The welcoming greenish glow emanating from the metal plate embedded in the black rock stabilized at a gentle frequency, delicately illuminating the attentive faces of my companions. The mystic terminal, newly activated with the validation of my leader's signature, now awaited the direct interaction of each member of the squad to consolidate the collective anchoring of the twenty-fifth floor. The discovery of that panel had radically transformed our strategic position within the tower, turning a solitary advance into a permanent achievement that could be replicated by the entire group.
I approached the metal structure a little more, maintaining a firm and serene posture, and made a gesture with my hand to invite the girls to approach the scanning cavity.
"The plate is configured to record the mana frequency of every combatant who participated in the conquest of the sector," I explained in a calm and natural tone of voice, conveying clarity and security to everyone. "For the system to recognize our squad as the legitimate holder of the transit authority for this floor, each of you must place your hand on the terminal and allow the individual reading."
Scarlet was the first to move. With determined steps and her usual martial elegance, she approached the panel and placed the palm of her right hand exactly over the rectangular cavity where I had touched minutes earlier. At that very moment, the geometric engravings on the plate emitted a pulse of silver light that enveloped the swordswoman's arm. A melodious crystal-bell sound resonated through the hall, followed by a clear and mechanical voice that echoed in everyone's minds.
"Second signature successfully validated," proclaimed the system's invisible entity. "Combatant Scarlet integrated into the anchoring registry of the twenty-fifth floor. Access authorized to transit points and immunity to monster respawn."
The silver light dissipated, and Scarlet removed her hand from the panel with a confident and satisfied smile on her face. She looked at me and nodded, demonstrating the tranquility of someone who fully trusts the group's tactical mechanism.
"The sensation is surprisingly light," Scarlet commented, taking two steps back to make room. "It feels as though an invisible weight has been removed from my shoulders, as if the tower itself is granting us its definitive approval."
"It is the formal recognition of our collective efficiency," Liriel added, approaching next with her sacred staff lightly resting on her left shoulder. She placed her hand on the terminal, and a soft golden light enveloped her fingers.
The system responded immediately, recording Liriel's magical signature with a harmonious tone. The mage's assistant was next to perform the procedure, followed closely by Rai'kanna, whose twin daggers lightly jingled with every agile step; by Elara, who adjusted the bow on her shoulder before touching the metal; by Vespera, who attentively observed the chromatic variation of the engravings during her scan; and by Lyannis, whose physical strength was welcomed by the plate with a vigorous amber pulse of light.
One by one, all the members of the squad completed the anchoring process at the mystic terminal. The hall of the twenty-fifth floor seemed to respond to the communion of our energies, emitting subtle vibrations that dissipated any remaining trace of accumulated fatigue.
While the group gathered again around the central mosaic, I allowed a deep and analytical reflection to guide my thoughts about the current situation of our journey. Reaching the twenty-fifth floor in record time, defeating the Demonic Dragon without suffering losses, and permanently anchoring our progress were monumental achievements that far exceeded the initial expectations of any adventurer of that era. However, wisdom in a long-term campaign lies in the ability to recognize operational limits before they turn into critical vulnerabilities. Our supplies of food and elixirs, although managed with rigorous discipline, were significantly reduced after more than a week of continuous ascent through the forests, icy mountains, and ravines of the tower. Forcing our march toward the twenty-sixth floor without adequate resupply and without a period of absolute rest in the safety of the surface would be an unnecessary tactical risk.
I crossed my arms and looked at the group, observing the faces illuminated by the clear light of the torches and the glow of determination that still sparkled in the eyes of each companion.
"We have completed everyone's scanning, and sector twenty-five is definitively under our control," I announced firmly, breaking the respectful silence that reigned in the chamber. "But we need to coldly analyze our current logistical situation. Our stocks of provisions and support elixirs are at the final safety threshold. Continuing the ascent now, without proper resupply on the surface, would compromise our room for maneuver if the upper floors present even more complex challenges."
Liriel rested her chin on her hand, pondering the data that her assistant was quickly relaying on the control clipboard.
"You are right, Takumi," Liriel agreed seriously. "Our efficiency has been impeccable so far precisely because we have never neglected logistical preparation. Returning to the surface now does not represent a retreat due to weakness, but an intelligent strategic maneuver."
"And the best part of all," Lyannis pointed out with a broad and excited smile, "is that thanks to the activation of this anchoring panel, when we decide to return to the tower after the rest, we will not have to worry about repeating any of the previous battles. We will be able to teleport directly to this same hall."
"Exactly," I confirmed, feeling the unanimous approval reflected on the girls' faces. "Our planning has been carried out with excellence. The plan from now on is simple: we will use the transition portal to return to the first floor of the tower, leave for the capital, spend three full days resting and resupplying at our mansion, and then return at full strength to begin exploration from the twenty-sixth floor."
The clarity of the directive dispelled any remaining doubt. The prospect of enjoying a hot bath, comfortable beds, and home-cooked meals after more than a week immersed in the tower's arid and freezing biomes brought renewed spirits to all the combatants.
"Three days of rest at the mansion sound like a divine reward after this whole ride through the floors," Scarlet commented, drawing and sheathing her long sword with a smooth and satisfied movement. "I will have my blades sharpened and my mind rested for whatever comes next."
"Is everyone in agreement with the strategic retreat plan?" I asked, looking directly at each member of the squad, making sure to validate the group's fine-tuned coordination.
"More than in agreement!" Rai'kanna replied enthusiastically, lightly swinging her twin daggers before securing them safely in their holders. "Let's go back home, recover our energy, and prepare the ground for the next phase."
"Perfect," I concluded, turning around and leading the squad's march back toward the translucent light portal and the marble pillar that awaited our departure at the back of the hall, ready to bring that memorable stage of our ascent to a triumphant close.