The Tower breathed.

  It wasn’t a metaphor. The rune-flesh walls of the third floor pulsed like a living organism, contracting and expanding to the rhythm of a heart forgotten by the gods.

  Lukas crouched with his twin glaives in hand. At his side, Búdica had already locked her silver bow — formed by the union of her lances — and aimed into the void ahead.

  — Smell that? she asked.

  Lukas nodded. A rotten stench. Putrid flesh mixed with dried blood.

  Behind them, Valquíria and Leli advanced with caution. The squad of Trevos had not yet entered the floor — the Tower only allowed a few at a time. Many had been rejected, left outside as if the Tower itself had judged who was worthy.

  — Seems like only those with scars on their souls were accepted… murmured Valquíria, spinning her warhammer in one hand.

  — Or those who will leave with one, Leli replied, gripping her Primavieira tightly. Her eyes were serious. More than usual.

  Lukas clenched his fists. His body felt hot. Too hot.

  It was only the third floor… so why did it feel like his blood wanted to escape through his fingertips?

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Suddenly, the ground groaned. Not like stone — but like flesh being pierced.

  — Movement, said Búdica.

  — There, Lukas pointed.

  The creature crawled out of one of the side tunnels. It looked like a centipede made of flesh, with teeth instead of legs. Each tooth belonged to a different animal. Bear. Stag. Lion. Human.

  It hissed as though the world had denied it a voice.

  Lukas charged.

  Without thinking. Without hesitation.

  — Keep your mind busy! shouted Valquíria. — Or you’ll go mad here!

  But it was already too late.

  Lukas spun his glaives. A low, precise slash. He scraped off one of the creature’s legs. Black blood splattered to the side.

  The monster screamed with voices. Voices that weren’t its own.

  — Residual magic, shouted Leli. — The creatures here absorb fragments of souls. Be careful!

  Búdica was already on the other side, releasing arrows. Her lance-bow pierced the creature’s flank, tearing through flesh, bone, and curse.

  But nothing stopped that thing.

  Lukas spun midair. Double strike. Cut through ribs, then a thrust to the face.

  Nothing.

  — Too resistant!

  Valquíria leapt, swinging her warhammer with a roar. The impact cracked the ground, but the creature slithered away like liquid shadow.

  Búdica bit her lip.

  — It’s draining mana from the floor. It’s getting stronger with time!

  — Then we end it fast! Lukas shouted.

  He leapt. Not with refined technique — but like raw iron hurled by hatred itself.

  He fell with both glaives spinning in an X, slamming into the creature’s skull with everything he had.

  The sound was sharp.

  The creature shuddered.

  And for the first time… it recoiled.

  Búdica didn’t hesitate. She split the bow back into lances, ran, and spun both arms at once. The lances ripped through its sides. A burst of green gore.

  Valquíria closed the gap. Leli circled to the other side.

  And then the scream came.

  A shrill sound. Human.

  But it wasn’t of pain. It was a name.

  — LUKAS.

  Everyone froze.

  — You heard that? Leli whispered, trembling.

  — Impossible… Valquíria muttered.

  Lukas felt a chill crawl up his spine.

  The creature was dead. But the Tower… wasn’t.

  The Tower had whispered his name.

  Luiz appeared moments later, stepping from a hidden passage, clapping his hands — the Copas behind him.

  Kátia smiling.

  End of Chapter 15