Chapter 6: Preparation and Progress

The portal to the Second Floor loomed in the distance, an ethereal gateway beckoning Aric Valen forward. Yet, he held back. Rushing into unknown challenges without preparation was a mistake he couldn't afford. The First Floor, though cleared of its Guardian, still held untapped resources and opportunities.

Aric took a deep breath. "First, we plan. Then we act."

Gathering Intel

Aric returned to the resting area near the Nexus Hub, where challengers exchanged information, traded items, and prepared for their next moves. The Nexus System's voice greeted him as he approached.

[Welcome, Aric Valen.]

[Achievements recognized. Access granted to the following services: Information, Trade, and Training.]

Selecting Information, Aric brought up a detailed map of the First Floor. Markers highlighted uncharted areas, hidden resources, and potential points of interest.

"Scout," Aric said, turning to one of his four clones, "I want every inch of this floor mapped. Focus on resource-rich areas and anything unusual—traps, hidden chambers, or creatures we missed."

The Scout clone nodded and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Aric to focus on the next steps.

Strategic Organization

Back at his makeshift base, Aric opened his inventory, meticulously sorting through his resources. The battle with the First Guardian had been taxing, depleting his potions and revealing weaknesses in his gear.

Among his spoils was the Guardian's Core, a glowing orb that radiated raw power. Its description intrigued him.

Guardian's Core

Type: Crafting Material

Effect: Used to forge unique weapons, armor, or enhancements.

"Strategist, analyze this," Aric instructed another clone. "Find out how we can use it to maximize its potential."

The Strategist immediately accessed the Nexus System, sifting through crafting recipes and possible applications. Meanwhile, Aric's attention shifted to his status window.

Aric Valen's Status

Level: 6 (XP: 2200/800 → XP overflow: 1400/1600)

HP: 900/900

MP: 600/600

SP: 700/700

"Level 7 already," Aric mused. "And I've been holding off summoning clones for too long."

With a sharp motion of his hand, Aric activated Infinite Creation, summoning three more clones to match his level.

Clones Available: 7

Roles Assigned:

Defender: Tank and shield bearer. Warrior: Melee specialist. Strategist: Tactician and analyst. Scout: Reconnaissance and ranged support. Artisan: Crafting and resource management. Mage: Offensive spellcaster. Rogue: Stealth specialist and lockpicker.

With seven clones at his disposal, Aric was ready to tackle any challenge.

New Titles and Skills

Aric opened another notification, displaying the titles earned from defeating the Guardian.

[Titles Earned:]

Guardian Slayer: Increases damage against large enemies by 10%.

Strategist's Edge: Enhances tactical skills and critical thinking during battles.

Equipping Guardian Slayer, Aric felt a surge of power. Next, he examined the Rare Skill Scroll obtained from the Guardian.

Choose a Skill:

Molten Cleave (Rare): A devastating melee strike that deals burn damage. Guardian's Will (Rare): Temporarily increases defense and grants immunity to knockback. Adaptive Tactics (Rare): Increases efficiency against unknown enemies.

"Adaptive Tactics," Aric decided. Versatility was key, especially with the Tower's unpredictability.

Exploration and Discovery

The Scout returned with promising news. "Two unmarked ruins and a hidden dungeon," it reported, handing Aric a detailed map.

"Artisan, focus on crafting new potions and gear from the materials we've collected," Aric ordered. "Mage, prepare offensive spells. Everyone else, with me."

The group moved out, their destination set for the ruins.

The Forgotten Ruins

The first ruin was an ancient temple, sealed by a glowing barrier inscribed with arcane runes.

[Trial of the Mind]

[Difficulty: Hard]

[Objective: Solve the puzzle to access the treasure.]

"Strategist, your turn," Aric said, stepping aside.

The Strategist clone analyzed the runes, carefully rearranging them into a coherent pattern. After several tense minutes, the barrier dissolved, revealing a treasure chest. Inside was a Runed Amulet, an artifact that boosted mana regeneration.

"Perfect for the Mage," Aric noted, passing the amulet to the spellcaster.

The Hidden Dungeon

Their next destination was a dungeon hidden beneath a waterfall, unmarked on the Nexus map.

[You have entered the Hidden Dungeon: Cavern of Shadows.]

[Difficulty: Nightmare]

The air grew colder as they descended into the maze of dark tunnels. Shadowy creatures attacked relentlessly, their movements swift and unpredictable. Aric's team coordinated flawlessly, each clone playing their role to perfection.

The Mage's fire spells illuminated the tunnels, revealing weak points in the enemies' shifting forms. After hours of combat, they reached the dungeon's final chamber.

[Boss: Shadow Wraith]

[HP: 5,000]

[Skills: Shadow Bind, Fear Aura, Soul Drain]

The Shadow Wraith's presence was overwhelming, its aura inducing fear in even the bravest challengers. But Aric stood firm.

"Defender, hold its attention. Warrior and Rogue, focus on its legs. Mage, keep hitting it with fire spells. Strategist, call out patterns."

The battle was grueling, but teamwork prevailed. The Shadow Wraith dissolved into smoke, leaving behind its rewards.

[Dungeon Cleared.]

[Rewards: Shadow Essence (Crafting Material), Wraith Cloak (Armor), 2,000 XP.]

The XP gain pushed Aric to Level 8.

Aric Valen's Status

Level: 8 (XP: 1800/3200)

HP: 1,100/1,100

MP: 750/750

SP: 900/900

Summoning his eighth clone, Aric now had a complete team capable of handling even greater challenges.

Final Preparations

Back at the Nexus Hub, Aric reviewed their progress. They had acquired new gear, leveled up, and honed their teamwork.

"Let's move," Aric said, turning to his clones. "The Second Floor awaits."

With renewed determination, he stepped into the portal, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

End of Chapter 6