The scaffold pulsed like a heartbeat.
Dozens of floating platforms spiraled upward into Floor 334's sky chamber, suspended by Choir-forged tempo lines—threads of rhythm designed not to support, but to challenge.
At the base, Leon stood with arms crossed, studying the pattern.
"This isn't just a climb. They're forcing her to match their tempo to progress. Each platform runs a different beat."
Kael tapped into the scaffold's anchor points. "If she misses a beat, she drops."
Roselia scanned the nearest glyph node. "No traps. But no guides either. Just a message."
She read it aloud.
"One rhythm survives. One rhythm ascends."
They all turned as Aris stepped forward, baton in hand, expression calm.
She looked at each of them.
"Stay here. Secure the floor."
Leon's brow tightened. "You don't have to do this alone."
"I know," she said. "But they want me. Not us. If you follow, they'll use you against me."
