SeTa's boots hit the stone floor of Floor 5 with a familiar thud. The trial was over, and the Pi Yao—his new companion—stood by his side. The last few hours had been a blur of mental exertion, the final challenge demanding everything SeTa had. The creatures of Floor 5 had been far from weak, and the trial was not one that tested brute strength alone. But SeTa had grown. His use of Inception EX, his mental acuity, had proven invaluable. He had conquered the trial, claiming his victory, but as always, there was a price to pay.
Zuvanox, the Pi Yao, stood there—its golden-black fur gleaming in the dim light of the floor. The creature was an enigma, a perfect reflection of the path SeTa was on. Small, yet capable of unimaginable power, Zuvanox had proven its worth by his side, and now it was time to move forward.
SeTa took a moment to look at the Pi Yao before making his decision.
"Let's head back down. I need to think. To plan," SeTa muttered, more to himself than to Zuvanox.
Floor 5 had been a victory, but SeTa knew that to climb higher in the Tower, he needed to regroup. He needed the security of Floor 1's safe zone, a rare place where he could recalibrate, study the surroundings, and learn more about the paths ahead. The transition from Floor 5 to Floor 10 wasn't going to be easy, and though he had grown stronger, the challenges only intensified as he ascended.
The climb had been hard. Every floor tested him in new ways. Floor 1 had offered something different—a place where the safety of the zone allowed Climbers to regroup, share knowledge, and prepare. Floor 10 was only a few floors away, but between here and there lay untold dangers. He would need time to analyze the Tower's workings, the patterns of the beasts and bosses, and maybe even catch up with the few other Climbers who had managed to make their way this far.
The decision was clear: SeTa and Zuvanox would descend.
---
The journey down was quick, the air thick with the scent of ancient stone as the floors passed by. They stopped only when SeTa reached the familiar threshold of Floor 1's safe zone.
The zone was a bustling hub of activity—a sanctuary where Climbers could take a breather before pushing further into the Tower's labyrinthine depths. It wasn't the first time SeTa had been here, but it was the first time he had arrived with a companion like Zuvanox by his side. The creature's presence was no small matter. To other Climbers, the Pi Yao was a terrifying, intimidating beast, yet to SeTa, it was a companion—a partner in this ascension.
As SeTa entered the safe zone, he immediately noticed the usual mixture of nervousness and ambition that filled the air. The Climbers here had mostly stuck to Floor 1, either too afraid or unwilling to venture further into the unknown. There were whispers of the dangers on Floor 2, rumors of things worse than beasts—of traps, trials, and deceptions that would catch even the most experienced Climbers off guard.
SeTa didn't have the luxury of waiting in fear. His title—"Soloist"—was one he'd earned through his actions, and now, with Zuvanox by his side, he felt an even stronger sense of purpose.
But before heading straight into the next set of trials, SeTa paused. He looked down at Zuvanox, watching the creature's golden-black fur shimmer in the dim light. He had yet to fully explain the significance of its name.
SeTa crouched down, gently placing his hand on Zuvanox's head. The Pi Yao's intense eyes gazed back at him, its demeanor calm but alert, aware of its bond with SeTa. A sense of quiet pride filled SeTa's chest as he finally spoke, explaining the thought behind the name he had chosen.
"I named you Zuvanox," SeTa began, his voice low but filled with conviction. "Zuva means 'sun' in Shona—bright, powerful, relentless. The sun is the force that makes all things grow, that gives life to the world. It's a fitting part of your name, because you've brought a new light into my journey, a new path to follow."
Zuvanox's ears twitched as SeTa continued, seeming to understand the weight of his words.
"And the 'nox' part…" SeTa paused, choosing his words carefully. "In Latin, 'nox' means 'night.' It's the darkness, the unknown, the mysterious force that we often fear. But without the night, there is no contrast to the light. The night gives the light meaning, just as the challenges ahead will give my strength meaning. It's fitting for you, Zuvanox—your presence balances the power of light with the depth of darkness."
The Pi Yao's gaze softened slightly, as if it understood the depth of the words spoken. To others, it might seem like a creature of pure intimidation, a being of fearsome power. But to SeTa, it was a symbol—a creature that embodied both the light and the dark of the Tower, something that would guide him through the unknown.
"Zuvanox," SeTa repeated, a sense of finality in his tone. "A being that can light the way through the dark. A companion who will help me rise above whatever comes next."
---
After some time in the safe zone, SeTa made his decision. He stood, feeling the weight of his resolve settle over him. The Tower would not wait. And neither would he.
"Let's go, Zuvanox," SeTa said, his voice calm but filled with determination. "The hive awaits."
With a final glance at the bustling safe zone, SeTa turned and made his way toward the portal that would take him up to Floor 6. It was time to push forward. Floor 10, the first floor with a true safe zone above it, was just within reach. The insect hive awaited, and SeTa had no intention of being caught unprepared.
As he crossed the threshold into the unknown, he could feel the weight of Zuvanox's presence beside him. Together, they would face what lay ahead. The Pi Yao, the silent and deadly companion, would help guide him through the challenges yet to come.