The sight of the stone tower pushing up from an innocuous field was undoubtedly exciting, but the group still had a way to go before they could reach the location, and as they got close, they could not approach due to the crowds of people gathered. Military on one half setting up a strong perimeter and slowing the flow, civilians on the other trying to rush into the tower. They listened to the news as they reported on what was happening, and hour by hour crept by as they slowly moved through the heavy traffic.
Yes, folks, that's right, these towers have appeared in many locations worldwide. All are relatively remote, but the exact choices are not yet clear. Experts are looking for patterns to try and determine where the next phenomenon will occur!
"Pfft. 'phenomenon' yeah, it's like they're ignoring the aliens orchestrating this entire thing. We don't even know why they're doing this yet." Sofie said with a huff but still leaned forward as information regarding the dungeon towers came out.
All of the towers seem to follow the same basic diagram. Three floors, with numerous rooms. Many of them contain puzzles and monsters; in some, there have been reported rewards, just like in a video game. That's not even the strangest part, folks, there is a stronger monster in one of the rooms, and if you defeat it, you can progress to the next floor. Once you clear all three, the system rewards you. Killing monsters increases your gaming experience, so the more you kill, the stronger you'll become. This doesn't come without risk; we have several reports of casualties already, and authorities caution everyone to enter at their own risk. We'll be back with more as it develops.
"Casualties," Chase said while looking to the others, "Is that the kind of risk we're okay with taking? There's going to be a lot of other people in there. I'm more concerned about those other people than I am with puzzles and monsters." The other three had firm faces as they considered Chase's concerns.
"I'm in. I've always dreamed of this kind of thing happening." Gary said with solid resolution. "I've always wanted to be able to cast and use magic, and now I can. I don't want to give this up when I'm this close."
Emily and Sofie both nodded in agreement towards Chase as well.
"Alright, well, maybe we should have bought some equipment? I feel like we're about to go on an adventure from a book to slay a dragon, and I'm wearing blue jeans and socks with holes in them." Chase's apprehension was evident, but the others seemed to have similar concerns. As they continued discussing this issue they saw several people pulled over close to the tower with their vehicles loaded down with different materials and equipment.
"How are all these people here with stuff like this?" Gary asked the group, "They were here before us, but they've got stuff like shields and spears and stuff. Sofie, what do you think?"
"I think they're probably trying to make money off people like us who came out here unprepared. Like merchants in a video game, here to make a quick buck. I'll bet there is a merchant class of some kind. Maybe we should buy something if we see something that would help us. I will need a sword and perhaps a shield myself..." Sofie's voice started trailing as her thoughts wandered. Since they were in practically stand-still traffic, the three of them got out while Emily stayed driving the car. The three went between several mini-vans that had pulled over with doors opened and checked out what they had. The prices were outrageously expensive, and in the end, it was decided between them all that getting a 'sword' for Sofie was all they had the money to afford. $80 for a normal-looking machete, and the three returned to the little blue Honda looking glum.
"Hey, at least you got a sword Soph." Emily said while laughing as the three explained how expensive everything was.
"True. She's plain, like a plain Jane." Sofie smiled widely then added, "That's what I'll name her. Plain Jane."
---
I hope you're enjoying my story The Leveling of Humanity, if you are please continue reading in the next chapter: https://vocal.media/fiction/the-leveling-of-humanity-ch-5-welcome-to-the-tutorial-tower
About the Creator
J. James
Passionate regarding writing and sharing ideas. I am self-taught and willing to help others improve their imagination and ideas. Breathing life into my characters and sharing life experiences by showing rather than telling.
Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
By Lamar Wiggins7 days ago in Fiction
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