Chapter 18 - Floor 5: Arena, Shops, Guardians
Floor 5: Goblin's Arena
Threat Level: H - F
You have stepped foot in the Goblin's Arena, fight in the arena to win glory, prizes, and wealth, compete with your fellow climbers or against them. This is for sport, Violence and Bloodshed! Shops are available at the goblin's stalls if anything suits you. Be warned for if you attack neutral parties, Guardians will descend upon you.
Stepping out into the light of a small city block, this floor has an entire City with a economy itself that revolves around the Arena. Tower Residents, Climbers, all congregate into area's like these in the Towers. Some floors seemingly being treated to different sets of rules promoting a cooperative environment, or Civilization of some type. One of the unique aspects about places like this floor's Arena that makes it have such an allure is that death here doesn't seem to be permanent, when fighting in the arena you have a choice to fight to the death or have a safety net, where the moment you take "fatal" damage you are teleported out of the fight, all injuries healed. Even if it's something like decapitation you would walk away as if nothing happened, though it does lock you out from fighting in the Arena for 24 Hrs due to the "death". Due to this some Climbers that are in the City of Alabaster use the Arena as a form of income for day to day life, since fighting in the arena is can be a non-risk. Those who choose to do so, are mostly those who have given up on climbing the Tower. It is a decent amount of money you can earn from the arena, but to actually continue getting stronger, accumulating more power you must push on.
'Ah that reminds me of the warning against attacking neutral parties, and Guardians.' Floor 5 is usually the first unique floor most Towers around the world have and from the historical data for the Towers themselves it is the floor when Guardians started to be seen first at. Ages ago when these floors were first explored, the first groups had disregarded the Tower's warnings when they tried to rob and slaughter residents of the Tower on these floors. This lead to the death of low and high ranked climbers alike the highest being a group of A Rankers, was slaughtered by the beings called Guardians that appeared out of nowhere. These Guardians defied the seemingly laws of nature and resurrected the dead residents that was slaughtered by these climbers while torturing the Climbers responsible. To be honest they would be interesting to see for myself just for a first interaction however, with all the peculiarities that have happened since I started my climb, maybe I don't want to come across any. From hearsay supposedly some are emotionless robots, but I have heard some of guardians having crazy quirks or a uniqueness, never know if you will get one that will destroy your existence just from how you looked at someone.
'The shops prospect is definitely a interesting point, I got the coin to burn right now. Hopefully I can find something nice and not get something weird.' a sigh escapes my lips as I look down both directions on the street. Directly in front of me maybe 20 to 30 feet is the Arena itself, it looks reminiscent of a large stone circular structure from one of the other timelines I've seen before.
--- Unknown Coliseum ---
"For the glory of the Roman Empire, For the glory of your Emperor, Long May He Reign!" a voice booms out over the arena, gritty sand grinds beneath my bare feet, the sword in my hand chipped and ragged from use. Raising a fist in the air, the voices of the crowd making my blood boil. A lion lays on the floor bleeding out. A large gash going down the front of my chest.
The memory fades away, easily. 'At least that one didn't knock me around. One of the most benign ones I've had in awhile.' Rubbing the back of my head I turn looking at the various signs around the main plaza that the floor 4 stairs drop you at. 'Guild, Ah Shops..' heading in the direction that the Shop sign pointed, I start to hear the hustle and bustle of a city at work. Races of all types selling various goods, Tower drops from different mobs, crafted goods, food, clothes, weapons you name it was being supplied by the shops around. Deciding to check out the first stall I pass that had necklaces and rings, I stop in front of a beastwoman stall owner, she is 6ft, lean muscled with most of her body exposed, a simple wrap covering her chest and leather shorts, a pair of violet eyes slitted like a cat, she has a pair of cat-like ears on the top of her head that are tan in color with stripes and spots covering them. Staring at the stall owner, for more than appropriate apparently, she rounds on me, "Unless you looking to fight or claim as a mate, stop staring so intensely." My eyes widen slightly. "Ah, my apologies, didn't mean to cause issues, your ears fascinated me." looking me in the eyes, she snorts slightly, "As long as you know." nodding my head, "Again apologies, though fight or mate?" she looks at me for a second, "Ah, you must have confused me for a regular beastwoman. During a beastmans or beastwomans climb, depending on racial upgrade can evolve them to a higher tier race, due to the amount of fights I chose my path as a Warbeast." her eyes narrow at me. "And that ups the nature of aggressiveness unfortunately. We can take anything as a challenge in some way shape or form which is either a Fight or Mate usually." she looks away for a moment, after collecting herself she looks back at me. "Anyways, What can I help you with? Do you already have [Inspect] or do you need me to show you the item information, all are crafted by someone in my pack."
Looking down at the objects she has on display, three rings, two necklaces. All of them have little placards with prices in front of them in small swooping letters. the rings being 2,000 TC, 2,500 TC, 1,500 TC respectively while the two necklaces had a massive price jump of 12,500 and 8,750. 'I'll try not to judge until i can see the effects, though they are out of my price range. Thought I had a decent little stack of coin.' Looking at the individual pieces with inspect the info comes up quickly.
Necklace of Strength
Description: A necklace crafted by a Warbeast Craftsman Xianu. The solid concept of strength is embodied on the necklace. In both resiliency and power. There are minor runic lettering along the necklaces chain and main ornament which is interlinking curled circles.
Priced: 8,750 TC
Grade: Rare
Defense: 10
Durability: 100/100
Strength: 10
Necklace of the Mind and Soul
Description: A necklace crafted by a Warbeast Craftsman Xi'xu. One of their best works with the more abstract concepts there are minor runic lettering along the necklaces chain and main ornament which is a paw with three claw marks in it.
Priced: 12,500 TC
Grade: Rare
Mental Defense: 15
Durability: 100/100
Soul Defense: 5
Ring of Minor Agility
Description: A nondescript ring crafted by a Warbeast Craftsman Xi'xu. One of common works with physical concepts there are minor runic lettering along the ring.
Priced: 1,500 TC
Grade: Uncommon
Defense: 4
Durability: 100/100
Agility: 5
Ring of Minor Dexterity
Description: A nondescript ring crafted by a Warbeast Craftsman Xi'xu. One of common works with physical concepts there are minor runic lettering along the ring.
Priced: 2,000 TC
Grade: Uncommon
Defense: 2
Durability: 100/100
Dexterity: 7
Ring of Minor Strength and Endurance
Description: A dual layered ring crafted by a Warbeast Craftsman Xianu. An uncommon conjunction with a dual layering has given it aspects of Strength and Endurance. There are minor runic lettering along the dual bands intertwined.
Priced: 2,500 TC
Grade: Uncommon
Strength: 4
Durability: 100/100
Endurance: 3
"These are fine works of craftsmanship." the compliment easily falling out of my mouth I look up at the stall owner, "How much for the Combo Ring?" she eyes me, then looks to the little placard tapping it with a finger. I frown and say, "No budging?" she glowers at me a little before shaking her head. "These prices were determined by the craftsman, honestly I only got this job as a punishment for savagely beating down a pursuer. Not my fault he couldn't handle me." She looks away in a huff. Chuckling lightly nodding my head. "You seem to be a fierce woman no doubt." she looks back at me, "Being a charmer won't get you a discount." she laughs out loud at me. "Maybe.. At least you entertained me." A loud crash interrupts us as someone screams, "Who do you think you are messing with you inferior creature!" a scream issues once more as someone flies past behind me, a split second decision. 'Kindness, Continue it.. for my sake.' words flow through my brain, the Dark that I have been keeping in close proximity to my body, so as not to unintentionally offend anyone surges as the body is almost past me a curtain coming around the body, embracing it, cushioning the impact it would have received bringing it to a stop behind me. The stall owner instantly had her fists up in my direction and had taken two steps back, while the crowd around us has gone silent. Finally turning my head I look back at who or what I caught. It's another beast-like race this one a lot smaller than the Warbeast in front of me. Her black bunny ears flicker in all directions as she stares around wildly, blood dripping from her lip. Black eyes stare up at me framed by black hair, her features are more anthropomorphic as she has a bunny nose and facial features. Her eyes stare at me, I smile down at her being cradled slightly in my shadow. "You alright?" she seems scared, as she stiffens when I talk to her, but slowly seems to relax as my shadow slowly brings her to her feet allowing her to stand on her own.
Turning my head, towards where she flew from, I see a man standing there, he has a main of fur around his neck area, shirtless, lion features are predominant. Voices around us, start whispering in low voices. "He is screwed, attacking someone on this floor." another replies, "Did anyone see a Guardian nearby?" "Don't they just appear when something occurs?" an older looking climber, "Sometimes, other times it kind of like the police, coming after the fact to deliver judgement. They always find out though."
The Lion man apparently undeterred shouts out, "I ain't scared of no Guardians, Those pissants can't even touch me, I AM A FAVORED!" a symbol glows on the lion man's right shoulder, a Scale that has skull and hammer on it. Voices around us change slightly, "A Favored? here? Must be newly chosen. That arrogance is gunna-" "A Favored?, Can't touch you can we? You are but a Favored, chosen by someone who has-.... yes, yes, rules in place... punishment as necessary however yes.." A voice speaks from behind the Lion man seemingly to the Lion man at first then to himself. The Lion man turns and I see who was speaking, the speaker oddly resembles the girl that I stopped mid-flight, same features, bigger build though, and he has dual horns curving around the top of his head around his ears pointing backwards. His eyes are the most striking blood orbs on black fur.
The stall owner next to me mutters, "Fuck Killer Rabbit.. need to leave wasn't here." She quickly starts to pack her things away, which it seems most of the stalls on the road are doing. Looking at the man dubbed "Killer Rabbit" by those around me I frown, as one minute he was standing beside the Lion, the next he was in front of me, looking me up and down, even with some of my memories unsealed, alternate timelines, worlds, this man screamed danger for me right now. There was something brutal and savage underneath his gentleman demeanor. He was wearing a suit, he smiles, "Good catch, and thank you for the assistance, would have been a hassle to heal if she impacted somewhere, not my specialty and all." a feral grin comes to his face, not looking right somehow on the face of a person from a bunny race. He taps the girl on the forehead, a wave of red rippling down her as the cut on her lip scabs over before flaking off. The suddenly silent Lion man, turns back, "Filthy lowly creatures such as the Viera shall bow before their superiors, Leonin like myself! Especially a Favored even more!" a cold feeling rips down the street flooding everyone with a feeling of danger. "Idiot.." the word slips out loudly from my mouth. The cold feeling stops instantly, the "Killer Rabbit" in front of me bursts out laughing to the dumbfounded looks of every single person on the street. Looking at the Leonin, "A being who is very much your superior in not only power stands before you as the same race you so disdain. Any and all can climb the ladder of power. Even idiots such as you."
The "Killer Rabbit" looks at me appraisingly, as he nods, "Quite right, I look forward to your climb, Young Nihr." he turns his head looking at the Leonin, "However your climb has come to an end. Enslavement to the Arena until your sentence is worked off or dead." a snap of the rabbits fingers and the Leonin is gone, the crowd around us seems highly surprised. "He didn't slaughter the perpetrator?" "No bloodbath?" "What is wrong with "Killer Rabbit"?" His head snaps in the direction of the last words. "Killer Rabbit this Killer Rabbit that Good Gods you people are unimaginative." He turns to me and grins a feral grin once more, "For the climb in the end. Eh friend." a blink at the end of his words and he is gone.
Turning to the girl I find she is also gone. "Hmm, alright then." blinking away the odd interaction I turn back to the stall owner who is.. gone. "Sigh and here I was hoping to get that ring." shrugging and turning around I decide to check out some shops around the area see if I could find anything of note that would be of use. Seems I had managed to find one of the highest priced stalls when I first entered the Shop District.
Spending some time browsing the shops and their wares.
~Two hours later~
After finding everything that seemed to be useful to myself, I had sold and replaced all my iron gear with reinforced leather gear of superior quality, didn't lose any defense even with the change to leather gear due to the materials used in its crafting. And it gave my a nice boost to flexibility due to leathers inherent breathability and malleable nature. Walking out of the shop district I found myself a climber run inn, just near the Guild building. Which I would check tomorrow after a good rest.
Coming up to the door to an inn called The Lurid Argon. I walk through cantina doors calmly without little fanfare everyone in the main bar room drinking, relaxing, I could hear a few telling stories of things they come across, how they fought. A bard dressed in a flamboyant outfit is singing off to the side of the bar near a illusionary fireplace. A loud woosh sounds out as a beer mug hits the bard in the face, the timing perfect where a small interruption in the music was necessary. "What did I tell you about conjuring Illusions in my Bar, Iggy!" the bard catches the falling mug that somehow retained its liquid, "A bard without his illusions isn't a bard at all Luri dear!" Iggy the bard calls back. Going right back to singing and dancing and telling jokes.
Walking up to the bar counter, I sit there, "Nothing alcoholic or to keep me awake, need a room for the night." I ask the woman manning the bar. She nods while cleaning glasses and filling orders all at the same time, without missing a beat, "For one person, one night, 25." raising a hand over the counter I concentrate on the currency I have willing 25 coins to drop. A clink of coins sounds as a neat pile stacked is left on the counter. She waves her hand over them as they disappear. She tosses a key out of nowhere onto the counter in front of me while gliding a beer to the other end of the counter to a monk. "Have a nice night, if you get hungry, the kitchen is always open, just order to whoever's available, your room its 2F15, second floor left side down the hall, amenities are in the rooms." Nodding my head gratefully.
With a smile on my face, I leave the bar and head up the stairs for a well deserved rest.
[New Gear Bought in Shop District]
Total Cost: 858 Tower Coins After Haggling.
Reinforced Leather Tunic
Description: A leather tunic crafted from ogre hide, resilient and flexible. Provides adequate protection from blunt and cutting. Reinforced with metal plates
Grade: Uncommon
Defense: 20
Durability: 100/100
Reinforced Leather Leggings
Description: A pair of leather leggings crafted from ogre hide, resilient and flexible. Provides adequate protection from blunt and cutting. Reinforced with metal plates.
Grade: Uncommon
Defense: 15
Durability: 100/100
Reinforced Leather Armguards
Description: A pair of leather armguards crafted from ogre hide, resilient and flexible. Provides adequate protection from blunt and cutting. Reinforced with metal plates.
Grade: Uncommon
Defense: 10
Durability: 100/100
Reinforced Leather Boots
Description: A pair of leather boots crafted from ogre hide, resilient and flexible. Provides adequate protection from blunt and cutting. Reinforced with metal plates.
Grade: Uncommon
Defense: 10
Durability: 100/100