Hugo’s eyes go back to normal and the spirit summons fade into mist. I counted more than twenty which might’ve been his new record. He returned to the tile and was sent floating back over to us. Vhar gave a nod of approval before moving on to the next Climber.

  “Now our next ranked Climber fighting in the cage is… The Fool.”

  All of us turned to look in surprise. It was like we were just noticing him now, like we’d forgotten that he was here.

  The Fool sat at the end of his tile with his legs dangling over the edge. Beside him was the largest backpack I’d ever seen a Climber carry. While sat on the floor it towered over him and was filled to bursting. The Fool drank from a flask and then burped. He gave everyone a wave and a goofy smile.

  “I can’t believe that is ranked above me,” said Nate.

  The Fool tried to appear playful but he looked more worse for wear than the last time we’d met. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his hair looked like a bird’s nest. The clothes he wore were several shirts over a bright yellow raincoat.

  I guess the more he looked the part, the easier his powers worked. Still, it was an odd choice since we didn’t get much rain in the Tower, but then again, he was an odd man.

  As his tile shifted over to the cage, his enemy dropped through the portal. A pale bald man with cybernetic enhancements landed softly in the cage. Half of the man’s body was human and the other half was a series of chrome machine parts. It was like he’d wanted the split right down the middle. The machine side of his head featured a red glowing eye, and the arm on that side was some kind of futuristic cannon.

  It looked ludicrous to me. He’d left half his body vulnerable, and the machine parts power was limited and would require constant updating to deal with threats. My current hands could punch through brick walls. I couldn’t imagine chopping one of them off for a metal one that my stat points wouldn’t affect. But then again, maybe the guy in the cage didn’t have that luxury.

  *Enemy identified!* [Xilax Soldier Cyborg 13589 (Uncommon)] Level: 208 – This soldier is equipped with the latest Xilax soldier armaments and is combat ready to drop into any conflict zone.

  The description read more like a company ad, and it made me wonder if Vhar was getting something in return for using these beings.

  As The Fool’s tile approached the cage, he lifted his legs up to avoid trapping them.

  The cyborg didn’t feel like waiting. He raised his arm cannon and pointed at The Fool despite not even entering the cage yet. Some orange lights appeared on the side of the cannon one by one and an orange glow grew brighter at the rim. It was charging up a shot to take out The Fool as he stepped inside.

  “I’ve seen one of those before,” said Billy unexpectedly.

  All of us turned to stare at the boy who was watching the cyborg with great interest. “It was a weaker model of course. Still, one shot from that plasma cannon and that Fool is getting vaporized.” He said it the way someone might tell you it could rain later. That, plus his vocabulary made me uncomfortable. He was clearly far more intelligent than the average twelve year old.

  Mentally I shifted him from third dangerous to second. Indira was still first place. She’s ranked above Hugo and Damian for the fights, and she talks too much in a calculated way.

  Electricity sparked around cyborg’s arm cannon and I turned my attention back to the oncoming fight. That plasma cannon looked ready to fire.

  The Fool yawned and did a long stretch. He was still outside the cage but right on the precipice. I wondered what he was waiting for.

  The Fool leaned forward until his head passed through into the cage. The cyborg’s cannon started vibrating. More electricity and sparks flew off of it, and then came the smoke. The cyborg panicked, and desperately grabbed at his shoulder. I looked closer until I realized. He was trying to detach the arm.

  The cannon exploded and took half of his upper body with it. What remained of the cyborg fell in a smoking pile.

  *DING!* You have slain [Xilax Soldier Cyborg 13589 (Uncommon)] Level 208 – Experience Points and Currency Acquired.

  All of us were stunned. The Fool hadn’t even bothered stepping into the cage and he was ranked fifth.

  Billy burst into applause with a smile. It was the most animated we’d seen him so far. The Fool stepped back and gave us a bow, before slipping and falling headfirst onto the tile floor. Blood dripped down the side of his face as he struggled to crawl over to his backpack to retrieve a health potion.

  It was some sort of karmic blowback. If The Fool pushes his luck powers too far then they backfire on him.

  Billy kept clapping until The Fool had drunk his potion then he went back to sitting on the floor, staring at something inside of his child’s backpack.

  There were just four of us left. Other than myself, Indira, and Daisy, there was a fourth person who had kept to herself. A Korean woman in her mid-twenties with short, spiky hair. She wore black chainmail over a couple of pieces of black armor.

  In this entire time she had not spoken a word nor attracted much attention. Both things that made me more wary. When Vhar was ready to announce the next fighter, I assumed it would be her.

  “Ranked fourth place is the Tower Climber Daisy!” Vhar boomed with performative enthusiasm.

  Daisy wore only a set of black robes with the hood up and her scythe, which she carried on her back with the blade retracted so it just looked like a stick. I couldn’t see her face, but her posture seemed weary.

  “You’ve got this!” I shouted over to her.

  Daisy gave no indication that she’d heard me.

  “Wait, you know her?” asked Indira.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “She’s a complete psychopath. I saw her tear through a big group of Climbers a couple of floors ago.”

  I shrugged at her. “That doesn’t sound that unusual. Climbers fight over things like loot or quests all the time.”

  “Yeah, but it was the way she killed them. She didn’t do it quickly and she cut into the bodies like she was searching for something inside of them.”

  “And did she?”

  “Did she what?”

  “Find anything.”

  Indira shook her head. The woman was ahead of her in the rankings and yet she was troubled by her.

  I kept my voice neutral, being well aware that Daisy could probably hear us. “Whatever she did, I’m sure she had a good reason for it.”

  Indira didn’t respond and we watched as a giant black spider dropped into the cage. It was so large that it took up almost the entire width and height of the cage. It was just small enough to move freely within it.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  *Beast identified* [Obsidian Spider (Rare)] Level 212 – From deep within the caves of Orelia, comes the famous Obsidian Spider. Known for its reinforced legs that crush opponents and prey alike, this spider is exceedingly hard to kill. Due to its size, its hunger is near endless and it will consume any organic meat within its presence.

  As soon as her tile docked with the cage, Daisy calmly stepped inside. That was when the spider became aware of her presence. It issued a series of clicking sounds, like it was curious.

  Daisy weaved a strand of shadow with her hand. It floated in front of her and she repeated the process over and over again until the strands formed a ball of shadow.

  The spider shrieked. It sensed something was wrong and scurried towards her.

  Daisy pushed the ball of darkness forward until it floated under the spider. Sensing danger, the creature stopped and looked around.

  Daisy flexed her fingers out and the strands unraveled, shooting outwards towards each spider leg. Once the strands had wrapped tightly around them, she closed her hand into a fist. The strands pulled tightly inward and brought the spider down.

  The creature struggled, but it couldn’t break free.

  Daisy grabbed her scythe as she approached the trapped creature’s head. It snapped at her in vain, unable to reach her. Daisy held the end of her weapon against the side of its head and activated the spring-loaded scythe blade which sliced the creature’s head in two.

  *DING!* You have slain [Obsidian Spider (Rare)] Level 212 – Experience Points and Currency Acquired.

  “That was fast,” said Nate. “I guess that’s why she’s fourth ranked.”

  Even when Daisy was facing us, I couldn’t see her face. Did she think we were enemies now? That I’d just blindly turn her over to Roan? I had to talk to her once the fighting was over, and let her know that she wasn’t alone in this.

  “And now, there’s just three,” said Indira.

  I kind of hoped she’d be next. I was starting to get the feeling that I was going to be in first place.

  Vhar looked at the three of us who had yet to be chosen. He was drawing the moment out for dramatic effect, so I yawned, hoping that one of the hidden cameras caught it.

  Vhar swept his arms out for the next announcement. “And the third ranked Climber is… Lucas!”

  I felt my tile shift before I could say anything. I tried not to act surprised and watched the cage, though a part of me was annoyed that Indira was ranked ahead of me. At least it wasn’t false confidence on her part. She believed that she was better than almost everybody here and now she had numbers to back it up.

  As the portal opened up, a metal skeleton dropped down into the cage. I forced myself to smile. Of course Vhar would have me fight a bloodless enemy.

  The skeleton wore two bandoliers that contained a series of throwing knives and a short sword on each hip.

  *Enemy Identified* [Reborn Dragonsteel Mercenary] Level 225 – A soul trapped by an Arch Necromancer and forced into this new vessel to serve in their army. Dragonsteel warriors are highly resilient and are resistant to several forms of magic. This one in particular used to be a mercenary who studied the path of the Blade until they killed their former master.

  Despite their description, I drew my sword anyway. I would be sticking to the same plan that I’d formed since these fights had started. Begin with the smaller attacks and then ramp up to stronger ones as needed. I had my Domain available, but I preferred for that to be a last resort. There were still plenty of options before it got to that. My sword was legendary D-Grade. It shouldn’t have any trouble cutting through.

  I eyed the Merc warily. This one seemed tailor built for me, and don’t think I didn’t notice the more significant level jump. Vhar had done this deliberately. Was he testing me or trying to kill me? No, if he wanted me dead, then I’d be dead. This was just another Tower challenge.

  The skeleton just stood there, waiting for me. I almost stepped inside and then stopped myself. It could’ve drawn a weapon but it didn’t. It could’ve come closer to the wall that separated us but it didn’t. Then it occurred to me. I know what its first move is going to be.

  As soon as I entered the cage, I activated a Hemorrhage Gate with my free hand. I was about to fire off a blood spike, when two small throwing knives blasted through the gate like it wasn’t there.

  I grimaced as one knife became embedded in my shoulder and the other grazed my arm. The Gate must’ve obscured his vision enough to throw off his aim. Though not by much, judging from my bleeding shoulder.

  He’s fast too. Gotta remember that.

  The wound wasn’t too deep so my range of movement wasn’t limited. I could pull it out and seal the wound. It wouldn’t be healing it, but it would be the next best thing. On the other hand, I’d rather the other Climbers not see me use that ability unless I really had to. The wound was minor, so I sealed the wound around the knife and left it in my shoulder. The blood loss slowed down to a small trickle. My new Body Mastery ability shut off the pain, and it was like the knife wasn’t even there anymore.

  The Merc threw two more knives at me. I dodged them both while staying light on my feet as I moved closer.

  Yeah, you’re not going to get me with that one again.

  With my Gate floating beside me, I returned fire with a series of blood spikes. I figured if nothing else, a volley would knock him over.

  The first blood spike hit him in the skull and shattered against it. Others hit his spine and ribcage and the same thing happened. The force of blows didn’t faze him at all.

  Inwardly I cursed and deactivated the Gate. The spikes didn’t even leave a scratch. I guess I should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple.

  I closed the remaining distance between us with my sword to test how tough this skeleton really was.

  I struck with a downward slash, and the Merc unsheathed his sword to block it. As our blades connected, I tried to press down, pushing with all of my strength to see if I was stronger. It met my power without any apparent struggle. We were locked together. The only problem with that was that I was using both hands and it was only using one.

  I broke off and jumped back just as he tried to stab me in the gut with a throwing knife. He tilted his head to the side over having missed me and then threw the knife my way. I knocked it aside with my sword.

  It was a lazy throw and if I didn’t know any better I would’ve called it contemptuous. Maybe they retained some of their pride from the person they were before. And he still hadn’t unsheathed his second sword.

  That’s okay, buddy. I’m still holding back too.

  Time was against me though. Already at least a minute and a half had gone by.

  The Merc was strong, and a fast thrower, but that metal body has to be heavy. I took more steps back to see if it would move. It didn’t, so I took a breath and focused. I swung my sword in the air and let loose an Air Slash attack. A crescent wave of power blasted out of my sword towards it.

  I’d used this power before to take down buildings. I’d hoped not to have to reveal it so soon, but you can’t have everything.

  The Merc saw the blast coming and jumped up high to clear it.

  I smiled. That was a mistake.

  While it was stuck in the air, I sent another blast. This one caught it in the center of its spine, and it flew back until it crashed into the glass wall so hard, that it left a crack. The Merc hit the floor and did not get up.

  “Is this thing safe?” I asked our alien overlord slash referee, gesturing at the damaged cage wall.

  Vhar waved his hand and the crack fixed itself. “Yes, containment is not an issue. Now the clock is ticking. I suggest you get back to the fight.”

  I looked down to see the Merc get back to its feet. It shook its head like its bell had been wrung, but I wasn’t willing to give it any more time. I launched another Air Slash.

  The Merc finally drew its other sword and held them up in an X shape. The attack slammed into them, and this time it didn’t push him back.

  Alright, let’s see what else you can do.

  I pulled out my regular knife in my free hand and rushed forward. Our four blades clashed, with a series of lightning fast attacks. Neither of us gave an inch.

  Credit where credit was due, the Merc was skilled. Maybe if it had been still a person, it could’ve taken me. But this was just a prisoner following orders since I doubted that anyone would volunteer for a necromancer to rip out their soul and shove it into an overgrown Halloween decoration. This being would do what its told, but no more than that. And as such, it lacked creativity.

  “Tick tock,” said Vhar. “Only thirty seconds left.”

  That surprised me. I’d completely lost track of time. Our blades whirling against each other had taken almost all of my focus.

  “Oh right. Sorry I used you as practice,” I said to the Merc.

  I dropped my knife and drew my other one. The cursed knife that destroys spirits and souls.

  Maybe I should’ve led with that, but after being a bystander for so long, I wanted to get my money’s worth.

  I slashed at its arm. It still didn’t even leave a scratch, but it didn’t have to. Upon contact, the curse entered its body and burned its spirit away until there was nothing left.

  *DING!* You have slain [Reborn Dragonsteel Mercenary] Level 225 – Experience Points and Currency Acquired.

  The skeleton collapsed into separate pieces as it fell, like its spirit had been the only thing holding it all together. On a whim, I grabbed my pack and stuffed the bones inside, along with the throwing knives.

  It might’ve looked strange to the others, but my pack was pretty light, and you never know when one might need indestructible metal bones. His swords I left behind because they wouldn’t fit. Plus in my humble opinion, my sword was still superior.

  I floated back to the others on my tile, feeling pleased. I’d managed to look strong in front of the Climbers while still holding back certain abilities.

  Hugo and Damian congratulated me. As did Indira, who added, “you’ve got a little something in your shoulder.”

  I looked down and realized the throwing knife was still sticking out of my shoulder.

  I thanked her as I yanked it out, before taking a sip of a health potion.

  Indira nodded and turned her attention to the Korean woman. They were the last two fighters, which put all of us on edge since we weren’t sure what was going to happen once everyone had fought. Strangely, the fact that everyone had survived so far just made me more nervous.