That evening, in the Command Chamber at the tower's apex, Leon gathered the team.
They sat around a floating ring of light, each segment displaying data on the floors they had passed—and the ones ahead.
"Floor 603 is sealed," Kael said. "No entrance, no system previews. That means it's personal."
"Trial gate?" Roman asked.
"Worse," Roselia said. "It's likely an Ascension Beacon Floor."
Leon nodded. "That's my guess too. The Tower's recognized this path isn't just a climb anymore. It's becoming an influence chain. Every floor we claim sets precedent. Changes flow backward. Laws get copied. Instructors shift tactics."
Milim tapped her foot. "And that scares the hell out of the old guard."
"They're going to respond," Leon said. "Not just with challenges like Valzek. They'll start throwing us into trap floors, unstable zones. Legacy arenas tied to older Architects."
Naval finally spoke. "Then we flip them."
Everyone turned.
