Chapter 156: The Champion's Party
Joining a Champion's Party was never an easy choice.
It was a well-known fact that Champions of the Gods and their party faced a tougher challenge when compared to normal climber groups as they ascended the tower.
Joining a Champion's Party meant putting one's own life on the line, as the journey to the top was fraught with more obstacles and dangers than usual.
As the Champion's group ascended, they frequently encountered unexpected difficulties. They had to deal with not only the challenges of the tower but also all the extra nuisance caused by internal political strife.
Followers of other gods and rival factions were constantly plotting against them, often resulting in these adversaries setting cheap traps and launching surprise attacks, aiming to derail the Champions' progress at every turn.
This made the ascent through the tower not only physically demanding but also mentally taxing.
Every step forward required caution and constant vigilance, turning what should have been a straightforward climb into a perilous adventure.
For those who joined a Champion's Party, the journey was as much about surviving these external threats as it was about overcoming the tower's inherent challenges, which was why joining a Champion's Party was never simple choice.
However, on the flip side, joining a Champion's Party gave one the opportunity to grow stronger beyond one's wildest expectations.
The constant life-death situations forged one into a strong fighter, as if somehow one could survive the journey alongside a Champion, they usually became an extremely strong Lesser God themselves at the least.
Fame, Fortune and rare encounters usually accompanied those who decided to join a Champion's Party, giving one the opportunity to go down in the history books and leave a legacy of their own in the history of the tower.
The allure of immortal legacy and fame was a powerful motivator for many. The prospect of etching one's name into the annals of history, to be remembered as more than just another climber, was enticing and being part of a Champion's Party not only promised unparalleled adventures but also the chance to be a part of epic tales told across generations.
The rewards, while corresponding in size with the risks, were not just about personal power. Climbers in these elite groups often found themselves at the heart of significant historical events, shaping the very fabric of the tower's legacy.
Their deeds and decisions often influenced the rise or fall of gods and reshaped the political landscape of the tower's realms.
Moreover, the connections and alliances forged during such arduous journeys were invaluable. Members of a Champion's Party, having faced near-death experiences together, often emerged with bonds as strong as steel, with these relationships often leading to future alliances and opportunities that were otherwise unreachable.
Thus, despite the daunting challenges, the promise of achieving legendary status, influencing great events, and leaving a lasting mark on the world made the perilous path of a Champion's Party a path worth taking for those daring enough to dream big.
"Before I give my answer, Sir Rocky, if you don't mind me asking. Will Sophia be a part of this group?" Erin asked, after thinking about Rocky's question for a while, as Rocky shook his head in denial.
"No, she's a Champion herself, so she cannot be a part of my party.
As the two of you already know, a Champion's Party consists of 5 members alongside the Champion.
Five, who will climb the tower together and take on every challenge that the tower and the universe has to throw at us, from floor 21 till 59.
While I haven't finalized all five members of my party, I know for sure that Sophia won't be one-" Rocky said, as he dispelled Erin's doubts.
"So once we graduate, we won't have anything to do with that woman, correct?" Erin asked, as Rocky nodded his head in confirmation.
"We won't have anything to do with her as a team-mate" He said, as Erin let out a deep sigh and nodded his head.
"Then I accept-" he said with a soft smile on his face, as Rocky felt a wave of relief wash over him.
Rocky wasn't blind. He could notice the potential that both Erin and Buhara possessed and had only asked them to join his party, not only because he trusted them as friends, but also because he had faith in their skills as a climber.
"Buhara does not mind joining Rocky. Because Buhara already sees Rocky as his brother. However, Buhara does not approve of leaving Sophia behind.
Friends don't abandon each other, so if puny Erin goes with human Rocky, then Buhara will go with Sophia" said Buhara, as his answer made both Erin and Rocky feel like slapping their faces.
On one hand, his answer was exactly what Rocky would have expected from him, as Buhara was a genuine and pure hearted orc who did not understand how manipulative the universe could be.
However, on the other hand, his dense nature made situations like these awkward, as it became a pain to explain to Buhara that he was making a mistake.
"Will you do the honors, or should I?" Erin asked, glancing at Rocky with a roll of his eyes.
Rocky chuckled in response. "Together," he suggested, and they both turned to Buhara.
Together, they began to explain the intricacies and stakes of joining a Champion's party, and why it was important for Sophia to form her own group—one that she truly felt comfortable with, and how it wasn't up to Buhara to decide if he wanted to join her party or not.
After nearly two hours of thorough discussion, covering basics such as the heightened risks of joining a Champion's Party and the absolute necessity of trusting one's party members, Buhara finally understood why he could not join Sophia's group.
He realized the fundamental reasons behind why joining Sophia's group might not be the best choice for him and why teaming up with Rocky for the climb made more sense.
In the end, although Buhara did end up agreeing to join Rocky's party, he felt extremely guilty about abandoning Sophia and hence decided to apologize to her personally later over dinner.
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