John slid several feet back, his boots digging hard into the pink ground. His shield took most of the attack, while his armor thankfully took the rest. Growling in frustration, he activated his Squire Aura.

  Wyn was surprised he held out so long, but maybe he wanted to see how he fared against the fourth floor bosses without the additional class ability. He gave a valiant effort, but these enemies weren’t easy enough for them to play around like the earlier floors. The fourth floor was typically just as hard, if not harder, than the sixth floor, and that was far as they’ve climbed safely.

  They had Lucy now, though, and Wyn felt confident they could clear that floor and possibly the eighth with some practice, proper equipment, working together, and luck.

  But that was a problem for another day. For now, they were trying to clear the first tier in their first day of climbing. And of course, the boss wasn’t just one boss, but three.

  The huge Riock flew up with quick flaps of its large, blue wings while squawking in anger. Lightning crashed into its body as it cleared about ten feet in the air, and it yelled in pain as it fell back to the ground.

  Cedric and Marcy were tasked with keeping it grounded, and they were doing their job well. The rest of the fight was too close for them to safely intervene, though Marcy had an easier job as the bosses were so large compared to the melee Climbers. Their bodies were easy targets, but hitting their vitals was another challenge.

  Lucy, John, and Wyn were all dealing with the bosses directly. The monster beside the Riock was another Zalman-dos that was blue and white with specks of ice covering its body. The entire floor was cold and snowy, and this variant was ice-based. It spewed wide ice shards as a magical attack and had sharp talons it used to great effect. John was protected, but Lucy was less careful about avoiding damage. Wyn used Regen on her after she took the magical hit directly to make sure she wasn’t too injured, though to his surprise she mostly shrugged off the damage.

  The other monster was one that Wyn was the most shocked to see. It looked like a large beast with a long, powerful tail, a long neck and pointed face with a tall jaw with sharp teeth, and a strong hide coated with blue short hair. The most obvious and intimidating features, though, were its long, thin wings it had instead of front legs. They looked like oversized bat wings, though it didn’t fly with them. It did use them to glide around the wide open area where they fought with ease, though, and was agile enough to mostly dodge Cedric’s magic and some of Marcy’s arrows. Those that hit it didn’t seem to affect it much.

  Wyn knew the monster was strong and would be difficult to kill. Even without the other two monsters the lone beast was going to be a pain, but with all three of them together it was a true challenge. It didn’t help that Lucy, John, and Wyn’s focus were split on the enemies to make sure they didn’t target the others. Once one monster fell, they could focus their attacks and make quick work of the other two.

  Wyn used Flash to blind the Zalman-dos that was about to him, and the monster squealed in annoyance. Not to do nothing, the monster lashed out with its wide ice breath, not caring what was around it. To its credit, everything there was its enemy, so even blinded it had a chance to hit something.

  Wyn cast another Shield to block the magical ice, protecting both him and John. John’s Squire Aura was giving him enough of a boost to his physicality that he didn’t feel the need to activate Speed Up to escape or dodge. Instead, he decided to activate Drain so he could be more aggressive.

  His class mark appeared under him as his Chaincast ability activated and Drain was duplicated. The effect latched over to John, and he looked demonic with his red Squire Aura under a black, pulsating aura from Wyn’s spell.

  John hesitated for only a moment before realizing what happened and went more aggressive. He rushed the Zalman-dos and attacked it furiously, his red sword swinging with the fire element. Large slashes started appearing on the monster’s hide, and it bellowed in pain. Every attack looked to be amplified as Drain siphoned its life over to John.

  Wyn began hitting the Zalman-dos from the other side while Lucy kept the third monster occupied. The Riock kept trying to fly but was getting peppered with attacks each time it did. A large beam of white magic hit it along with a fiery explosive arrow, as both Tasha and Marcy hit it with ranged magic. The monster fell to the pink ground in a pained and pitiful yowl. It laid still, dead.

  The Zalman-dos fell to both Climber’s attacks and Drain, which worked nearly as effectively as their weapons. The moment it fell in a heap, they moved to help Lucy. The Barbarian had cuts and injuries all over her arms and legs, but otherwise she seemed okay. Wyn did note that she moved quicker and hit harder than she had before, obviously enhanced by her class ability of growing stronger as she was injured.

  The three of them surrounded and pounded the monster to death over the course of an agonizing, gruesome minute. The beast had a strong tail attack that Wyn narrowly dodged or blocked several times, but Lucy still took the worst of it. She blocked attacks with crossed arms that were gashed and bleeding heavily from the monster’s lashing jaws.

  As the beast slowed, Lucy stepped back so Tasha could heal her. She didn’t need to join anymore. John and Wyn kept the beast’s attention while Marcy and Cedric steadily wore it down at range.

  Soon it was dead, and the six Climbers accomplished their goal.

  “Damn,” Lucy said. She stood beside Tasha, still glowing white. She rubbed her arms as though she was fending off the cold. “That bitch really had a strong bite to it. If we find more of them later, I vote John deals with it.”

  “I hope we do,” Cedric said, holding a white and blue sword. It looked to be a short sword with an obvious ice element. Marcy stood next to him holding a piece of parchment.

  “It’s called a Frost Fang Shortsword,” Marcy said. “Blue rarity. It has a strong ice element that can slow enemies with a passive Chill attack that could activate occasionally. It also improves the wielder’s resistance to ice by a small amount and their speed and dexterity in snowy environments.”

  Wyn assumed the Chill ability was an ice-based effect that sounded as straightforward as Marcy said. But that sword also sounded like a Rogue’s dream weapon for the month. He was sure the guild could find a use for it, and it would easily be one of their contributions for the month. And if the ice-monster dropped other items like it then this floor would be a solid one to repeat.

  “That’s a great find,” John said. “That monster must have some good drops! It would make this floor worth repeating to see what else they have!”

  “That was exactly what I’m thinking,” Wyn said. “What was that monster, anyway?”

  “My parchment says it was a Frostmoore Wyvern,” Tasha said. “It dropped two blue rarity ice feathers which I’m sure crafters could use, too.”

  “Even better. Lot’s of promise this month.”

  “You’re telling me,” Lucy said. “Maybe we get lucky and find tougher versions of it. Like actual dragons!”

  “Do you have a death wish?” Marcy said. “Dragons wipe teams more than any other monster type. And they’re typically only on the third or fourth tier with Climbers who are strong enough to climb that high. They’re ridiculously strong.”

  “But they also give the best loot, don’t they?” Lucy placed her axe on a metal ring on her belt loop and stretched. “We’re likely not ready for it this month. But you never know, could be a stronger Wyvern on the next tier. I’d love some new equipment from some strong monsters.”

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  “Maybe we’ll get some,” Wyn said. “For now, how about we see what the fifth floor is like? We’ve earned a break.”

  The others gathered the loot that dropped before heading to the portal. There were two piles of rewards from the three monsters that had some coins, two potions, monster drops, and a higher quality sapphire gem. John was using a garnet gem to have the fire element on his weapon, but he utilized any higher quality gem to socket into his sword. The lesser qualities he sold or gave back to the group.

  After a few minutes of collecting they moved through the portal. Wyn took a deep breath standing before the portal, hoping it didn’t put him in the sky like the third floor. He doubted it since they were going to the rest floor, but the experience made him paranoid.

  When the world opened up, Wyn was relieved to find he was standing on solid ground. Then he was shocked to see where he stood. The environment was still snowy and white, with snow-capped mountains in the far distance and clouds covering the bright sky, but around him was a serene oasis landscape.

  While the last month had a desert escape under a large tent that was relaxing and pleasant, this month was visually stunning. Wyn could hardly believe what he saw. Everywhere he turned was something new and wonderful, and he felt his jaw opening several times in amazement.

  Immediately in front of the portal was a large open area with a dozen lagoons, each the size of a bedroom. Steam wafted from them into the sky, merging higher above with the misty clouds that made the sun light up the area but not be overwhelmingly bright. Around the lagoons were boulders that added to the ambience, as well as small bridges connecting all the pools. Bushes of various berries and fruits lined the area as well, and Wyn was more than curious to see what food that was created from Alistair tasted like.

  A group was currently lounging in one of the pools talking loudly and laughing. The moment Wyn and his group entered they quieted and waved in acknowledgement, but went back to their conversation in a more hushed volume.

  “Looks like we weren’t the first,” Lucy said.

  “Never are,” Cedric said. “Though we went pretty fast. I’m still impressed.”

  “So that means we’re towards the top, then?” Tasha asked. “If we’re one of the first ones here that’s great!”

  Marcy chuckled. “Not exactly. The faster ones likely already went to the second tier. Faye their group are probably going to clear the second tier tonight or tomorrow morning.”

  “No way,” John said. “That fast?”

  “That fast. If the higher tier Climbers want to climb consistently in the third or fourth tier, they need to get there as fast as possible. The first tier is trivial, and the second tier easy. So yea, that fast.”

  “Damn.” John stepped forward and bent down to the first pool in front of the portal. The water was a bright blue, opaque, and completely still. He poked one finger in the water causing a series of ripples to form. “It’s warm!”

  Tasha gasped. “Like a hot spring?”

  John laughed and flicked the water at her. “Exactly.”

  Tasha immediately began taking off her climbing equipment while everyone stood in shock. John fumbled back and fell on the ground, sputtering instead of speaking words.

  Tasha stripped down to a pair of cloth pants and an undershirt and eased into the pool. She moaned in delight as the water went up to her neck. “This… is magical.”

  Marcy began taking off her equipment following Tasha’s lead. “That’s the point, St. Clair!”

  Lucy jumped into the water immediately after Marcy, and the three guys only stood dumbfounded.

  It wasn’t long before they were all up to their chins in the water relaxing. Wyn thought the water was unlike anything he’d experienced before - it was warm and soothing but also denser than normal water. As though there was some magical substance inside it that helped ease his muscles and calm his mind.

  He could sit there forever. And while he knew eventually they had to leave, this rest floor would make for an incredible spot to recover when they all needed it.

  John leaned back against the edge of the pool and let his arms rest on the smooth rocky barrier. He looked up into the sky and took a deep breath while closing his eyes. “This is the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time. It’s not just nice. It’s needed.”

  Tasha slowly waded beside him and put a hand on his forearm. “Something’s on your mind. What is it?”

  John smiled. “It’s nothing. I’m okay.”

  Tasha snickered. “I think I’ve grown to know you. You like food, climbing, and jokes. What is on your mind?”

  John’s smile faded a bit. “Nigel said he was planning to advance his group to the third tier this month. It’s stupid, but I’m jealous. He’s a squire like me but he’s good. Really good.”

  “How do you know that?” Wyn asked. “I’d put you up against any other Fighter class any day.”

  “We’ve been training together in the evenings the past few days. His skill set is much more focused than me, his equipment is better. He’ll likely be as good as Gregory when he becomes a Knight.”

  “So be better,” Marcy said. “Don’t just be as good as Gregory.”

  John chuckled. “Yea. Easier said than done!” He took another deep breath before grabbing Tasha’s hand and holding it. “But I am looking forward to the private lesson with Gregory at the end of the week. I think he’ll teach me some great things about being a Squire and eventually a Knight. And being a better Climber.”

  “So you have that to look forward to,” Tasha said with a smile.

  Cedric rose in the water, exposing the upper half of his torso. He rested his right arm on the barrier and slowly moved the remainder of his left arm and shoulder in the air. “I also have a lot on my mind. Cara should be finishing my item in a few weeks, and I’m excited about the potential of having an arm back. But it cost nearly all of my savings for both the materials and the work. And if it doesn’t work…”

  “It’ll work,” Wyn said. “Cara’s an amazing crafter. Look at John’s sword and my coat! And we will make that money back faster than you think. And then some.”

  Cedric nodded but didn’t respond.

  Wyn knew how both of the men were feeling. This month had some exciting new things coming up, but it still brought on some anxiety, too. From what he learned with Daniel, sometimes it was best to just listen and support. And he could relate to their worries. He thought of Arabelle and her becoming a Climber. Her choosing her own path was great, and he knew she would work hard. But it also made him nervous thinking of her being a Climber.

  Was that how she felt all the time about him?

  “Arabelle is going to climb,” Wyn said after stewing in his own thoughts.

  “She chose a class?” Marcy said.

  Wyn slowly nodded. “I don’t know what she got, but she changed it to Ruby Magician.”

  John laughed. “Wanting to be just like her big brother! That’s sweet. And Daniel will do right by her.”

  “I’m sure he’s worried about her, you idiot,” Tasha said, smacking John on the arm. His smile wasn’t affected.

  “I meant it when I said I respect her choices,” Wyn said. “If she wants to climb, I won’t stop her. But yes I am worried. People get hurt. People die.”

  “But people also end up being just fine,” Marcy said. “She doesn’t have to climb as intensely as you. In fact, if she earns money, too, you can even calm down some. Your debt could be paid off early.”

  “That’s a fair point. And I’ll make sure she has whatever gear she needs. But I’m hoping she understands the risks.”

  “She understood the risks when she fled your home to come here,” Cedric said. “We all understand the risks we take in life. Supporting each other is the best thing we can do.”

  Wyn leaned back against the side of the pool and relaxed. The others were right. He knew she would be okay, even if climbing would be hard. She was a fighter. And she might even become a better Climber than himself.

  Talking to her and Daniel would set his mind at ease. And they could discuss a strategy for her to climb. Whatever items she needed he’d find. As long as she was as prepared as she could be.

  *****

  Lucy sat in the lagoon with the water nearly up to her mouth. She decided to silently wait and listen to the rest of her group talk about everything that came to their mind. Their struggles, their hopes, their expectations for the month and beyond.

  It was aggravating.

  Lucy, not for the first time, was envious. Here was a group who got along, worked well together, and had great potential. It was obvious they would be able to accomplish whatever they wanted, and yet they still cared about and worried about the most mundane shit. Did they not remember she was basically a slave to the very organization that held Wyn and his sister at a debt so serious they could lose their health or life if they didn’t follow through?

  But she didn’t blame them. It was their life, and she was still a stranger. A recent enemy slowly - hopefully - becoming at the very least an ally. She doubted she could ever become their friend, but she could settle for being a trusted team mate.

  She stewed in the water because she didn’t want to feel this way. They didn’t do anything wrong by her, and they had every right to be upset at her being part of their group. But she wanted to be free like them. Free to worry about the mundane, the normalcy of a life without always looking over your shoulder in fear.

  One day she’d have that freedom. Mathias wouldn’t always be around, and she still held hope she could escape. Being around these five Climbers gave her that hope. There are still some good people out there. Maybe they’d keep her around when she was free.

  A pang of longing for her sister hit her harder than any punch. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, forcing her emotions back down. She didn’t want to cry. Not here. Not today.

  That would be for another time when she was alone. Like always. For now, she needed to show strength.

  She opened her eyes to see the others laughing and relaxing. Her shoulders eased down into the water and her breath slowed. It was… nice.

  Maybe there was hope for her after all. Maybe these people could help her.

  Maybe she could be a friend to them and they’d welcome her. The thought put a small smile on her face. It wouldn’t be the same as having a sister, but it was a shining light of hope in a sea of black worries and fear.

  She didn’t know much, but what she did know was that she would try to make them her friends.

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