CH794

<I’m still surprised you didn’t prepare anything.>

What’s there to prepare? Unlike the last couple times, I don’t have the slightest clue about whatever we’re going to have to deal with and more importantly, for the first time taking on one of these stupid things, I’m actually in my element. My magics are all non-affinitied, same with all of my skills. I mean, sure, none of the affinitied enchantments I can make are going to work when we get to the higher floors but I’ll be able to enchant with anything within my status and probably the non-affinitied enchantments on my rings as well, plus I’ll be able to materialize. If there’s anything I need in there I’ll just make it on the fly.

<Mmh, I’ll take some comfort in the fact that you’re at a high level in all your magics at least, even if you don’t have the complete non-affinitied skill.>

What, don’t tell me it’s necessary? I will happily take any and all spoilers.

<You aren’t learning any trial secrets from me, thank you very much, but as for the skill… Obviously, it’s advised to have a person with it when challenging the tower but you’re going with three, it won’t be a major concern. They can pick up whatever slack you leave. Besides, if you have a group with a good range of magics going instead of the complete one it’s still possible, just more challenging. Either way, just do me a favour and don’t go getting yourself killed. No matter how much you’ve improved since taking on your first one, these things always carry a risk.>

Oh, don’t worry, I’m never forgetting that. Still good and traumatized from my time in Galwax’s.

<And yet you’re still looking at taking on another tower after this one is done.> Myriad sighed.

Excuse you, I have it on the highest authority that craftsmans’ tower doesn’t kill people, meaning I’m probably ending on my safest note!

<Probably?>

I mean, if it comes down to it I’m going to challenge another if I really need to, I’ll talk to you guys about it when the time comes.

<Ben->

Oh look, the tower’s in view now, hold whatever thought that is for later Myriad and wish me luck!

<…Just don’t go getting yourself killed.>

Promise.

It seemed they were the first ones there, leaving them time to stare at the entrance, with Ben pushing his mind to try and interpret what he was seeing. All of the magic towers had their doors marked to give a clue as to what trial they would contain and that one was no different, being covered in dozens of squares, numerous lines, five distinct points, and a central circle as he tried to interpret what they meant with that limited bit of knowledge and continuing that thought while they talked, with a question on Thera’s lips.

“So, how are you feeling about this?”

“As ready as I can be.”

“…”

“What?”

“Ben.”

“…Okay, you got me, I’m maybe a little excited,” He admitted despite himself, even with the danger they were going to face and the lingering bits of trauma he hadn’t escaped from past trials. “This is the first tower we’re doing that I actually suit is all, you know? I guess it will just be a little interesting to see how things go when we actually step in there. How about you then? Feeling okay?”

“…Worried,” She admitted. “It’s possible one or both of us will die in there.”

“A risk we’ve had for every tower we’ve taken on.”

“Yeah, but now there’s a child we’ll be dumping even more trauma on if either of us does.”

“You’ve really taken to the whole mother role.”

“Cousin, a completely different branch of family. Superior too, given that even if I’m not stronger, I’m morally better than his actual mother.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Ha, your guardian role then, and if you want to pass on this then I won’t stop you.”

“No, I want the extra strength, no matter what. I’d still be a pretty terrible guardian if I died during the third wave, I just didn’t expect this extra bit of stress when I first agreed to do this with you.”

“True, it’s been a hell of a couple weeks, for now though-”

“Guys!” Jake yelled out as he, Amy, and Vasta spotted them from the distance, giving them a wave while they waved back.