Chereads / Towers of Babel / Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Encounter

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Encounter

Arthur continued his journey through the forest of the first floor of the Tower of Babel. Sun rays filtered through the foliage, creating dancing patterns on the ground, but despite this natural beauty, the pain from his wounds weighed him down. Each step served as a constant reminder of his fierce battle with the wolf.

As he moved slowly, trying to conserve his strength, he heard familiar voices. Surprised, he stopped and listened carefully. The voices seemed to be coming from a group of people approaching in his direction.

Suddenly, three adventurers appeared before him. Their faces lit up with surprise as they saw Arthur. They seemed to be deep in conversation and had not noticed his presence.

"Hey, look who's here!" exclaimed the first adventurer, a young woman with a warm smile. "Another traveler in this forest. You look like you've had quite a day."

Arthur nodded, feeling the warmth of their welcome. "Yes, I had some trouble with a wolf earlier. But I'm delighted to meet you all."

The second adventurer, a sturdy man with a thick beard, approached Arthur with sympathy. "The trials in the Tower are no easy feat. Perhaps we should take a break and share a meal. It will help you regain your strength."

"I think that's an excellent idea," interjected the third adventurer, a determined young woman with piercing eyes. "I'm Sophia, and this is Liam and Ethan. We've been exploring the forest together for a while now."

"I'm Arthur," he introduced himself. "Thank you very much for the invitation. I am indeed exhausted after my battle with the wolf."

Sophia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "No problem, we're here to help each other in this mysterious tower. Come, settle down by the fire and rest. We'll share our food and exchange stories."

They found a comfortable spot near a campfire that had already been lit. Sophia took out a variety of fruits and provisions from her backpack, which they shared with Arthur. The warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of the group eased the pain of his wounds and gave him a sense of security that was rare in this mystical tower.

During dinner, they exchanged anecdotes about their past adventures in the Tower of Babel. Liam humorously recounted how he narrowly escaped a cunning trap on the second floor, while Ethan shared his discoveries about the mysterious magic that permeated the tower's trials.

Arthur listened attentively, intrigued by the stories of his new friends. He felt a budding connection with this group of fellow adventurers. They were all travelers seeking answers and power in this enigmatic tower.

"The higher we go in the tower, the stronger the monsters become. I even heard that the strongest person in the tower has reached the 17th floor. It's incredible; the tower has only been here for six months," said Ethan.

"What kind of monsters are there on the 14th floor?" asked Arthur.

"No one really knows, the World Hunter Organization keeps its information hidden, but according to rumors, they might be vampires," replied Ethan.

After dinner, they sat in a circle around the campfire, the flames dancing in their eyes. Sophia spoke up, looking at each of them with a sincere smile. "I suggest we form an alliance in this tower. Together, we can help each other, share our knowledge, and support one another in the trials to come."

Liam and Ethan enthusiastically agreed. "That's an excellent idea," said Liam. "By uniting our forces, we increase our chances of success in this adventure."

"I agree," added Ethan. "We must remain united in the face of the challenges ahead. Together, we can overcome each trial more easily."

Arthur was touched by their proposal. He hadn't expected to meet other adventurers in this tower, but he realized that their alliance could benefit them all. He gratefully accepted, "I am honored to be a part of this alliance. Together, we can go further."

Their pact was sealed, and a new spark of hope glowed in Arthur's heart. The enchanted forest had brought together four intrepid souls, bound by the common quest for power and understanding.

They spent the rest of the evening discussing and getting to know each other better. Their laughter and exchanges filled the forest with positive energy and a spirit of cooperation.

Noticing that Arthur didn't speak much, Sophia asked him a question, "Tell us your story, Arthur. How did you end up in the Tower of Babel?" she inquired with genuine interest.

Arthur took a deep breath and began to share his past. He spoke of his childhood, the absence of his biological parents, and his life with the family who had adopted him. He talked about his deep desire to prove himself and to overcome challenges and ridicule he faced throughout his life.

"I've always felt different, as if I had an extraordinary destiny waiting for me somewhere," he said, gazing at the dancing flames. "When the Towers of Babel appeared, I saw it as an opportunity to discover who I truly am and to prove my worth."

Liam placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "We understand what you're feeling. Each of us came here with a personal quest. This tower offers each one of us a chance to surpass ourselves."

Ethan added solemnly, "We may all be here for different reasons, but we are united in our desire to overcome the tower's challenges. And now, we are bound by our alliance."

Sophia nodded, smiling. "That's right. Together, we can share our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. I believe this alliance will make us stronger."

Arthur felt a deep sense of gratitude towards these new companions. Their warm welcome and openness touched him to the core. He finally felt accepted and understood, a sensation that was both new and invigorating.

"I'm grateful to have crossed paths with all of you today," he said sincerely. "I never expected to meet other adventurers in this forest, let alone such formidable allies like you."

Liam smiled, raising his improvised water glass. "To our alliance and our future successes in the Tower of Babel!"

They all raised their glasses in agreement. The glow of the fire illuminated their faces, sealing their commitment to walk side by side in this mystical adventure.

The evening continued in camaraderie and good spirits.

As the night settled in, they decided to rest to be ready to face the trials of the next day.