Chapter 12 Preview - How I Became The World's Strongest Warrior Book 2!

I stepped through the door to floor eleven, and immediately something furry and snarling slammed into my chest.

"Rude," I muttered, shoving the dire wolf off me and rolling to my feet.

The wolf was massive, easily the size of a small horse, with matted gray fur and yellow eyes that gleamed with an unnatural intelligence. It circled me, joined by four others emerging from the shadows of what appeared to be a dense pine forest stretching in all directions.

[Dire Wolf]

[Level 21]

[Health: 2,000/2,000]

[Special Abilities: Pack Tactics, Rending Bite]

One wolf stood slightly larger than the others, its fur streaked with silver. It held back while the others formed a circle around me.

[Dire Wolf Alpha]

[Level 22]

[Health: 4,000/4,000]

[Special Abilities: Pack Tactics, Rending Bite, Alpha's Howl]

"Let me guess," I said to the alpha. "You're the boss around here."

The wolf's only response was a low growl as it bared teeth the size of daggers. The pack began to close in, moving with coordinated precision that suggested genuine tactical intelligence.

I drew both weapons, settling into my dual wielding stance. "I've got places to be. Let's not drag this out."

The first wolf lunged at my back while two more came from the sides. I spun, catching the first with the Vampiric Blade.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Base Damage: 19.7]

[Proficiency Differential: 3,379 (Attacker: 3,400 vs Target: 21)]

[Proficiency Damage Bonus: +337.9] 

[Dual Wielding Penalty: -16% damage]

[Total Base + Proficiency: 80.91 + 3,379]

[Perfect Strike Multiplier: x9]

[Total Damage: 2,743.2]

[Dire Wolf Health: 0/2,000]

One down. I pivoted, the Mana Infused Short Sword already swinging toward the wolf on my left.

[Mana Infused Short Sword Strike]

[Total Damage: 1,079.4]

[Minor Arcane Bolt Triggered]

[Additional Magic Damage: 3.5]

[Dire Wolf Health: 917.1/2,000]

The wolf yelped but kept coming. I sidestepped its lunge and finished it with a quick thrust to its throat.

[Vampiric Blade Strike]

[Total Damage: 2,743.2]

[Dire Wolf Health: 0/2,000]

The third wolf managed to clamp its jaws around my leg, its teeth failing to penetrate my armor but still applying painful pressure. I drove the Vampiric Blade down into the top of its skull.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Critical Hit!]

[Total Damage: 5,486.4]

[Dire Wolf Health: 0/2,000]

The fourth wolf backed off, clearly reassessing its chances. The alpha let out a piercing howl that echoed through the forest.

[Alpha's Howl Activated!]

[Nearby Dire Wolves gain +25% attack damage]

[Reinforcements Summoned]

Great. More wolves. I could already hear them crashing through the underbrush, responding to their alpha's call.

I decided to eliminate the leader first. Ignoring the remaining regular wolf, I charged directly at the alpha, which met my advance with bared teeth and raised hackles.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Total Damage: 2,743.2]

[Dire Wolf Alpha Health: 1,256.8/4,000]

The alpha was tougher, absorbing my strike and immediately countering with a savage bite to my arm. This time, the teeth found a gap in my armor.

[Rending Bite]

[Damage: 65]

[Health: 135/200]

[Minor Bleeding Effect Applied: -1 health per 5 seconds]

I winced but didn't back off, instead driving my offhand blade into the wolf's eye.

[Mana Infused Short Sword Strike]

[Critical Hit! Vulnerable Area Struck!]

[Total Damage: 2,158.8]

[Dire Wolf Alpha Health: 0/4,000]

The alpha collapsed, and the remaining regular wolf immediately fled into the forest. The reinforcements, however, were still coming. I could hear at least a dozen more wolves approaching from all directions.

"Time to move," I muttered, quickly harvesting what I could from the fallen wolves.

[Items Obtained]

[Dire Wolf Pelt (Superior): 3]

[Dire Wolf Fang: 12]

[Alpha Wolf Heart: 1]

[Shard of Return: 1]

I jogged deeper into the forest, looking for a more defensible position. The entire floor seemed to be an endless woodland, with occasional clearings and rocky outcroppings breaking up the monotony of pine trees.

As I approached one such clearing, something caught my eye. What looked like a treasure chest sat innocently in the center of the open space, gleaming in a shaft of sunlight breaking through the canopy.

I'd read enough of the guild reports to know better.

[Mimic]

[Level 24]

[Health: 3,500/3,500]

[Special Abilities: Disguise, Adhesive Coating, Crushing Maw]

"Nice try," I said, deliberately giving the chest a wide berth.

The mimic apparently didn't appreciate being ignored. Its lid flew open, revealing rows of jagged teeth where the lock should have been. A long, purple tongue whipped out, trying to grab me.

I sliced the tongue off with the Vampiric Blade, causing the mimic to emit a high-pitched shriek. It abandoned its chest disguise, reshaping into a nightmarish amalgamation of teeth, tongues, and pseudopods that lunged toward me.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Total Damage: 2,741.3]

[Mimic Health: 758.7/3,500]

The mimic was more resilient than the wolves, absorbing the hit and continuing its advance. One pseudopod managed to wrap around my ankle, its adhesive coating making it impossible to shake off.

[Adhesive Coating Applied]

[Movement Speed: -50%]

I swung both weapons simultaneously, severing the pseudopod and driving the Vampiric Blade deep into what passed for the mimic's body.

[Vampiric Blade Strike]

[Total Damage: 2,741.3]

[Mimic Health: 0/3,500]

The creature collapsed into a puddle of viscous goo, its disguise completely abandoned in death. From the remains, I salvaged some valuable components:

[Items Obtained]

[Mimic Essence: 1]

[Adhesive Gland: 2]

[Shapeshifting Tissue: 3]

[Shard of Return: 1]

Just as I finished collecting these items, a flash of metal caught my eye. I ducked instinctively as a sword—with no wielder—whistled through the air where my head had been.

[Dancing Sword]

[Level 23]

[Health: 1,500/1,500]

[Special Abilities: Flight, Precision Strikes]

The animated weapon hung in the air, point directed at me, before suddenly darting forward in a lightning-fast thrust. I parried with the Vampiric Blade, the clash of metal sending sparks flying.

Unlike the organic enemies I'd faced so far, the dancing sword moved with mechanical precision, each attack flowing smoothly into the next. It was like fencing with an invisible grand master.

I blocked another strike, then countered with a sweeping attack that should have cleaved the sword in two.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Total Damage: 2,742.2]

[Metal Resistance: 50% damage reduction]

[Dancing Sword Health: 128.9/1,500]

The sword was tougher than expected, its enchanted metal absorbing much of the impact. It spun away, then came at me from a new angle, nicking my shoulder before I could fully dodge.

[Precision Strike]

[Damage: 35]

[Health: 99/200]

I needed to end this quickly. The wound from the wolf was still bleeding, and now this sword had added another injury. I switched tactics, using the Mana Infused Short Sword as my primary weapon, its arcane properties potentially more effective against an enchanted object.

[Mana Infused Short Sword Strike]

[Minor Arcane Bolt Triggered]

[Total Damage: 1,079.7]

[No Resistance to Arcane]

[Dancing Sword Health: 0/1,500]

The enchanted blade shuddered, then fell to the ground, its animation dispelled. I picked it up, finding it was now just an ordinary, if excellently crafted, sword.

[Item Obtained]

[Former Dancing Sword (Exceptional Quality)]
[Could be re-enchanted by a skilled artificer]

I continued through floor eleven, encountering more wolf packs, mimics disguised as everything from barrels to boulders, and the occasional dancing sword. The enemies were numerous but predictable, allowing me to develop efficient elimination strategies.

By the time I reached the staircase to floor twelve, my dual wielding proficiency had improved significantly:

[Dual Wielding Proficiency: 95.7]

[Penalties Reduced: -11% accuracy, -13% damage to both weapons]

I paused to assess my condition. Health at 99/200 with an active bleeding effect was inefficient. I pulled out a health potion and one of the specialized bandages I'd purchased at the outpost.

[Standard Health Potion consumed]

[Health: 99/200 → 149/200]

[Tower Bandage applied to wolf bite]

[Bleeding Effect: Removed]

[Health regeneration increased for 30 minutes]

Better. Still not optimal, but functional enough to continue. I made a mental note to be more careful about letting wolves get close enough to bite through my armor gaps.

Floor twelve was more of the same, though the enemies were slightly stronger and appeared in larger numbers. The wolves now formed packs of eight to ten, with multiple alphas coordinating their attacks. The mimics had learned to disguise themselves as fallen enemies or valuable resources. The dancing swords now attacked in pairs or trios, their movements synchronized for maximum effectiveness.

None of it really mattered. With my growing dual wielding proficiency and the steadily decreasing penalties, I was able to maintain a constant pace through the floor, methodically eliminating everything in my path.

The real change came when I reached floor thirteen.

The stairs opened onto what appeared to be a lavish palace straight out of some Arabian Nights fantasy. Silk curtains billowed in a nonexistent breeze, the air heavy with exotic perfumes and incense. Ornate fountains bubbled with crystal-clear water, and plush divans were arranged in inviting configurations.

And lounging on these divans, draped across cushions, or bathing in the fountains were the most beautiful humanoid creatures I'd ever seen.

[Succubus]

[Level 26]

[Health: 2,400/2,400]

[Special Abilities: Charm, Teleportation, Ice Magic, Life Drain]

[Incubus]

[Level 26]

[Health: 2,400/2,400]

[Special Abilities: Charm, Teleportation, Fire Magic, Life Drain]

The succubi were female-presenting with curves that defied physics, bat-like wings folded gracefully behind them, and eyes that literally sparkled with magical allure. The incubi were their male counterparts, with chiseled physiques and smoldering gazes that would probably make most adventurers weak in the knees.

One succubus noticed me first, her perfect lips forming an "O" of delighted surprise. "My, my," she purred, sliding off her divan with liquid grace. "What have we here? A solo adventurer brave enough to reach our little playground?"

I drew both weapons. "I'm just passing through."

She laughed, the sound like tinkling bells. "So serious! We don't get many visitors who make it this far. Why not stay awhile?" Her eyes began to glow with a hypnotic light. "Rest. Enjoy yourself. You've earned it."

[Charm Attempt]

[Target: XxPussySlayer420xX]

[Ring of Mental Fortitude: Immunity to Mental Effects]

[Charm Failed]

I felt a slight pressure against my mind, like someone knocking politely on a door, then nothing. The Ring of Mental Fortitude had completely negated the effect.

The succubus's perfect brow furrowed in confusion. "That's... unexpected. You're supposed to be drooling over me by now."

"Sorry to disappoint," I replied, already calculating the optimal attack pattern to clear the room efficiently.

Her expression changed from confusion to outrage. "How dare you resist me? Do you know how many adventurers would literally die for a chance to be with me?"

"Probably a lot," I acknowledged. "But I'm kind of in a hurry."

She hissed, her beautiful features momentarily transforming into something far more demonic. "Sisters! Brothers! We have an immune one!"

The other succubi and incubi immediately abandoned their lounging, their elegant bodies tensing for combat. One incubus stepped forward, flames dancing between his fingers. "No one resists our charms. No one."

"First time for everything," I replied with a shrug.

The succubus who'd spoken to me teleported directly behind me, reappearing in a flash of purple light. She'd clearly expected to catch me off guard, but I was already pivoting, the Vampiric Blade slicing through the air.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Total Damage: 2,740.4]

[Succubus Health: 0/2,400]

She didn't even have time to look surprised as her body dissolved into purple mist. The remaining demons let out shrieks of rage, attacking from all sides.

An incubus hurled a ball of fire at my face. I ducked, feeling the heat as it passed overhead and incinerated a silk curtain behind me. A succubus appeared at my flank, ice forming around her delicate fingers before launching toward me in razor-sharp shards.

I deflected most of them with my blades, but felt several slice into my leg anyway.

[Ice Shard Barrage]

[Damage: 45]

[Health: 54/200]

[Movement Speed: -10% (Frost Effect)]

This was getting annoying. I needed to thin their numbers quickly.

I charged the nearest group of demons, blades flashing in rapid succession. The Vampiric Blade cleaved through an incubus while the Mana Infused Short Sword caught a succubus mid-teleport.

[Vampiric Blade Strike]

[Total Damage: 2,740.4]

[Incubus Health: 0/2,400]

[Mana Infused Short Sword Strike]

[Total Damage: 1,078.6]

[Minor Arcane Bolt Triggered]

[Succubus Health: 1,318.4/2,400]

The wounded succubus teleported away, but I tracked her purple displacement effect and intercepted her reappearance point with a perfectly timed strike.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Total Damage: 2,740.4]

[Succubus Health: 0/2,400]

"He's immune to charm AND he's killing us?" one of the remaining succubi wailed. "This isn't fair!"

"I don't understand," another complained, hurling ice shards that I easily dodged. "He should be begging for our attention by now!"

I continued my methodical elimination of the demons, each falling to my blades despite their teleportation and magical attacks. By the time I'd cleared half the room, the survivors had regrouped, hovering near the ceiling with looks of outrage and confusion.

"Why aren't you affected?" demanded an especially beautiful succubus with platinum hair and lavender wings. "Everyone wants us. It's literally our whole thing."

"I don't see why," I replied honestly, parrying an ice shard with the flat of my blade. "You're trying to kill me. Why would I want someone who's trying to kill me?"

The demons exchanged baffled glances.

"Because we're hot?" offered an incubus, as if this explained everything.

"So?" I shrugged. "Lava is hot too. I don't jump into that either."

The platinum-haired succubus actually stomped her foot in mid-air. "This is ridiculous! Do you have any idea how many adventurers we've drained dry because they couldn't keep their hormones in check? And you're just... what? Not interested?"

"Not particularly." I was getting impatient. "Are we done talking? I need to get to floor sixteen."

This seemed to offend them even more than my immunity to their charms. With shrieks of pure indignation, they all attacked simultaneously, teleporting around me in flashes of purple while hurling ice and fire from all directions.

It was a well-coordinated assault that would probably have overwhelmed most adventurers. Unfortunately for them, my dual wielding had improved to the point where I could block attacks from multiple angles simultaneously.

[Dual Wielding Proficiency: 112.8]

[Penalties Reduced: -8% accuracy, -10% damage to both weapons]

[New Ability Unlocked: Blade Dance I (Can attack up to 3 targets in a single combat round)]

The newly unlocked ability was interesting. I immediately put it to use, spinning in a controlled circle that allowed me to strike three demons in rapid succession.

[Blade Dance Activated!]

[Targets Struck: 3]

[Total Damage: 8,221.2]

[Demons Eliminated: 3]

The remaining succubi and incubi decided discretion was the better part of valor, teleporting away to other parts of the floor. I continued my advance through the palace, encountering more demons along the way, but they now kept their distance, attacking with magic rather than attempting to get close enough for charm effects or life drain.

It didn't matter. Whether up close or at range, the result was the same.

"I don't get it," I overheard one succubus whisper to another as I approached. "Floor thirteen is supposed to be one of the hardest because adventurers get all stupid around us. Why isn't he affected?"

"Maybe he's not into women?" the other suggested.

"That's why we have incubi too, genius."

"Maybe he's not into anyone?"

"That's not a thing!"

I cleared my throat, interrupting their discussion. "Actually, I'm just focused on other priorities."

They both teleported away with little shrieks of alarm.

Floor fourteen continued the succubi and incubi theme, but now they attacked in larger groups, combining their magical abilities to create more complex attack patterns. Ice shards followed fire blasts, creating steam clouds that obscured my vision. There were teleportation ambushes from multiple angles simultaneously, and even attempts to separate me from my weapons with precisely targeted magic.

None of it worked, though they did manage to wear down my health with occasional lucky hits. By the time I reached floor fifteen, I'd had to use several Moonberries and Tower Bandages to maintain fighting condition.

Floor fifteen, as I soon discovered, was essentially one massive swarm. The entire level was a single colossal chamber filled with thousands of flying creatures, bat-like demons, harpies, gargoyles, and other winged horrors, all circling in a chaotic aerial ballet.

[Hordemaster]

[Level 30]

[Health: 5,000/5,000]

[Special Ability: Swarm Control, Frenzy Inducement]

The Hordemaster was a massive winged demon perched on a stone pillar in the center of the chamber. With each gesture of its four arms, it directed waves of flying creatures toward me.

This wasn't a fight I could win through direct confrontation. There were simply too many enemies, regardless of how easily I could kill each individual one. I needed a more strategic approach.

I analyzed the chamber, noting that the Hordemaster never left its perch on the central pillar. If I could reach it, I could potentially end the entire encounter at once.

The problem was getting there through the living hurricane of wings and claws that filled the air between us.

I had four Orbs of Return and over 30 Shards. I could easily craft more if needed. That meant I could afford to take some risks.

I charged directly into the swarm, both weapons slicing through anything that came within reach. The Blade Dance ability proved particularly useful, allowing me to strike multiple targets with each attack sequence.

[Blade Dance Activated!]

[Targets Struck: 3]

[Total Damage: 8,218.9]

[Enemies Eliminated: 3]

[Blade Dance Activated!]

[Targets Struck: 3]

[Total Damage: 8,218.9]

[Enemies Eliminated: 3]

I cut a path through the swarm, taking hits from all sides but continuing my advance toward the central pillar. My health dropped rapidly as dozens of small wounds accumulated.

[Health: 87/200]

[Multiple Minor Bleeding Effects Active]

I ate my last moonberry without breaking stride.

[Health: 137/200]

The Hordemaster noticed my approach and redoubled its efforts, directing increasingly dense waves of flying creatures to intercept me. I was forced to slow down, focusing more on defense than offense as the attacks intensified.

[Health: 72/200]

Screw it. I drank a Health Potion.

[Health: 172/200]

That was frustrating. Thanks to the tower’s healing debuff, my health potions, which would normally heal for 200, were healing for half. They were effectively garbage in here for the cost. Outside the tower, one of these would’ve given me 200 HP. Now? Nerfed to hell. The Tower’s anti-external-recovery field made even high-tier potions feel like overpriced tap water. I was out of moonberries, so this was all I had left. Lame. Waste of coin. But better than dying.

I was getting closer to the central pillar, but my progress had slowed to a crawl. For every creature I killed, three more took its place. This wasn't sustainable.

Then I noticed something. The swarm wasn't evenly distributed around the chamber. There was a pattern to their movements, like a shifting current that ebbed and flowed based on the Hordemaster's gestures.

And like any current, there were areas of low resistance.

I adjusted my path, no longer charging directly toward the central pillar but instead following the natural flow of the swarm. It was counterintuitive, sometimes moving away from my target temporarily, but it significantly reduced the number of creatures in my immediate vicinity.

The Hordemaster seemed confused by my change in tactics, its gestures becoming more erratic as it tried to predict my movement. This only created more disruptions in the swarm pattern, giving me additional openings to exploit.

After about twenty minutes of this careful navigation, I finally reached the base of the central pillar. The Hordemaster screeched in alarm, now directing the entire swarm to converge on my position.

I didn't give it the chance. I launched myself upward, using protruding stones as handholds to scale the pillar with surprising speed. Before the swarm could react, I was within striking distance of the Hordemaster.

[Perfect Strike Activated!]

[Critical Hit!]

[Total Damage: 5,479.6]

[Hordemaster Health: 0/5,000]

The massive demon let out a final screech as my blade separated its head from its shoulders. Its body toppled from the pillar, wings flapping uselessly as it fell to the chamber floor far below.

The effect on the swarm was immediate and dramatic. Without the Hordemaster's control, the flying creatures scattered in all directions, many fleeing through small openings in the chamber ceiling. Others turned on each other in confused aggression, the chamber dissolving into chaos that no longer included me as a target.

I climbed down from the pillar, cautiously making my way through the diminishing swarm toward the staircase to floor sixteen. By the time I reached it, most of the creatures had either fled or killed each other, leaving only a few stragglers that I easily dispatched.

[Status Update]

[Level 20]

[Experience: 86,413.2/230,400 (37.5% to Level 21)]

[Dual Wielding Proficiency: 136.4]

[Penalties Reduced: -4% accuracy, -6% damage to both weapons]

[Blade Dance Improved to Level II (Can attack up to 4 targets in a single combat round)]

I climbed the stairs to floor sixteen, not sure what to expect, but ready for anything. What I found was... nothing.

Floor sixteen was another safe zone, similar to floor six but completely devoid of other adventurers. The facilities were all there, resting areas, food vendors, equipment repair stations, but the usual bustle of activity was absent. It was like walking into a tavern that had been abandoned mid-celebration, cups still full, food still warm.

"Hello?" I called out, my voice echoing strangely in the empty space.

No response.

I approached the central administration area, expecting to find the shifting-faced figure from floor six, but the desk was unmanned. A logbook lay open, the last entry dated over a month ago.

The rest of the facilities appeared to be automated or running on some kind of magical maintenance system. The bathing pools were still heated, the food stalls still stocked with fresh supplies, but there was no sign of any living caretakers.

I touched my communication crystal. "Witch? Can you hear me?"

Her response came through immediately, relief evident in her voice. "Chuck! Finally! I've been trying to reach you for hours!"

"I'm at floor sixteen," I reported. "The safe zone is empty. No adventurers, no staff."

"Empty?" She sounded shocked. "That's... that's not possible. Floor sixteen is always populated. It's where Aerilius turned back, but plenty of others have reached it safely."

"Well, they're not here now," I said, looking around the deserted plaza. "Everything's functional, just abandoned."

"Chuck, listen to me," Witch's voice took on an urgency I rarely heard from her. "Something's wrong. The Tower doesn't just empty a safe zone for no reason. Either something scared everyone away, or..."

"Or what?"

"Or the Tower is changing the rules for you specifically." She paused. "I've been doing more research on the Ancient Spellbook of Winter. There are references to the Tower testing worthy climbers differently than others. It's like it's evaluating you."

"For what?"

"I don't know yet," she admitted. "But be careful. If the Tower has singled you out, it might be preparing something special for the higher floors."

I found the registration orb at the center of the plaza, a spherical crystal atop a pedestal that glowed with a soft blue light. According to the guild records, touching this would register my progress and allow me to return directly to floor sixteen in future visits.

I placed my hand on the orb, feeling a slight tingle as it scanned me.

[Progress Registered: Floor 16]
[Adventurer: XxPussySlayer420xX]
[Level: 20]
[Return Access Granted]

The orb flashed once, then returned to its steady glow. Task completed.

"I've registered my progress," I told Witch. "I'm going to rest here, then continue upward."

"Chuck, please reconsider," Witch urged. "You've already gone farther than almost anyone in record time. Come back with what you've learned, and we can plan a better equipped expedition for the Essence of Passage."

I considered this for a moment. The logical part of me acknowledged she had a point. I'd made significant progress, gained valuable experience, and collected a substantial amount of materials. This would normally be the optimal time to return, analyze what I'd learned, and develop a more targeted strategy for the next attempt.

But something told me to keep going. Whether it was the Tower's apparent special interest in me, or simply the momentum of having come this far so quickly, I wasn't ready to turn back.

"I'm continuing," I decided. "The Tower is testing me. I want to see why."

Witch sighed. "I knew you'd say that. Just... be careful. And keep your Orbs ready. The moment things get too dangerous, use one and get out."

"I will," I promised. "Talk to you from floor twenty."

I ended the communication and settled in to rest, repair my equipment, and prepare for whatever lay beyond floor sixteen. The empty safe zone was unsettling, but also oddly peaceful. For the first time since entering the Tower, I had space to think without the constant pressure of combat.

As I sat on the edge of one of the bathing pools, my feet dangling in the warm water, I reflected on what I'd accomplished so far. Ten floors cleared in a single day, including a boss that supposedly hadn't been soloed in years. Dual wielding proficiency improved to the point where the penalties were almost negligible. A new Blade Dance ability that significantly increased my combat effectiveness against groups.

The numbers had gone up substantially. That was good.

But there was something else, something I couldn't quite quantify in my usual optimization framework. A sense of... curiosity? Anticipation? It wasn't clear. But for the first time since arriving in this world, I was interested in something beyond just making my numbers go up.

I wanted to know why the Tower was empty. I wanted to understand what lay beyond floor sixteen that had turned back Aerilius the Undying. I wanted to see what the Tower was testing me for.

Tomorrow, I would find out.