Sixth spell in such a short amount of time. It was an extraordinary achievement, even for a Dreadspire veteran like me.

As usual, I read through every available spell description carefully. But honestly, I already knew which one I wanted. I'd made up my mind long ago.

Unfortunately, from this point on, things wouldn't be so simple. The next spell would require something extra, rare materials or a minimum stat threshold. Not just Mana Stones.

After verifying the details and description, I concentrated on the spell.

[You have successfully learned Ethereal Form]

A grin tugged at the corner of my lips. Ethereal Form was a unique and highly versatile spell, perfect for both defense and offense. I couldn't wait to test it out.

I left the Sanctum of Trials with a spring in my step, offering my thanks and goodbyes to Elder Val'darion before heading out of Willow's End.

***

Muradin was still holed up in Oros, hammering away at whatever project he had going, and Elena was still deep in training somewhere within the heart of Elarion Woods.

Darwyn and Orin were rarely around either, still chasing leads on Darwyn's stolen bracelet.

As for me, I spent the remaining days training with my newly-upgraded Soulbound subspace pouch. It took some getting used to, but after a few days of focused drills, I could now summon and store my gear almost without thinking.

Since Elena wouldn't be joining us on the upcoming expedition, I had to adjust our original plan to accommodate a four-person team. I did some occasional brainstorming with Orin and Darwyn whenever they happened to be home.

Time flew by, and before we knew it, the Tower would open in just three days. It was time for all of us to regroup.

"Hey, check this out!" Muradin exclaimed proudly, holding up a gleaming new shield that caught the light like a mirror. "Just wait till I finish the full set!"

Apparently, he'd been spending his time crafting personalized equipment set, and honestly, I was a little jealous. Dwarves had a natural knack for forging things with their own hands, while I could barely call my current staff decent, let alone impressive.

"So, what about the rest of you?" Muradin asked, looking around. "What have you all been up to?"

We caught him up on everything he'd missed: the Blackrock, what had happened to Elena, Darwyn's missing equipment, and my unexpected job as a bodyguard.

"A druid? As a bodyguard?" Muradin burst out laughing. "What kind of important person goes looking for a druid to protect them? Gianna Elmira?"

"You got it right," I said, amused.

Muradin blinked. His smirk faltered, and then his jaw dropped. "W-wait, what? You're serious? You actually worked for her? Gianna Elmira? The Gia?"

He cleared his throat and tried to compose himself, but I could see the spark in his eyes. I never expected Muradin, the gruff, battle-hardened Muradin, to be a fanboy.

"Hah! You're not messing with me, Erynd?"

"I'm dead serious," I said with a nod. "I guarded her for a few days during the 150th anniversary celebration of the Crystal Crescendo Opera House."

Muradin stared at me like I'd just announced I was a demigod. "That's insane. Hearing The Lament of the Fallen Star live? From up close? I'd pay a fortune for that!"

Then, with a sudden sheepish look, he added, "Uhh… would it be weird to ask for, maybe… an autograph?"

"I can't promise anything," I said with a chuckle, "but I'll see what I can do."

Muradin lit up like a child in a candy shop. For once, he didn't look like his usual self.

"Anyway!" Orin chimed in. "I learned a new spell too! Can't wait to show you guys!"

"Oh? Did you take my advice?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.

"You'll see soon enough," she said with that trademark mischievous grin.

We continued talking, finally diving into the main topic: preparations for the upcoming Tower exploration.

It was a long discussion, full of strategy, arguments, and plenty of laughter.

Suddenly, a knock came at the door.

Finally, they were here.

***

As usual, Muradin had a gift for lightening the mood. He could walk into any room and make people feel like they belonged.

"My stomach was literally pierced, stabbed clean through by a giant razor-sharp pincer!" he said dramatically, making over-the-top sound effects. "But I managed to stop that giant bastard of a spider monster in its tracks!"

"Hey, language," Orin interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Muradin completely ignored her and slapped me on the shoulder with a wide grin. "And do you know how this druid looked?" he continued, jabbing a thumb at me. "He was sobbing like a baby. Face all scrunched up. Ugliest thing I've ever seen."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Luther and Sam burst into laughter, clearly enjoying Muradin's exaggerated retelling. His flair for drama made even the most dangerous encounters sound like tavern tales.

Muradin carried on, painting the entire scene with colorful, if not entirely accurate, details. By the time he finished describing how we finally brought down the monstrous Gravelurker, Sam applauded enthusiastically, as if we'd just watched a full stage performance.

"That's awesome, Sir Muradin!" Sam said, eyes wide. "You really fought a secret boss? And lived to tell the tale?"

"Well, I lived," Muradin said smugly. "Barely. Thanks to my charm, wit, and raw survival instinct. These guys," he added, pointing at each of us in turn, "couldn't have done a thing without me."

Orin rolled her eyes but didn't bother correcting him. It was easier to let Muradin have his moment.

I had invited Luther and Sam specifically so they could finally meet the Ironwood team in person. Up until now, they'd only heard about them through my stories.

But honestly, one of my main goals was to get Sam and Muradin talking.

"Ahem." I cleared my throat, attempting to politely interrupt Muradin and whatever tale he had been passionately recounting. "Sam, maybe now's a good time to ask Muradin about the Jasper Ring."

"Oh, right! Good idea," Sam replied, his eyes lighting up with renewed energy. He turned to Muradin, a dwarf with extensive experience and knowledge in blacksmithing. "Sir Muradin, I heard you're an expert when it comes to crafting weapons and gear. I could really use your help."

Sam had already grasped the fundamentals of how the Jasper Ring worked. Its internal mechanics, Mana circuits, and how it works. But when it came to refining or improving the ring itself, he had hit a wall. The enhancements he needed required a more experienced hand. Someone with the knowledge and precision to make delicate adjustments.

And if anyone could do it, it was Muradin.

Muradin raised an eyebrow, then chuckled, his beard twitching with amusement. "Heh. Flattery will get you everywhere, lad. Alright then, come with me. Let's talk."

With that, the dwarf motioned for Sam to follow him to a quiet corner of the room, away from us. The two continued their conversation, deep in discussion. Meanwhile, the rest of us stayed behind, and I began to explain the Jasper Ring I got from Gia.

***

"Where did you find this genius kid?" Muradin asked, scratching his beard after spending some time with Sam. "I didn't even understand half of what he was saying. I mean it. At least fifty percent went over my head. Too bad I couldn't help him much. I've got no experience with magical devices like this ring. Maybe I can help by finding someone who does."

Sam gave a polite smile and bowed his head slightly. "It's okay, Sir Muradin. Your explanation about crafting was already a huge help."

Muradin chuckled. "Well, if you say so, kid."

"Let me know if you do find someone who understands these things," I added. "The ring could be a serious asset to the team."

"Right," Luther said as he glanced at the time. "It's getting late. We should head home and get some rest. It was great meeting all of you. Hopefully, we can do this more often."

"Too bad you don't drink anymore," Darwyn chimed in with a sly grin. "We could really use a new drinking buddy. Erynd is terrible at it."

"Hey!" I shot him a look. "Don't drag him back into that. He already swore not to drink again."

Darwyn raised both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, no harm meant."

We said our goodbyes, and after a round of waves and handshakes, Luther and Sam made their way out into the quiet night.

Time moved faster than we realized after the meeting with Luther and Sam. Before long, we found ourselves standing at the gateway once again. The day the Tower would be reopened had come.

Darwyn was busy finalizing the administrative procedures with the Royal Guard, while the rest of us waited in the back, pacing more out of nerves than boredom. Once the formalities were done, we made our way toward one of the massive iron doors, which shimmered faintly with magic. With a low hum, the portal activated and whisked us away into the Safe Zone within the Tower.

"It feels weird not having Elena with us," Orin said quietly, her voice tinged with gloom.

"Yeah... I feel it too," I replied, glancing at the spot where she should've been standing.

"Let's just focus on getting stronger," Muradin cut in, giving Orin a firm pat on the back. "No way we're gonna let her outdo us after all that training."

"We should stop chatting and get moving. Time's not on our side," Darwyn reminded us, ever the efficient leader.

"Aye, aye, boss," Muradin replied with a chuckle, already marching ahead.

We headed east, toward the Redridge Range. Unlike our previous excursions, we wouldn't waste time lingering on the first floor. This time, we were going straight for Floor Two.

Muradin led the way, followed by Darwyn and Orin, while I took the rear to guard against anything sneaking up behind us.

Our pace was quick, half-running, as we cut straight through the well-worn path leading to the portal. The route was crowded with fellow adventurers and Royal Guard patrols, so monster encounters were few and far between. After just a few days of travel, we finally reached the glowing portal that led to the next level.

"Are you ready?" Darwyn asked, flashing a rare smile as he looked up at the massive, rune-carved gate before us.

"More than ever," Muradin grinned, already placing a hand on the cool surface of the ancient stone. The runes pulsed softly with blue light, like they were breathing.

I hesitated for a moment. The last time I stepped through this portal, I got trapped in a void… and met that strange, old figure. Mysterious. Powerful. Unsettling.

Would I see him again?

I hoped not. There hadn't been any obvious malice, but something about that encounter had felt off, like being studied by something older than time. Best not to tempt fate twice.

I took a deep breath and stepped in after the others.

White light swallowed my vision, and my heartbeat thundered in my chest.

"Come on," I told myself. "Let's not get separated again."

Seconds passed. My feet touched solid ground. I exhaled, relieved.

I could hear Muradin's laugh somewhere nearby, followed by Darwyn's voice.

"Here we are," Muradin announced proudly. "Welcome to Edenfall."

Edenfall, known among adventurers as the Fake Paradise, was breathtaking. The air smelled of crisp leaves and distant blossoms. Everything shimmered just a little too perfectly.

"Wow, this is really beautiful," Orin said in awe. She crouched down and plucked a vibrant flower growing near her boot. It glowed faintly in her palm.

It was Orin's and my first time here. Darwyn and Muradin, on the other hand, had clearly seen this place before.

We stood atop a hill overlooking a valley of lush green grass, gently swaying under a soft breeze. The sunlight warmed our skin without burning, like a storybook version of the real thing.

"That's the waterfall," Darwyn said, pointing toward the distant mountain range to our right. A white ribbon of water shimmered in the distance. "Which means our destination is over there."

He gestured to the left, to an open area nestled between ridges. Then, without waiting, he began walking.

Good thing Darwyn knew this place like the back of his hand. I had no intention of revealing that I, too, was familiar with Edenfall. That would raise far too many questions.

Unlike the first floor, which split into four distinct regions, Floor Two consisted of a single massive region.

Our path had brought us to Edenfall, accessible only through the portal in the Redridge Range. All the other portals on the first floor led to entirely different environments on Floor Two.

Our first target was a place called the Gleaming Gardens, an area that earned Edenfall its infamous nickname: The Fake Paradise.

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