Passing through the teleportation hub, the Ironstride Party arrived at the premises of the [Draken Tower.]
Situated at the center of the world, the fastest and most reliable way to reach the [Draken Tower] was through the international teleportation network. Every major government helped maintain those hubs, which were still the safest way to travel long distances in an instant.
But this wasn't the first time Zane Miller had been at the Tower grounds; as a Player, he was allowed access through the hub, but this would be the first time he entered the tower itself.
He wasn't stupid, far from it. The news of frequent deaths on the early floors, especially among low-ranked Players, cautioned Zane not to enter the tower alone, but to tag along with a guild that actually knew what they were doing. And from the look of the gear worn by Garrick, he was at least competent.
Having awakened only a month ago, Zane was thrilled to finally get his first taste of being a Player.
"Stop gawking," Garrick said, throwing him a sharp look.
"Since we're a party now, everyone needs to cross the door before we can open an Instance Layer."
Zane already knew that; he was just excited to finally start his journey as a Player.
He flicked his fingers and pulled up his status panel, his gaze immediately locking straight to the 'Playing As' section.
[Playing as: Multiple (Ironstride)]
That tag meant he was officially tied to the party. Once every member stepped through the threshold, the tower would generate a fresh Instance Layer just for them. Dozens of groups could challenge the same floor at the same time, each one sealed inside their own private copy of the dungeon.
Zane exhaled, squared his shoulders, and followed the others toward the door that would lock them in and kick off his first real run as a Player.
The moment the last member of Ironstride stepped through the threshold, the door thudded shut behind them, as a faint chime rolled through the air, like metal striking crystal.
Floor One. Instance Layer established!
A row of torches along the stone walls snapped alive, one after another, pouring warm light across the narrow passage. The heat felt real. The shadows felt even more real. Zane swallowed once and tried not to look as nervous as he felt. But he wasn't the only one with a nervous feel, as the other three were also entering the floor for the first time.
Garrick, the team's shield, moved first. His broad shoulders and heavy armor gave him the kind of presence that easily filled a hallway. He then lifted his shield and spoke without turning.
"Stay behind me until we get eyes on the first chamber."
Everyone then nodded and exchanged quick glances.
While they walked, Zane reopened his panel. Curiosity got the better of him, as this was his first time in a party, which meant his interface had new features unlocked.
He then tapped Garrick's name.
The panel expanded, and Zane could see his class, level and many more. Usually, Zane wouldn't be able to see any of those, but because they are now in a party, he can.
Garrick Ironstride
Level 1
Class: Vanguard
Skills:
• Bulwark Guard – Rank C
Inventory:
•Aegiswall Tower Shield (Legendary)
•Sliver Bulwark Plate (Epic)
•Stonebinder Gauntlets (Epic)
•Load Greaves (Epic)
•Steeled Broadsword (Rare)
Zane let out a low breath, as he scanned through Garrick's profile.
A legendary shield? Three epic ranked items and one rare. Garrick was way above the average gear a Player usually had.
Tapping on the legendary shield, a new panel materialized,
Aegiswall Tower Shield
Type: Shield
Rarity: Legendary
Description: A massive slab of reinforced drakescale alloy. Once anchored, it reduces incoming frontal damage dramatically. Emits a faint hum when absorbing heavy hits.
Bonus Effects:
• +40% Strength
• +20% Damage Resistance while stationary
• Passive: Aegis Pulse – releases a shockwave after blocking three consecutive attacks.
Garrick then glanced back, catching Zane's expression. Something like amusement tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Impressive, isn't it?"
Zane shut the panel, as Garrick's voice somewhat startled him. "Yeah, I didn't know party sync showed this much."
"Now you know," Garrick said, turning his eyes forward again.
Now nearing the end of the hallway, a massive stone door came into view. Strange lines curled across its surface like someone had carved a puzzle into the rock. Blue torches burned on either side, illuminating the air in a cold blue.
"Brace yourself," Garrick said, as he placed one hand on the door and slowly pushed it open.