Wyn jumped to his feet but a sharp pain made him double over. One of the Fodakas came through the portal with him, he was sure of it. But now it was gone. All that remained around him was the familiar magical essence of a monster that dies, and he wondered if that was what happened to monsters if they tried to return to the city.

  He then fell to one knee. The group was crowded around a large, milky white rounded egg that glowed heavily with magic. John had several arrows sticking out of him but he was on his knees intensely inspecting the object as though he was spying on someone through a keyhole. The others stood around, too, though Wyn didn’t notice what they were doing. He was just focusing on not passing out.

  The healing potion on his belt trembled in his hands, though it was relatively easy to pop the cork. Wyn drank it swiftly and without hesitation. He felt the magical effect take hold immediately as a warm, welcoming comfort took over his body. He had no idea exactly how serious his injuries were, but the potion would make sure he would be fine. If not, he could always heal himself.

  “Where’s Tasha?” Wyn called after a few seconds, allowing the potion to heal him without any additional strain of moving around.

  Lucy pointed to the large egg-shaped object that John was obsessing over. “In there.”

  Wyn walked over to join the others. “What do you mean?”

  “It’s her cloak,” Cedric said. “Its effect was activated. She was nearly killed and it protected her. She should be healing now.”

  Wyn remembered when Tasha traded for that cloak in the Silver Step. Benedict had said it was a powerful effect but one time use. It protected her and cast Greater Cure, effectively healing even a near-lethal attack. But the cloak was spent after, all of its magic gone.

  That was well worth it if it meant she was alive. He breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Come on, John,” Marcy said. She walked over to the Squire and put a hand on his shoulder. “She’ll be okay. If she still needs healing when she comes out we can take care of her. But right now you’re the one who needs some help.”

  Wyn saw several small splotches of blood around John, dripping from parts of his armor. Somehow he must have been hurt enough that the armor didn’t stop everything. He cast Regen to help him. He’d likely need more help but that would do for now.

  John looked down at himself, glowing with white light, then up at Wyn. He nodded and sat on the floor. “I’m sorry, she just… she was ghostly white and bleeding out. The last time I saw someone like that they ended up dying. I forgot about the cloak for a minute there.”

  “You were just concerned about her,” Marcy said. “We get it. Just take a rest. It shouldn’t take long.”

  While they sat around waiting for Tasha to emerge he wondered where they went wrong. Their strategy was solid. Tasha did nothing wrong. Were the enemies just that strong? The information provided to them stated they were powerful, basically low tier three instead of tier two.

  No. It wasn’t that they did anything wrong. They just had a bad climb, and they weren’t fully prepared. It was a sobering realization.

  *****

  “Hit,” Faye said, furrowing her eyebrows. “Come on, now. Where was all that bravado? You’re already done?”

  Nigel took a deep breath and waved his wooden long sword around in circles. “I still don’t understand it.”

  Wyn walked back to the starting position and assumed a ready stance with his long sword held in both hands. “What’s there to not understand? You hit me, you score a point. Easy.”

  Gregory, standing beside Faye, only nodded in agreement, while the Druid had to force herself to suppress a laugh. Caryn, however, had no such reservations. He barked a short laugh while lounging in a chair against the training room wall. A tray of fruit and drinks sat next to him on a small table, and he began picking at them.

  “Again,” Nigel said, readying himself. His casual demeanor was gone, replaced with an intensity few carried.

  Wyn scored his second point to Nigel's one. He obviously wasn't taking it well.

  “Match point,” Faye said, eyeing both of the participants. “Begin!”

  Nigel yelled in fury as he stepped forward vigorously, slashing horizontally with his sword. Wyn nimbly stepped back to avoid it then lunged forward with a stab, extending his reach and body to gain more distance. The sword nearly connected with Nigel’s chest, but he leaned to the side to avoid the blow. Wyn hop stepped forward and lunged again, then a third time after Nigel kept dodging the attacks. Nigel was being pushed into a corner, and everyone realized it.

  The Squire blocked a sword strike easily then swung back with enough force that Wyn’s own defensive block did nothing despite intercepting the weapon. The wooden sword smacked Wyn’s shoulder and he jerked back in response. The sting was uncomfortable but not detrimental.

  “Hit,” Faye said. “Though only because of your enhanced strength. Technically that would have been a block.”

  Wyn rubbed his shoulder, ignoring the others. Nigel wasn’t just strong. He was insanely strong. While he considered John a more defensive-oriented Climber, Nigel was definitely a more offensive one. He moved and fought like someone out to kill, and never held back. Based on the man’s personality he would have never guessed he had so much ferocity inside of him.

  “Technically he would have been dead,” Nigel said. “In a real match I would have lopped off his arm.”

  “In a real match you would have magical equipment, skills, and spells, and Wyn likely would still win,” Gregory said.

  Nigel started to speak but then paused. His gaze kept moving from Wyn back to Gregory. “Why you do you say that?”

  “Yea, why do you say that?” Wyn asked. “Nigel has more experience climbing than me. He’s stronger, more resilient, and has more skills. I’m not quite sure I would win.”

  “Oh, come on, Wyn,” Caryn said, crossing his ankles in his chair while holding a glass of wine. “You have more experience fighting, though. And have fought and killed people. Nigel, have you done the same?”

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  Nigel slowly shook his head. “No, I haven’t. Just monsters.”

  Caryn pointed with a finger and smiled. “Well there you go.”

  Wyn looked over to Caryn and wondered if he was trying to imply anything deeper. There really was no telling with him. The more he talked to him, the more questions came to his mind. The man truly was an enigma and impossible to predict. He wondered how he was as a Climber.

  His thoughts brought him to Tasha. She was shaken up after they attempted the eighth floor, but physically she was healed and recovered like the rest of them. Mentally, though, she likely wasn’t doing well. She asked for the rest of the day off and the next morning, which brought Wyn to train with the others. He didn’t blame her, though. Nearly dying would be difficult to deal with for anyone.

  “Wyn?” Faye asked. “Are you listening?”

  “Hmm?” Wyn said, looking around. He smiled softly. “I’m sorry, no. I was thinking about Tasha.”

  Faye nodded in understanding. “She’ll be okay. That would be tough for anyone. Rest assured because she's resilient.”

  “That she is,” Gregory said. “It was why I wanted to give her a chance to lead the group, after all. She has a lot of potential.”

  “I agree,” Wyn said. “And she did an incredible job the entire time, even when we were pinned down. She stayed behind to make sure we all made it, like a true leader should. She made hard, unpopular decisions that was for the group’s best interest, too.”

  “All in one day?” Faye asked.

  Wyn chuckled. “All in one day.”

  “The eighth floor was especially difficult,” Nigel said. “We only just completed it last week, and that was after trying four times. She shouldn’t be too hard on herself. At least you’re all still here.”

  “Exactly,” Gregory said. “You can always try another day, as long as you make it back. Just be patient.”

  “Or be better,” Caryn said. “That works, too.”

  “Caryn,” Gregory sighed. “That’s not helpful.”

  “It is,” Wyn said. “And he’s right. We will be better. I feel confident about that.”

  “Good,” Caryn said, biting another grape. “Now take that confidence and whip your group into shape. We need another tier three group in here to put those weird Faceless Freaks in their place.”

  “That was a strange reaction with their masks and your lantern, Wyn,” Gregory said. “Do you know why that would have happened?”

  Wyn thought about telling them the truth for a moment. But did they have to know? Them knowing how Wyn obtained the lantern and how it revealed secret rooms would likely cause far more issues than it would solve. But if they could help in any way, that would be a huge benefit. He only hoped they wouldn’t take drastic measures, like kick him out of the guild.

  “My lantern is a bit of a… unique item,” Wyn said. “It’s been able to reveal hidden secrets in Alistair. Not all the time, though.”

  “The secret room?” Nigel said. “How you did so well as a group in the trials? It was because of the lantern, wasn’t it?”

  Wyn slowly nodded. “Yes. It revealed a series of runes around on a wall that exposed a room. We were able to enter and clear it by repeatedly facing monster.”

  “Runes like the ones that lit up on the Faceless Four’s masks?” Caryn asked.

  Wyn nodded again. “Somehow my lantern activated from their masks. I have no idea what that means. It’s never happened before.”

  “A lot of people have speculated on their masks but no one has ever gotten close enough to the group to study them further,” Faye said. “They’re a complete mystery. Strong as the hells, though.”

  “I wouldn’t worry too much about it,” Caryn said. “If it gives you an advantage, great! Use it. If those fuckers come around again we’ll deal with them. Until then, get stronger. Simple as that.”

  Simple as that, Wyn thought. Caryn made it sound easy. But if that was what they wanted him to do, then he would.

  Wyn called for Faye to start the next round of their duel. This time, he was the one who didn’t hold back.

  *****

  The crate of clothes was relatively light, which Arabelle was thankful for. She’d had a long day helping Benedict with some enthusiastic Climbers wanting to try on just about every green and blue rarity item he had in the Silver Step. Thankfully they settled on something and bought several pairs, and tipped Arabelle. Her body was sore but her coin pouch was full. It was a good feeling before she would leave and train for the evening.

  The doorbell above the door ringing made her sigh. “We’re closed, sorry. Come back tomorrow.”

  “Even for us?” A familiar voice called.

  Arabelle nearly dropped the crate and stepped out to see Tasha and John, both standing at the entrance. He was smiling his usual charming smile while Tasha seemed a bit more reserved. That was unlike her. She was usually polite and welcoming.

  “Always for you!” Benedict said, suddenly coming up to join them. “Anything for my future partners!” His smile faded when he saw Tasha. “My dear. Is everything okay?”

  “Not exactly,” Tasha said.

  Twenty minutes later, Arabelle was resting her head against the wall, seated on a stool. She could hardly believe her brother’s group had so much trouble on a floor to the point where they were injured that much. She remembered how they performed in the guild trials. They weren’t just strong. They were powerful. And on the eighth floor, which was still considered one of the middle floors regarding difficulty in the entirety of the tower. Was Alistair really that strong? It suddenly made sense why so many climbed in the first tier only. A quickly growing sense of dread filled her as she then felt far less ready for her first climb, which was only a week and a half away.

  But that was part of climbing, wasn’t it? Arabelle came to that understanding when she decided to become a Ruby Magician. Her resolve was more than that. And she had a feeling Tasha’s was, too, despite her setback.

  “And that’s why I need a new cloak,” Tasha said, finishing her story.

  Benedict gave a long sigh. “I’m so terribly sorry that happened to you. Though I am grateful that cloak saved your life. I’m glad its purpose was fulfilled, in a way.”

  “We are, too,” John said, putting an arm around Tasha. “I wish it wouldn’t have happened that way. But Tasha helped save me. Again.”

  “That seems to be a bit of a habit,” Benedict said, a slight smirk on his face.

  Tasha smiled. It was the first time she showed any positive emotion since stepping foot into the store, and Arabelle was happy to see it. She hoped the experience didn’t weight too heavily on her. She knew how much those experiences affected Wyn. She didn’t wish for that on anyone.

  “She really did do an amazing job leading us,” John said. “Far better than me. I just don’t know if we’re cut out to progress past the second tier, yet.”

  “I think we have what it takes,” Tasha said. “That was just a bad time. They won’t all be that way.”

  “Yea, because we’ll be injured bad enough or worse.”

  Tasha took a long breathe. Arabelle watched her go from distraught to serious in that moment. She’d seen that before. With Wyn.

  “John, I know you want to protect me. Protect us. But this won’t stop me from trying again. I know we can do it! I know we have the strength to progress!”

  John met her gaze with his own worried look. “But is it worth it?”

  Tasha smiled softly. “Sometimes in life, we have challenges that seem far too risky. That the reward isn’t worth the struggle. But I’ve grown to know that that isn’t true. That it’s all worth struggling, because that’s when we actually improve. We see our path and it helps push us forward. We become better. And we aren’t alone, after all. Just like you weren’t against Lionel. We’re here together.” Tasha had tears running down her cheeks, but she didn’t seem sad. She seemed hopeful.

  John started to speak but stopped. He turned his head and wiped at his eyes. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  Tasha embraced him, hugging him tight. Arabelle heard Benedict sniffle, and turned to see him admiring the two Climbers. He then stepped away to give them some time alone.

  She… didn’t have the same emotional connection. She was happy for them, of course. And Tasha was right. Struggle gave clarity. Arabelle was very familiar with that.

  Tasha opened her eyes to see Arabelle trying her best to look away. She then let go of John in a rush and cleared her throat. He followed her lead.

  “But, yes, that brings me to needing a new cloak,” Tasha said, repeating herself. “Umm… Benedict?”

  “Yes, dear!” Benedict said, walking quickly back to the conversation. “I grabbed a couple of blue rarity ones you might like!” He set down two cloaks on the glass display case, and Arabelle recognized them. They both were more defensive oriented for mage classes, offering benefits to mana and magic power and giving abilities that supported them.

  As Benedict told Tasha about them, she watched with curiosity. Tasha inspected both of them closely and began to negotiate, offering items of similar rarity. Hers seemed to be of more use than the cloaks, but Arabelle wasn’t about to say that. Benedict was still her boss, after all. If anything, the man would likely sweeten the deal with a kind word and some potions.

  In the end, Tasha chose the Cloak of the Three Stars. It was a cloak Arabelle fawned after many times. The item was pitch black with three large stars that seemed to glow, adorned with silver trim that really made it stand out as a basically royal item. It was beautiful, and Tasha seemed to think so, too. Its effect was to improve the wearer’s mana pool by a smaller amount, improve the strength of defensive spells by a moderate amount, and provide the ability to cast Dome, which was a fully encompassing protective barrier around the caster for up to one minute three times a day.

  Tasha seemed more than happy while accepting the extra potions, saying she would tell everyone where she found the cloak who asked. Arabelle thought that was a gesture that heavily favored Benedict, because she knew plenty of people would ask.

  Arabelle could also tell Benedict thought was thinking along the same lines as his eyes sparkled.

  As the pair left, Arabelle picked up the other cloak to put away. Benedict told her she was done for the day, and Arabelle hurriedly finished to go train.

  Soon she would be going into Alistair herself. And she was damn certain she was going to more than prepared.

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