The Ruby Magician

The rest of the floor was far more straightforward than the previous season’s trudge through the temple. Where that season’s third floor had puzzles, traps, and monsters to overcome, this season’s third floor was one group of enemies after another. Apparently there wasn’t much of a typical structure of challenges versus monsters to kill between each floor. It felt like the environment was more suited to hacking and killing their way through instead of a cautious approach as it was obvious they were heading to the denser part of this magical, seemingly fake invasion.

More flaming rocks fell from the sky more frequently, and Wyn swore they were hitting the ground with more of an impact. Maybe it was because they were nearing the end of the floor, but it filled him with more anxiety than he thought the third floor would give. None of the impacts seemed to ever get close to hitting someone in his or Gregory’s group, but he just couldn’t shake the feeling. Still, they fought on through more packs of Fallen and Ashen Dogs without another secondary quest showing up.

FLOOR 3

Group: 5/5

Quest: After finding an exit through the infested sewers more obstacles await. The city has succumbed to dark forces, but there is still hope. Some fight on and continue to try and protect the citizens from stronger, more numerous foes. Foes that have broken through their lines. Foes that stand in your way from the last line of defense at the city’s walls.

“What’s our strategy, here?” John asked. His hair was caked to his neck and head with sweat under his helmet, but his enhanced endurance and strength kept him from looking tired. He looked more like he was caught in the rain with his climbing gear.

“Same as before,” Wyn said. “Nothing has given us too much difficulty, thankfully. Just keep holding our front line.”

“No, I know that. I meant about advancing further.”

Wyn knew John would question it after meeting up with Gregory and his group. His friend wanted to keep impressing them by climbing higher even though they agreed to advance into the fourth floor the next day. It was only Moonday, the second day of the season. Their goal was to advance into the second tier by the end of the week which gave them four more days to climb that extra floor. It was plenty of time and a good balance of being cautious and fast. Having four weeks to climb the second tier was more than enough in Wyn’s mind, and they all agreed.

But John just couldn’t help but try for more. Wyn couldn’t blame him, but the Squire also wasn’t their leader.

Tasha must have read his mind because she stepped beside John and rested a hand on his shoulder. “I know you want to keep going but we have time. This is a solid floor to run a few times since there aren’t any traps and the monsters are manageable. Then we advance to the fourth floor Wursday. Or even Torday. We have time.”

John looked at the other group who weren’t listening, just keeping to themselves. He shook his head and spoke quietly, even if it wasn’t needed. “If I want a chance to make a good impression I think we need to try and keep going. It’s a gut feeling. And I really want to make a good impression.”

“I know you do, but I also don’t want to unnecessarily rush our progress,” Tasha said.

Wyn knew Tasha was right but didn’t blame John for speaking his mind. In fact, he was happy he did. It was better for them to voice their opinions than keep quiet and let resentment build. Going that direction usually meant people exploded with emotions.

Still, Wyn was their leader and needed to inform them of his decision.

“I’m sorry, John, but Tasha’s right,” Wyn said. “We have our month’s plan and we should stick to it. It was a bonus to meet up with them and I think we’ve already made a mark.”

“Sticking to our plan would actually be more impressive,” Marcy said, suddenly joining their conversation. “They’ll take it as a sign of commitment and not kissing ass.”

“You think so?” John asked, a hint of hope obvious in his voice.

Marcy shrugged. “Probably. I’ll tell Faye that, anyway.”

Wyn couldn’t help but be thankful at Marcy’s suggestion. He assumed her front of indifference was actually just another way to appease the Squire. It seemed to work, too.

“I appreciate that, Marcy. Really.”

Marcy patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t mention it. Besides, it was nice to catch up with her. She’s been so busy with her team and Cedric and I were forming our own that we lost touch for a bit. It’s good to reconnect.”

Wyn swore he saw a bit more interest in Marcy’s eyes talking about Faye but didn’t push it. He might be their leader but there were still some boundaries he didn’t want to cross.

Gregory, Faye, and Brett split from their group and politely interjected in their conversation.

“Our Stalker believes we’re nearing the end of the floor,” Gregory said. “I have a feeling it’ll be a bit more of a challenge since we’ve been climbing together for a good portion of the floor.”

“It doesn’t take a Stalker to know we’re close,” Marcy said.

Faye failed to suppress a laugh. “I told you she’d have something snarky to say.” Faye winked back at Marcy. The Ranger blushed.

“What do you propose then?” Wyn asked, ignoring their banter. “I’m not going to pretend we’re at the same skill or power as your group. You’ve been kind enough to let us participate so far, and we’re grateful.”

“Don’t sell yourselves short,” Gregory said. “For three rookies on their second season you three show promise. From what Faye has said about Marcy and Cedric I’ve been affirmed, not surprised. And she speaks highly of you two.”

John practically beamed with pride at the comment.

“Your words are kind,” Wyn said. “Regardless, I still don’t think even an increased challenge on the third floor would stand much of a threat to your group.”

“True, but it would be nicer to leave the floor unscathed rather than banged up,” Faye said. “If we worked together the boss will be easy. Some in our group needs to see that teamwork extends further than just your immediate group.” She eyed Brett for her last comment, but the man didn’t acknowledge the look.

“And your rewards will be better than simply watching us instead of joining,” Gregory added. “We can focus on the primary boss and your group can manage the lesser enemies.”

Wyn didn’t know how he felt about being given orders. He wasn’t in the military any more, and enjoyed the freedom he had while climbing. No orders to go here or fight there. But, Gregory had an unmeasurable amount of experience compared to Wyn as a Climber, and he was a leader in one of the better guilds. He could have simply commanded their group to do whatever he wanted and Wyn wouldn’t have been able to contest him. The fact that he was offering to share and compromising between their groups spoke more about him than anything else Wyn had seen so far.

It was an easy decision.

“That sounds more than reasonable,” Wyn said. “You can count on us to help mitigate the chaos.”

“Oooh, I like that,” Faye said while fiddling with her wooden quarterstaff. “Do you have an area of effect spell or skill you haven’t shared, yet?”

Wyn looked at the others who didn’t offer any response except for Cedric. He just nodded in confidence.

“I have a skill that covers a 10 foot area in a glyph that converts health into mana for me. Unfortunately it’ll take health from anyone, but it’s a good skill with Marcy’s trap spell.”

Brett changed from looking bored to shocked. “That’s absurd! What in the hells are you?”

Wyn smiled. “A Ruby Strategist.”

*****

Wyn could feel the tension in the air as Gregory and his group pushed to the boss. Well, bosses, technically, as the half dozen Fallen guarded the red portal behind them. The final battle was set in a large courtyard immediately inside the city’s gate. Clashes of metal, screams of pain, and yells of war could be heard behind the monsters that guarded the entrance to the next floor. It threatened to pull Wyn back to a time he didn’t want to revisit, a time with soldiers devoid of magic but full of bloodshed and pain.

But he wasn’t there anymore. He was in Alistair with his group climbing. Surrounded by a magical illusion of war that only served to distract, a tactic he refused to fall for. Taking another deep breath, he centered his mind on the current fight exactly how Daniel had coached him.

The six Fallen were similar to the large, fat monsters they’ve seen in the floor so far except for a few differences. One was that they were several feet taller and wider, and grew equally as disgusting with their sickly yellow bodies and bald heads. Unfortunately they were also stronger and wielded weapons, shown with each missed strike cracking the earth beneath them. The other was that their bodies seemed as tough as heavy armor when they absorbed blows that would have pierced or gouged the Fallen earlier in the floor.

Gregory and his group didn’t seem phased in the slightest by the change. They were systematic and precise, handling the enemies without issue.

Still, Wyn felt that something was off. He couldn’t put a finger on it and it bothered him. Marcy wasn’t reacting, though, and her perception would catch any threat with plenty of time for them to react. Maybe it was the higher number of bosses and their improved strength like Gregory said. If so, he wanted to stay clear of climbing with other groups in the future. The challenge increase was too great and too unpredictable.

“I hate waiting like this,” John said. He nearly hopped between both of his feet. “I want to do something.”

“I know, but be patient,” Wyn said. “This was our agreement.”

“Are you picking up some fighting tips?” Marcy asked. “Gregory is one of the most skilled Knights around. Just watching him should give you plenty of ideas on how to handle monsters.”

John’s eyes widened in the realization that he had, in fact, not been watching Gregory fight. He immediately locked in to study the Knight.

“All of them are impressive, honestly,” Tasha said. “Their support Climber is so fluid and prepared. His Shields are precise, and I think he’s using Invigorate on a couple of the others!”

“Invigorate?” Wyn asked.

Tasha shook her head, her curls bouncing along in her disappointment. “Really, Wyn, you should read up on the popular spells that will be available to you. It’s a third tier spell that gives a physical and magical boost while providing a low amount of healing and defense. Like a strong Regen and Arcane Aura combined with improving all your abilities.”

Wyn’s eyes widened. “That sounds ridiculously powerful!”

“It’s because it is! It uses a lot of mana but it’s one of the best support spells to get. I look forward to getting it next tier!”

“And it’s basically necessary on the higher floors with stronger enemies,” Cedric said. “Champions, bosses, even some regular enemies that are strong counters can outright kill a Climber who isn’t careful. Spells like that are needed.”

A bright yellow light flashed in the group, making all of them turn. The support Climber Tasha mentioned had created a large, arcing Shield that blocked several blows from the entire group. It had to be at least twenty feet wide. How the Climber could keep it up a spell of that magnitude for several seconds while smiling and freely talking to the others was another matter entirely.

John suddenly gasped. “Did you all see that? Gregory just bashed that Fallen’s head in like smashing fruit! That’s genius to knock down an opponent like that and get their vitals at a level that’s more reachable. He practically took its leg off with one swing!”

Wyn couldn’t help but smile at his friend’s joy of watching more experienced Climbers fight. He had to admit, though, they were right. Their group was special.

Marcy perked up and looked over to their side. She nocked an arrow and started to step away from their small huddle. “I sense something. Several things.”

John shook off his admiration and drew his sword while Tasha and Cedric stayed close to Wyn. Staying together as a group, they all slowly drifted towards the fight. Whatever was coming would likely attack anyone close. The monsters here didn’t seem as intelligent as the Lamierts from last season. But their role was to keep the weaker enemies occupied no matter what.

A rush of small Ashen Dogs came running from the edges of their courtyard on the right side. First there were four of them in a pack. Then three more appeared behind them. Their barks and growls weren’t as loud as the sounds of battle from Gregory’s group and the Fallen bosses, but they’d be annoying enough to interfere.

“Marcy, Cedric, hit ‘em first,” Wyn said.

A large rune appeared at the end of Marcy’s arrow before she released it at the rushing monsters. The arrow zipped forward while leaving a glowing blue trail behind - her water enhanced attack. When it hit the first dog and splashed over the others they all collapsed in a heap, rolling tail over head from their momentum. That was when Cedric’s lightning connected, and all that was left was a smoking pile of charred monsters.

Apparently Marcy and Cedric weren’t holding back either. These monsters weren’t terribly strong, but still.

John stepped forward and activated the spell from his boots, Earthen Tremor. The ground seemed to ripple ahead of him like a wave at sea, and the next group of dogs all tripped over themselves and were knocked to the ground from the effect. John promptly stabbed one on the ground while Cedric blasted another with a lightning spell from his scepter.

More howls and barks came from the same place where the dogs emerged. Another group was coming, though Wyn couldn’t immediately tell how many.

Marcy started to aim for one of them when she stopped and turned around. “I sense that more are coming from the other side. It’s a pinch!”

Wyn cursed under his breath. They’d need to separate if they wanted to hold all of them off. “Marcy, come with me. Tasha, keep an eye out on both our groups. If someone needs help then get a Calling up.”

“Understood,” Tasha said.

Wyn and Marcy hurried across the battlefield, focusing on reaching the other side. It wasn’t easy to ignore Gregory and his group fighting directly on their right as they crossed the field, but their experience and power served them well. They’d likely finish the bosses in minutes as long as they weren’t toying with them.

The first group of Ashen Dogs came running straight from the tower’s projected fake war and towards the Climbers. Wyn and Marcy stood in their way, ready to fight. There were five of them, and Marcy immediately readied another water spell. The moment it struck three of the dogs were killed, but two in the back kept running. Wyn decided on his Shield strategy and stepped forward to meet them, then activated the spell right as they lunged to bite him. Both of the monsters bounced off of the magical wall with pained yelps, and Wyn quickly stabbed one on the ground. Two arrows pierced and silenced the other one on the ground, and in seconds the group of five was reduced to none.

“More are coming,” Marcy said. “Both sides.”

“Cedric and John will be fine,” Wyn said. “I don’t know how many groups I can defend like this. I’m not as strong or defensive as John.”

“Then we’ll just kill them before they reach us.”

Wyn scoffed. She said it as though it was so simple.

Another group of Ashen Dogs came running at them, only four this time.

“I have an idea,” Wyn said. “Put your trap down.”

Marcy stepped several feet forward and knelt, her mark showing up on the group in a wide circle. Then, Wyn stepped forward and placed his Wellspring skill directly on top of it. Both marks clashed horribly as their images mixed, but neither seemed to dull or disappear. Next they stepped backwards to give the trap room, and Wyn checked his mark. He had more than half but not quite three quarters of his mana remaining. His regeneration was working beautifully as he was being more liberal with his spells and skills, but it still wasn’t as fast as he would have liked.

His freshly laid trap was about to solve that.

The dogs, true to their dumb nature, ran straight at Marcy and Wyn, directly over their magical runes. Both of the marks activated, and all four dogs were chained from Marcy’s spell and glowed with a faint black aura from Wyn’s skill.

He looked down at his mark. The glowing portion was steadily fading, his mana recovering at an impressive rate. The health being sapped from the monsters were giving him an impressive amount of mana for their strength. Maybe their numbers help offset the fact that they were fairly weak.

A pair of dogs came running just as fast. Except they were flaming and larger than the Ashen Dogs. Not as big as the fire dog they fought in the secret room earlier, but still stronger than the plain monsters.

Marcy readied another water arrow while Wyn waited. The arrow struck the one on the left in the front shoulder and caused it to crash into the ground, while the other one kept running. Wyn activated his Aqua Blast spell directly at its head. The spell crashed into the monster and stopped its advance, but didn’t have the same effect as Marcy’s arrow. Still, the spell was continuous while hers was a one hit effect, and the monster backed up in retreat while it suffered a geyser of damage.

Wyn kept the attack going until the dog’s flames snuffed out seconds later, then he moved the spell to hit the other dog. It didn’t take nearly as long but the spell was active for at least 15 seconds total, enough to cause a good drain on his mana. Looking down at his mark, he was stunned to see he was just under half full, and still rising. The chained dogs weren’t fighting as hard now, their life being converted to mana for Wyn.

“That’s a ridiculous skill,” Marcy said. She stood beside Wyn and looked at his mark.

“Kinda scary, too,” Faye said on his other side.

Wyn jumped from the Druid’s sudden appearance, and Faye just giggled.

“Sorry to scare you! I just had to check out your skill, though. It’s terrifying what it’s doing to those monsters.” She jabbed a finger at the group of dogs still chained and still slowly dying.

“Not as terrifying as what they could do to an unprepared Climber,” Wyn said. “I’ll take them down however I can. Benefiting from it is a bonus.”

Faye laughed and patted Wyn on the back. “Spoken like a true Climber!”

Wyn looked over and saw that Gregory was watching him and waved a hand. Their group was inspecting the area for loot, so they must have just killed the bosses. When he looked back at John and Cedric they were casually standing around talking with Tasha. They spotted him looking and started to walk over to regroup.

At least the threat was contained. And it was relatively minor, too.

“Job well done,” Gregory said, his voice as stoic and proper as ever. He sounded more like a noble in court than a Climber who just helped take down a boss. “It really was a pleasure to meet you and your group, Wyn. I hope we can stay in touch.”

“Absolutely,” John said, extending a hand and shaking Gregory’s firmly when offered. He lingered for a few seconds longer than he probably should have.

“We’ll see you around,” Faye said, winking at them. “Cedric. Marcy. It was great to catch up with you both. We should meet in our old spot Faesday evening and reminisce.”

Wyn actually saw Marcy blush again, followed by an awkward wave goodbye. He never thought he’d see that.

In seconds their group collected themselves and stepped through the now-clear portal to the fourth floor. It was quiet in the courtyard despite the sounds of an illusory war around them.

“I hope we can join their guild one day,” John said. “It would be really nice to have a community like that.”

“Like a family,” Wyn said. “I understand why you’d want to be in one. I want that, too. Having people around you that you trust and care for is special.”

John smiled and playfully punched Wyn on the shoulder. “Agreed. Like us five! So how about we take our earnings and go celebrate with a nice dinner before we kick the next floor’s ass tomorrow?”

The group laughed their way to the portal, exiting back to Alistair’s base one by one. Wyn waited last, taking one more look around. It was a strange feeling being back in war, even if it wasn’t real. A feeling he hoped to forget, but one that he realized was necessary. It was part of him, after all. Death. Ruin. Grief. At least Daniel offered an ear and a cup of tea for Wyn to share his experiences and help manage his emotions and flashbacks.

Before he stepped into the portal he thought of Arabelle and hoped she was alright. She hadn’t written him in over a week, but he knew one was coming soon. Tonight he’d eat his fill with his group, schedule a time to talk to Daniel, and write to his sister. Slowly, his second chance at life was starting to come together.