The group exited the trial, still buzzing from their victory on the thirteenth floor. Their breaths were ragged, muscles sore, and yet there was a palpable sense of accomplishment lingering in the air. The calm after the storm of the Trial of Agility allowed them to relax, if only for a fleeting moment. 
They had passed one of the most grueling tests, but the trials ahead would only become harder. And deep down, each of them knew that their greatest challenges would not be physical.
“Who knew we’d get through that without a single fall?” Bubble chimed, flashing her usual playful grin. She swayed side to side, clearly still full of energy despite the difficulty of the trial. “I was sure someone would faceplant during the pendulums.”
Viole shook his head with a slight smile tugging at his lips. “You almost did, Bubble,” he retorted, his voice quiet but teasing. “I saw you trip on the last swing.”
“Pssh, that was a tactical stumble.” Bubble crossed her arms defensively, but her smile didn’t falter. “I meant to do that, obviously.”
Yoru chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. His calm demeanor never wavered, but even he seemed lighter after their success. “Tactical stumble or not, you were fast on your feet,” he complimented, his tone measured. “We all were. If it weren’t for Viole leading the way, we might still be stuck on that floor.”
Alisa, who had been quietly observing the group, finally spoke up. “Viole’s instincts saved us more than once today,” she said softly, her gaze on him. “It’s no wonder why you’ve made it this far.”
Viole didn’t respond immediately, his violet eyes locking with hers for a brief moment before shifting away. He had always struggled with praise, preferring action over words. The weight of being depended on, even now, made him uneasy.
“We’re only here because we work as a team,” Viole said after a pause. “I can’t do this alone. No one can.”
His words seemed to sink into the group, and for a moment, silence reigned.
Bubble, never one to let a serious moment linger, burst out with a laugh. “Team or not, I still say we deserve a feast for this victory! Let’s find something to eat. The trials are way more fun on a full stomach.”
Yoru smirked. “You’re always thinking about food, aren’t you?”
“I think better when I’m fed,” Bubble replied, sticking out her tongue.
Viole’s smile faded as his thoughts turned inward. As much as he valued the camaraderie they had built, there was a growing weight in his chest—a reminder of the betrayals he had faced before. His mind wandered to that moment, the flash of blades in his back, the way his so-called companions had turned on him right at the edge of victory. 
He clenched his fists, trying to shake the memories that threatened to pull him under.
Alisa noticed the subtle shift in Viole’s expression, and her face softened with concern. She stepped closer to him, her voice gentle. “Are you alright? You’ve been quieter than usual.”
Viole glanced at her, forcing himself to stay present. “I’m fine,” he said shortly, his tone not unkind, but closed off.
“Liar,” Alisa replied softly, her eyes locking with his. “You don’t have to pretend you’re okay. I know something’s been bothering you since we started climbing together.”
Viole looked away, unsure how to respond. He wasn’t used to someone prying past the walls he had built, and he didn’t like it. But there was something about Alisa’s sincerity that made it difficult to push her away.
“Everyone has their scars,” Viole finally said, his voice low. “I’ve just got mine. It doesn’t matter. We keep moving.”
Alisa didn’t press him further, respecting his boundaries, but her eyes reflected understanding. “Alright. But we’re here if you need us.”
The weight of her words lingered in the air between them, and for the first time in a long while, Viole felt a flicker of something unfamiliar—trust. It was fragile, like glass, but it was there.
Just as the group started to relax, the atmosphere around them shifted. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and a low rumble echoed through the Tower. The sense of calm that had briefly enveloped them was shattered as reality came crashing back.
Yoru’s eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively going to his weapon. “That’s not normal,” he said, his voice tense.
Bubble looked around nervously. “Is the next trial already starting? We didn’t even get to rest!”
“No,” Viole said, his eyes scanning the environment, sharp and alert. “This isn’t the trial. Something else is happening.”
Suddenly, a large group of climbers rushed past them, panic etched on their faces. “Run!” one of them shouted. “The monsters—something’s gone wrong!”
Viole’s heart raced, and his instincts kicked in immediately. “Let’s go!” he commanded, motioning for his companions to follow. They sprinted through the maze of platforms, weaving between fleeing climbers.
As they reached a clearing, the source of the disturbance became clear. A massive creature, unlike anything they had seen before, stood towering over the other climbers. Its body was a grotesque amalgamation of limbs and tendrils, pulsating with dark energy. It wasn’t part of the trial—it was an abomination, a creature that had no place on this floor.
“Where did that come from?” Alisa whispered in horror.
Yoru gritted his teeth. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The creature let out a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath them. Climbers who tried to fight it were quickly overwhelmed, their attacks barely scratching its grotesque form.
Bubble, usually the first to crack a joke, was uncharacteristically silent. “What... what do we do?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Viole’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. This wasn’t part of the plan. They were supposed to rest, to regroup for the next trial. But now, they were being thrust into battle without warning. Still, he couldn’t let fear paralyze him—not now.
“We fight,” Viole said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. “Together. Like always.”
Alisa drew her sword, her gaze firm. “We’re with you.”
Yoru nodded, his calm demeanor returning. “Let’s take this thing down.”
Bubble, though still shaken, steeled herself. “Right! Let’s show this ugly thing what we’re made of.”
Viole stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. He knew this fight wouldn’t be easy, but with his companions by his side, he felt an odd sense of hope—a belief that they could survive anything if they stuck together.
And so, they charged into battle, ready to face whatever came next.