12. Blood, sweat and tears

"RAAAAAHHH!!" Kateni's furious roar echoed through the battlefield as he slammed his massive great axe into the earth with a thunderous crash. The sheer force of the blow caused the skeletal horde to stagger, their fragile bones rattling as they struggled to maintain their footing.

Takemi, his eyes burning with determination, let out a fierce war cry as he hurled his glowing [Light Shield] into the air. The shield spun through the ranks of the skeletons, unleashing a radiant explosion of holy energy. In an instant, dozens of the undead were reduced to ash, their bones crumbling under the force of the light.

"[Lightless Slash!]" Kōji darted forward, his twin daggers flashing as he struck at the approaching skeletons. But something was wrong. His blades connected, yet the skeletons stood unscathed, their hollow eyes glowing with malevolent energy.

"What?! Why isn't it working?!" Kōji cursed, his voice sharp with frustration.

"These skeletons are infused with dark magic! Elemental magic matters here!" Reivain shouted from the rear, his voice cutting through the chaos of battle. "Only Light magic will repel them!"

Kōji's eyes widened as the realization sank in. His attacks were useless against this foe—only Takemi's light-based skills could stand a chance.

Takemi's expression hardened. He understood what this meant. The weight of the battle now rested squarely on his shoulders. As the best-equipped to fight this infernal horde, he had no choice but to step up.

Kateni, unfazed by the chaos around him, let out another guttural roar as he swung his axe with brutal force, shattering a skeleton into pieces. His relentless strength was impressive, but even he could only hold them back for so long.

"Takemi! Hurry up!" Kateni growled through gritted teeth as he cleaved another skeleton in half, but more kept coming, their empty sockets glowing with malicious intent.

Takemi nodded, tightening his grip on his sword. The others might be struggling, but this was his moment. With a swift movement, he raised his sword, its blade gleaming with pure light.

"I won't let them overwhelm us!" Takemi declared, and with a surge of energy, he charged into the fray.

The light from his blade sliced through the darkness like a beacon, purging the skeletons with every strike. Yet even as more of the undead crumbled to dust, the horde seemed endless, and the pressure on Takemi grew heavier with each passing second.

But he had no choice. If he faltered now, they would all be overwhelmed.

"[A Thousand Slashes!]"

Reivain's voice rang out, and in a blur of motion, his sword seemed to vanish as it struck with blinding speed. A devastating shockwave rippled through the air, obliterating a swarm of skeletons in a single instant. The ground was littered with shattered bones, reduced to dust by the sheer power of his attack.

Everyone froze in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief. Even Takemi, usually unshakable, was momentarily astounded by Reivain's overwhelming strength. But that astonishment quickly morphed into a burning determination. Takemi clenched his fists, his resolve hardening—he couldn't let Reivain outshine him forever. He had to surpass him, no matter what.

Far in the back, Seiito stood alongside Saka, watching the spectacle with awe. A small sense of relief washed over him—Reivain's presence was a reassuring force, a shield against the dread he felt creeping up inside him. For the first time in this battle, he felt a little safer.

"Seiito…can you heal me?"

The quiet voice drew his attention. It was Chiharu, her arm bloodied from a skeleton's jagged blade. She had retreated to recover, and now stood before him, looking both pained and slightly ashamed. Without hesitation, Seiito raised his trembling hands, summoning his healing magic. The soft, warm light enveloped her wound, slowly knitting the flesh back together. The process was painstaking, but the injury healed with time.

Chiharu watched in silence, guilt flickering in her eyes as the pain faded.

"Thanks...and sorry for...not trusting you before, Seiito-kun."

Seiito offered a faint smile, his voice humble. "Don't mention it. I'm just doing what I can."

Before he could say more, a sudden, ominous sound filled the air—the clattering of bones. A massive horde of skeletons had shifted their focus, advancing toward Seiito with terrifying speed. They ignored everyone else, their hollow eyes fixated on him alone.

"What?! Why are they all going for Seiito?!" Kateni's roar echoed through the battlefield as he tried to close the distance, but the skeletons were moving too fast, closing in on Seiito's position.

"Light magic attracts Dark magic!" Reivain's voice boomed over the chaos. "They're targeting the Light users!"

Realization hit like a cold wave. Seiito's healing magic, though weak, was a form of Light magic. And in this dark, cursed battlefield, that made him a beacon—a target for every dark entity in the area.

"They're coming straight for me…" Seiito whispered, terror creeping into his voice.

Panic surged through Seiito. He stumbled backward, his heart pounding as the skeletal horde neared, their bony fingers outstretched, ready to tear him apart. Saka stood beside him, eyes wide with fear, but ready to defend him if needed.

Takemi, realizing the danger, gritted his teeth and charged forward, his sword glowing with radiant energy. "I won't let them touch you!"

"I-I'll protect you, Seiito-kun!" Chiharu's voice trembled, but her resolve was firm. She positioned herself in front of Seiito, her grip tight on her staff as she aimed it toward the advancing horde of skeletons. Though fear gnawed at her, she refused to falter—Seiito's safety was all that mattered.

"You're safe with me, Seiito-kun!" Saka declared, raising her sword with shaky hands. She was terrified—her heart pounded in her chest, but she wouldn't run. Not this time. Seiito had done so much for her, and now, it was her turn to stand between him and danger. As if in response to her resolve, her blade began to blaze with fire, burning away her fear.

"[Flame Sword!]" The words slipped from her lips as her sword ignited, flames licking up its length, casting an eerie, flickering glow on the battlefield. Saka moved to stand beside Chiharu, her fiery blade raised high, ready to cut down anything that dared approach.

The first skeleton lurched forward, its hollow eyes fixed on them, bones rattling with every step.

Chiharu didn't hesitate. "[Rock Sling!]" she shouted, and a chunk of earth materialized at the tip of her staff. With a sharp crack, the rock shot forward like a bullet, smashing through the skull of the skeleton with a sickening crunch. Bone fragments scattered across the ground as the creature collapsed in a heap.

But there were more. Dozens of them, drawn to Seiito's Light magic like moths to a flame.

Chiharu's eyes narrowed in concentration, her heart racing as more skeletons surged forward. She aimed her staff again, this time firing off multiple rounds of [Rock Sling] in rapid succession.

Stones erupted from the end of her staff, each one striking with pinpoint precision, shattering skulls and breaking apart bones as if her magic were a machine gun, mowing down the relentless horde.

Those few skeletons that managed to close the distance found themselves facing Saka's flaming sword. With swift, almost precise movements, she swung the fiery blade, disarming a skeleton with a single strike. She pivoted smoothly, driving the tip of her sword through its skull, the flames scorching the bones as it crumbled at her feet.

Despite the fear coursing through her veins, Saka moved with grace and determination. She had no time to think, no time to second-guess herself. Every motion was driven by the need to protect Seiito.

As the battle raged on, Seiito watched in stunned silence, his heart swelling with a strange mix of awe and guilt. They were fighting for him—shielding him from the danger he couldn't face alone. Chiharu's steadfast defense, Saka's fiery resolve... they were willing to risk their lives for his safety. The weight of their loyalty pressed heavily on him, but in that moment, all he could do was trust in them.

"I...I'll heal you if you're hurt," Seiito muttered, clenching his fists. It was all he could offer—his healing magic, his only contribution to the battle. But he would give everything he had to keep them standing.

Chiharu glanced back briefly, a small, reassuring smile crossing her face as she sent another skeleton crashing to the ground. "Don't worry, Seiito-kun. We've got this."

Saka nodded, her eyes filled with fierce determination as she cut down another skeleton. "We'll keep you safe. I promise."

Kateni halted in his tracks, whistling in surprise. "Those two...they're stronger than I thought. They can handle themselves."

Takemi, having stopped as well, let out a deep sigh of relief. His eyes followed Saka as she fought, her movements more focused than ever. "She's fighting for Seiito's sake," he muttered under his breath, a faint scoff escaping him, though there was a hint of pride hidden in his smirk.

Reivain, observing from behind, allowed a small smile to tug at his lips. Saka... She had been broken after taking her first life, the guilt of killing a goblin eating away at her resolve. He had worried for her and questioned if she'd ever be able to wield her sword without hesitation again.

But now, seeing her stand tall, fighting not for herself, but for someone else—he felt something swell inside him. Pride. Reassurance.

"Let's push forward!" Reivain called out with renewed fervor, his voice carrying over the battlefield. "Just a bit more and we clear the fifth floor!"

A chorus of determined shouts followed his rallying cry.

"Yeah!!"

Takemi led the charge, cutting through the remaining skeletons with a swift, radiant slash of his blade, the dark magic animating them dissipating into the air.

Kitani hurled massive boulders with a grunt, each one crashing into the horde of infernal soldiers. Their bones splintered and shattered beneath the weight of the stone, filling the air with the sound of rattling bones and the crumbling echoes of destruction. It was a brutal but necessary display of strength.

After what felt like an eternity, the room was finally clear. The fifth floor had been conquered. Exhausted and drenched in sweat, the group collapsed for a small break, catching their breath and nursing their aching bodies. Their victory was hard-won, but they had survived—at least for now.

Seiito, leaning against a wall, glanced at Saka, who had fought fiercely beside him. "Saka... thanks for protecting me back there. I owe you one," He said, his voice tired but sincere.

Saka, still clutching her sword, gave a small smile, her eyes softened but sharp from battle. "Don't mention it, Seiito. I was doing what was right." Her tone was calm, but there was a quiet determination in her words.

Seiito shifted his gaze to Chiharu, who had also stood by his side. "You too, Chiharu-san. Thanks for—"

"It's just Chiharu," she interrupted with a playful grin. "We're comrades, aren't we? Brothers in arms. Well, more like sister and brother in arms," she added with a light chuckle, trying to lift the heavy atmosphere.

A faint smile crept onto Seiito's face. The tension in his shoulders seemed to ease a little. "Yeah, we are, Chiharu."

But then, a soft voice broke through the moment. "Don't forget about me..." Masa's voice came from behind them. She stepped into view, adjusting her glasses, which reflected the dim light and hid her eyes for a moment. Her tone was light, but there was a hint of playfulness as she poked Chiharu's cheek with the hilt of her staff.

Chiharu swatted her hand away, chuckling. "I'd never forget you, Masa. You're too annoying for that."

Seiito watched them for a moment, his gaze flickering between Chiharu and Masa. They were always together—inseparable, really. It wasn't hard to see why. Masa, the quiet, sharp-witted one, and Chiharu, cheerful and chatty, are like yin and yang, balancing each other out. It was almost comforting to watch their dynamic. He couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself.

In some way, they reminded him of himself and Takemi. He was the quiet one, the one who held back, while Takemi exuded confidence, always ready to step into the fray without hesitation. Seiito's eyes wandered toward Takemi, who remained vigilant, scanning their surroundings even in this brief moment of respite.

Would I ever be able to stand beside him? Seiito wondered. Could I ever fight alongside him instead of just being protected from the backlines?

But that was the fate of healers. Always in the rear, supporting from the shadows. A necessary role, but one that left a constant ache of inadequacy gnawing at him.

"Alright, everyone, break time's over!" Reivain's voice cut through Seiito's thoughts, snapping him back to reality. "We're pushing forward to the next floor. No stopping until we clear the tenth!" His tone left no room for discussion, the determination in his eyes as fierce as ever.

Saka, ever vigilant by Seiito's side, rose to her feet and extended her hand toward him. "Come on, Seiito. We need to keep moving."

With a slight smile, Seiito took her hand and pulled himself up. "Yeah. Let's go."

Chiharu and Masa trailed behind them, exchanging glances. Chiharu's usual grin played across her lips as she leaned in toward Masa, lowering her voice. "Don't you think Saka has a thing for little ol' Seiito~?" Her tone was teasing, playful, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity there.

Masa barely looked up from her cleaning routine, adjusting her glasses with a sigh. "Is that so?" Her voice was as flat as ever, not betraying even a shred of interest.

Chiharu, undeterred, pouted and ran her fingers across the lenses of Masa's glasses, leaving smudges behind. "You never want to talk about romance, huh? You loner~"

Masa's expression twisted into mild indignation as she quickly wiped the glasses on her shirt, her face growing red with frustration. "S-shaddup!?" she snapped, but her blush gave her away.

Chiharu giggled, watching her friend squirm. "See? You get all flustered whenever I bring it up."

"Shut up, Chiharu!" Masa muttered, swatting at her. She cast a quick glance over at Seiito and Saka, who were walking ahead, seemingly lost in their own world. Masa let out a small, resigned sigh, unable to deny what was becoming painfully obvious.

"Yeah…" Masa admitted reluctantly, her voice low. "Saka's always got those sparkly eyes whenever she's around him. It's kind of hard to miss."

Chiharu's teasing smile faded into something more thoughtful. "Right? Poor Seiito. No wonder the others give him a hard time."

Masa sighed, feeling a small pang of sympathy for Seiito. The weight of unspoken expectations, the pressure from his classmates, and now this—being the unintentional target of Saka's affection, something that only seemed to make him more isolated. It wasn't easy, and she knew that better than anyone.

As they reached the entrance to the next level, a chilling silence settled over the group. Their eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before them—a vast, yawning chasm of darkness that seemed to stretch endlessly. A narrow staircase, carved from crumbling stone, wound its way upward, suspended over the abyss like a fragile thread. Jagged rocky formations loomed in the distance, their shadows adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

The sheer scale of the space was overwhelming. The ceiling was so high it seemed to merge with the darkness, and the floor below was a void they could not see the end of. Each step forward felt like venturing deeper into the unknown, where one misstep could send them plummeting into oblivion.

No one spoke, the weight of the moment heavy on their shoulders. With bated breath, they began their ascent. Every creak of the stairs made their hearts race. Each step felt like it could be their last. The stone beneath their feet was weathered and unstable, and they knew it wouldn't take much for it to give way beneath them.

Takemi clenched his jaw, his senses on high alert, muscles tensed as though ready to spring at a moment's notice. He wasn't alone—everyone was on edge, eyes flickering between the fragile steps and the endless drop below. The silence was oppressive, only broken by the sound of their shallow breathing and the occasional rumble of the distant earth.

One wrong move and they knew it could all come crashing down.

The only one who seemed completely unfazed was Kōji. Seiito couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance in his direction, curiosity gnawing at him. Kōji's calmness was unnerving, almost unnatural. He moved with such ease, his expression steady, like he had walked this path a thousand times before.

But that's impossible, Seiito thought, his brows knitting together. This is our first time in this tower…

Even Takemi, usually so composed, showed signs of strain. The subtle tension in his posture, the flicker of unease in his eyes—it was all there. Yet Kōji remained untouched by it all, completely unbothered, as though he knew exactly what awaited them. Seiito felt a strange chill creeping up his spine. He had to give Kōji credit; his composure was almost enviable.

Almost.

Still, a nagging thought clawed at Seiito's mind. Why did Kōji seem so...familiar with all of this?

Pushing the thought aside, Seiito glanced upward. The faint outline of a platform came into view, signaling the end of this floor. A palpable tension rippled through the group as they realized the next trial was only moments away. Hands tightened around weapons, eyes sharpened with resolve. The air grew thick with anticipation, every step closer to the platform echoing louder in Seiito's chest.

Here we go...