The moment their feet touched the stone of the Fourth Floor, the world around them warped like a dream unraveling. No longer were they within the cracked, metallic chambers of the Tower's lower levels—instead, a surreal realm greeted them, drenched in the hues of midnight. The sky above stretched infinitely, painted in a deep violet tone, scattered with unfamiliar constellations. But what truly caught the eye was the moon—twisted in shape, like a warped crescent that had been forcibly bent. It hovered low, casting a silvery-blue glow across the landscape. A thick, cold mist clung to the cobblestone path before them, curling around their feet like the tendrils of some living creature.
In the distance stood a grand, baroque-style manor, rising ominously from the mist. The structure was immense—three stories high with elegant stonework now dulled by age, ivy crawling up its sides like veins. Despite its eerie stillness, the manor buzzed with life. Windows glowed with a flickering amber light, shadows danced across the curtains, and faint classical music floated through the air. It felt less like a dungeon and more like a trap waiting to be sprung.
Chosa's eyes scanned the surroundings, a mixture of awe and confusion etched into his face. "This... isn't what I expected," he muttered.
Lila, now slightly ahead, glanced back with a sly smile. "Let me guess. You've never made it to the Fourth Floor before?"
Chosa scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah... no. First time."
"Thought so," she said, stopping beside him and motioning toward the manor. "This floor is unlike the others. It's known as the Maze of Shadows. The manor is essentially a twisted labyrinth. Our goal is to find the so-called lord of the manor—but he's not who he pretends to be. The real owner is long dead. The current 'lord' is a vampire who murdered him and took his place. He hides in the heart of the manor, within the office room. But reaching him won't be easy. The halls shift, traps spring from nowhere, and the staff—what's left of them—serve their new master in more... monstrous forms."
Chosa took it all in, trying to mentally prepare for what sounded like a nightmare masquerading as luxury. Just then, Luna's voice echoed smoothly in his consciousness, cutting through his thoughts. "Chosa, I am detecting an abnormal concentration of mana within the manor's upper-west wing. The energy signature is consistent with a high-tier vampiric entity. I am 90% certain this is the floor boss. I can calculate and guide you through the optimal path to his location, avoiding a majority of potential traps."
Chosa's expression sharpened. He turned to his companions. "Luna just scanned the place. She says there's a strong presence deep inside—almost definitely the vampire lord. She can guide us straight to him."
Kaisel raised an eyebrow. "That accurate, huh?"
Chosa nodded confidently. "Yeah. Luna's rarely wrong. She can see things I can't."
Lila crossed her arms, considering his words carefully. "A sentient AI capable of detecting magical signatures in real time... That's incredibly rare. You're more valuable than your rank lets on, Chosa."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said with a smirk. "But we should move fast. No telling what else is in there."
After a brief pause, Lila gave a small nod. "Alright. I'll trust your AI. Lead the way."
Kaisel chuckled and patted Chosa on the back. "Looks like you're in charge now, D-rank."
Chosa chuckled nervously but took a steadying breath. The responsibility weighed on him more than he admitted, but if Luna said she could guide them, he believed her. The trio approached the towering gates of the manor. They creaked open without resistance, groaning like an ancient beast awakening from slumber. Beyond them lay an overgrown courtyard, statues crumbling and vines overtaking once-beautiful hedges.
As they crossed the threshold, the temperature dropped further, and the air thickened with the scent of old blood and wilting roses. The ornate double doors of the manor loomed ahead, carved with faded symbols and runes that pulsed faintly under the moonlight.
Chosa stepped forward and placed his hand on one of the cold brass handles. Luna's voice rang in his mind again, calm and resolute. "I have mapped the initial section. Be prepared for resistance in the main corridor. I will update directions as we proceed."
The doors creaked open slowly, revealing a lavish entrance hall bathed in red velvet and gold, with chandeliers swaying eerily from the ceiling. A long crimson carpet stretched forward, flanked by two spiral staircases.
The manor had opened its jaws.
And the hunt for the vampire lord had begun.