The storytellers told us the legend of the tower trials. “No one knows where it came from. One day it appeared, and then the games began.” they said. For millennia, a colossal spiralling tower would appear every century and challenge the most desperate and worthy entrants. The tower was made up of many floors, each of a different level and a different challenge, giving the winners magical powers. As the competitors pushed forward the tower started to twist the player’s minds, causing them to become more selfish, competitive and power-hungry. Whilst people manage to survive several levels, nobody succeeded in reaching the last floor, where an unknown and uncontrolled force lurked.
Every time the cursed tower appeared, its thin spire pointed upwards to the sky and could be seen throughout the kingdom of Eldoria. However, for people to reach the tower, they would have to travel to the perilous mountains and its treacherous pathways. The tower itself was located at the border of Eldoria and its cursed mountains. It floated in the air with stairs conjured by a whispering mist as underneath was an endless chasm that travelled down all the way to the centre of the earth.
The tower was made up of an ancient stone called Zephrite which kept all the magic inside trapped.
However, its appearance was dull and regular-looking. The stone was cracked and had been chipped away for quite some time. Despite the tower’s old raggedy appearance, it radiated power, shrouded by a swirling purple mist, conducting sparks of electric blue electricity and glowing crystals had formed at the base of the terrific tower.
On the 1st of June, participants would have to stand in front of the tower and to gain entry declare why they had come to compete. Most people said ‘For Glory/Power/Fame/Respect’, others said ‘They wanted to protect other people and help citizens with their abilities’, but last time a different reason was bespoke. ‘I want money. I don’t care about the glory or fame, I just want money.’
This came from a young girl who looked around the age 15 years old. Irene Virelli. She had short choppy black hair, wore ripped brown overalls and stared ahead, her stormy grey eyes burning resolutely. She had cracked pink lips and there was a piece of dry mud clinging onto her pale white skin.
After Irene’s answer, the crystals seemed to pulse and glow brightly for a fraction of a second before reverting to its normal state. The tower then allowed Irene to pass through. Irene stepped forward, darkness engulfed her and above on the tower’s top floor a dark force was getting excited. It thrashed and moved about with anticipation. “Soon”, a voice said within the depths of the force.”Soon, our ruler will take her rightful place above everything and everyone.” Then as the tower door shut slowly with a painfully slow creak. “Let the games begin.”