I checked my bag, relieved to see the potions safely stored. Despite the pain in my chest, I reveled in my success at taking the potions without incident. The pain was intense but manageable, though the potions did nothing to alleviate it. I pondered what could be done about this and decided to head to the second floor, just in case they were following me, hoping she hadn't survived.

“Floor_2!” I yelled. A bright red light enveloped me, and I successfully teleported to the second floor.

CRACK

As I arrived, I quickly removed my mask. I found myself in the center of a giant city, a vast plaza that stretched for miles, resembling multiple football fields put together. The area buzzed with activity. Players in armor similar to mine, leather, and even iron armor, each looked resolute in their missions.

Standing in the central plaza, I observed the distinct quadrants of the city. To the north, the White Quadrant gleamed with wind-powered structures and airborne transportation. To the south, the Green Quadrant’s terraced landscapes and green roofs embodied stability and environmental harmony. To the east, the Blue Quadrant shimmered with flowing water features and frost-enchanted gear. To the west, the Red Quadrant blazed with flame-fueled sculptures.

In the center, light and dark magic coexisted, their energies clashing as white and black swirls vied for the attention of adventurers. I heard NPCs shouting, offering potions and other items.

“Armor, skills, and all you need!” an NPC yelled, catching my attention. I walked over to the middle-aged elven merchant and quickly spoke to him.

“Where do I need to go to teleport to the next floor?” I asked.

He replied swiftly, “Each of the quadrants has a teleport rune, except the center. It's whichever you fancy.”

“What are you selling?” I continued.

“I'm selling anti-paralysis potions,” he said before adding, “and also some high-quality elven gear for a reasonable price.” I thought over everything, knowing that I most likely couldn't afford the gear and the potions would be unnecessary this early on since the first nine bosses couldn't use magic. My mind flashed back to the fight with Seraphina. I wonder, I wonder if… I quickly thanked the merchant before leaving toward the Red Quadrant. The Red Quadrant was brimming with life. The capital was a place where all races in this tower—elves, humans, high humans, and dwarves—could collaborate. Although this floor is low, it houses some of the best blacksmiths and alchemists. Everyone was adorned in red or vibrant variations of red. I stuck out like a sore thumb, trying not to draw attention to myself. As I walked through the district, unsure of where to go, I heard an elven NPC call out, “Herbs! Get your herbs! Only 50 bronze!” I turned to buy some, but before I could, a commotion rattled through the district. There was a heavy marching—no, running—sound heading right toward me. The NPCs instinctively moved to each side of the street. A girl grabbed my arm and pulled me into a run. She was clad in sleek, form-fitting armor with silver plating, accented by intricate golden designs. A spear was strapped to her back, the tip gleaming as it bounced with each step. Her light black hair flowed behind her, contrasting with her dark tanned skin, making her stand out just as much as I did. “Where are we going?” I quickly asked as she pushed people in the crowd away. She didn't respond. I tried to pull my hand away. She held on tightly. “We have to get out of here!” she yelled. “Why?” I asked, not understanding the urgency. “I might have robbed an NPC, and they totally now think we're in cahoots. Sorry!” she said cutely. “Why would you do that?!” I yelled as we quickly approached the entrance of the Red District. We ran for what felt like an eternity, weaving through the bustling streets and dodging the watchful eyes of numerous guards. The shouts and commands of the guards grew fainter as we put more distance between ourselves and the pursuit. The Quadrant seemed to blur into a maze of colors and chaotic sounds as we navigated the labyrinth. Once we were finally able to get a bit of rest, I spoke up. "Who are you?" I asked. "What did you steal?" "I can't tell you what I stole," she replied, "but you can call me Alinta." We finally made it back to the entrance of the Red District.We slowed our pace as we blended into the crowd. We ducked into a side street. Catching our breath and took a moment to assess our surroundings. Her armor gleamed in the sun. She definitely stole it, I thought. “See ya around, Wan,” she said with a sly smile before she yelled, “Floor_1.” CRACK How did she know my name? I thought before yelling, “Floor_1!”