The next morning, the guildmaster summoned them.
"It is no longer safe here," she said. "The Tower will protect you."
"The… tower?" Riley asked.
"Ascension Tower," Aeris said. "The heart of this world."
"And the place where you might find answers," the guildmaster added.
They approached the massive structure—
a spiraling monolith stretching into infinity.
Kaela nudged Riley.
"Ready to climb your first floor?"
"Not even a little," Riley muttered.
The doors opened.
ENTERING TOWER FLOOR 1
DANGER LEVEL: LOW
RECOMMENDED PARTY SIZE: 3+
PARTY REGISTERED: ERROR—UNDEFINED
Aeris, Lyria, Kaela, and Riley stepped inside.
The door slammed behind them.
Monsters materialized.
Riley gulped.
"T-this is going to be fine… right?"
Kaela grinned.
"Nope."
And the first battle of his new life began.