The first floor of the Tower was deceptively quiet. Richard and Kaela stood in a dimly lit hallway, the air heavy with a faint metallic scent. The walls seemed to hum faintly, alive with unseen energy.
"Stay alert," Kaela murmured, her sword drawn. "The Tower rarely gives you time to breathe."
Richard nodded, his grip on his dagger tightening. Despite his nervousness, he felt an undeniable pull to press forward.
As they ventured deeper into the floor, the hallway widened into a massive chamber. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of battles between humans and monsters. At the center of the room stood a large stone pedestal, upon which rested a glowing orb.
Kaela stopped, narrowing her eyes. "A trial marker," she said. "The Tower uses these to signify the start of a challenge."
Before Richard could respond, a voice boomed through the chamber, deep and resonant.
"WELCOME, CHALLENGERS. TO CLIMB HIGHER, YOU MUST PROVE YOUR WORTH. THE TRIAL OF THE UNWORTHY BEGINS NOW."
The air around them shimmered, and the room began to shift. The walls expanded outward, and a ring of glowing runes appeared on the floor. From the shadows, shapes began to emerge humanoid figures, their forms wreathed in dark mist.
"Shades," Kaela said grimly. "They mimic the abilities of those they fight. Be careful, Richard. These things learn quickly."
The Shades moved with eerie precision, their weapons materializing out of the darkness. One lunged at Kaela, a sword identical to hers in its hands. She parried the blow with practiced ease, countering with a swift strike that cut through the Shade's form.
Richard, meanwhile, faced his own opponent a Shade wielding a dagger like his. Its movements mirrored his own, but with a grace and speed he couldn't hope to match.
The Shade attacked, its blade slicing through the air. Richard dodged clumsily, barely avoiding the strike. His heart pounded as he realized just how outmatched he was.
"Focus, Richard!" Kaela shouted, dispatching another Shade. "They're only as strong as you let them be!"
Richard took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He studied the Shade's movements, noticing how it mimicked his own hesitation and uncertainty.
If it's copying me... then it has my weaknesses too.
He feigned a stumble, lowering his guard slightly. The Shade lunged, falling for the bait. In that instant, Richard stepped to the side and drove his dagger into its back. The Shade dissolved into mist, leaving only a faint whisper in its wake.
Richard allowed himself a moment of relief before turning to help Kaela. Together, they fought off the remaining Shades, their movements becoming more coordinated with each passing moment.
When the last Shade fell, the runes on the floor flared brightly before fading away. The voice from before returned, this time softer.
"YOU HAVE PASSED THE TRIAL OF THE UNWORTHY. ASCEND TO CLAIM YOUR REWARD."
The glowing orb on the pedestal vanished, and a staircase materialized on the far side of the room, spiraling upward into darkness.
Kaela sheathed her sword, her breathing heavy. "Not bad for your first trial," she said, glancing at Richard. "You're rough, but you've got potential."
Richard managed a small smile, though his hands still trembled from the fight. "Thanks... I think."
As they climbed the staircase, Richard felt a strange warmth in his chest. The Tower had tested him, and though he had barely scraped by, he had survived.
But the voice's words lingered in his mind.
The Trial of the Unworthy... If this was just the beginning, what else does the Tower have in store?
Far above, the figure watching through the glowing mirror chuckled softly.
"Interesting... Let's see how long you last, Richard North."