The crossing to Floor 16 proper happened at sunset.
Not the registration point's controlled environment, but the real floor, the wild expanse of golden hills and ancient ruins that stretched toward challenges designed to break teams apart. The Lightbreakers stood at the threshold, seven silhouettes against a sky painted in shades of orange and purple.
"Last chance to turn back," Dante said without conviction.
Nobody laughed, but nobody moved either. They knew it wasn't a serious offer.
"Right then." He stepped forward, and the floor accepted them.
The transition was subtle this time, less a barrier crossed than a veil lifted. The suppression effect Dante had warned about settled over them like a gentle weight, dampening individual power just enough to make cooperation necessary instead of optional.
Ren tested his Iron Will and nodded. "Manageable. As long as we stay together."
