Chapter 7: The Second Floor – A New Trial

The portal shimmered as Aric Valen stepped through, his eyes narrowing in anticipation. The Second Floor greeted him with an eerie silence. The environment had shifted drastically from the First Floor's vast open spaces. Here, towering trees with glowing leaves stretched towards a darkened sky, casting long, foreboding shadows. A sense of oppressive weight hung in the air, as if the very land was alive and watching.

Aric took a slow, deliberate breath and activated his Infinite Creation ability, summoning his clones to match the new environment.

Clones Available: 8

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. Explorer: Support and exploration roles.

"Strategist," Aric began, "scan the area. I don't like how still it is. We need to find any hidden traps or creatures before we proceed."

The Strategist clone nodded and immediately began to scan the area, analyzing the dense foliage, the peculiar terrain, and the distant horizon. The others spread out, keeping formation as they moved deeper into the forest.

The Mage began muttering under his breath, preparing spells, while the Rogue vanished into the shadows, scouting ahead for any signs of danger.

As they ventured deeper, Aric felt the oppressive atmosphere grow heavier, the shadows growing longer, and the air growing colder. Then, without warning, a low growl echoed through the trees.

[Enemies Approaching]

HP: 1,200 / 1,200

Skills: Poison Fang, Frenzy, Ambush

The Defender raised his shield, his muscles tensing as he stood ready. The Warrior drew his sword, his eyes focused, waiting for the first movement from the trees.

Suddenly, from the thick underbrush, a pack of Venom Wolves emerged, their glowing eyes fixed on Aric's group. The air shimmered with tension as the creatures lunged forward, snapping their jaws.

"Defender, take the front! Warrior and Rogue, engage the flanks. Mage, prepare to cast your strongest fire spell," Aric commanded, his voice steady and focused.

Before the battle commenced, Aric quickly checked his status window to evaluate his readiness.

Aric Valen's Status at Level 8

Level: 8 (XP: 1800/3200)

HP: 1,000/1,000

MP: 700/700

SP: 800/800

Atk: 190

Def: 130

Agi: 100

Luck: 40

Skills:

Infinite Creation: Allows the creation of abilities, items, and clones. Guardian Slayer: Increases damage against large enemies by 10%. Strategist's Edge: Enhances tactical skills and critical thinking during battles. Adaptive Tactics: Increases efficiency against unknown enemies. Crimson Slash (lv. 3) Phantom Dash (lv. 2) Iron Aegis (lv. 2) Blade Storm (lv. 2) Frost Ward (lv. 1)

Aric's focus sharpened. Everything was in order. He had the resources, the clones, and the battle strategy. His power and skills were growing quickly, but he couldn't afford to underestimate the enemies of the Tower.

The Venom Wolves charged, their claws scraping against the ground as they closed the distance.

"Now!" Aric shouted.

The Defender held his ground, his shield raised to block the first strike. A Venom Wolf launched itself at him, but with a deft maneuver, the Defender knocked it aside with a shield bash, sending it sprawling across the ground.

The Warrior was quick to respond, his sword slashing through the air and cleaving another wolf in half. Meanwhile, the Rogue darted between shadows, striking from the blind spots with her daggers, crippling a third wolf before it even had a chance to react.

The Mage, standing back, raised his hands, and fire erupted from his fingertips, scorching the fur of one of the larger wolves. The flames momentarily blinded the creature, allowing the Warrior to land a decisive blow.

Aric's Strategist clone called out observations, "The wolves use speed to overwhelm their targets. Divide and conquer them with precision."

Aric nodded, signaling the team to keep up the assault. The Artisan and Explorer kept to the rear, monitoring the battlefield and ensuring there were no unexpected surprises.

The battle was intense, but with precise teamwork, the pack of Venom Wolves was eventually overwhelmed. The final wolf fell, its body twitching in the aftermath.

[Battle Cleared]

Rewards:

Venom Wolf Fang (Crafting Material)

Venom Pelt (Crafting Material)

2600 XP

Aric quickly checked his status window once more, taking note of the increased XP gain and the changes to his own attributes.

Aric Valen's Status at Level 9

Level: 9 (XP: 1200/4000)

HP: 1,100/1,100

MP: 750/750

SP: 850/850

Atk: 210

Def: 140

Agi: 110

Luck: 45

"Excellent," Aric muttered to himself, feeling the rush of power. He had just cleared a tough battle with minimal injuries. His Defender clone had taken some damage, but nothing that couldn't be healed with potions.

Turning his attention to the spoils of battle, Aric ordered the Artisan to gather the materials for crafting. The Venom Wolf Fang and Venom Pelt could be used to create poison-resistant armor or deadly weapons.

"Let's move forward," Aric said, turning toward the forest's depths. "There's more to this floor than just a fight."

With his clones at the ready, Aric advanced deeper into the forest, each step bringing him closer to the challenges that lay ahead.

End of Chapter 7