Ascension : the hundred floors

Aric exited the Village of Beginnings, his thoughts racing. The mission to face the First Floor Guardian was his main priority, but experience had already taught him to prepare thoroughly. The Tower didn't just reward brute strength—it demanded strategy, foresight, and resilience.

As he stood at the edge of the village, his gaze turned to the sprawling wilderness beyond. The first floor wasn't just a single path; it was a sprawling labyrinth of forests, caves, and ruins teeming with monsters and hidden dangers. He knew he couldn't face these challenges alone—not even with his growing strength.

Reviewing the Status Window

Before proceeding further, Aric opened his status window to assess his current condition.

Aric Valen's Status

Level: 4

HP: 700 / 700

MP: 470 / 470

SP: 570 / 570

ATK: 110

DEF: 75

AGI: 55

LCK: 27

XP Progress: 50 / 600

Skills:

Crimson Slash (Lv. 2): A powerful energy slash. Phantom Dash (Lv. 1): Increases movement speed and grants temporary invincibility. Iron Aegis (Lv. 1): Creates a durable shield to absorb damage. Blade Storm (Lv. 1): Unleashes a flurry of strikes. Precision Strike (Lv. 1): Ignores 30% of the target's defense.

Aric's gaze lingered on his XP Progress bar. Reaching Level 5 would unlock additional features in the Nexus System. He needed to level up quickly, but more than that, he needed allies.

Infinite Creation: Summoning the Clones

Aric activated Infinite Creation, summoning clones equal to his current level. Four identical versions of himself materialized before him, each radiating unique auras that hinted at their distinct personalities.

Clone 1: A strategist, calm and analytical.

Clone 2: A warrior, brimming with aggression.

Clone 3: A scout, agile and perceptive.

Clone 4: A defender, stoic and unyielding.

The clones knelt before him in unison, awaiting orders.

"You are my strength," Aric began. "Together, we'll conquer the Tower. But first, we need a foundation."

He raised his hand, activating the Guild Creation feature in the Nexus System.

[You have created a Guild: The Infinite Guild.]

[Guild Members: 5]

[Guild Level: 1]

[Guild Rank: Trash]

Establishing the Infinite Guild

The clones stood, their expressions resolute.

"Our first task," Aric continued, "is to gather resources, scout the floor, and prepare for the Guardian. Each of you has a role. Strategist, plan our movements. Scout, map the area. Warrior and Defender, secure our supplies. I'll handle the rest."

The clones dispersed, their assignments clear.

Rival Guilds

As Aric moved deeper into the floor, he encountered other challengers. Most were in small groups, their armor and weapons betraying their modest beginnings. However, a few stood out.

Guild: Ironclad Alliance

Personality: Neutral Leader: Kael, a stoic swordsman known for his fairness.

Guild: Black Fangs

Personality: Aggressive Leader: Reyna, a cunning rogue with a ruthless reputation.

Guild: Dawnbringers

Personality: Benevolent Leader: Elise, a kind-hearted healer with a devoted following.

The presence of these guilds added another layer of complexity. While some might become allies, others could turn into dangerous rivals.

Hardship and Caution

Aric's journey wasn't without its challenges. The monsters on the first floor were more intelligent than he'd anticipated. Packs of wolves coordinated their attacks, striking at his blind spots. Winged creatures dove from above, forcing him to remain constantly alert.

One particularly harrowing encounter involved a Frost Elemental, a rare and powerful monster. Its ice attacks froze the ground, limiting Aric's mobility. Despite his clones' assistance, the battle left him drained and injured.

Post-Battle Status

HP: 310 / 700

MP: 230 / 470

SP: 300 / 570

"This is no joke," Aric muttered, leaning against a tree. "I can't let my guard down for even a second."

Missions and Preparation

Over the next few days, Aric completed multiple missions, each one testing his limits.

Escort the Merchant: Protecting a wandering merchant from bandits. Herb Gathering: Collecting rare plants from a dangerous swamp. Wolf Den Raid: Eliminating a pack of Dire Wolves to secure a safe route.

These missions not only bolstered his experience but also provided valuable rewards—potions, crafting materials, and even a new skill:

Skill Gained: Frost Ward

Type: Passive

Effect: Reduces damage from ice-based attacks by 20%.

The Guild's Growth

As the Infinite Guild completed these tasks, their reputation began to grow. Other players took notice of the strange group of identical individuals, their coordinated actions and efficiency earning both admiration and suspicion.

The Path to the Guardian

With the Guardian's location marked on his map, Aric regrouped with his clones.

"Tomorrow, we face the Guardian," he announced. "But we're not rushing in blindly. We'll spend the night preparing—checking our gear, replenishing our supplies, and summoning additional clones if the system allows."

His clones nodded, their determination mirroring his own.

Aric opened his status window one last time for the day, taking comfort in the steady progress he'd made.

Aric Valen's Updated Status

Level: 6

HP: 850 / 850

MP: 550 / 550

SP: 650 / 650

Skills:

Crimson Slash (Lv. 3) Phantom Dash (Lv. 2) Iron Aegis (Lv. 2) Blade Storm (Lv. 2) Precision Strike (Lv. 1) Frost Ward (Lv. 1)

As the moon rose, casting its silvery light over the floor, Aric stared into the distance. The Guardian awaited, but so did countless other challenges.

"The Tower wants to break me," he whispered. "But I'll break it first."

With that, he closed his eyes, steeling himself for the battle to come.

End of Chapter 4