The red glow of the portal faded, dropping Vell and his team back into the tower's base. The eerie chill of Floor 14's shadows lingered on their skin, but the familiar cool air of the base washed it away. The black stone walls pulsed faintly, their hum a steady rhythm that seemed louder now, almost impatient. Fourteen floors—deserts, ice, lava, shadows, fire, swamps, forges, and ruins—they'd smashed through them all. Vell held the red key from the shadow reaper, its sharp edges warm and buzzing in his grip.
"Fourteen floors down!" Ruby cheered, brushing dust off her fluffy hat. Her fox ears perked up, and her tail swished despite the grime. "We're unbeatable, Master!"
Wren smirked, flicking shadow mist off her claws. "Yeah, but Floor 15's next. Bet it's a beast."
Jia wiped her daggers on her cloak, her face calm. "I'm done with dust. Let's keep it clean this time."
Jolly grinned, cracking her knuckles. "More floors, more smashing. I'm pumped!"
