The trio continued to move cautiously through the ruins of the second floor. The remains of the defeated golems were scattered around them, but Aryan's focus was on what lay ahead. Each floor of the Eternal Tower seemed to carry its own unique challenges, and Aryan knew they had to stay sharp.
Priya knelt by one of the shattered constructs, running her fingers over the ancient stone. "These golems... they're more than just mindless guardians. They were designed with a purpose, maybe to protect something valuable."
Rahul, ever the pragmatist, leaned against a broken column. "Valuable or not, we need to keep moving. Every second we spend here is a second we're not getting stronger."
Aryan agreed but also saw the merit in Priya's curiosity. "Let's take a few minutes to search. If there's something here that can help us understand the Tower better, it's worth the time."
As they spread out to explore, Aryan's mind returned to the mysterious nature of the Tower. The structure seemed ancient, yet it responded to their presence with a keen intelligence. The golems had been formidable, but there was an underlying sense that they were just the beginning.
Priya's voice broke his thoughts. "I found something!" She beckoned them over to a crumbling wall where faint inscriptions were etched into the stone.
Rahul squinted at the markings. "It's just a bunch of symbols. Can you read it?"
Priya nodded, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "It's an old script, but I've studied similar languages before. Give me a moment."
As Priya deciphered the inscriptions, Aryan took a moment to review his status window. The battle with the golems had given them significant experience, and it was time to allocate the new stat points.
Status Window - Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 5
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 24Agility: 20Aura: 14Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 10
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)
"I'll distribute the points evenly," Aryan thought aloud, considering their recent encounters. "Strength for more power, agility for speed, and a bit into aura to keep up with the increasing challenges."
After allocating his points, Aryan felt a surge of energy. He was getting stronger, but so was the Tower.
Status Window - Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 5
Class: Warrior
Stats:
Strength: 27Agility: 23Aura: 16Intelligence: 11
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (E)
Rahul and Priya followed suit, adjusting their stats based on the battles they had faced.
Priya finally spoke, her voice filled with excitement. "This script talks about the Eternal Tower's origins. It mentions a 'Core' at the top, something that controls the entire structure. The golems were just one of many trials meant to test our worthiness."
Rahul raised an eyebrow. "So we're being tested, but for what? What's at the top?"
Priya shrugged. "The inscription doesn't say. But if we're going to find out, we need to keep climbing."
Aryan nodded, determination hardening his features. "Then we move forward. Whatever is waiting at the top, we'll be ready."
As they gathered their gear and prepared to advance to the next floor, Aryan felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Tower was more than just a trial; it was a path to something greater. With every step, they were uncovering its secrets and growing stronger.
The second floor had tested their strength, but Aryan knew the real challenges were still to come. They were ascending, not just through the Tower, but toward a destiny that only the bravest could face. And Aryan was ready to meet it head-on.