The corridor leading to the Eighth Floor was narrow and suffocating. Each step echoed like the Tower itself was breathing.

  Torchlight twisted on the walls, shaping shadows that seemed to move on their own.

  Luiz marched at the front, sword in hand, guiding the Copas like it was a battlefield.

  Valquíria kept her Valkyries in formation, ready to intercept any ambush.

  Boudica walked close to Lukas, eyes fixed ahead, as if she already knew what awaited them.

  Leli twirled the Springblade in her grip every so often, keeping her reflexes sharp.

  Crossing the stone arch, the view changed.

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  The Eighth Floor stretched into a plain covered in gray mist. Above, there was no sun, no moon, no stars — only a blank, opaque void.

  Whispers spread through the haze, voices calling each of them by name.

  — “Illusions,” — Boudica warned. — “Don’t answer.”

  But it didn’t matter.

  From the fog, figures emerged. Perfect copies of fallen warriors, brothers, mentors… even younger versions of themselves.

  Lukas saw himself — bloody, lifeless eyes staring back.

  Leli clenched her teeth at a figure only she recognized.

  Valquíria smirked, but it was a cold smirk. — “Won’t work on me.”

  The mist-born enemies attacked all at once.

  Lukas reacted first, cutting down his copy with a clean strike. The illusion dissolved into smoke — but two more appeared in its place.

  Boudica swung her twin spears in a wide arc, shredding three illusions at once. Luiz charged with the full force of the Copas, carving space open.

  Leli danced through the haze, every thrust of her Springblade erasing another phantom.

  But the illusions kept coming.

  — “Forward!” — Luiz roared. — “The Tower won’t stop until we cross the floor’s limit!”

  They grouped together, forcing a path toward a distant portal.

  Lukas guarded the rear alongside Boudica, their backs almost touching.

  When they finally crossed the last arch, the mist vanished, silence taking its place.

  Luiz exhaled hard. — “That was close.”

  Still looking back, Lukas answered:

  — “Let’s move. The Ninth Floor awaits.”

  End of Chapter 6