The hum of the Tower of Monolith echoed through the empty corridors as Kaito and Ellie advanced. Every step was a test—the floor under their feet shifted, energy turrets blinked, and hidden traps awaited the careless.
"This place is insane," Ellie muttered, vaulting over a collapsing platform. "I thought the rumors were exaggerations, but… wow."
Kaito activated his cybernetic right arm, energy circuits glowing along the reinforced limb. "Stay close. The first floor is dangerous enough—we don't know what's waiting above."
A sudden rumble shook the floor. Flames erupted from the walls, forming a swirling barrier that blocked their path. From the shadows, a figure emerged—Ember Fang, Floor Master of the fifth floor. Mechanical arms ignited with fire, eyes glowing a deadly orange.
"Another pair of climbers…" Ember Fang's voice rumbled like molten steel. "Let's see if you survive my floor."
The Battle Begins
Ellie darted forward, blades cutting through the first wave of automated traps Ember Fang triggered. Kaito leapt after her, his cyber-arm slicing a fire turret in half before it could shoot. Sparks and smoke filled the floor, painting a chaotic battlefield.
Ember Fang swung his mechanical arms, flames scorching the walls and floor. Kaito blocked a strike with his cyber-arm, the impact sending him skidding backward. Ellie rolled forward, her shadow cloak shimmering, and struck a precise blow to Ember Fang's side mechanism.
The floor itself became part of the battle—collapsing panels, flame jets, and spinning energy blades challenged every step. Kaito realized he needed perfect coordination with Ellie to survive.
Teamwork and Strategy
"Cover me!" Kaito shouted, vaulting over a trap as Ellie threw one of her daggers to disable a turret. Ember Fang's flames roared, forcing Kaito to use his cyber-arm defensively, blocking and striking in perfect rhythm.
The fight stretched across the floor, testing both climbers' limits. Sparks flew, walls cracked, and the heat became unbearable, but neither Kaito nor Ellie faltered. Their synergy grew with each maneuver—he attacks, she supports; she strikes, he defends.
Finally, Kaito found an opening. Ember Fang overextended during a fire swing. With a powerful leap, Kaito's cyber-arm struck the mechanical arms' joint, sending Ember Fang crashing to the ground.
"Not bad," Ember Fang groaned, flames dying as he powered down. "You have skill… but the tower isn't finished with you yet."
Ellie exhaled sharply, brushing soot from her cloak. "I think we make a pretty good team."
Kaito nodded, tightening his grip on the cyber-energy blade. "This is just the beginning. Floor five down, 295 to go."