The Third-Floor Journey

This flow traces William Oh’s passage into the Third Floor through transport ambush, wilderness survival, and the discovery of Oilton.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Bus Departure

The Bus Departure A Reluctant Shortcut William Oh and Loth decide to follow a Climber bus instead of clearing the next Key Site alone. The choice is motivated by exhaustion as much as efficiency. The Cost of Speed The bus outruns weaker followers and leaves them exposed to Kaith and Harpy attacks. Advancement by proximity is revealed to be more dangerous than its reputation suggests. A Reduced Group Only a fraction of the original followers reach the next Key Site. Will learns that staying with the moving system is itself a survival challenge.

Transport Ambush

Transport Ambush A Broken Handoff The bus arrives at the Third Floor to find another transport team under attack. The cargo is not ordinary passengers but valuable non-combat Classes. A Moral Choice William Oh could withdraw with Loth, Carrie, and Travis. Instead, he intervenes when Brianna is dragged from the palanquin. A New Burden Rescuing Brianna gives Will a responsibility he cannot easily discharge. His Party becomes larger before it becomes stronger.

Ashland Flight

Ashland Flight A Moving Disaster The Fire Mote Swarm pursues the group across the ashlands, burning through armor and killing local monsters. Ordinary endurance cannot outrun it. A Collective Harness William Oh ties the group to a rope and uses the Cloak of Misty Escape, Boots of Outflanking, and Homefield Advantage to drag everyone across ice. Mutual Exchange The escape produces an impromptu equipment trade. Will gains strength platforms while others gain mobility and heat resistance, proving that survival can create fair bargains under pressure.

The Empty Road

The Empty Road Silence as Warning The road to Oilton contains no merchants, monsters, or travelers. Its emptiness is more suspicious than visible danger. Cautious Approach William Oh’s Party climbs hilltops, studies the walls, and waits for night. They prioritize information over speed. The Dead City Oilton’s lights and machinery still function, but its streets are lined with corpses. The city becomes a mystery that demands investigation before profit.

The City Coalition

The City Coalition Rival Looters Kobolds and Jibleya initially contest ownership of the Lord’s castle. Their alliance is based on necessity rather than trust. Loth’s Authority Loth’s knowledge and reputation unite the Kobolds, while William Oh encourages the Jibleya leader to accept strategic cooperation. A Shared Campaign The coalition agrees to study and fight the Tangled. Oilton changes from an abandoned prize into a battlefield where species must collaborate.

at the end of the Second-Floor recovery period

during Third Floor Transport Team Ambush

during Escape from the Fire-Mote Swarm

during Oilton Stronghold Investigation

during the formation of the Oilton coalition