Tower of Ruin: A LitRPG Adventure

By Wolfe Locke

In the aftermath of a deal brokered in shadow, Daniel is offered an impossible second chance by an enigmatic Dark Lord who seeks to play puppeteer. Armed with a single mission, he embarks on a perilous quest: to climb the tower once more and overthrow its merciless master and claim the tower as his own, or perish in the attempt.

But the path that lies ahead is full danger. Each floor of the tower is a trail, a wicked gauntlet that dares the most daring to surpass. Every challenge he overcomes peels back the veil on nightmarish distortions of humanity, each one more grotesque than the last.

In Pandemonium, a realm that forges monsters from the souls of men, Daniel is offered a cruel ultimatum. As he navigates this twisted world where terrors lurk in every shadow, he grapples with the choice that could define his fate. He can either succumb to the growing darkness or embrace it.

As he becomes a monster himself to fight the horrors that surround him, Daniel realizes that surviving is merely the first rung on the ladder to victory. For in a realm where the line between man and monster blurs, even the prospect of victory is shrouded in uncertainty. After all, in this monstrous game of survival, there are no guarantees. Only the strong, the monstrous, and the relentless can hope to stand tall.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fantasy Unlimited
• Release date: Nov 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393881698

Wolfe Locke

Wolfe Locke is the pen name of Andrew O'Kelley. He writes young adult appropriate light novels, gamelit, litrpg, and occasionally, adventure horror. A Social Worker and Veteran, he just likes being a dad. 

Book preview

Tower of Ruin

A LitRPG Adventure

Wolfe Locke

Chapter 1: The Endless Loop

There is a place beyond the edge of the abyss that exists in all men. It is a hidden world, found in the infinite pause between dying and death.

Pandemonium.

It is there, in that place beyond space and time, that a demon prince, a self-proclaimed god of calamity known as Helion, looked out across the vastness of creation from his throne in the realm of Lost Souls. One of Seven Princes, Helion lorded over his dread kingdom, eschewing his duties while pursuing the macabre in the shadows.

A seed of malicious discontent took hold in the mind of the powerful being. It fed on resentment and festered like cancer until Helion drew in the essence of the cosmos. With it, he created a pale imitation of the world of men and retreated within it.

In this dark world he hid inside a tower, also of his own making, rooted in the throne room of the Spectral Palace. Inside, a world full of dark wonder awaited. Madness soon followed, and Helion withdrew from the Council of Shadows to watch the spectacle.

He called it ‘Afterlife’.

In an empty realm devoid of higher intelligence, he found the souls of the damned, wandering hungrily between worlds. From them, he created Wraiths, monstrous specters possessing warped human visages. He granted them a portion of his power and each became an extension of himself, filled with enough of his essence to oversee the floors of the tower, and to ensure his goals were fulfilled. For Helion had but two desires—his own survival, and entertainment.

He filled his tower with nightmare creatures, some of his own imaginings, others stolen from the nightmares of others. They lurked in shadows, waiting to feast on the dregs of humanity Helion sealed within the imitation world.

It was a merciless existence for those people, doomed to climb a tower that knew no end, with floors that spanned into eternity.

The prince fashioned himself a god, an artist, painting with the brushes of calamity. His tower was his masterwork.

But his absence on the Council of Seven did not go unnoticed.

The frozen walls of the cavern glistened, and the cooking fire crackled as fat dripped from the mutton roasting on the spit. The meal offered a reprieve from the constant pressure of battle. Summoned minions of stone and ice patrolled the cave fortress that Kain had carved into the face of the mountain, in hopes that other survivors would join them.

That goat was the last one. We’ve eaten the rest. We were lucky to find a whole clan of Satyrs living here, Jacobs lamented bitterly as the smell of food filled the cavern. They ignored the lingering question of where the next meal would come from. Jacobs leaned forward, and his ornate black armor creaked from strain as the most powerful man alive turned the spit.

I don’t think we’ll have to worry about starving to death, Audry commented as she looked past the smoke towards the entrance of the cavern. Her eyes were orbs of pale white—a sign she was using her minions to extend her vision. There, shallow tremors were beginning to shake loose the icicles that framed the entrance.

Lines of worry creased her face. With a soundless command, her summoned minions scurried off towards defensive positions, knowing the enemy would soon arrive.

Jacobs sniffed. Aye. Starving’s a sad way to go. Battle is much better. Nothing says you've truly lived like bleeding to death while you cry out for a healer. He nonchalantly reached out for the hindleg and cut it free with the [Perfect Onyx Dagger] he kept at his side. He tore into the meat, ignoring the growing clamor of battle in the distance.

Looks like the Conclave has finally fallen, he muttered through a mouthful of food. I'm surprised they lasted this long. It’ll be our turn next. I suggest everyone eat their fill. He dropped his eyes. None of us are making it out alive. Might as well go out with a full stomach.

Daniel frowned and moved towards the entrance, covering his face with part of the red cloak that marked him as a healer. We should have helped them, even if they didn’t want it. We might have been able to evacuate some of the Conclave members if we could have convinced them to keep going. Maybe we could have even tried the Wraith's challenge and moved on to the next floor.

The other three voiced their disagreement, then a hush fell between them. Eventually, Kain broke the silence. He motioned for Daniel to join them by the fire. If this is going to be our last meal together, let's not waste it arguing. They made their choice, Daniel. No one forced them to settle in the Frozen Wastes. It was a mistake to think they could eke out some kind of existence in this hellhole. They should have kept climbing with us instead of calling it quits. His scowl deepened. They shouldn't have given up.

Daniel let it go, but in his heart he disagreed. The concerned look on his face didn’t abate. The sounds of distant battle carried heavily in the air as he watched colossal monsters of ice batter the Conclaves’ fortifications and shatter their buildings. Smaller ice demons moved among the wreckage, looking for survivors to feast on.

Daniel pushed down his troubled thoughts, then turned away from the entrance and walked back to his friends, taking his place by the fire.

Jacobs offered him a piece of burnt meat. You'll have to forgive my cooking. I found if you cook something long enough, it just tastes like burnt meat, instead of, you know... Daniel accepted, taking a large bite before turning back towards the entrance, the look of guilt heavy on his face. He couldn't hide the feeling from his friends, although they all chose to ignore it.

Still, the thought lingered in Daniel's mind. We should have tried.

A voice called out from the cave entrance. Terrible bit of business out there, isn’t it? Massacres do tend to be like that. Shame, really. Those folks seemed like good people. Four heads swung toward the source of the new voice, and four pairs of hands instantly scrambled for their weapons. A white-haired man in a black suit approached, easily bypassing the shield wards that had been placed over the entrance.

Audry frowned, wondering why her summons hadn’t attacked the man on sight as soon as he breached the perimeter. Daniel wondered the same for his own wards. There could only be one explanation; the man was their level, or stronger. Likely much stronger.

With an easy laugh, the man raised his hands in mock surrender. His easy demeanor did nothing to quell the tension in the room. If anything, it seemed to increase their agitation. The four of you need to calm down. I’m not here looking for a fight. My name is Mr. Black, and I’ve come to make you a deal.

A deal? asked Audry doubtfully. Jacobs, Daniel, and Kain spread out, keeping their weapons trained on him. What kind of deal? And who are you? How'd you get past our wards?

Jacobs didn't wait to hear the response and jumped towards Mr. Black with a powerful swing of his Greatsword, [The Butcher's Edge]. Black ash swirled in the shadow of the weapon's arc.

Daniel layered an enchantment spell on him, [Aura of Might], to double his speed and strength. They could take no chances; the newcomer warranted a deadly response.

With an impossible quickness, Mr. Black dodged the attack in a blur of movement that left only an afterimage, then countered immediately. Powerful arms grabbed Jacobs with overwhelming force. Long fingers grasped his neck and lifted the powerfully built and heavily armored man off the ground effortlessly.

Audry frantically tried to redirect her minions to Jacobs’ rescue. Daniel enchanted the area with an [Aura of Protection] in an effort to keep Jacobs and the rest of them alive, then channeled [Regenerate Health] directly at the trapped man.

Clearly, there has been some sort of misunderstanding. Mr. Black said calmly as he held a thrashing Jacobs above the ground. The white-haired man looked at the rest of them in challenge. Everyone makes mistakes, and I'm willing to consider this one of yours.

Jacob's face paled, and then his struggling slowed. With a look of distaste at the weakness, Mr. Black threw Jacobs across the room with one hand, then brushed himself off, making sure no part of his suit was out of place. Daniel rushed to Jacobs and began to heal the damage to his body, surprised the man hadn't been killed. But make no mistake. I'll kill the next one of you to attack me. This is a solemn promise.

What's this deal? asked Kain. He understood that whatever Mr. Black's reason was for being there, they had no choice but to listen. Daniel, Audry, stand down and take care of Jacobs. We need to listen to him, or he will kill us.

Ah, you're being reasonable. Fantastic! That makes this next part easier. We have a common enemy. Mr. Black smiled. His name is Helion. He’s the master of this endless tower. A colleague of mine, if you will.

Mr. Black paced the floor with his hands behind his back. This tower is a perversion of our purpose, and though I cannot intervene overtly, I do have my ways. You must have had your suspicions before? Correct? What floor are you on? 113? 117? How many times have you said, ‘just one more floor?’ How many years has it been? How many decades? Where does it end? Surely,—Mr. Black emphasized his next words with a knowing smile—you’ve had doubts?

They shared glances of concern as Mr. Black echoed the exact same sentiment they had voiced countless times over the years. It was the prime reason they had split from the Conclave. They’d deemed the continual ascent a fool's errand.

Daniel’s suspicions grew. What do you know that we don't? Why should we trust you? The four of us could take you. Daniel didn’t believe it, of course, as he looked at Mr. Black. But even though he was ready to fight, a seed of hope grew within him. It was a tiny seed, one that he’d nurtured and kept alive, even as it died away in the others. In it was hope—a hope that this wasn't forever.

Poor acting, Daniel. Don't be arrogant. I'd prefer not to kill you all, If I’m being honest. I am, after all, a man of my word. Regardless of your concerns, this isn't about you. Consider this more of an ‘enemy of my enemy’ kind of situation, and all that, replied Mr. Black. "Truthfully, I am not doing you a favor. I couldn’t care less about Lost Souls. The favor is for me and mine. You see, the master of this tower has been negligent in his duties.

Mr. Black sighed. This tower has no end. He never had any intention of letting you leave here alive. But there is a way forward. The race of monsters that oversee his floors. His Wraiths, Mr. Black explained.

The expressions on their four faces grew grim at the mention of the unholy creatures.

Each of them has been imbued with a small piece of his essence. If you overcome enough of them, you will have a direct connection to Hellion, and through that connection, be able to strike him down. Then, you can replace him. Assume his mantle. Mr. Black looked at them, waiting for the reply.

Audry laughed, but without any real humor. "So what is it you’re suggesting? Kill the Wraiths and replace a god? Those things are more powerful than any of us. Do you have any idea of how many of our friends they’ve killed? How many have tried to do precisely what you’re suggesting?

Mr. Black ignored the question. He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out an amber-colored hourglass, which he tossed at their feet. "This is an artifact crafted from the blood and bones of a god of time. Which one doesn't matter. Gods are as numerous as the stars in the sky, and just as easy to kill.

One of you, and only one of you can be sent back to the very beginning of Afterlife with your memory intact. He pointed at the hourglass. I’ll leave it here for you to decide. The artifact will travel with you, then turn to dust when you arrive. Mix that dust with a bit of your own essence and spread it across the blade of any weapon. This will grant the weapon the [Unbreakable] status, and bestow on it an enchantment strong enough to overcome a wraith. But be warned. Though the magic inherent in this hourglass will obscure what you do and who you really are, it will not last forever. You will have a year, maybe two at most, before discovery. Do not disclose, for any reason, the truth of your existence or my involvement in this.

Without another word, Mr. Black turned. The party recoiled as a wave of dark energy radiated out from the man. The cavern twisted, and the truth of the man was revealed as a stray nightmare pressed through his facade. Tormented shadows writhed within his aura.

But no sooner than the wrongness was noticed, it was gone. The illusion was once again intact, and the man stepped through the entrance, disappearing in an instant as if he had never been there.

Kain was the first to move, picking up what the intruder had left behind. The palm of his right hand briefly glowed bright gold as he used the power he had cultivated over the years to identify the truth behind the item.

Well? What’s the scan telling you? Jacobs asked impatiently as he sat up with an irritated grunt.

Kain held up a hand, a sign to wait as he processed the information from the scan. A few seconds later, he turned towards the other three with a grimace he couldn’t hide. Looks like it will do what that monster said, but there's a catch. It's unfortunate, but not a surprise, explained Kain with a grimace as he turned the glowing hourglass over in his hands. His three companions stared at the magical sands that flowed within it. Just like only one of us can go back in time, one of us has to die to power the artifact.

Jacobs frowned at the implications. So we really have a [Chronos Hourglass]. I'd never even thought it was possible. But why wouldn't it be, considering everything else we've seen? If one of us dies to power the artifact, does it really matter, if that means this future stops existing?

I don't have those answers. And who knows if we can even trust the words of this ‘Mr. Black’, or whatever he is, Kain admitted. A shadow crossed over everyone's face, including Daniel’s. The seed of hope within him began to rot.

Audry raised her head, an auburn lock slipping out of her hood. I don't think we have a choice, do we? The end is coming for us. We should choose who it should be while we still have time, but you all already know who I'd pick. Her gaze shifted longingly towards Daniel in remembrance of the times they’d shared together.

Aye, we know exactly who you’d pick, Jacobs said with a note of anger in his strained voice. His neck still bore purple, finger-shaped bruises. Jacobs bristled. He was the largest and most heavily armored among them, and carried a sword larger than he was. It should be me that goes back. I'm the strongest among us, and I have been from the very beginning. I learned the secrets of the first floor. With the right weapon, I can kill the Wraith, and their god.

Kain laughed good-naturedly as he patted Jacobs on the back. No, Jacobs, I don’t think you can. It can't be you. You might be the strongest among us, but you lack the finesse this is going to require. You’re brash, impulsive, and too volatile. You're all stick and no carrot. Do you remember when you got lost in the labyrinth? For how long? Three years? It won't work. Whoever goes back will need to be able to build allies, and with your nature, it’ll never work out. No offense intended, but an old adage comes to mind. Everything's a nail if you've got a big enough hammer. It can't be you. Kain raised his chin. It should be me who goes.

Kain, Audry responded, her voice a step above a whisper. Nobody doubts your ability or resourcefulness, but it can't be you either. Just like it can't be me. We all have baggage. We’ve all got scars. But more than that, we all carve paths for others to follow. If it weren't for you being the first, none of us would have survived this long. I'm sorry, but it can't be you.

Of course. Just like it can't be you, interjected Jacobs bitterly. In the distance, a great horn sounded. The monsters that had just taken out the Conclave were now heading towards them.

Jacobs ignored it. How much trouble have you caused over the years by showing mercy to enemies we should have killed outright? Remember the twins? How many of our friends died because of your unwillingness to do what was required? You caused just as much misery as I did, if not more.

You're not wrong, Jacobs, admitted Audrey with weary resignation. I’ve never been as ruthless as the rest of you, and given a second chance, I still couldn’t be as ruthless as I need to be. It’s not me. It’s not in my nature to be a killer, just like it's not in your nature to be a leader. Which leads me back to my point. The answer is right in front of us. Whoever goes back needs to become something more, and I think it should be Daniel. He’s the only one of us that wanted to go and help Conclave. He had hope.

Kain held his fingers to his face for a moment in deep thought. No, you're right. It can't be me, either. Without my training academy, and without the magic schools that I develop, how many more would have died? My role is set in time.

Daniel tried to ignore the conversation and moved back towards the entrance, enchanting the summoned minions with [Greater Shield] as they rushed out to fill the bulwark. The ground shook from the massive disbursement of energy. Their time was short. The summons would only delay the inevitable. What was coming for them couldn't be stopped—Glacial Golems. They were built like small mountains, and nearly impossible to destroy.

It needs to be Daniel, Audry continued with an insistence that wasn't like her. He climbed last. He’s heard all of our stories. He can walk the path we laid, the same paths we had to carve for ourselves. He'll be able to use his knowledge of the future in a way that we weren’t able to. But there's something else. If one of us went instead and looted everything, what would remain for those who came after? No. It's better for the last of us to gather what's left than the first of us to take everything.

Audry waited on Jacobs and Kain to acknowledge they understood what she was saying. She hoped they would all agree, knowing that Daniel would never speak up in this kind of situation. He’d gladly die for the rest of us rather than speak up for himself, she thought dryly.

Nothing more needed to be said. The looks of regret that washed over each of their faces said it all.

Then, Audry suddenly dropped to the ground in pain, an unfortunate feedback effect that occurred whenever the last of her summons were destroyed. No, not yet, she thought, then turned to the group. We're out of time. The weight of knowing they were completely alone kicked in. The Conclave, the rest of the climbers, their minions and summons—all wiped out.

Audry sighed. It's been fun, you three, but come on, Daniel. You haven’t said anything, and I know you'll protest, but it's already decided. You need to become a hero, for all our sakes.

Daniel moved away from the entrance, then cast a shield over the entrance, hoping the prismatic barrier would buy them a few more minutes time. The strain from maintaining the shield was evident as sweat began to wet his dark hair. I was hoping you'd save yourself, Audry. I didn't want it to be my decision. I would have never chosen myself. But if it has to be me, I understand.

Jacobs walked over to Daniel and shook his hand, then gave him a one-armed hug. Sorry for everything. You were right. I did eat the last of your chocolates we looted from the shadow shop. But she’s right. It’s got to be you. For all those reasons she said, and so many more. And don't forget, if you get the chance to kill that bastard Micah, do so. He cheats at cards and doesn’t pay his debts. He smiled. I’m kidding. Try to keep him alive if you can. He’s my little brother, after all.

With his piece said, the world’s strongest man bounded away in a single leap. His armor became engulfed in smoky energy as he passed through the prismatic shield. Blue flames surrounded him like a second skin as the immolation enchantment of his armor went into full effect. His towering blade turned black with a crimson edge as it passed through the shield and met the first of the Glacial Golems head-on. The force of each blow created a sound like thunder. For a few minutes, it seemed as if he could hold the monsters at bay all by himself.

I was really hoping to not die today, or at least die last. Guess I’ll have to settle for dying well, laughed Kain as he stood up and dusted himself off. But Jacob’s going to need help to give you guys some time. Do what you can to help all the others. Try to find out more about this Mr. Black, but don't look too hard. Don't endanger yourself or your own growth. You need to get strong quickly. Don't let anyone hold you back, and never forget how petty people can be. Never forget what happened at Hearth. If you should run into me and need to convince me of the truth, my daughter's name is Delilah.

Kain stuck out his hand and Daniel took it, then embraced his oldest friend. With a final nod, Kain pulled out his staff. Arcane energy spread through his body and he split into four distinct beings, each representing a different aspect of nature. The four Kains flew through the prismatic shield, then unleashed a barrage of spells. Savage thunderbolts struck the frozen ground and pillars of fire erupted where they hit, destroying ice and Golem alike.

Audry was the last to say goodbye. I'm sorry this responsibility falls on you. It will not be an easy road. Try to keep them all alive. Forgive yourself when you don’t. We had so many. If only but a handful more had joined us, it would have made all the difference. Maybe they can help you take on the Wraiths. Maybe Mr. Black was right, and we can be free. I don't know, but you're the only one who will remember this future.

Daniel wanted to say something, but didn’t know what.

"Make whatever choices you need