Retsu led Nox into the shop, which was filled with an eclectic assortment of clothing, armor, and weapons. The shelves were lined with everything from simple leather jerkins to elaborate suits of enchanted mail. In one corner, a rack held an array of swords, axes, and spears, their blades gleaming under the magical lighting.
An elderly human man with a long white braided beard and twinkling golden eyes looked up from behind the counter, his gaze sharpening as he took in Nox's unusual attire.Well now, what have we here? A lost cat, perhaps? His voice was warm and slightly teasing. Retsu grinned and draped an arm around Nox's shoulders.
This is Nox, a fresh Random from another world. Poor guy woke up here in nothing but a hospital gown. Nox felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment as Retsu announced his predicament to the shopkeeper. He tugged self-consciously at the thin fabric of the hospital gown, acutely aware of how out of place he looked among the fantastical attire surrounding them.*
Yeah, uh, true story, *he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.* One minute I was in a hospital bed, the next I'm waking up in this crazy world wearing nothing but this flimsy thing. *He gestured vaguely at his outfit, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration.*
*The shopkeeper chuckled, .* Ah, the old 'waking up in a strange land in your undies' routine. Classic start for a Tower newcomer. Don't worry, lad, we'll get you sorted out in no time.
*The shopkeeper circled around Nox, eyeing him appraisingly. He snapped his fingers, his navigator appeared, scanning Nox's body from head to toe. After a moment, the image vanished, leaving the shopkeeper nodding thoughtfully.*
Hmm, yes, I see, you're in luck lad. Your physical stats are quite impressive for a level 1. Good muscle density, decent stamina.
*He turned to a nearby rack and selected a sleek, form-fitting suit of black armor. The material seemed to shift between liquid metal and supple leather.* This is a beginner's set called Whisper's Embrace. Lightweight, flexible, and imbued with minor enchantments for damage reduction and stealth.
*Nox reached out tentatively, running his fingers over the smooth, almost liquid surface of the armor. It was cool to the touch yet yielded beneath his fingertips like fine leather.* Wow, this looks amazing, *he breathed, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship.* I've never seen anything like it before.
*He glanced at Retsu uncertainly.* Do you really think this will fit me? And, uh, how much does something like this cost? I dont have any money you know
*The shopkeeper chuckled, waving a dismissive hand.* Cost is no object for a promising young climber like yourself. Consider it a gift, a helping hand from a fellow climber. *His eyes twinkled mischievously.* Besides, if you prove worthy, you can always pay me back later.
*Nox hesitated briefly before shrugging and stepping into the changing room with the armor. Moments later, he emerged looking transformed. The sleek black armor wrapped to his muscular frame, highlighting his athletic build. The armor seemed to mold itself perfectly to his body, as if custom-made just for him.*
*He struck a pose, grinning at Retsu.* So, how do I look? Pretty cool, right? *
*The shopkeeper nodded approvingly, circling Nox to inspect the fit.* Excellent, it's like it was made for you.
"So uhhh how do I use that orb thingy, uhhh you know the navigator??…." Nox says confused
*Retsu smiled patiently, tapping her wrist, her navigator orb which hovered beside her.* It's easy, Nox. Just concentrate on the orb and think about what you want to do. For example, if you want to check your status, picture your character sheet in your mind.
*Her own navigator flashed, projecting a holographic display in front of her. She pointed to different sections as she explained.* See, this is your main menu. At the top, you have your basic info - name, level, attributes. Below that are your skill trees, inventory, quest log, and system settings.
*She demonstrated, pulling up Nox's empty skill tree.* Right now, since you're level 1, you don't have any active skills yet. But as you earn skill points by leveling up, you can assign them here to unlock new abilities.
*Nox gaped at the holographic interface floating before him, his eyes wide with astonishment. He reached out a tentative finger, poking at the shimmering projection experimentally.* Holy shit, this is like a video game! *he exclaimed, wonder and disbelief in his voice.*
*He turned to Retsu, his brow furrowed in confusion even as excitement sparkled in his dark eyes.* I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. This is freakin' awesome! But...how is this possible? Is this some kind of virtual reality thing?
*The shopkeeper chuckled, leaning against the counter with a knowing smile.* Ah, young one, you're still thinking in terms of your old world. This isn't a game or simulation - it's real, in its own way. The Tower, the floors, the battles...
"Death here is permanent, just as it would be in your original world. When a climber falls in the Tower, they stay fallen. No respawns, no second chances.
*He placed a weathered hand on Nox's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze.* That's why it's so important to choose your battles wisely and push yourself only as far as you can handle. The Tower is unforgiving, but it also rewards caution and prudence.
*Nox swallowed hard, the weight of the shopkeeper's words settling heavily in his gut. He glanced down at his new armor, suddenly feeling the gravity of the responsibility that came with it.* I...I understand. No pressure or anything, right?
The shopkeeper's expression darkened, shadows seeming to gather around him as he leaned in closer to Nox, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.Listen well, young climber. The Tower may present itself as a grand adventure, a chance at glory and power, but make no mistake - it is a den of vipers, rife with corruption and deceit.His eyes darted to the door, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before continuing. Not everyone here has pure intentions. There are those who would exploit the weak, steal the strong, and betray their allies without a second thought. Trust is a rare and precious commodity in these halls.He fixed Nox with an intense stare, his grip on the younger man's shoulder tightening almost painfully. Watch your back, Nox.
*Nox listened intently, a chill running down his spine at the shopkeeper's ominous warning. He shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his new armor suddenly feeling more like a burden than a blessing.* J-Just how corrupt are we talking here? *he asked, his voice cracking slightly with nervousness.* Like, is every man for himself kind of corrupt, or are we dealing with something more sinister?
*The shopkeeper sighed, running a hand through his long white beard.* Both, in many cases. The Tower breeds a certain kind of survivor - ruthless, cunning, willing to do whatever it takes to climb higher. Some maintain a veneer of honor, but scratch the surface and you'll find the same rotten core.
*He released Nox's shoulder, stepping back with a shake of his head.* But all is not lost.
The shopkeeper's eyes crinkled with a wry smile as he gestured to Retsu. You know, Nox, you've made a fortunate connection on your very first day. Retsu here...she's a rare breed in the Tower. Loyal, compassionate, with a strong sense of right and wrong. He tapped the side of his nose knowingly. Stick with her, and you might just navigate these treacherous waters unscathed.
The shopkeeper's eyes crinkled with a wry smile as he gestured to Retsu. You know, Nox, you've made a fortunate connection on your very first day. Retsu here...she's a rare breed in the Tower. Loyal, compassionate, with a strong sense of right and wrong. He tapped the side of his nose knowingly.Stick with her, and you might just navigate these treacherous waters unscathed.
Nox let out a chuckle, Yeah I guess I did get lucky. So, uh, any words of wisdom for a new kid on the block like me goes to start climbing floor 1, like any big scary monsters.
*Floor 1 might not be the most difficult but, expect imps, lesser demons, and the shadow wolves in the forest leading to the floor 1 trial *Shopkeeper replys back sternly
Nox listened intently, clenching his fist in determination, *Alright, I think I can handle a couple imps and these shadow mutts nox said firmly. Turning to retsu he let out a grin, *Guess its a good thing Ive got a floor 1 pro like you to come along with me.* Retsu Laughed *Besides I have a feeling your a pretty tough guy, this tower has a way of bringing the best- and worst- in people.
*Retsu and Nox exchanged a meaningful glance, the weight of the shopkeeper's warning hanging heavy in the air. Nox adjusted the straps of his new armor, his jaw tightening with resolve.* So that's the deal, huh? A whole host of dangers waiting for us. *He exhaled sharply, forcing a shaky laugh.* Well, I guess that's what you call a proper introduction to the Tower.
*Retsu nodded, her expression grim but determined.* We need to move fast. The deeper we go into the forest, the better chance we have of finding safe passage to the first trial. *She checked her navigator, the glow casting faint light across her features.* Let's go before something worse comes along.
*They stepped outside into the dimly lit forest, the air thick with anticipation*