The night was quiet in the 10th-floor town, the lights of the market stalls dimming as the final players retreated to their inns. Alec and Arsonat, however, were not among them. They had left the comfort of the bustling town, seeking an isolated area—a secluded grove hidden in the outskirts, where they could speak freely, without the prying eyes of others.
As they sat near a small campfire, the gentle crackling of the wood the only sound in the air, Alec placed his hand on the ground. A faint glow emanated from his palm, and a moment later, an invisible barrier seemed to form around them. The world outside fell silent. The bustling sounds of the town, the distant chatter of players—it all faded away, muffled by Alec's magic. A noise-cancelling shield enveloped them, ensuring their conversation was private.
Arsonat looked at Alec, his expression still a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "So, this is it, huh? You're not a player... but you're not a normal NPC either?"
Alec sighed, his shoulders slumping as he sat down across from Arsonat. The air was thick with tension, but also a sense of relief. Alec had been carrying this secret for so long. Now, there was no turning back.
"No, I'm not a normal NPC." Alec's voice was quieter now, the weight of his words settling into the air. He met Arsonat's eyes, his expression serious. "I was created by a god—someone who's been imprisoned within the tower itself."
Arsonat raised an eyebrow. "A god? Imprisoned? What are you talking about?"
Alec nodded. "Yes. A god. One who is trapped somewhere at the top of the tower, on the 100th floor. He's been there for as long as anyone can remember."
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Arsonat asked, his voice a mixture of frustration and curiosity.
Alec looked away, guilt flashing across his face. "Because... I didn't think you'd believe me. I'm supposed to be a guide, to help a player—a chosen one—climb the tower and uncover its secrets. But it's not just about climbing, Arsonat. It's about finding the truth. About the tower. About the god."
Arsonat frowned. "So, you need a player to reach the top? And I'm the one?"
Alec nodded. "Yes. The prophecy said that a player who is strong, determined, and capable would help unlock the final truths. That's why I found you." His voice softened. "I've seen your potential, Arsonat. You're the one who can help me discover what's hidden at the top. We can uncover the truth together."
For a long moment, Arsonat said nothing. The crackling fire flickered in the silence. His thoughts were racing, trying to process everything Alec had just shared. A god. Imprisoned in the tower. The very idea felt surreal, but something about it felt real too. There was a deep mystery in the tower, something beyond the ordinary trials and monsters they had faced so far.
Finally, Arsonat spoke. "So, this is it. We climb the tower, uncover its secrets, and maybe find out what this god is all about?"
Alec nodded again. "Exactly. And..." He hesitated before continuing. "I need you, Arsonat. Without you, I can't finish this mission."
Arsonat let out a breath, thinking about everything they had been through together. Despite the revelation that Alec wasn't exactly who he appeared to be, there was something genuine in his eyes. He wasn't just using Arsonat for some personal gain. They had fought side by side, survived challenges, and built a bond.
"Alright, Alec. Let's do it. Let's keep going. Together." Arsonat's words were simple, but there was determination in them. He was in this for the long haul, no matter how twisted the truth of the tower turned out to be.
Alec smiled, relief flooding his features. "Thank you, Arsonat. I knew I could count on you."
The next morning, the two of them set out once again, leaving the safety of the 10th-floor town behind. Their destination was clear: the 11th floor, where new dangers awaited.
As they ascended, the tower's eerie silence seemed to weigh heavily on them, the familiar hum of its strange energy pulsating beneath their feet. When they arrived at the 11th floor, the landscape was nothing like they had expected. Instead of the usual dreary corridors or monster-infested chambers, the floor was lush and vibrant. A forest stretched out before them, thick trees towering overhead, their leaves glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.
But something wasn't right.
A sudden, high-pitched giggle echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down their spines. The sound was unsettling, almost… childlike.
They turned to find a figure standing in the distance, barely visible through the thick foliage. It was small, barely more than a child, with glowing eyes and a mischievous grin. But there was something wrong about the figure—a sense of danger.
"Is that... a monster?" Arsonat asked, his grip tightening on his weapon.
Alec's eyes narrowed. "It doesn't feel like a normal monster. But be careful, it might be more dangerous than it looks."
The child-like figure stepped forward, its laughter echoing again. As it approached, it began to transform, shifting in shape until it became a massive creature, its form humanoid but with twisted features, as though the child had been merely an avatar for something far darker.
The Avatar of the 11th Floor Boss had appeared, and it was ready for battle.
The fight was fierce. The creature's attacks were erratic and unpredictable, its movements like those of a child but with a terrifying power behind them. Arsonat and Alec worked together seamlessly, using their combined skills to dodge and counter the creature's blows. But the battle wasn't just about strength. They had to understand the boss's behavior—how its childlike innocence hid a brutal strength.
Finally, after a grueling fight, Arsonat managed to land a decisive blow. The boss's massive form staggered, collapsing to the ground with a roar of defeat.
As the dust settled, a small, glowing orb floated above the fallen creature's body. Alec stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with recognition.
"It's the core." Alec murmured, reaching out to grab it. The orb pulsed with energy, its light shining brighter with each passing second.
"What do we do with it?" Arsonat asked, watching the core intently.
Alec's gaze softened. "We keep it." He smiled faintly. "This core is special. It'll become more than just an item."
The core began to glow brighter, and as Alec held it in his hand, it seemed to take on a new form. It morphed, changing into a small creature, its features resembling a child, though it was more humanoid than anything else. The creature blinked up at Alec and Arsonat with large, curious eyes.
Alec chuckled softly. "This little one will be our companion. It's like a pet, but more than that. It'll grow with us, helping us as we climb."
Arsonat was taken aback. "A pet? A child-like companion?"
Alec nodded. "Yes. This is just the beginning. We'll take care of it, and it will help us. It's a part of our journey now."
The creature looked up at them, its small form radiating an almost innocent energy, yet Arsonat couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than it appeared.
With their new companion at their side, Alec and Arsonat continued their climb. The 11th floor was only the beginning. Their journey had just become even more complicated—and more dangerous. But they had each other. And with the mysteries of the tower still to be uncovered, they would face whatever came next together.