Episode 12: The Ascent Begins

The Tower of Eternity stood as a monument to the trials Eryndis had faced. Its surface was carved from blackened stone, veined with silver light that pulsed like a heartbeat. The structure seemed alive, a looming presence that watched his every move. The shards in his possession vibrated faintly, their energies syncing with the tower's rhythm.

[Quest Update: Enter the Tower of Eternity.]

Objective: Survive the Ascent and Claim the Final Shard.]

Eryndis approached the base of the tower, his Shadow Blade drawn. The entrance was a massive archway, flanked by two statues of hooded figures, their hands outstretched as if in warning. The air around him grew cold, and the system issued its first challenge.

[Puzzle Detected: Prove Your Worth.]

Hint: Only those who embody balance may enter.]

In the center of the archway, a circular stone pedestal rose from the ground. Inscribed upon it were symbols representing various virtues: strength, wisdom, courage, and temperance. The system displayed a notification.

“Choose the virtue that defines you.”

Eryndis hesitated, his mind racing. Each virtue had played a role in his journey so far, but one stood out above the rest. He placed his hand on the symbol for courage, and the pedestal lit up.

The system chimed.

[Correct.]

The statues came to life, their hands lowering as the massive doors creaked open. A chilling wind escaped the tower’s depths, carrying with it faint whispers.

[New Zone: Tower of Eternity - Floor 1.]

Eryndis stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The interior was an expansive hall filled with floating platforms, each one shifting and rotating unpredictably. The first floor was a test of agility.

The system provided a warning.

[Zone Hazard: Falling Platforms – React Quickly to Survive.]

Leaping onto the nearest platform, Eryndis quickly realized that the timing of his jumps was crucial. The platforms crumbled seconds after contact, forcing him to rely on Shadow Surge to teleport to safety. Each leap brought him closer to the spiral staircase at the far end of the room.

As he reached the staircase, the floor beneath him collapsed entirely. He sprinted upward, his breath ragged as the tower rumbled ominously.

[Floor 1 Complete.]

The second floor was a labyrinth of shifting walls and false paths. The system offered no map, leaving Eryndis to rely on his instincts. The walls were adorned with glowing runes that seemed to respond to his presence, their patterns shifting as he moved.

At one point, he found himself trapped in a dead-end, the walls closing in. He activated Umbral Edge, slashing through the runes and forcing the walls to retract. The system chimed approvingly.

[Floor 2 Complete.]

The third floor brought him face-to-face with a new threat. Shadows coalesced into humanoid figures, each one mirroring his appearance. The system identified them as Shadow Clones.

[Enemy Detected: Shadow Clone – Level 11.]

The clones moved with eerie precision, their attacks perfectly mimicking his own. Eryndis realized that brute force wouldn’t win this fight. He had to outthink them.

Switching tactics, he activated Shadow Surge, teleporting behind the nearest clone and striking its weak point. The clone dissolved into mist, and he quickly turned his attention to the others. The battle was grueling, each strike draining his already dwindling energy.

Health: 60/120

Mana: 15/60

When the last clone fell, the system provided a brief respite.

[Floor 3 Complete.]

The fourth floor was unlike anything Eryndis had encountered. The room was empty, save for a single pedestal at its center. Upon the pedestal rested a glowing orb, its light shifting between colors. The system offered no explanation.

As Eryndis approached the orb, his vision blurred, and he found himself standing in a different place entirely. He was back in the Forgotten Veil, reliving his first encounter with the Shard of Shadows. But something was wrong. The scene played out differently, with Eryndis failing to retrieve the shard and being consumed by darkness.

He shook his head, gripping the orb tightly.

“This isn’t real,” he growled, his voice echoing in the void.

The illusion shattered, and he returned to the tower. The pedestal was empty, and the system chimed.

[Mental Fortitude Test Passed.]

[Floor 4 Complete.]

The fifth and final floor awaited. The staircase leading to it was steep, each step a struggle as the air grew heavier. When he reached the top, he found himself in an open chamber, the sky visible through a massive circular opening above. At the center of the chamber floated the Final Shard, its glow brighter than all the others combined.

But he was not alone. A figure clad in golden armor stood before the shard, its face obscured by a helmet. The system identified the figure.

[Boss Encounter Detected: Guardian of Eternity]

Level: 15

Health: 2000/2000

The Guardian spoke, its voice resonating with authority. “You have come far, but only one who is truly worthy may claim the shard. Prove yourself, or perish.”

Eryndis raised his Shadow Blade, his determination unwavering. The final battle had begun.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***