The lift steadied like a breath held by a careful chest. The Ascensorium Heart, all ribs and hidden mirrors, kept its voice down at last and did its job. Steam hung low, catching the console glow and folding it back into the bone. Rodion widened the board with a neat click; a white wireframe of the floor slid open, safe-dots blinking green like calm fireflies, no‑arc zones shaded in modest orange, and the breath ribbon pulsing crooked along the bottom to remind feet not to grow proud.
"Noted," Mikhailis said, lips tugging. "But if the dungeon asks for an encore, I'm charging admission."
Thalatha stood straight, shoulders low, eyes scanning. "Roll call."
