The air was heavier here, almost suffocating, as if the ground itself was watching every step. The stone carried a dark green hue, and the arched ceiling dripped water that seemed to fall in slow motion.

  Leli spun the Springblade in her fingers, the pale metal catching the torchlight. The pommel bore a crest etched in gold and silver, glowing even in the shadows. She kept the blade low, but her stance was sharp.

  — “Careful,” — warned Valquíria, walking ahead with her sword resting on her shoulder. — “The Sixth Floor doesn’t forgive distractions.”

  Boudica followed behind Lukas in silence, tracking his every move like a shadow.

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  Luiz led the Copas in formation, with Alenna and the Valkyries covering the flanks.

  A distant roar echoed through the corridor, making a few soldiers glance back.

  Lukas tightened his grip on the glaive and drew in a deep breath.

  — “We move fast,” — his voice was steady, though his heart raced. — “The longer we stay, the more they’ll surround us.”

  Leli stepped closer, flashing a mischievous smile.

  — “Are you afraid, brother?”

  — “I’m respectful,” — Lukas replied, not daring a smile. — “And respect is what keeps us alive.”

  Valquíria chuckled, but stayed quiet.

  Luiz raised his hand, signaling silence. Ahead, the corridor opened into a circular chamber.

  From the shadows, eyes began to glow.

  — “Formation!” — Luiz shouted.

  Leli spun her Springblade, stepping into position at Lukas’s side.

  The air filled with the metallic rhythm of weapons rising into place.

  The Sixth Floor was ready to test them.

  End of Chapter 4