Chapter 17: Ascension to the Fourth Floor

Aric and his clones stood before the massive gateway leading to the next floor. The air around them seemed to hum with latent energy, as though the very atmosphere of the Tower was alive and waiting to test him once again. The floor beyond had always been rumored to be a place of trials unlike any other, a floor where even the most seasoned challengers struggled.

"We've made it this far," Aric said, his voice steady but his eyes filled with determination. The Glyph Labyrinth was behind them, but it was only one of many challenges that lay ahead. The Tower was a never-ending spiral of escalating danger, and each floor added another layer of mystery to the journey.

His clones stood in formation around him, ready and waiting for his command. Their silent presence was comforting—each one a reflection of his will, now honed through the trials they had faced together. With their combined strength, Aric felt more confident than ever before.

He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his newly unlocked abilities. The power that had surged through him after the Glyph Warden's defeat was like nothing he had ever experienced. His mind and body seemed to move in perfect synchrony, the Nexus energy flowing through him with a fluidity that felt natural. He was evolving, becoming something more than just a challenger.

"Clones, prepare yourselves. The challenges on this floor are likely to be unlike any we've faced before. I need all of you at your best," Aric instructed.

The clones nodded, their faces reflecting the same seriousness that Aric felt. They had seen their master grow, and now, they too were evolving. Each clone had absorbed the lessons of the previous trials, and with their unique abilities, they were ready for whatever the next floor had in store.

System Notification: Entry to Floor 4.

[Warning: Difficulty Level - Hard.]

[Preparation Required: Reevaluate Strategy.]

The notification echoed in Aric's mind. Hard. It was a step up from the previous floors, and he knew that the challenges would be far from simple. The message wasn't just a warning; it was a reminder of the ever-increasing difficulty he would face as he ascended the Tower.

"We need to be cautious. This floor will test our limits," Aric said, his tone more focused now. "Clones, we'll take a moment to assess the surroundings before we dive into any combat. Our first priority is to understand what we're dealing with."

The moment Aric stepped into the new floor, the atmosphere shifted. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, and the ground beneath his feet felt different—slippery, as if the very essence of this floor defied the natural laws he had come to know. The architecture of the Tower shifted as well, with towering spires of obsidian and swirling mists hanging in the air, obscuring visibility. The path forward was unclear, and the only sound that reached Aric's ears was the faint howling wind that seemed to whisper across the landscape.

System Notification: Floor Environment: Arcane Labyrinth

[Visual Distortion: Area Effects Active.]

[Warning: Time Distortion Field Active.]

"The environment's distorted," Aric muttered, studying the shifting horizon. Time itself seemed to bend on this floor. He could feel the pressure around him, as if his perception of time was being manipulated.

He turned to his clones. "Time manipulation. This will complicate things. We can't rely on the usual tactics. I'll need you to use your abilities to counter this field."

The Temporal Echo ability surged within Aric. A new clone, one designed for such situations, stepped forward. Clone 11, an expert in both magical and temporal manipulation, was well-suited for this. With a flick of his hand, the clone activated a shield that flickered around them, creating a temporal barrier that slowed the effects of the distortion.

"We'll need to move carefully," Clone 11 said, his voice calm and measured. "The more we rush, the more vulnerable we become to the time shifts."

Aric nodded, appreciating the tactical advice. Temporal Echo would allow him to duplicate key actions at strategic moments, but with the time distortion in play, every step had to be calculated.

"Let's proceed slowly," Aric ordered. "Stay alert, and keep an eye on any changes in the environment. We won't have the luxury of speed on this floor."

As they moved forward, the atmosphere seemed to grow colder, the walls closing in as the labyrinth deepened. Each turn revealed more strange phenomena—shifting corridors that seemed to move on their own, fleeting shadows that darted out of sight as soon as Aric looked at them. It was as if the very fabric of reality here was unstable.

His clones were alert, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. Clone 19, one of the Elemental Sages, summoned a gust of wind to clear the fog in front of them, revealing a hidden alcove to the right.

"Looks like there's something over there," Clone 19 said, pointing toward the alcove.

System Notification: Hidden Object Detected.

[Item: Temporal Crystal]

[Description: A fragment of an ancient crystal, capable of stabilizing temporal shifts.]

[Warning: The item is under the influence of a powerful entity.]

"That crystal could help us," Aric said, his gaze narrowing. "But it's likely guarded. Be ready for anything."

The moment they approached the alcove, the temperature dropped even further. The mists swirled around them, and a figure materialized in the fog—a spectral being, its form flickering in and out of existence. It radiated an unnatural energy, an aura that felt like it belonged to a different time or space altogether.

System Notification: Guardian Encounter: Temporal Phantom.

[Level: 40]

[Danger Level: High]

[Abilities: Time Manipulation, Illusions, Temporal Blades.]

The Temporal Phantom was unlike any enemy Aric had faced before. It moved in bursts, its form phasing in and out of existence, its every strike a blinding slash of temporal energy that warped the world around it. Aric could feel the power of time itself being bent and twisted by the creature's attacks.

Aric's Voice, Steady But Intent: "Everyone, focus on its weaknesses. Clone 11, use the Temporal Echo to counter its movements. Clone 19, summon a barrier to protect us from its illusions."

The battle was fierce. Each time Aric struck, the Temporal Phantom would phase away, only to reappear moments later with a devastating blow. The clones worked in tandem, using their unique abilities to create openings and counter the Phantom's time-bending attacks.

Aric focused on the crystal, knowing that it could give them the advantage. His clones, despite the intensity of the battle, kept their composure, anticipating each move and reacting with precision.

System Notification: Guardian Defeated.

[Item Acquired: Temporal Crystal.]

With a final strike, the Temporal Phantom dissolved into the mists, leaving behind the crystal. The tension in the air lifted, but the sense of danger remained.

Aric picked up the Temporal Crystal, feeling its weight in his hands. "This should help stabilize the distortions on this floor. But we've only scratched the surface."

As they continued forward, Aric knew that this floor was just the beginning of a much greater challenge. The Tower was testing him in ways he had never experienced, and the dangers would only escalate from here.

"We move on," Aric said. "The journey isn't over yet."

To Be Continued...