The soft echo of our footsteps echoed through the gray stone walls of floor 26, which opened up immediately after the successful dimensional transition we had carried out hours earlier. The diffuse light coming from crystals embedded in the high ceiling bathed the main corridor in a pale bluish glow, drawing long shadows that seemed to dance as we advanced in strict formation. We left behind the bustle of the forward outpost and the temporary comfort of the mansion, diving headfirst into one of the tower's most enigmatic and challenging sections. Every breath seemed amplified by the deep silence that dominated that sector, a silence so dense and unusual that it could even send shivers down the skin of the most inattentive, although our squad maintained its self-control and discipline intact in the face of any unforeseen adversity.
We advanced through floor 26 at a constant and methodical pace, with Scarlet leading the vanguard and inspecting every dark corner or recess in the wall for mechanical traps or warning runes. Liriel's assistant came immediately behind her, holding an open tome where she discreetly recorded variations in the density of the surrounding mana, while Rai'kanna, Elara, Vespera, and Lyannis formed the intermediate core of protection and tactical support. Liriel remained close to the rear that I directly commanded, her blue eyes attentive to any magical fluctuation that could indicate the presence of hidden enemies nearby. Our advance proceeded smoothly and in coordination, the result of years of living together and exhaustive training that allowed us to anticipate one another's movements without the need for excessive verbal commands.
The most disconcerting aspect of that entire initial crossing was the absolute absence of monsters. Throughout our progression across that floor and the subsequent floor 27, not a single hostile creature crossed our path, creating a bizarre contrast with the relentless ferocity we had faced on the lower floors weeks earlier. Usually, the tower's corridors swarmed with hungry beasts, armed skeletons, or patrolling demons shortly after we passed through the transition gates. However, what we found was a sepulchral emptiness, punctuated only by the muffled sound of our boots striking the polished stone floor and the distant dripping of underground water somewhere in an invisible fissure of the colossal structure.
That sudden calm, far from bringing us relief, triggered a severe warning signal in my mind. The experience accumulated over so many battles had taught me that calmness in the dungeon never meant genuine peace; it invariably represented the calm before a devastating storm. The Demon King and his generals would not abandon entire sectors of the tower without a very well-defined tactical purpose. Concentrating all their forces on the deeper floors meant that they were preparing a monumental trap, a strategic choke point where they could surround us and deliver a crushing blow when we least expected it. This reflection accompanied me step by step, reminding me that constant vigilance is the price every leader must pay to ensure the survival of his people.
"This is far too quiet for my taste," Scarlet commented in a low voice, slightly slowing her pace as she examined a poorly lit side corridor that branched off to the left. "So far, we haven't even crossed paths with a miserable shadow or a mutant insect. It feels like we're walking through a ghost town that was abandoned in a hurry."
"The silence on the intermediate floors is usually the perfect disguise for something much bigger," I replied, keeping my posture upright as I adjusted the grip of my sword secured to my belt. "The enemy knows that our progress has been fast and efficient. They have learned that sending weak monsters to try to stop us is nothing but a waste of resources. They are concentrating the bulk of the army farther ahead, waiting for the right moment to strike."
"If they think they're going to scare us with this lull, they're sorely mistaken," Rai'kanna interjected with an ironic smile on her lips, lightly spinning the short spear in her hands with complete naturalness. "I'd much rather face an entire horde of noisy demons than spend hours walking through empty corridors where the only sound is the echo of our own thoughts."
"Patience is an indispensable virtue for anyone who wishes to conquer the top of the tower, Rai'kanna," Elara reflected calmly, adjusting the strap of her alchemy bag while walking with firm and measured steps. "The fact that we aren't encountering immediate resistance gives us an excellent opportunity to conserve energy and check whether all our equipment and potion supplies remain in perfect order."
"Elara is right," Liriel agreed, moving slightly closer to join the conversation without breaking the defensive formation. "Although the atmosphere is uncomfortable, we can use this moment of respite to reevaluate our marching pace and ensure that all the magical communication lines between us remain active and unobstructed. The magic bag continues to keep our supplies intact, which gives us an enviable margin of safety to advance without excessive haste."
As we spoke in moderate tones, we continued crossing the extensive galleries of floor 27, whose walls displayed archaic carvings and runes faded by time that told the forgotten history of that ancient civilization. The tower's architectural grandeur never ceased to impress me; each floor seemed like a world closed in on itself, with its own physical and ecological laws created by ancient magic that defied human understanding. Watching the dedication with which each companion fulfilled her role in that hostile setting filled me with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. The unity we had built over hundreds of trials was the true pillar sustaining our march, transforming a lethal environment into a space of shared achievement.
The absence of combat allowed us to cover a considerable distance before the tower's artificial lighting cycle indicated the approaching rest period. We stopped before a large circular chamber whose massive stone doors could be locked from the inside, offering a safe and isolated refuge where we could spend the first night in the dungeon. With the assistance of Vespera and Lyannis, who thoroughly inspected the room for traces of hostile mana or hidden traps, we confirmed that the place was perfectly safe for the camp.
"The perimeter is clear," Vespera announced, turning toward the group with a calm expression after checking the chamber's final corners. "No trace of enemy presence in the vicinity. We can set up camp here without concern."
"Excellent work," I thanked her, ordering the immediate preparation of the area. "Let's organize ourselves to spend the night in watch shifts, although everything indicates that this floor will remain peaceful. It is essential that we maintain our security routine so we don't lose the habit when the real action begins."
The maids and servants were not with us this time, but the autonomy of each member of the squad made setting up camp a quick and efficient task. With the help of the dry firewood stored in the magic bag and a controlled ignition spell cast by Lyannis, we lit a welcoming campfire in the center of the chamber, whose warmth quickly dissipated the cold humidity emanating from the stone walls. We sat around the flickering flames, sharing a comforting meal consisting of hot broths, soft bread, and perfectly preserved meat thanks to the dimensional stasis of the arcane artifact.
The atmosphere around the campfire transformed into a moment of pure camaraderie, where the tension of the silent advance gave way to smiles, light conversations, and reflections on the challenges ahead. Looking at the face of each woman illuminated by the golden glow of the flames, I felt an unwavering peace of mind. We knew that the deeper floors held terrible dangers and that the final confrontation with the forces of the Demon King would demand the absolute limit of our physical and magical abilities. However, sitting there together, certain that no obstacle could weaken our bond, we were more than a group of adventurers; we were an impartial force ready to rewrite the destiny of that world. After the meal was finished, we organized the watch shifts and retired to rest, certain that the following day would bring new revelations and the inevitable reunion with danger in the depths of the tower.