บท 11: Cursed
After a short walk, the passage opened up into a vast chamber that took her breath away. It was a crystal cavern unlike any she had ever seen, a place of almost ethereal beauty. The chamber was illuminated by glowing crystals of all shapes and sizes, their light reflecting off the smooth, polished surfaces of the walls and ceiling. In the center of the chamber was a grand staircase that led up to a raised platform, where an ornate throne-like structure sat, bathed in golden light.
The steps of the staircase were lined with smaller crystals, their soft glow creating a path that seemed to beckon her forward. Overhead, a massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, its facets catching the light and scattering it in a dazzling display of color. The floor of the cavern was smooth and pristine, save for a few scattered crystal formations that added to the natural beauty of the space.
[System Notification]
You Have Discovered a Rest Zone
Description: This chamber is a designated rest zone within the Tutorial Tower. Here, you can recover your strength, assess your inventory, and prepare for the challenges ahead. No hostile creatures can enter this space, and time within the rest zone is accelerated, allowing for efficient recovery.
Note: The rest zone is connected to the energy of the tower. While you may rest here, be mindful of the time, as the challenges beyond this chamber await.
Phanessa breathed a sigh of relief as she read the notification. A rest zone was exactly what she needed after the exhausting battle with the Abyssal Crystawolf. She carefully made her way up the staircase, her steps light on the smooth stone as she approached the raised platform.
The throne-like structure was intricately carved from the same crystalline material that filled the rest of the chamber, its surface shimmering with a soft golden light. As she reached the top of the stairs, Phanessa paused, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the chamber. The air was cool and refreshing, and the light from the crystals filled the space with a calming energy that seemed to wash away the tension from her muscles.
She approached the throne and gently placed her hand on its surface. The moment she made contact, she felt a soothing warmth spread through her body, easing the aches and pains from the battle. The throne seemed to pulse with energy, resonating with her own heartbeat as it attuned to her presence.
Phanessa seated herself on the throne, feeling the smooth, cool surface beneath her. The moment she settled into the chair, the chamber seemed to respond, the light from the crystals growing softer, more serene. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax fully for the first time since entering the tower.
The system notification had mentioned accelerated time within the rest zone, and she could feel it working. Her energy began to replenish quickly, the fatigue from the battle ebbing away as her body recovered. It was as if the chamber itself was designed to rejuvenate those who entered, a safe haven amidst the relentless challenges of the Tutorial Tower.
As she sat there, Phanessa took the opportunity to reflect on her journey so far. The challenges had been immense, but she had grown stronger with each trial, unlocking new abilities and enhancing her equipment. She had faced down powerful foes and emerged victorious, and now she had a moment to prepare herself for whatever came next.
After what felt like only a short time, Phanessa opened her tired eyes, feeling somewhat refreshed and ready to continue, but not 100% yet. The chamber still glowed with its soft, ethereal light, a constant reminder of the tranquility it offered. But she knew that she couldn't stay here forever—the tower's challenges awaited, and she was determined to see them through.
"Why do I still feel like my body is made of lead? It feels so heavy, even after resting." She checked her [Health stat].
[Health: 1250/2500]
[Notice: You have been Cursed by the Abyss by the Abyssal Crystawolf before its death.
Duration: 24 hours. Effects: Health will not recover and will be halved.]
She groaned. "You have got to be kidding me. Of course, that stupid mutt depuffed me right before it died."
Rising from the throne, Phanessa took one last look around the chamber, imprinting its beauty and calmness in her memory. The rest zone had served its purpose, and now it was time to move on. She made her way back down the staircase, feeling more focused and determined than ever.
As she approached the exit of the chamber, the crystals lining the passageway seemed to pulse in encouragement, guiding her back to the path she had come from. With a final, deep breath, Phanessa stepped out of the rest zone and back into the passage leading to the next floor of the Tutorial Tower. Hopefully.
As Phanessa descended further into the passageway, the air grew cooler, and the walls seemed to close in, creating a sense of both anticipation and foreboding. She pressed on, the sounds of her footsteps echoing softly against the stone, each step taking her deeper into the unknown. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the passage began to widen, and a soft, otherworldly light filtered through the darkness ahead.
She emerged into a vast, open chamber, her breath catching at the sight before her. The entrance to the second floor was unlike anything she had ever seen—a massive, circular portal embedded in the center of the chamber, glowing with a radiant purple light. The portal was surrounded by intricate carvings and adorned with luminous crystals that pulsed gently, casting a mesmerizing glow across the chamber.
The portal itself was a masterpiece of arcane design. Its surface shimmered with a liquid-like quality, the purple light swirling and shifting as if alive. At the center of the portal was a large, glowing crystal, perfectly symmetrical and emanating a powerful, calming energy. The carvings around the portal depicted scenes of ancient battles, mystical creatures, and powerful beings, all intricately detailed and glowing softly in the dim light.
The chamber was vast and open, with high ceilings draped in hanging vines and glowing flora that added to the ethereal beauty of the scene. The floor was smooth and reflective, almost like glass, with small pools of water scattered throughout, their surfaces disturbed only by the occasional drop from the hanging vines above.
Phanessa took a moment to take it all in, the serene beauty of the chamber a stark contrast to the treacherous path she had just navigated. The portal stood at the far end, beckoning her forward with its soft, purple light. She knew that beyond this portal lay the second floor of the Tutorial Tower, and the challenges that awaited her there would be even greater than those she had faced so far.
[System Notification]
Entrance to the Second Floor
Description: You have reached the entrance to the second floor of the Tutorial Tower. Prepare yourself for increased challenges and new trials. The portal will remain active for the next 10 minutes. Ensure you have gathered all necessary items before proceeding.
Before stepping through the glowing purple portal to the second floor, Phanessa hesitated for a moment, realizing that she hadn't checked in with her friends, Sadie, Visha, and Ilayda. The last thing she wanted was to have them worried—or worse, thinking she'd already been eaten by a monster.
She quickly accessed the communication tool in her [Commute] tab, opening a group chat that they'd all been using since the start of the Tutorial Tower. The chat had been filled with a mix of serious updates, frantic "Are you still alive?" messages, and, of course, Visha's endless stream of sarcastic commentary.
Phanessa:
Phay: Guess who just took down a giant glowing wolf that looked like it came straight out of a cosmic nightmare? [Image of the Abyssal Chaos Shard]
Visha:
ViciousVisha: No way. Did you finally find a boss that matches your epic level of extra?
Sadie:
SassySadie: OMG Phay, are you okay?? That thing looks terrifying. Also, how many Chaos Shards did you get? Please say more than me; I need a reason to keep pretending you're our leader.
Ilayda:
IngeniousIlayda: Hold up. Did you just say GIANT GLOWING WOLF? Are we talking like, 'run for your life' kind of big, or 'I want to pet it but it might eat me' big?
Phanessa:
PlayfulPhay: Definitely more of the "run for your life" variety. And, fun fact, it also howled like it was auditioning for the role of "Nightmare Fuel." But, you'll be pleased to know I got a sweet upgrade in the form of a soulbound bow that I'm now calling Nature's Wrath. 💁♀️
Visha:
ViciousVisha: Soulbound, huh? So you're literally married to your bow now. Can't say I'm surprised; it's always been your one true love.
Sadie:
SassySadie: Just don't start kissing it in front of us, okay? We're already dealing with enough trauma here.
Ilayda:
IngeniousIlayda: So you've got a fancy new weapon and you're on the second floor now? Meanwhile, I'm stuck here trying to figure out if this plant I just ate is going to kill me or give me superpowers. The jury's still out.
Phanessa chuckled to herself, glad for the levity her friends brought to the otherwise grueling experience. Their banter always seemed to lift her spirits, no matter how dire the situation.
Phanessa:
PlayfulPhay: Well, if you suddenly grow a second head, at least you'll have someone to talk to. And yeah, I'm about to step through the portal to the second floor. Wish me luck, because I'm pretty sure things are about to get even crazier.
Visha:
ViciousVisha: Luck? You don't need luck. You've got a soulbound bow and enough sarcasm to kill a small army. You're golden.
Sadie:
SassySadie: Just remember to send us a postcard from the second floor! Or, you know, don't die. That works too.
Ilayda:
IngeniousIlayda: And if you see anything remotely pettable, it's probably a trap. Don't fall for it, Phay. Learn from my mistakes.
Phanessa grinned, feeling a warm surge of affection for her friends. They always knew how to make her laugh, even in the midst of chaos.
Phanessa:
PlayfulPhay: I'll keep that in mind, Ilayda. See you all on the other side—hopefully not as a ghost haunting the tower. Stay safe, you three!
With a final chuckle, she closed the chat and turned her attention back to the portal.
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