Aryan felt the weight of anticipation as he stepped through the doorway, leaving the scattered remains of the goblins behind. The soft, inviting light at the end of the corridor gradually transitioned into a grand hall, vastly different from the perilous corridor he had just conquered. The hall was adorned with ancient symbols etched into its marble floor, glowing faintly as if alive.
The hall served as the final part of the 0th floor—a place where the victors of the Corridor of Trials would gather before proceeding to the first floor of the Eternal Tower. Aryan scanned the room, noting the small number of warriors who had made it this far. Each bore signs of their struggles, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and triumph.
As Aryan stepped further into the hall, a status window appeared before him:
Status Window - Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 5
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 25
Agility: 21
Aura: 15
Intelligence: 12
Unallocated Stats: 10
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)
Aryan quickly allocated his unallocated points, focusing on increasing his strength and agility. "I need to be faster and stronger for the next set of challenges," he thought, as he felt a surge of power coursing through his body.
He looked around, observing other warriors, each lost in their thoughts or conversations. His gaze settled on a familiar figure: Rahul Patel, his steadfast companion, who had also emerged victorious from his trial.
"Aryan!" Rahul called out, relief evident in his voice. "You made it!"
Aryan approached him, a small smile playing on his lips. "Of course. It wasn't easy, but here we are."
Rahul nodded, his eyes glinting with determination. "The real challenge is just beginning. This was merely the test to see who could handle the tower's trials."
Before Aryan could respond, a loud, authoritative voice filled the hall, cutting through the murmur of conversations. "Warriors of the world, congratulations on surviving the Trials of the 0th Floor."
The voice belonged to a towering figure who appeared at the center of the hall. Clad in ornate armor that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, the figure radiated an aura of immense power. His eyes scanned the room, meeting each warrior's gaze with an intensity that demanded respect.
"I am Varnis, the overseer of the Eternal Tower," the figure declared. "You have proven your worth by overcoming the initial trials. But know this—the true journey begins now."
The hall fell into silence as Varnis continued. "The Eternal Tower is not merely a test of strength but of will, strategy, and resilience. Each floor presents its unique challenges, and only the worthy will ascend. The first floor will be a resting area, allowing you to regroup and prepare for what lies ahead."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "You have one hour to rest. Use this time wisely, for once you proceed, there is no turning back until the floor is cleared."
With that, Varnis vanished as abruptly as he had appeared, leaving the warriors in contemplative silence.
Aryan exchanged a look with Rahul. "We should use this time to rest and strategize."
Rahul agreed. "Yes, and also observe the others. Knowing our potential allies and rivals could be crucial."
They moved to a quieter corner of the hall, settling down on the cool marble floor. As they rested, Aryan's mind drifted back to the challenges he had faced so far and the unknown trials that awaited him.
"I won't let this tower break me," Aryan vowed silently. "I will conquer it, no matter what it takes."
The hour passed quickly, and soon, the hall began to stir with renewed energy. Warriors stood, weapons at the ready, determination etched on their faces. A deep hum resonated through the hall, signaling the opening of the pathway to the first floor.
Aryan and Rahul exchanged one last glance of mutual encouragement before stepping toward the light that beckoned them forward.
As they crossed into the unknown, Aryan felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The Eternal Tower was vast, its mysteries and dangers still largely concealed. But he knew one thing for certain: this was his chance to rise, to prove his worth, and to carve his place among the strongest.