This was where their progress hit a wall.
Access to Floor 20 required not only recommendation but a direct nomination by a high-ranking overseer. Someone above even Captain Draven.
"Now this," Angy voiced while staring at the document requirements, "is a problem."
Falco smirked. "Not really. We just need the right person."
"Then we need to dig," E.E said.
Aildris exhaled slowly. "We're this close."
Angy nodded. "One more push. We get to Floor 20… and then the Commander will be within our grasp."
...
...
Meanwhile, close to the center of the universe...
Gustav's body glowed brighter with light seeping into his skin, circulating through his veins like radiant rivers. Tiny crystalline patterns bloomed across his arms and chest like tattoos made from stars.
The five relics sent spindles of light straight into him. Each beam carried a different frequency, a different color, a different function. They didn't pierce him... they seemed to be melting instead.
