He entered a modest pub and approached the barkeeper.
"Do you have a room?"
"Yes," the barkeeper replied. "How long will you be staying?"
"How much for two days?"
After a brief exchange, Alex paid ten silver coins and received his key. He headed upstairs, placed his scythe carefully in the corner of the room, and collapsed onto the bed.
The room was small and bare—nothing more than a bed, a desk, and a chair.
I haven't rested properly since entering the Tower, he thought.
Sleep claimed him instantly.
Outside, the sky darkened as the sun dipped below the horizon.
When Alex awoke, night had fallen. His complexion looked healthier, his breathing steady. He yawned and rose from the bed, stretching slightly.
This floor's mission is different, he thought. A team mission. Three people navigate a maze controlled by a trap mage.
This floor granted no monsters to level up. However, if the maze was cleared within an hour, the reward at the end allowed the team to choose one passive skill from a selection.
The reward is valuable… but the real problem is the team.
Alex's eyes hardened.
I'm not sure I can ever fully trust anyone again.
After some thought, he headed downstairs and ordered bread, bacon, with a glass of water, paying two silver coins. As he sat waiting, he listened carefully to the conversations around him.
One table spoke of the rapid rise of guilds—three in particular.
"They call themselves the Three Crowns," someone said. "Every member is absurdly strong."
Alex remained silent, eating as he listened.
Nearby, a couple spoke in hushed voices.
"Jack," the woman said, anxiety clear in her tone. "Do you think we should look for another team member?"
Jack hesitated. "We need to be careful. We can't trust just anyone."
They turned—and froze.
Fear filled their eyes as they recognized Alex.
He spoke calmly. "Mind if I join you?"
The woman, Elene, nodded shakily and gestured for him to sit.
"I overheard you're looking for someone to clear this floor with," Alex said.
Jack swallowed before replying. "Having someone strong would improve our survival chances."
They talked for a while, discussing cooperation and strategy. Alex made one thing clear from the start.
"I'll be the party leader."
Both agreed without hesitation.
They arranged to meet the following night.
Returning to his room, Alex reflected on the conversation—and the Three Crowns.
They always tried to monopolize everything, he thought. Even in my past life, they harassed my team constantly.
His eyes darkened.
Strong, yes—but never strong enough to stop me.
He blew out the candle, and darkness swallowed the room.
The next day, Alex moved through the town, restocking supplies—daggers, mana potions, and essentials. As night fell, he regrouped with Jack and Elene, and together they approached the entrance to the maze.
Alex briefed them calmly, his voice steady.
Once inside, there would be no retreat.
They stepped forward, fully prepared.
[System Message: Navigate the Maze]
[Hidden Quest: Clear the maze within one hour]