The air in the tower's base felt heavier after Floor 8, like the weight of their victories was piling up. Vell and his team stood at the foot of the stairs, the golden key from Floor 8 warm in his hand. The black stone walls pulsed with faint light, and the spiral steps stretched up into darkness again. Eight floors cleared, but the tower didn't care—it just kept going, daring them to climb higher.
"Ready for more?" Vell asked, glancing at his team.
Ruby bounced on her toes, tail swishing despite the long fights. "Always, Master! What's Floor 9 got for us?"
"Trouble," Wren said, smirking as she flexed her claws. "Same as always."
Jia spun her daggers, eyes sharp. "Let's make it quick. I'm tired of stairs."
Jolly cracked her knuckles, nodding. "Whatever's up there, we smash it."
Regina hugged her grimoire, frowning. "The tower's patterns are shifting. Floor 9 might not play nice."
