The Ruby Magician

Wyn leaned against the wall of the training hall beside the rest of his group. John was talking with some other Fighters he knew off to the side, while Marcy and Cedric were content to silently wait with Wyn. Tasha had joined John almost as soon as all of the Fighters started talking, to no one’s surprise.

What did surprise Wyn, though, was that he was actually nervous. There was something about being a Climber that gave him new anxieties despite several years of military experience hardening him. It could have been his situation of desperately needing coins, or possibly the introduction of suddenly using and being around so much magic. Regardless, he waited along with his group and an estimated hundred other Climbers for the guild trials to officially start. Today was the day they started the process of potentially joining a guild, and despite Wyn not really wanting to join, John had repeatedly mentioned that he wanted nothing more than to be part of a guild.

John was his friend, as was the rest of the group. If his friend wanted something, Wyn was going to try and help. Even if he didn’t want the same thing. He told himself this could be a good experience, facing more Climbers and ridicule for his class. His mysterious upgrade to Ruby Strategist would help curb the guaranteed mockery, but because it was a brand new class he was sure it was going to bring a lot more attention than he wanted.

But it couldn’t be helped. All Wyn could do was perform to the best of his ability. He secretly hoped they wouldn’t get a guild invitation as that would completely change the dynamics of their group and their climbing strategy, but he definitely wasn’t going to half-ass the process.

From the way Gregory and his group were talking in Alistair, the guild trials for recruitment seemed far off. They didn’t mention it was going to happen soon, let alone within a week. But when flyers were posted all around the city stating the initiation of the guild trials were set in just a few days, Wyn could hardly believe it. Everything was so rushed.

According to Faye, who told Marcy and Cedric privately during a meal soon after they reconnected, the second tier was abnormally harder than usual and the guilds decided to restrict climbing it and advancing. Apparently that wasn’t unusual, but after the same thing happened just two months prior, they wanted to be cautious.

Wyn remembered that month well. Even though he only climbed one day during the season, that was when he met the 9th floor boss who was unnaturally difficult. The witch. Or rather, the Avatar of the tower. The guilds at that time decided to restrict climbing, too.

So, to compensate for the harder second tier, the guilds decided to host their trials early.

It was seemingly a smart move from the sheer amount of people here.

A few claps in the middle of the large training hall helped silence the rowdy crowd, and a person climbing on top of some makeshift platforms began waving the lingering noise down. The person - a woman - seemed as average as someone could get, wearing basic clothes without any additional equipment. She didn’t even look like a Climber. Her brown hair was tied behind her head exposing her face, and she wore no jewelry, either. The only thing that wasn’t average about her was her voice, as it seemed to project easily over the entirety of the training hall.

“Welcome, Climbers,” the woman said, extending her arms by her side in a grand gesture. “My name is Sonya and I’ll be the host and one of the judges for the guild trials. Please welcome the other judges, all behind me!” She waved her arms to four people at her back, two men and two women.

Wyn had a strange sensation of excitement flood his body. One of the judges was Gregory. If he was one of the judges, there was a greater chance Wyn and their group would look favorable. He had left a great impression on all of them, and seemed to be a genuinely good man. Since he already knew their abilities, all they had to do was show they were consistently good and he’d likely put in a good word for them.

Well, as long as the other Climbers didn’t pose much competition. And that remained to be seen.

Wyn didn’t recognize the others, but assumed they were either the other guild leaders participating or influential to a major degree. Enough to make a decision for their guild, at least.

“You will have more opportunities to meet us and for us to get to know each of you,” Sonya continued. “But let’s move on to the rules for the coming trials, and please remain quiet so everyone can hear!”

The crowd quieted further, nearly to the point where Wyn could hear Sonya as easily as if she stood right beside him, despite being at the back of the training hall. And that was without her impressive speaking volume.

“So, yes, a few things first. The trials will be exactly one week long. We won’t be in here for the entirety of the week, but the judging will continue for seven days based on the criteria I’m about to share. Then, soon after, we will mail the results to everyone. The letter will explain everything, but if you are accepted, you’ll be notified. If more than one guild shows interest in inviting you, an additional in-person interview will be conducted over an evening dinner where you must choose by the night’s end.

“For the actual trials, they will be split into four parts - two will be individual trials, and the other two will be group trials. For the first individual trial, and the first series of events, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talent as a Climber. Melee combatants such as Fighters will be placed in a dueling tournament using only passive skills and training weapons, while ranged combatants such as ranged Rogues and Hunters will have a shooting contest in various degrees of difficulty. At the heart of every fighting Climber lies raw talent and trained skill, and a tournament is the best way to show that. Magic-based Climbers will have a unique tournament where offensive-focused Climbers will attack special training dummies and defensive-focused Climbers will defend those same dummies in a head-to-head match. More details will follow!

“The second portion of individual trials are straightforward and some of the best entertainment around - a pure display of all available skills and spells! Each Climber will be paired with training dummies to showcase your abilities to the fullest, and will be judged in several categories based on your magic, gear layout, and overall synergy. Yes, you’ll be able to use everything at your disposal to show the judges and guilds alike what you bring to the table for each guild.”

There were some murmurs in the crowd at that, but Wyn wasn’t surprised. Being able to show off in different ways was important, and tournament style competitions were always popular. He wondered if other people would be able to watch outside of everyone present, and thought it was likely. As Sonya said it was some of the best entertainment, and that likely meant more people would be invited to watch.

“As for the group trials,” Sonya continued, “each climbing group present will similarly face training dummies to not only show your individual abilities but your group’s abilities as well. Climbing isn’t an individual profession, after all, and how you work together as a group is important in both climbing the tower and being a fruitful member of a guild. So, to that end, the fourth and final trial will actually be a culmination of the week’s efforts outside of each tournament present here in the training hall. Your group will carry special parchments that track progress while climbing, and we expect every group to continue to climb during the week. Groups will be judged in this final category on how many floors you’re able to complete, the time of completion, and statistics such as mana used, potions drank, and damage taken and given. This is a new but exciting trial to push all of you to show how you manage your time and energy in the midst of expectations.”

“Damn,” Marcy said. “This is going to be a busy week.”

“I’m fine with that,” Wyn said. “I thought this was going to cut into our climbing time. At least we’re still encouraged to climb as part of the process.”

Sonya waved her arms again to settle the growing noise. “Lastly, some ground rules for the trials themselves. First, potions are allowed while climbing, but no potions will be allowed during the tournament trials! Utilize your mana well. Climbers will be on standby to heal or support if needed. Second, no changing spells or registered gear during the trials! Whatever you enter with as you sign up is what you’ll have for the entirety of the experience. Up to two outfits of gear are allowed. If you wish to change your spells, let us know during sign ups or go ahead and use one of the war rooms to adjust accordingly. Third, your standard climbing equipment will only be used when allowed. We will inform you of such times soon. Finally, please come forward and register your parchments! We need accurate information on each of you and to stamp your sheets with our magical tracking symbol. Once everyone is registered, we’ll be organizing the first trial - the melee tournament!”

There were some halfhearted cheers and claps as Sonya finally stepped down from her perch. Wyn understood why the people weren’t more excited. They were nervous. A large part of him was, as well.

John, however, was as giddy as a child who was given wonderful news. “Come on, guys! Let’s go register first! Maybe we’ll get better positions in the tournaments?”

“Doubtful,” Cedric said. “But I like the enthusiasm.”

While following his teammates, Wyn thought about what Sonya said. If he wanted to change anything he’d need to do it before officially signing up. After receiving the gift of the Ashen Gallidium Shield and using it along with the blade, he decided to use the helmet as well. The set bonus was too good to pass up, even though he just received his new hat that improved his mana recovery and magical power.

It was a necessary change. His mana recovery went from an hour and fifteen minutes up to an hour and thirty five minutes after replacing the hat, but he didn’t care. The additional abilities he received was worth it. The Ashen helmet provided the same appearance change and protective qualities, but the skill improvement was admittedly a step down. The set bonus, however, was a major step up. Pulling out his parchment, he reviewed the changes.

Improved Speed Up: Increases your speed by a moderate amount for a moderate amount of time. Slightly improves mental processing speed. Speak the skill or mentally will it to activate. Costs a smaller amount of mana.

Improved Tower’s Blessing: A gift from the Avatar of Alistair. Provides three additional spell slots that may be used from any Magician class. Two spell slots may be a second tier spell.

Ashen Gallidium Set

Set bonus: 3/6. All mana costs are reduced by a less than moderate amount, and individual item’s effects are improved by a less than moderate amount. Moderate resistance to being disarmed. All clothing and gear fit the wearer.

Wyn planned to add the second tier Elemental Weapon spell now that his Tower’s Blessing skill was somehow improved, but now that he knew he had to keep his spells he needed to add it before signing up. He still didn’t fully understand why the special skill the Avatar gave him was seemingly counted as a physical skill when it affected his spells, but he wasn’t going to complain. The additional bonus of reduced mana cost made spells easier to use, and somehow his other items stacked their bonuses even further when the item’s effect enhancement went from a small amount to a less moderate amount.

With the equipment set bonus he understood why Climbers valued sets and kept them. If the others all had set gear with set bonuses and a sixth member, completing the second tier didn’t seem like too much of a hurdle after all.

John led them past the crowd towards Sonya and the judges. Pushing past the people and folding his parchments, Wyn heard his name called out within the crowd to his right while the rest of his group continued on ahead. Looking over, he saw three familiar faces, and the friendly Rogue was the first to greet him.

The man had a few more pieces of armor but still carried two short swords on his hips. They were different weapons than before, as one had a nearly white sheen to the sheath and the other held a jade gemstone set in the hilt. His armor was different, too, being more elaborate with a dark leather base and studded accents. Still, he looked far more equipped than the last time Wyn led him and his small group through the tower.

“Devon!” Wyn said. “You look good! How’s the climbing been going?” He extended a hand and Devon eagerly shook it.

“It’s been great,” Devon said, excitement plastered all over his face. “We haven’t cleared the first tier yet, but we’ve been doing much better! Your instruction really helped us, too. We can’t thank you enough.”

Maven, the Divine Magician, and William, the Garnet Magician, each stood on either side of Devon and similarly wore more elaborate gear. They only wore a few more items that Wyn could tell were magical, but after only one season strictly climbing the first floor or two it was still impressive to see their rewards. Especially after how rough they started.

Wyn waved him off. “It’s no problem at all. I’m just happy to see you three doing well.”

Maven and William each gave a slight bow of acknowledgement. “We decided to pick up our climbing pace a bit last season,” William said. “We didn’t want to advance too fast, but we got much better running the first couple of floors over and over. The rewards and gear we found were really helpful!”

“And our new team,” Maven added. “We found some good Climbers we can trust, and we’re a good fit. We’re hoping to break through into the second tier this month.”

More Climbers came up behind the trio, and they each introduced themselves. Two of the Climbers looked like siblings as they both had the same curly brown hair and green eyes. The man, Mathias, was a little shorter than Wyn, and had shaggy hair but a friendly smile. The woman, Lynette, had longer hair like Tasha though her curls were less dense. Her smile was more reserved, but her eyes were kind. The brother had a mace on his hip and shield on his back, and the sister held a staff in her right hand.

The third person was an absolute mountain of a man. He was easily a head and a half taller than Wyn, and was so bulky with hairy arms and a black mustache he looked like a bear more than a man. He also bowed when he introduced himself, and his voice was as deep as Wyn imagined. His name was Bryce, and he was a Barbarian. He only wore a vest for armor on his chest, leaving his massive arms exposed, and a huge two-handed axe was strapped to his back.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Bryce said. “I’ve heard your name and class mentioned a time or two. It’s wonderful to hear about an actual Ruby Magician climbing, and one so experienced, no less!”

Wyn nodded in appreciation. “Thank you. But I just wanted to help, is all. So you’ve climbing the second tier, then? How long have you been climbing?”

“Four seasons,” Bryce said. “I only became a Barbarian the season before last, and then my group unfortunately dispersed. I was happy to find Devon and the others to be able to keep climbing a few weeks ago. They’ve grown a good amount in that time, and I have no doubt we’ll do well in the second tier in the coming weeks as well!”

“It’s kinda easy when you can shoulder just about any threat we face,” William said. “You and Mathias make it seem like we aren’t even there!”

Mathias shrugged. “That’s part of being the front-line fighter, I suppose. Though Bryce still takes the brunt of most threats.”

“I understand the feeling,” Wyn said. “Two of our group were second tier Climbers and made us feel a bit useless, especially at first. Now that we’re consistently climbing the second tier, it’s starting to even out a bit. So don’t stress too much.”

Maven’s head jerked to Wyn. “You’re already in the second tier? Wasn’t last month you’re first full season climbing?”

“It was, yea. But we pushed ourselves and were able to progress. Within reason, of course. Though the more rewards we get the better, in my opinion.”

Lynette snickered. “A treasure chaser. That’s typically how people lose to Alistair. Even experienced ones.”

Wyn only smiled. He wasn’t about to share his predicament with everyone here. If they wanted to believe he was only in it for greed, then so be it.

“What was your class upgrade?” Devon asked. “I’m not sure I have any idea about what a Ruby Magician could become!”

Wyn hesitated. He didn’t want to go down a rabbit hole of his new class and how it wasn’t a standard upgrade option, instead likely only given to him because he met the Avatar of Alistair. That would raise far too many questions. Thankfully, his base class was so unpopular that hardly anyone knew about it, so he hoped they’d just glaze over it.

“Ruby Strategist. It doesn’t sound like much, but I’m basically a support role for our group.”

“How do you support?” Mathias asked. “You mean like covering the rear or only killing the weaker monsters?”

Wyn tilted his head side to side. “Not exactly. More like I can do a little bit of everything. Whatever is needed for the task at hand I can help cover.”

“Sounds subpar,” Lynette said. “No offense.”

Wyn smiled. He knew people would think that way. “None taken. It works well in my group, and that’s all that matters.” Wyn wanted to say that he could recover his mana in less than two hours, or that his skill siphoned mana back to himself. Or any number of points of how he is useful and helpful to his group. Instead, he just let them wonder for themselves. He didn’t need to explain to everyone that being a Ruby Magician wasn’t a bad class. If they watched him over the course of the trials, then they’d find out for themselves.

No one answered him, not knowing what to say. Wyn inwardly sighed.

Deciding to change the subject, Wyn quickly rerouted the conversation. “But if you’re here, then that means you all are wanting to join a guild? Is that right?”

Devon nodded. “That’s right! We wanted to try our hand and see if anyone would be interested in picking us up. If not, then no harm done. But we also thought this would be good practice for us to see other Climbers fight and use strategies we might not have come up with. So we really can’t lose by being here.”

“That’s a great plan! I’m sure you all will come out better at the end no matter what. I’ll certainly be cheering for you.”

The group said their thanks and quick goodbyes, and Wyn turned to catch back up with his group. The crowd was thick, nearly shoulder to shoulder, and he didn’t see them nearby. Which wasn’t a big deal, as they were all going to the same place to register. But he felt oddly alone in a sea of Climbers. Heading towards the war room to add the Elemental Weapon spell, he became lost in a sea of thoughts.

A pang of longing for his sister hit Wyn like a brick. The last letter he read of hers wasn’t the most reassuring, as he knew something was off based on her words and phrasing. He had several letters from her and knew how she wrote. How she spoke. She hadn’t replied in nearly two weeks either, which made Wyn feel even worse. Something had to be going on, and he hated being in the dark about not knowing.

Someone tapped on his shoulder and he turned. The feeling of missing his sister immediately shifted to anger as he saw who tapped him on the shoulder.

Lucy stood there, tall and proud.

Anger bubbled inside Wyn like boiling water in a pot. “What do you want?”

Lucy scrunched her face up but thankfully kept her voice quiet. “I know you don’t want to see me -”

“Of course I don’t want to see you,” Wyn said, cutting her off. “Seeing your face reminds me of my burden. It’s not pleasant.”

“I understand. Honestly, if there’s anyone here who understands it’s me.”

Wyn turned back to head off to the war room. He really didn’t want to talk to her at the moment.

“Listen,” Lucy continued. “I won’t overstay my painfully obvious welcome. But I have news. Bad news, unfortunately.”

Wyn whipped his head around to face her. “What could possibly be worse?”

“Your father is dead. And your sister is missing.”