawed hands scratching at the stone to be the first to emerge, and more heads were popping into view behind them.

“Cedric, Cal, and John, stay on the guardian!” Wyn yelled. “Marcy, with me. We’ll hold this group off.”

“What about me?” Tasha asked. She clutched her staff close to her body, frantically looking between both groups of enemies that sandwiched the Climbers.

“Call out injuries and heal when needed,” Wyn said. “If you see an opening, though, hit ‘em with your new spell.”

Tasha took a deep breath and raised her staff. “Got it!”

Marcy fired an arrow into the group of monsters that exploded in a shroud of ice and mist, freezing two Lacerts on the spot and stumbling several more.

The sound of metal clanging and weapons clashing could be heard from the far side of the room, and Wyn stole a quick glance. John and Cal were locked in a stalemate between the three larger monsters, none displaying an advantage. The crackle of Cedric’s lightning made a near deafening boom, the Wizard running around their enemies with an impressive speed.

Wyn refocused. He had his task, and he needed to perform.

It was time to act.

“Speed Up.”

Wyn dashed forward, using his newly boosted speed to catch as many of the monsters off guard as possible. There were over a dozen now, but it didn’t matter - he wouldn’t stop until each one was no longer a threat. He maneuvered his spear with deadly precision, alternating between slashing in various arcs, piercing thrusts, and even using the clawed end of his spear to hook and throw enemies out of his way.

His coat and armor underneath kept him protected from most blows, but he still felt the impact from each hit he couldn’t dodge, occasionally causing him to redirect his momentum. He’d be bruised and battered after, but if he kept his effort up he knew he’d avoid major damage.

A Lamiert used its tail to grasp Wyn’s legs, catching him off guard. It tripped him and he fell the ground, unable to move. He tried to sweep back with his spear but the tail went slack when he saw nearly a dozen arrows peppered into the monster and those directly beside it. Scrambling to his feet, he twirled his spear and used another charge of Wingbeat to try and keep as many of the creatures back as possible while saving his mana. He redoubled his efforts when up to keep attacking, pushing past his growing fatigue.

“John’s hurt! I’m healing him!” Tasha yelled.

Wyn was grateful to the Mage in that moment as he pulled his spear out of yet another Lacert. He didn’t want to lose immediate focus and trusted her to take care of the situation.

In just a few minutes only two more enemies remained, both of which were promptly disposed. Wyn tried to manage his breathing but felt his muscles ache. His body was nearly spent.

“We almost have them!” Tasha yelled.

Wyn rushed back to the others. Only one of the Lamierts was still standing and it was in poor shape, bleeding and cut all over. It continued to lash out with its spear at the closest Climber, but for each strike there were two that hit it.

The guardian was now on the defensive. It healed its bodyguard periodically but also splashed water magic at whoever was close enough to potentially harm it. To Wyn’s surprise, Tasha was in the middle of the fray beside John, casting her Shield spell to counter the enemy’s magic and protect the Fighter.

“Just a bit more!” Cedric said.

The Lamiert caught Cal in the foot with its tail and wrapped around it, pulling him off balance. Its spear dug hard into Cal’s leg where there was no armor, and he yelled in pain. Cedric released another bolt of lightning that struck the back of the Lamiert, making it spasm as sparks of electricity ran along its body. Cal swiftly pounded it with his hammer while Marcy added a magical arrow to its chest.

The monster fell and turned to ash, disappearing in the void of the tower.

Tasha quickly moved to Cal’s side and began to heal him.

“Guess I’m a bit rusty,” Cal said.

“You’re doing great,” Tasha said. “Just hold still.” Her light shone bright as she used a charge of Cure, the large gash on his leg instantly starting to close up.

“Yes!” Marcy said. “We’re so close!”

The guardian hissed once more in anger and teleported the short distance to its throne. The single brazier still remained lit, and it reached out with a hand to absorb the magic before abruptly turning to the entrance of the chamber.

Another black portal appeared, though it stood upright rather than flat on the ground. Black mist swirled similar to the portals between floors, rather than a void of color the monsters emerged from.

“This isn’t part of the floor,” Marcy said. “I sense something bad. Very bad.”

Wyn gripped his spear tight. He recognized that portal.

Three humanoid figures slowly walked out of the darkness. One in the back was a giant of a person, tall and wide, and wore a sort of priestly hooded robe that was gray in color and covered their features. The other in the back was thinner and lean but similarly covered.

Standing in front of both of them was a tall figure draped in a ripped black cloak and wearing a white porcelain mask. A sword was sheathed on their hip, familiar runes lining the edges and hilt.

Wyn knew that figure. He knew that sword.

The guardian pointed its spear to the newcomers and hissed before sending a jet of water directly at them. Magic filled the air as the wavy blue stream flew across the room.

The shorter robed person stepped in front and held a hand out. A large black runic circle formed in the air and the jet stream of water disappeared into the rune without any push back or after effect.

“That doesn’t look like a shield,” Tasha said. “What is that?”

The black runes began to glow one after another within the formation while the jet continued. The guardian stopped its attack noting it failed but the runes stayed lit. The figure then splayed their arms out wide and the black runes went into them like they were embracing the magic.

“Not good,” Cedric said. “That one can absorb magic. Who knows what they can do with it, either.”

“No, that is good,” Wyn said. “Now we know that one’s trick. All we have to do -”

John’s aura burned a bright red with the same intensity the last time Lionel appeared. He restrained himself from advancing just yet, but readied himself.

“All we have to do is kill them,” John said, almost hissing like his voice was laced with poison and malice.

The figure they presumed was Lionel stepped forward and drew its sword. The runes along the blade flared to life and engulfed the entire blade in flames.

“Aliyar thanks you for the sword,” Lionel said. “It’s not an axe, but it’ll do.”

Wyn felt his heart hammer in his chest. Lionel mocked them. After everything that happened, he truly was someone not worthy of redemption.

“I’m with John,” Marcy said. She drew an arrow and fired it at Lionel.

Lionel didn’t budge. The larger figure behind him raised a hand and caused a large piece of stone to fly up from the floor directly on the front of their group, knocking the arrow harmlessly to the side. The stone piece crumbled apart right away in the air.

The guardian teleported beside the invaders and struck out with its water spear in a flash, but Lionel knocked it away with his own weapon. He then grabbed the guardian’s arm and held it while an inky black substance rushed from under his cape to the monster, completely covering its body.

The guardian screamed.

The black substance swirled around the monster and silenced it in seconds. Then it shifted and began rotating back to Lionel.

The guardian was now a dematerializing skeleton, its flesh ripped away from whatever Lionel’s ability caused.

Lionel then groaned and spasmed as the substance was reabsorbed into him. He fell to a knee and nearly dropped his sword.

“What in the hells is he,” John whispered.

Lionel then stood up and flexed, and his height now matched the previously taller figure behind him. He ripped off his cape and revealed a blue, scaly torso with a more stout posture. Whatever his form was extended to his left shoulder and arm as though he tried to consume it but only partly succeeded. His sword continued to flicker with fire, and he pointed it at the group.

John growled like a beast. Whatever shred of fear was there momentarily was gone.

The others looked at the Fighter who similarly raised his lightning-infused sword and pointed it back.

Wyn made sure to lower his voice. “Cal, Marcy, take the shorter one. Cedric, with me on the big guy. Tasha, keep calling out information and helping when possible. And John?"

“Yea?”

“Get your sword back.”