Chapter 11: Entering the First Floor of the Tower

The portal's light flickered briefly as Eryx and Ophis stepped onto the first floor of the Tower. A cold shiver ran down Eryx's spine as the portal closed behind them, sealing them in. The first floor was nothing like what he had imagined. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. Shadows clung to the walls of the vast, dimly lit chamber, where stone pillars reached up into an unseen ceiling. The floor was littered with debris, broken weapons, and skeletal remains—grim evidence of those who had failed before them.

Eryx tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes scanning the environment. He had expected a grand entrance, perhaps even a bustling hub filled with other challengers. Instead, it was eerily silent, save for the distant echoes of water dripping from the ceiling. It felt as though the Tower itself was watching them, waiting to see how they would fare.

Ophis floated beside him, her expression as unreadable as ever. Despite her small stature, there was an undeniable aura of power surrounding her. Eryx could feel it—a presence that sharply contrasted with the oppressive atmosphere of the floor. She remained silent, observing their surroundings with a cold, analytical gaze.

Suddenly, a soft chime echoed in the air, and a translucent panel appeared before them.

[Tower System Activated]

Welcome to the First Floor

Objective: Survive and Reach the Next Floor

Rewards: Experience Points, Stat Boosts, and Items

The panel flickered before displaying a map of the floor, marked with several points of interest. Most were labeled with ominous names like "Monster Den" and "Cursed Library." At the center of the map was their current location, marked as "Entry Point."

"Well, it seems we're not alone," Eryx muttered, his eyes narrowing as he studied the map. "Looks like there are a few others on this floor."

Ophis nodded slightly, her eyes still fixed on the map. "Their presence is irrelevant. Our goal is to ascend."

Eryx agreed, but a part of him couldn't shake the unease creeping into his thoughts. This floor was merely the beginning, and already it felt like they were stepping into the jaws of a beast. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. He spun around, sword at the ready, as a group of challengers emerged from the shadows.

They were a ragtag bunch, their armor mismatched and worn. The leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward with a grin. "Well, well, look what we have here. Fresh meat."

Eryx tightened his grip on his sword, eyes narrowing. "We don't want any trouble. We're just passing through."

The man chuckled darkly. "Passing through, eh? This floor's no place for weaklings. How about you hand over your gear and we let you go?"

Before Eryx could respond, Ophis stepped forward, her presence instantly drawing the attention of the group. Her eyes, cold and void of emotion, locked onto the leader. "Move aside," she said, her voice soft but carrying an undeniable weight of authority.

For a moment, the man hesitated, his grin faltering. But then he sneered, raising his weapon. "You think you can scare me, little girl?"

Ophis's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of power emanated from her. The air around them grew heavy, and a palpable tension filled the chamber. Eryx could see the fear in the man's eyes as he took an involuntary step back.

"That was a mistake," Eryx said, stepping in front of Ophis. "You had your chance."

With a swift motion, he lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air. The leader barely had time to react as Eryx's blade slashed across his chest, sending him crashing to the ground. The rest of the group stared in shock, but before they could react, Ophis moved.

With a wave of her hand, a ripple of energy surged through the air, striking the remaining challengers with pinpoint accuracy. They collapsed to the ground, their bodies convulsing before falling still. The chamber fell silent once more, the only sound the distant dripping of water.

Eryx let out a breath, lowering his sword. He looked over at Ophis, who simply nodded, her expression unchanged. Despite the ease with which they had dispatched the challengers, Eryx couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.

"We need to keep moving," he said, glancing back at the map. "There's a safe zone nearby. We can rest there and plan our next move."

Ophis nodded, and together they began their journey deeper into the first floor of the Tower. As they moved, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to intensify. The walls seemed to close in around them, and the shadows grew darker, more sinister. But Eryx refused to let fear take hold. He had come too far to back down now.

After what felt like hours of walking, they finally reached the safe zone. It was a small chamber, the air warmer and more breathable. A soft, glowing light emanated from the walls, providing a sense of calm that contrasted sharply with the rest of the floor.

Eryx sat down, leaning against the wall as he caught his breath. "We've made it this far," he said, looking over at Ophis. "But I get the feeling things are only going to get harder from here."

Ophis remained standing, her gaze distant. "This Tower… it's not just a place. It's alive. It will test us in ways we cannot yet imagine."

Eryx nodded, knowing she was right. The first floor was merely an introduction, a taste of what was to come. But if they were going to survive, they would need to grow stronger—together.

As Eryx and Ophis rested in the safe zone, the Tower's oppressive aura seemed to ease slightly, though not entirely dissipating. The faint glow emanating from the walls provided some warmth, but the air remained charged with tension. Every sound, every breath, felt magnified in the stillness, reminding Eryx that they were far from any true safety.

Eryx took the opportunity to open his status panel, something he had not checked since entering the Tower.

[Eryx's Status]

Name: Eryx

Level: 20

Base Stats:

Strength: 80

Dexterity: 75

Endurance: 72

Intelligence: 85

Wisdom: 80

Agility: 78

Mana: 50

Hidden Stats:

Void Affinity: 82

Enhances effectiveness of void-based skills and resistance to void-related attacks.

Spatial Awareness: 76

Improves perception and manipulation of spatial distortions and energy flows.

Concentration: 79

Increases focus during complex tasks and resistance to mental distractions.

Willpower: 80

Boosts mental resilience and determination, especially under stress.

Luck: 30

Slightly increases chances of favorable outcomes in uncertain situations.

Skills:

Swordsmanship (Advanced): 80/100

Expertise in melee combat using various swords, allowing for precise and powerful attacks.

Void Vortex

Conjures a swirling mass of void energy that can be directed offensively or defensively.

Effect: Distorts space and energy; can unleash powerful blasts or form protective barriers.

Mana Cost: Moderate

Cooldown: 30 seconds

Void Barrier

Generates a shield of concentrated void energy around the user.

Effect: Absorbs and deflects incoming attacks; reduces damage by 50%.

Mana Cost: High (continuous while active)

Cooldown: 20 seconds

Void Manipulation

Allows precise control over void energy for various applications.

Effect: Alters trajectory and potency of void-based attacks; enables creative use of void energy.

Mana Cost: Low

Cooldown: None

Battle Instincts (Passive)

Heightens reflexes and awareness during combat situations.

Effect: Improves reaction time and anticipatory movements against opponents.

Mana Control (Intermediate): 50/100

Enhances the ability to harness and regulate mana efficiently.

Effect: Improves spellcasting efficiency and reduces mana wastage.

Unyielding Resolve

A surge of strength and endurance activated under dire circumstances.

Effect: Increases Strength and Endurance by 20% when health drops below 30%.

Duration: 2 minutes

Cooldown: 1 hour

Ophis, noticing Eryx's contemplation, floated over to him. "Your stats are improving, but you're still lacking in areas that will be crucial later on," she observed, her tone clinical.

Eryx nodded, understanding the underlying warning in her words. "I'll need to find ways to increase my intelligence and mana," he agreed. "There's no point in just being strong if I can't adapt to the magical threats we might face."

Ophis regarded him with her usual unreadable expression. "The Tower rewards those who seek balance. If you rely solely on brute strength, you'll find yourself overwhelmed. However, if you cultivate your mind and refine your control over mana, you'll unlock greater potential."

Her words carried a weight that made Eryx feel like he was receiving a lesson from a mentor rather than a companion. He knew Ophis was right—survival in the Tower demanded more than just physical prowess.

As they sat in silence, the air around them began to shimmer, and a soft chime echoed once more, signaling the arrival of a new system message.

[New Quest: Conquer the First Floor]

Objective: Reach the exit and defeat the Floor Guardian.

Rewards: Experience Points, Stat Increases, and a Unique Item.

Eryx read the quest details and glanced at Ophis. "The Floor Guardian… that's going to be our real challenge."

Ophis nodded, her expression unchanging. "The Guardian will test us. It is not merely a creature to be defeated but a force that embodies the essence of this floor."

Eryx stood, feeling the tension in his muscles from the earlier skirmish. "Then we'd better be prepared. I doubt the Guardian will give us any second chances."

With their rest over, the two of them set off once again, navigating the labyrinthine passages of the first floor. The further they went, the darker and more oppressive the environment became. The air grew thick with a foul stench, and the walls seemed to pulse as if they were alive. Strange, distorted sounds echoed through the corridors, making it difficult to determine what was real and what was a trick of the Tower.

As they walked, Ophis suddenly stopped, her eyes narrowing. "Something is coming."

Before Eryx could react, a horde of twisted, grotesque creatures emerged from the shadows. Their bodies were a nightmarish amalgamation of various beasts, with limbs and heads that seemed randomly stitched together. They moved with unnatural speed, their glowing red eyes locked onto Eryx and Ophis.

Eryx drew his sword, his heart pounding in his chest. "Get ready!"

The creatures lunged at them with a ferocity that took Eryx by surprise. He barely managed to parry the first attack, his sword clashing against the razor-sharp claws of one of the monsters. The impact sent a jolt through his arm, but he gritted his teeth and pushed back, slashing through the creature's torso.

Ophis, on the other hand, moved with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior. Her attacks were swift and devastating, each strike perfectly calculated. She didn't need to dodge or block—every move she made was an offense, and every offense was lethal. The creatures didn't stand a chance against her, their bodies crumbling to dust with each blow.

But there were so many of them. For every creature they cut down, two more seemed to take its place. Eryx found himself being pushed back, his movements growing more frantic as he struggled to keep up with the relentless assault. His sword was a blur, slicing through flesh and bone, but the sheer numbers were overwhelming.

"Ophis, there's too many!" Eryx shouted, his voice strained with effort.

Ophis, seemingly unbothered by the increasing numbers, raised her hand. A pulse of energy radiated from her, sending the creatures flying backward. For a moment, the horde was stunned, giving Eryx a brief reprieve.

"We need to move," Ophis said calmly. "They'll keep coming if we stay here."

Eryx nodded, panting heavily. "Right. Let's go."

They broke into a run, leaving the horde behind as they navigated the twisting corridors. The sounds of the creatures chasing them echoed in the distance, growing fainter with each step. But Eryx knew they couldn't keep running forever. Eventually, they would have to face whatever awaited them at the end of this floor.

Finally, after what felt like hours of running, they arrived at a large, ornate door. The door was covered in intricate carvings depicting scenes of battle and conquest, and at its center was a large, glowing gem.

"This must be it," Eryx said, catching his breath. "The Guardian's chamber."

Ophis examined the door with a critical eye. "The Guardian will be unlike anything we've faced so far. Be prepared for a battle that will push us to our limits."

Eryx tightened his grip on his sword, his resolve hardening. "I'm ready."

With a nod from Ophis, they both approached the door. As they got closer, the gem in the center began to pulse with a bright light, and the door slowly creaked open, revealing a vast, dark chamber beyond.

Taking a deep breath, Eryx stepped forward into the darkness, Ophis close behind him. The moment they crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut behind them, sealing them inside.

The chamber was vast, the ceiling lost in shadow. In the center of the room, a massive figure loomed, its eyes glowing like embers in the darkness. The Guardian was a hulking beast, covered in thick, armored scales that glinted in the dim light. Its claws were as long as swords, and its maw was filled with razor-sharp teeth.

The Guardian let out a low, rumbling growl as it stepped forward, each movement causing the ground to tremble. Eryx could feel the sheer power radiating from the creature, and he knew that this battle would be their greatest challenge yet.

Drawing his sword, Eryx took a deep breath and settled into a fighting stance. "Here we go."

The Guardian roared, and the battle began.