Chapter 29: stairwell spiraled
The stairwell spiraled downward, its cold, slick, sterile stone a stark contrast to the lube-drenched chaos of the chambers above, the air chilling the party's sweat-soaked skin as they descended.
Kota led, his sneakers echoing softly, his hoodie clinging to his frame, sweat beading on his brow as the game's unseen interface prickled with foreboding.
The girls followed in tense silence—Reina watching her steps, her lacy skirt swaying, a flush lingering on her jaw.
Miki clinging to the wall, her shorts damp, her flushed cheeks quivering.
Yuri and Aika quiet, their breaths uneven, glasses fogging faintly for Aika.
Hina trailing last, arms crossed, her flushed temple glistening, defiance etched in her scowl.
At the bottom, a circular chamber of gleaming steel panels awaited, devoid of moss or glyphs, its icy air heavy with a musky undercurrent of anticipation.
Six raised metal platforms formed a perfect hex pattern, their leather-lined loops and sockets glinting ominously under the dim crimson glow, the game's perverse design laid bare.
The instant the party crossed the threshold—