The large door groaned as it swung fully open, the blinding light spilling into the room. Lucian shielded his eyes, squinting against the brilliance, but as the light began to fade, confusion settled on his face.
The chamber beyond was unlike anything he'd expected. Four shadowy figures stood within, their forms indistinct, each varying in height and shape. One was broad and hulking, its shoulders nearly brushing the ceiling; another was wiry and lean, its movements twitchy and unpredictable. Each of them radiated a silent, unnerving presence that made the air feel heavier.
Before Lucian could take another step, an invisible force gripped him, yanking him into the room with a sudden, unrelenting pull. His feet slid across the cold stone, and he stumbled forward as the door behind him slammed shut with a deafening boom.
The sound echoed, then faded into silence.
Lucian straightened, brushing off the invisible dust of the experience. His gaze darted around the room, his mind already working to assess the situation. Then, without warning, a figure materialized in the center of the chamber, its presence commanding and immediate.
The creature was humanoid in shape but far from human. Its skin was a deep, iridescent blue, rippling with faint, luminous patterns that seemed to shift with its movements. Its head was that of a lion, its black mane thick and wild, cascading down its back. It stood tall on two legs, its posture regal yet predatory, and its golden eyes gleamed with intelligence and authority.
"Welcome," it said, its voice deep and resonant, carrying a strange echo that seemed to reverberate through the walls. "I am the Tower of Rebirth's guide. I will be assisting you all in your journeys to rebirth."
Lucian's eyes narrowed as he listened, his posture casual but his mind alert.
The guide's gaze swept over the five figures in the room, its expression unreadable. "There is only one rule you must abide by," it continued, "and it is absolute: no killing inside the safe zones of the tower."
The air seemed to grow colder as the guide's tone darkened. "Any attempt to break this rule will result in your own death, instantly. And know this: when you die in the tower, your soul is not granted rest or rebirth. It is sent to Null, the realm of nothingness, where you will drift for eternity without form or purpose."
Lucian's gaze flicked to the others in the room, gauging their reactions. Most were silent, their expressions hidden in shadow, but the tension in the air was palpable.
"Let me make one thing perfectly clear," the guide continued, its golden eyes narrowing. "There is no guarantee of rebirth. Only those who survive the tower and reach its summit will be awarded that privilege. Many have entered, and most have failed."
The lion-headed figure paused, allowing the weight of its words to sink in.
"Now that we have established the rules," it said, its tone shifting slightly, "I will explain what happens next. The five of you will form a group to travel the tower together."
Lucian raised an eyebrow at this, but he stayed silent, waiting for the guide to elaborate.
"Whether you choose to help each other or not is up to you," the guide said. "However, know that you are not alone in this tower. There are other groups, as well as solo challengers, all vying for the same goal. Make it to the top of the tower, and you will be granted your rebirth. Fail, and you will face the consequences."
The guide's golden eyes locked onto Lucian briefly, then moved to the others, as if measuring them.
"You may choose to cooperate, betray, or go your separate ways. The tower does not care. It only rewards those who reach the summit."
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The guide's golden eyes flicked across the group, lingering on each figure before it spoke again.
"As far as combat," it began, its deep, resonant voice carrying authority, "the skills and power you had in your previous lives no longer exist here. You begin anew."
It let the words sink in before continuing, its tone shifting to something almost amused. "But fear not—there are many weapons scattered throughout the tower. Choose wisely, for the weapon you claim will become your soul weapon in your next life." The faintest glint of sharp teeth peeked through its black mane as it let out a low chuckle.
"That is… if you have a next life."
The room fell silent save for the faint hum of the portal that had appeared behind the guide. Its swirling surface pulsed with energy, dark tendrils of light twisting within its edges.
"But enough of talking your heads off," the guide said, stepping aside. "Please, step this way to begin."
As it spoke, the black silhouettes cloaking the other four figures began to dissolve. Lucian's gaze shifted as their forms were revealed one by one, each more distinct and imposing than the last.
The first figure dominated the room with his sheer size, standing well over ten feet tall. His skin was dark gray, ridged and cracked like ancient stone, and faint veins of molten orange light pulsed just beneath the surface, casting a faint glow.
The second figure was small and wiry, her frame a stark juxtaposition to the giant's. Clad in tightly fitted black leather armor, she moved with a predator's grace, her steps utterly silent against the cold stone.
Her short, silver hair framed a sharp, angular face, her piercing amber eyes darting around the room, assessing every detail.
The third figure stood apart from the others, his hulking frame encased in heavy, tarnished silver armor engraved with intricate patterns of twisting vines and thorns. Though the armor was worn and scarred from countless battles, its presence was still formidable, each dent a testament to its resilience.
The final figure was unlike anything Lucian had ever seen. It hovered slightly above the ground, its translucent, ethereal body flickering like smoke caught in a shifting breeze. Though humanoid in shape, its form never seemed to settle, its edges constantly shifting and flowing. Where a face should have been, there was only a swirling black void.