The end of the long stone staircase brought an immediate change in the atmosphere and the feeling of the space. We left behind the soft brightness of the forest floors and entered the solemn and imposing environment of the twentieth level. Before us, a colossal gallery opened up, its proportions defying the ordinary architectural scale. The ceiling, suspended dozens of meters above, was supported by a double row of gigantic dark granite pillars, carved with runic engravings that emitted a faint violet light. The polished marble floor reflected the dim light from the walls, creating a dark mirror effect that enhanced the sense of depth and isolation.
The air in that hall was dense, dry, and filled with the characteristic odor of ancient stone and compressed arcane energy. The echo of our footsteps on the perfectly smooth floor resonated clearly, requiring us to walk carefully to avoid unnecessary noise. The scale of the structure left no doubt: we had entered the control zone of the twentieth floor, the level marked for the first major high-intensity confrontation of our ascent.
"The scale of this hall is impressive," commented Liriel's assistant, speaking in a low and measured tone so as not to spread the sound throughout the gallery while keeping her eyes fixed on the arcane compass. "The concentration of mana in the air is almost three times higher than on the previous floors. The entire structure of this hall was designed to amplify and channel the energy of the level's core."
"And the distribution of the pillars creates constant blind spots along the sides," observed Scarlet, sweeping the central corridor with her attentive vanguard's gaze while keeping her right hand firmly positioned on the hilt of her longsword. "The terrain is wide, but the presence of these gigantic columns could facilitate surprise attacks if we do not maintain strict vigilance over every angle."
"The inner perimeter is silent at the moment, but the density of the energy indicates that the main chamber is right at the end of this corridor," analyzed Liriel, raising her sacred wooden staff and maintaining a faint aura of golden light around the group to dispel the dimness covering the sides.
I stopped our march for a brief moment in the center of the gallery, raising my left hand to signal the tactical alignment formation. My companions immediately positioned themselves around me in a compact defensive circle, ready to listen to the instructions before we advanced toward the point of confrontation.
"We have reached the critical point of this sector," I commented, directing my gaze toward each member of the team in a firm and focused tone. "According to the plan and what we established for this twentieth floor, the enemy waiting for us in the central chamber is a General-level demon. It is an opponent with devastating physical ability, heavy armor, and a considerable mana reserve. To guarantee a clean victory without unnecessary exhaustion, our approach must be absolutely disciplined."
"What will the distribution of roles in the combat line be, Takumi?" asked Lyannis, adjusting the handle of her battle axe while maintaining a firm stance.
"The structure of the battle will be strictly divided to optimize energy consumption," I explained, laying out the logic of the battle clearly. "Scarlet and I will take the direct vanguard. Our main function will be to contain the General's advances, control the distance, and create openings in its heavy armor without exposing ourselves to direct attacks. We will not seek a brute-force exchange against the creature, but rather the neutralization of its movements."
"Understood," Scarlet nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "The vanguard will dictate the pace of the fight and keep the target's attention in the center of the arena."
"Exactly," I continued. "Rai'kanna and Elara will act as flankers and provide ranged suppression. Rai'kanna will use her superior speed to attack the General's leg and back joints as soon as it focuses its attention on my blade or Scarlet's. Elara will keep her precision shots focused on the joints and the monster's head to interrupt any advanced magic channeling."
"Leave it to me," said Elara, testing the flexibility of the string of her heavy bow. "No magical movement from that General will go uninterrupted."
"My movement through the shadows of the columns will be complete," added Rai'kanna, adjusting her grip on her twin blades. "I will destabilize the creature's footing at all times."
"For the magical support group — Liriel, Vespera, and the assistant — the instruction is to maintain strict resource conservation," I continued, looking toward the center of the formation. "Liriel will maintain low-intensity passive barriers to prevent impact blasts or mana residue from reaching the center. Vespera will use rapid-response wind spells only to deflect stray projectiles or reposition anyone who needs instant mobility. The assistant will monitor the General's attack pattern and core depletion, reporting any change in the enemy's behavior."
"Perfect," replied Liriel's assistant, preparing the record sheets and writing pens. "I will continuously monitor the opponent's thermal and arcane variations throughout the execution of the tactic."
"And what about the immediate rear guard?" Lyannis asked.
"You will cover the intermediate space, Lyannis," I determined. "Your function will be to ensure the safety of the support group against any secondary summons the General may attempt to invoke and, if the vanguard needs rotation, you will step in to provide heavy-impact support."
"Understood," Lyannis stated firmly. "The rear guard and support area will be fully protected."
As I aligned the final details with the team beneath the lilac light of the pillars' runes, I allowed a calm and thoughtful idea to fill my reasoning. Meticulous preparation before a confrontation against a high-level enemy is the factor that separates strategic victory from unnecessary risk. In battles against General-level demons, excitement or haste to finish the fight often leads to errors in judgment, resulting in excessive mana consumption or injuries caused by brutal counterattacks. When every member of the squad understands exactly their role, the moment to act, and the limits of their intervention, the battle ceases to be an unpredictable event and becomes the methodical execution of a well-constructed plan. The true power of our Alliance did not lie in the individuality of each warrior, but in the ability to operate as a single perfect organism on the battlefield.
"The tactic is defined and everyone knows exactly what to do," I declared, giving a slight nod and pointing with my right hand toward the end of the granite gallery. "There is no reason for haste or hesitation. We will advance in a compact formation to the gates of the central chamber."
"All positions aligned and ready," Scarlet confirmed, taking her place at my left side as we resumed our rhythmic walk across the marble floor.
The advance through the hall of the twentieth floor proceeded in absolute silence and exemplary coordination. Every step taken beneath the shadows of the colossal columns reinforced the group's composure. The violet light of the runes seemed to intensify as we approached the great worked-bronze gates that marked the entrance to the throne chamber.
We stopped a few meters from the great bronze portal. The density of the magical energy emanating from inside the chamber was palpable, causing the air to vibrate softly around our bodies.
"The General is on the other side," Rai'kanna warned in a focused whisper, sensing the waves of arcane pressure leaking through the cracks of the portal.
"Maintain the focus, calm, and discipline we agreed upon," I ordered in a serene tone, gripping the hilt of my runic sword firmly and looking at the bronze portal. "It is time for us to demonstrate the efficiency of our teamwork on the twentieth floor."
With the formation perfectly established, the tactical plan reviewed, and the squad's determination at its highest level, I gave the final command to open the bronze doors, ready to begin the confrontation in the central chamber.