Chapter 13: The First of Many Trials

Chapter 13: The First of Many Trials

The air in the Tower thickened as Aric and his clones descended deeper, past the walls of the Dragon Ruins and into the uncharted expanse that stretched beyond. Every floor he had ascended was a reminder of the Tower's increasing difficulty and danger. But with his new power, he felt ready—his clones, honed to perfection, would carry him through whatever trials lay ahead.

As they ventured through the dimly lit corridors, Aric's mind worked furiously. His clones were his greatest asset, but it was their synergy—how their abilities would work in unison—that would determine their success. He could feel the weight of each decision, knowing that every move mattered.

"We are approaching the next gate," Aric said softly to his clones, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

The gate loomed ahead, a massive archway engraved with ancient symbols that pulsed faintly with energy. Beyond it lay the first major trial of this floor—one that would test his tactical acumen more than ever before.

The group halted in front of the gate, their presence already alerting whatever force guarded this section of the Tower. Aric looked at his clones, his mind already calculating the most efficient course of action.

"Warlord Clone, Mage Clone, and Defender Clone, you'll take the front. Tank Clone, position yourself just behind, ready to absorb any incoming damage. The rest of you—stay in position and be prepared to adapt."

His clones nodded, their expressions unwavering as they assumed their roles. The Celestial Overlord clone hovered slightly behind, its aura radiating a divine presence that instilled confidence in the group.

The Gate Opens

Without warning, the gate swung open, revealing a large arena bathed in an eerie red light. The air crackled with energy, and the ground trembled underfoot. Before them stood a powerful Guardian, towering over them in its massive armored form, flanked by several lesser minions that writhed and hissed as they approached.

The Guardian was a sight to behold—its armor gleamed like molten steel, and its eyes burned with a fiery intensity. It was clearly not a simple creature; this was a foe worthy of the Tower's higher floors. The lesser minions were no slouches either, their grotesque forms dripping with venom and malice.

Aric's mind raced as he surveyed the battlefield. The Guardian was the primary threat, but the minions would be a constant nuisance if left unchecked.

The Battle Begins

"Clones, formation," Aric barked.

Warlord Clone led the charge, its massive sword raised high as it charged directly toward the Guardian. The earth trembled with each step, its power emanating through the ground as it bore down on the foe. Mage Clone immediately cast a barrage of ice spells, encasing several of the lesser minions in frozen prisons. Meanwhile, Defender Clone raised its shield, positioning itself beside Warlord Clone to absorb any retaliatory blows.

Aric's instincts flared, and he focused on the battle's flow. He could feel the rhythm of the confrontation—each attack, each move was part of an intricate dance. The key was maintaining control, making sure that every clone's role was executed to perfection.

The Strategy in Motion

As expected, the Guardian swung its colossal sword down toward Warlord Clone, but the clone was ready. With a roar, Warlord Clone raised its sword, deflecting the blow, but the sheer force of the impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield. The lesser minions used the distraction to close in, circling around the clones, eager to strike.

"Berserker Clone, engage!" Aric ordered.

The Berserker Clone surged forward, its body glowing with rage as it entered the fray. Its wild, unrelenting attacks began tearing through the minions, each strike a brutal combination of speed and power. The minions faltered, unable to match the relentless onslaught.

"Assassin Clone, take the Guardian's back!" Aric commanded.

Without a moment's hesitation, the Assassin Clone vanished into the shadows, moving like a ghost through the battlefield. It reappeared behind the Guardian, striking at its exposed joints with deadly precision. The Guardian let out a deafening roar, but the damage was done—the Assassin Clone's attacks had already started to weaken the Guardian's armor.

"Summoner Clone, now's your time," Aric called out.

Summoner Clone raised its arms, chanting in a language older than the Tower itself. The ground rumbled as a massive Storm Elemental materialized beside it, crackling with lightning. The elemental charged at the lesser minions, its bolts of lightning disintegrating everything in its path.

The battlefield was rapidly shifting in their favor, but Aric knew that the true test lay ahead—the Guardian had not yet been defeated, and its fury was only just beginning.

The Guardian's Counterattack

With a deafening roar, the Guardian slammed its fists into the ground, sending shockwaves that knocked several of the clones off their feet. Defender Clone staggered but held its ground, its shield absorbing the worst of the damage. However, the attack had created an opening—a chance for the Guardian to unleash its most devastating ability.

"Tank Clone, protect the others!" Aric shouted.

Tank Clone immediately rushed forward, its massive body absorbing the brunt of the Guardian's energy blast. The shockwave was immense, but the Tank Clone stood firm, using its Arcane Ward to shield its allies.

But the damage was too much—the Tank Clone was forced to retreat, and the Guardian's counterattack had left the clones vulnerable.

Celestial Overlord's Intervention

It was at that moment, when defeat seemed imminent, that the Celestial Overlord clone made its move. The divine energy surrounding it flared, and with a single step, it appeared in front of the Guardian, its glowing aura overwhelming the darkness of the arena.

"Heavenly Strike!" Aric commanded.

The Celestial Overlord clone swung its weapon, and a massive wave of divine energy shot forward, crashing into the Guardian with a blinding light. The Guardian's armor cracked, its body convulsed with the raw force of the strike, and it staggered backward, its defenses shattered.

The Celestial Overlord clone didn't stop. With a second swing, it unleashed its power once more, this time hitting the Guardian's core. The result was catastrophic—the Guardian collapsed to the ground, its body disintegrating into dust.

The minions, deprived of their leader, quickly fell to the relentless attacks of the clones. Within moments, the battlefield was quiet once again.

Victory

Aric stood in the midst of the arena, his eyes scanning the aftermath. His clones were battered but standing strong. They had succeeded—together.

"Well done," Aric said, his voice filled with pride. "We've passed the first trial. But this is only the beginning. There are many more ahead of us."

As he looked around the arena, he knew the Tower was testing him—pushing him to his limits. But with his clones, his strategies, and his growing power, Aric felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The journey through the Tower had only just begun.

End of Chapter 13