Tower of Ruin 1: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG, page 2
“Kain,” Audry responded, her voice a step above a whisper. “Nobody doubts your ability or resourcefulness, but it can't be you either. Just like it can't be me. We all have baggage. We’ve all got scars. But more than that, we all carve paths for others to follow. If it weren't for you being the first, none of us would have survived this long. I'm sorry, but it can't be you.”
“Of course. Just like it can't be you,” interjected Jacobs bitterly. In the distance, a great horn sounded. The monsters that had just taken out the Conclave were now heading towards them.
Jacobs ignored it. “How much trouble have you caused over the years by showing mercy to enemies we should have killed outright? Remember the twins? How many of our friends died because of your unwillingness to do what was required? You caused just as much misery as I did, if not more.”
“You're not wrong, Jacobs,” admitted Audrey with weary resignation. “I’ve never been as ruthless as the rest of you, and given a second chance, I still couldn’t be as ruthless as I need to be. It’s not me. It’s not in my nature to be a killer, just like it's not in your nature to be a leader. Which leads me back to my point. The answer is right in front of us. Whoever goes back needs to become something more, and I think it should be Daniel. He’s the only one of us that wanted to go and help Conclave. He had hope.”
Kain held his fingers to his face for a moment in deep thought. “No, you're right. It can't be me, either. Without my training academy, and without the magic schools that I develop, how many more would have died? My role is set in time.”
Daniel tried to ignore the conversation and moved back towards the entrance, enchanting the summoned minions with [Greater Shield] as they rushed out to fill the bulwark. The ground shook from the massive disbursement of energy. Their time was short. The summons would only delay the inevitable. What was coming for them couldn't be stopped—Glacial Golems. They were built like small mountains, and nearly impossible to destroy.
“It needs to be Daniel,” Audry continued with an insistence that wasn't like her. “He climbed last. He’s heard all of our stories. He can walk the path we laid, the same paths we had to carve for ourselves. He'll be able to use his knowledge of the future in a way that we weren’t able to. But there's something else. If one of us went instead and looted everything, what would remain for those who came after? No. It's better for the last of us to gather what's left than the first of us to take everything.”
Audry waited on Jacobs and Kain to acknowledge they understood what she was saying. She hoped they would all agree, knowing that Daniel would never speak up in this kind of situation. He’d gladly die for the rest of us rather than speak up for himself, she thought dryly.
Nothing more needed to be said. The looks of regret that washed over each of their faces said it all.
Then, Audry suddenly dropped to the ground in pain, an unfortunate feedback effect that occurred whenever the last of her summons were destroyed. No, not yet, she thought, then turned to the group. “We're out of time.” The weight of knowing they were completely alone kicked in. The Conclave, the rest of the climbers, their minions and summons—all wiped out.
Audry sighed. “It's been fun, you three, but come on, Daniel. You haven’t said anything, and I know you'll protest, but it's already decided. You need to become a hero, for all our sakes.”
Daniel moved away from the entrance, then cast a shield over the entrance, hoping the prismatic barrier would buy them a few more minutes time. The strain from maintaining the shield was evident as sweat began to wet his dark hair. “I was hoping you'd save yourself, Audry. I didn't want it to be my decision. I would have never chosen myself. But if it has to be me, I understand.”
Jacobs walked over to Daniel and shook his hand, then gave him a one-armed hug. “Sorry for everything. You were right. I did eat the last of your chocolates we looted from the shadow shop. But she’s right. It’s got to be you. For all those reasons she said, and so many more. And don't forget, if you get the chance to kill that bastard Micah, do so. He cheats at cards and doesn’t pay his debts.” He smiled. “I’m kidding. Try to keep him alive if you can. He’s my little brother, after all.”
With his piece said, the world’s strongest man bounded away in a single leap. His armor became engulfed in smoky energy as he passed through the prismatic shield. Blue flames surrounded him like a second skin as the immolation enchantment of his armor went into full effect. His towering blade turned black with a crimson edge as it passed through the shield and met the first of the Glacial Golems head-on. The force of each blow created a sound like thunder. For a few minutes, it seemed as if he could hold the monsters at bay all by himself.
“I was really hoping to not die today, or at least die last. Guess I’ll have to settle for dying well,” laughed Kain as he stood up and dusted himself off. “But Jacob’s going to need help to give you guys some time. Do what you can to help all the others. Try to find out more about this Mr. Black, but don't look too hard. Don't endanger yourself or your own growth. You need to get strong quickly. Don't let anyone hold you back, and never forget how petty people can be. Never forget what happened at Hearth. If you should run into me and need to convince me of the truth, my daughter's name is Delilah.”
Kain stuck out his hand and Daniel took it, then embraced his oldest friend. With a final nod, Kain pulled out his staff. Arcane energy spread through his body and he split into four distinct beings, each representing a different aspect of nature. The four Kains flew through the prismatic shield, then unleashed a barrage of spells. Savage thunderbolts struck the frozen ground and pillars of fire erupted where they hit, destroying ice and Golem alike.
Audry was the last to say goodbye. “I'm sorry this responsibility falls on you. It will not be an easy road. Try to keep them all alive. Forgive yourself when you don’t. We had so many. If only but a handful more had joined us, it would have made all the difference. Maybe they can help you take on the Wraiths. Maybe Mr. Black was right, and we can be free. I don't know, but you're the only one who will remember this future.”
Daniel wanted to say something, but didn’t know what.
“Make whatever choices you need to,” Audry continued. “Don't hesitate to do what you need to. Not even if you meet us again, not even if we become enemies. Remember this. I buried my dog under the shade of the Redwood tree. If you need to prove who you say you are, use that. It is something I’ve told no one else.”
Not far away, Jacobs collapsed to the ground as an icy blade pierced his thigh, sending the Golems into a frenzy. The largest among them swung an enormous icy sword that cut straight through Jacobs’ armor, nearly cleaving the man in two. Jacobs let out a final scream of defiance, then his body erupted in a torrent of blue fire, destroying a few of the Glacial Golems in the process. When the icy haze cleared, all that remained of him was the glowing prismatic Sol containing his essence.
At the death of his friend, Kain responded with primal fury. He unleashed an elemental cataclysm, a combination of hellfire and ice storm, mixed with coursing lightning and shifting sands. The remaining Glacial Golems faltered for a moment, but without Jacobs acting as his vanguard, Kain was vulnerable. His elemental aspects were quickly torn asunder as more monsters joined the battle, spawning directly from the ice below them. When Kain died, the Sol that spawned in his place was even bigger than Jacobs’.
With no time remaining, Audry put both of her hands on the [Chronos Hourglass] and fed it every ounce of power that remained within her. She commanded it to send Daniel back in time to the beginning, to the very first day. “Don't waste this. So much depends on you,” she whispered as she fell lifelessly to the ground.
A single tear fell down Daniel's cheeks as he lit up in a shroud of light. The world disappeared around him. He had time for one last thought before passing out.
I’ll never forget this.
Chapter 2: Back To The Past
In a room of blackest obsidian, eldritch fire burned in torches and gleamed off the walls. Five members of the Shadow Council convened in the heart of Pandemonium, waiting on the return of the sixth.
Footsteps echoed down the hall as Mr. Black entered. He took his seat. “It is done,” he announced tiredly. “Per our last discussion, Helion has forfeited his seat and his name. A suitable replacement is being groomed. What's done cannot be undone.”
At the head of the table, Mr. Light nodded in approval. “Then to the first order of business. I would like to introduce Amarath's chosen, the vessel who has inherited his power.”
Mr. Black turned. At the far end of the table he saw a pale man with a face crisscrossed by scars as if the man's skin had been sewn together. Near his shoulders, Mr. Black could see the tips of two scarred stubs where wings had once been.
“This is the candidate?” asked Mr. Black. Anxiety struck him, and it was a feeling he wasn’t used to. It wasn’t common for their members to be replaced. Yet here they were, voting to replace one and working to replace another. “What of Amarath, then?”
The scarred man answered in a gruff voice, “His spirit lives within me, slumbering and healing. His true body, the world dungeon, was heavily damaged by the Infernals that traveled through the rift, as my own body was damaged during our fight with Aeon. The outcome was poor, though not a complete loss.”
“Ah, I know of you then,” Mr. Black answered with a nod. “They called you a tyrant, did they not? The man from the future. I understand that you've taken over the function of the dungeon until Amarath awakes. Do you believe a hero can be cultivated on those floors?”
The man paused, then shook his head. “When Amarath was at his full power, I was the strongest among humanity to pass through his floors. I consumed, just as he did, millions of lives to gain my power. It wasn't enough. My fight with Aeon lasted seconds, and much of our mutual power has been used to spread the influence of his dungeon. There will be no savants, though I am confident we can produce soldiers.”
From the other side of the table and still wearing her full battle regalia, Ms. Blue spoke up. Her body glowed golden as she looked at the scarred man with her mystical eyes, as if seeing firsthand the truth of his story. “So. You have faced Aeon himself and lived to tell the tale. The proof being those scars where wings used to be. I vote to confirm. You will be a valuable asset to our group. It's a yes from me.”
The confirmation of Ms. Blue was followed up by confirmations from Mr. Green, Mr. Light, and Mr. Black. The only one who remained quiet was the oldest among them, Mr. Sunday, who finally spoke up in a low, calm voice. “I'll provisionally allow it. Amarath was one of the true immortals like myself, and I have fought alongside his chosen in battle under a different name when summoned. I grant you a new title. From this day, your former name of Seraph is no more. You shall henceforth be known as Mr. November. Sit back down and join our table.”
Mr. November obeyed.
“Now, Mr. Black, tell us of the candidate to replace Helion,” ordered Mr. Sunday. “How long do you think it will take? Things move slowly in the outside world, but we do not have the luxury of time.”
Mr. Black raised his hand in acknowledgment. “It isn’t uncommon for any of us to establish a tower, dungeon, or labyrinth. Indeed, it's even encouraged, but Helion's Tower is a perversion. An abomination he keeps as a toy in his palace. I've seen it myself. But it was there I found the candidate.”
“How has he perverted his tower?” Asked Mr. Green with concern, both for himself and for the group, wondering what crime Helion had committed. Even ancient ones were bound by laws.
“The tower is infinite,” Mr. Black answered. “There is no top, and when the last of his climbers die, he revives them in waves to try again. A cursed existence for those trapped within. But that was not his only crime. He has failed in his duties to prepare for Aeon. He cultivates none of his climbers for the war to come.”
“So who will replace him? One of those lost souls he keeps as pets?” asked Ms. Blue skeptically. “I've my doubts, cousin, that you've somehow managed to find a suitable candidate among that lot.”
Mr. Black shook his head. “No, not one of his Wraiths. I meant among the souls he's stolen for himself. His climbers. I reached the last group before the complete wipe, just before the tower reset. If all goes to plan, one of them should replace Helion. I've given them an artifact that will allow one of them to retain their memories.”
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The pavement was hot to the touch as Daniel lay passed out on the black tarmac. The harsh glare of the mid-afternoon sun burned his exposed skin and caused him to stir in discomfort. Eventually, miserably, he opened his bloodshot eyes. Daniel sat up, and was hit with a wave of nausea, and a terrible headache—residual effects from traveling through time.
Looks like it worked, but I didn’t think my head would hurt this much, Daniel rolled onto his side and vomited bile. Once the world stopped twirling, Daniel picked himself up off the ground and shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand to check his surroundings.
The hourglass! I almost forgot. In a moment of sheer panic, Daniel looked around, and found only a pile of glowing dust near where he’d passed out. The small pile of golden amber was apparently all that remained of the artifact. In horror, he reached out and tried to scoop up the dust with his hands, hoping to store it in his pockets, as he saw no alternatives.
Instead, as soon as the amber dust touched his hands, it clung to his skin. For a moment, his hands glowed gold as they absorbed the residual magic of the dust and whatever other effects Mr. Black had put upon it.
Daniel was certain he heard a confirmation. With thine own hands be granted the Godslayer.
[Ability Granted]
Godslayer
Details: From the dust of a used Chronos Hourglass, you have been granted the Godslayer ability.
Notice: As the dust has not been applied to a weapon but instead on bare hands, it has instead become the Godhand ability.
Permanent Passive Ability: When striking while unarmed, this ability applies time damage. This effect is cumulative and stacks up to 50% degradation.
The Godhand. Daniel winced with a laugh as the pain in his head abated. A little too megalomaniac for me. Jacobs would have loved that, but if this lets me destroy the Wraiths, so be it. For a moment, he saw his hands sheathed in a gauntlet of light. Then, they returned to normal. He breathed deeply and collected his bearings while trying to figure out a plan on how to go forward. I really would have preferred an enchanted blade over a fist.
Looking up, Daniel saw blue sky, like what was found on Earth. It was unfamiliar, a sky he had not seen for decades. Not seen since entering the first floor. He smiled, enjoying the feeling of the wind flow through his hair. I had forgotten what the sun felt like. I really did make it back, even if this is just the base of the tower.
Daniel looked around, recognizing the ruined airport and the rows of rotting airplanes. Not far away, Daniel saw the never-ending sandstone that marked the base of the tower and found himself discomforted by it. I guess I’d hoped for a moment I wasn't still trapped. He pushed away from the thought. Daniel refused to allow his mood to be soured by the tower.
On an instinctive level, Daniel had known as soon as he woke up that he and his friends had been successful in sending him back in time. The way his hands had shone with a golden glow was all the proof he needed. But not the only proof. I'm young again, though this younger body isn’t ready for what’s to come. My mind is hardened, but not my body. Where do I even begin? Daniel tried to process all the questions that lingered in his mind. Among those questions was the uncertainty of when he was, and how best to proceed.
Until I find evidence to the contrary, I need to assume this is the beginning. The day I first found myself doomed to climb Helion's Tower. He brushed off a second layer of dust, then made a quick sign of the cross in remembrance of the friends who had died to give him this chance, and all those they lost along the way.
A gust of hot air went through his hair, helping Daniel to clear his thoughts. I’ll need to find the others. Hopefully, nothing has changed, and this is really the beginning. If I missed the fight with the Wolves, this might be doomed for failure.
Daniel had to squint his eyes as the overhead sun reflected off something large in the distance. As he approached, he saw the glint of a sharpened edge of torn metal, one of the few pieces of unrusted metal in the place.
The surrounding buildings were yellowed and faded from age and exposure to the sun. Grey vines grew freely, giving the entire structure a wild, abandoned look. But it’s not abandoned, is it? Within the halls of the airport, monsters lurked. Monsters he would need to kill.
In a moment of clarity, Daniel finally recognized exactly where he was. A long row of connexes were lined up at the end of the tarmac, next to partially destroyed planes with still-visible logos. I hid in one of those connexes. He scanned the shipping containers for the triple canopy wing logo for confirmation, and quickly found it. That proves it. I’m back at the beginning.
Daniel walked down the tarmac, looking for a way inside. Most of the buildings appeared to be mostly intact. There were a few cracks and a handful of walls that had crumbled. One control tower had collapsed.
While the structures had remained sound, for the most part, every window was completely shattered, and there was jagged glass spread about on the ground. It looked like a scene straight out of a war zone, and Daniel knew none of those windows would be a help to him. They were too high up to reach. I’d forgotten about this, too. It looks like a hurricane hit here. People are going to be scared and confused. I’ll have to try and keep them calm.
