Floor 6 introduced a new mechanic—PvP zones.
DING!
[Warning: Floor 6 is a PvP-enabled zone]
[Climbers can attack each other]
[Killing another Climber grants bonus experience and loot]
Ethan frowned.
PvP floors were dangerous. In his past life, he had avoided them entirely.
But now...
He stepped through the portal.
The environment was a ruined cityscape, filled with collapsed buildings and broken streets.
Ethan moved carefully, keeping to the shadows.
Suddenly—
WHOOSH!
An arrow flew past his head, missing by inches.
Ethan spun around.
A woman stood on a nearby rooftop, bow drawn. She was dressed in leather armor, with short black hair and sharp eyes.
"Finally, some decent prey," she said, grinning.
DING!
[Rival Encounter: Sarah Kane]
[Level: 16]
[Class: Shadow Archer]
Ethan's blood ran cold.
Sarah Kane.
He knew that name.
In his past life, she had been one of the Seven Tower Masters. One of the people he had killed under Malachar's orders.
And now, here she was, alive and well.
"You're fast," Sarah called down. "Most people can't dodge my first shot."
Ethan didn't respond. His mind was racing.
'If I let her grow... she'll become a Tower Master again. But if I kill her now...'
No.
He wouldn't become a murderer again.
"Not interested in fighting," Ethan called back. "I'm just here to clear the floor."
Sarah laughed.
"Too bad. I need the experience."
She fired three arrows in rapid succession.
Ethan activated Shadow Step, teleporting away.
"Interesting!" Sarah shouted. "You've got rare skills already!"
She leaped down from the rooftop, chasing after him.
Ethan ran, using the ruined buildings as cover.
But Sarah was relentless.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Arrows rained down constantly.
Finally, Ethan stopped running.
If she wouldn't let him leave... then he had no choice.
"Meteor Strike!"
BOOM!
A flaming meteor crashed down from the sky, slamming into the ground where Sarah stood.
Dust and debris exploded everywhere.
When it cleared...
Sarah was still standing, protected by a shimmering barrier.
"Nice try," she said. "But I've got defensive skills too."
Ethan gritted his teeth.
This was going to be harder than he thought.
Sarah fired again.
Ethan dodged, then retaliated with Lightning Bolt.
The fight continued for five minutes.
Neither could land a killing blow.
Finally, Sarah lowered her bow.
"Alright, you've earned my respect," she said. "Let's call it a draw."
Ethan hesitated, then nodded.
"Fine."
Sarah grinned.
"What's your name?"
"Ethan Cross."
"Sarah Kane. Remember it. Next time we meet, I won't hold back."
She disappeared into the ruins.
Ethan exhaled slowly.
'So she's still the same. Competitive. Reckless. But not evil.'
He would have to keep an eye on her.
DING!
[Floor 6 Cleared]
[Reward: Skill Book - Gravity Well (Rank D)]
Ethan's eyes widened.
Gravity manipulation. The skill he had wanted from the Shadow Merchant.
He learned it immediately.
DING!
[You have learned: Gravity Well (Rank D)]
[Gravity Well: Create a zone of intense gravity that pulls enemies toward the center and crushes them]
Perfect.
With this, his arsenal was almost complete.
Ethan checked his level.
Level 16.
He was keeping pace with the top Climbers in the world.
And unlike his past life... he was doing it without selling his soul.