The air on the fifth floor of the Tower of the Unfortunate was heavy and damp, as if every breath were drawn through a soaked cloth. The uneven ground, covered in black moss, hid small cracks that could swallow anyone careless enough to step wrong. In the distance, the sound of falling water mixed with the growls of creatures that had yet to show themselves.

  Lukas moved at the front, his sharp gaze sweeping the shadows. At his side, Boudica walked in silence, gripping her two spears firmly. With each step, the barbarian twirled the weapons, shifting their weight as if they were part of her body. She said nothing, but her eyes of ice measured his every move.

  Behind them, Luiz coordinated the Copas squad, all alert. The Trevos — smiling and lethal — followed close, keeping their formation. Further back, Valquíria guided Leli with the ease of someone who knew she was guarding a rare jewel. Alenna walked near the Valquírias, trading quick glances with Lukas from time to time.

  — Keep the pace, Luiz ordered, his voice steady. — This floor is treacherous.

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  The group advanced down a narrow corridor, its walls covered in faded runes. The sound of something dragging echoed to the right.

  — Wait… Lukas raised his gladius. — They’re surrounding us.

  Boudica stopped at his side, her eyes narrowing.

  — Let them come.

  The first attack came fast: three creatures with gray skin and long claws leapt from the shadows. Lukas reacted instantly, blocking with his improvised shield and counterattacking with precision. At his side, Boudica drove one spear into the ground and, spinning the other, tore the head off one of the monsters with a clean strike.

  Alenna moved along a flank, her blade dancing in quick slashes, while Valquíria crushed another enemy’s skull with a single punch, the sharp crack echoing down the corridor. Leli, behind, watched wide-eyed — but stood her ground.

  — Move, Luiz said, wiping his blade on the cloak of a fallen enemy. — That was just the welcome. The heart of this floor lies deeper.

  Lukas looked at the group. The presence of them all — Boudica, the Copas, Alenna, the Valquírias — gave him a sense of strength… but also responsibility. He knew that on this floor, any mistake could mean the death of more than one.

  Boudica passed him, her boots striking hard against the stone floor.

  — Don’t fall behind, Fernandes.

  Lukas only drew a deep breath and followed.

  The Fifth Floor awaited them, with all its secrets.