Floor 10 was unlike anything the Divers had seen before. The grand arena stretched out before them – an immense coliseum filled with cheering climbers from eight different teams. Signs and glowing banners floated in the air, and the rules were clear: a tournament of four-versus-four teams, knockout style. Gun, Luna, Jack, and Waver stood together at the center ring, glancing at the bracket. Nearly every match had ended quickly; the Divers and one other team towered above all others, propelling both into the final battle.
Their opponents marched in opposite to them – a formidable quartet. Dustbreaker Commander – heavy armor clanking, broad shoulders unmistakable. Voltbrand Support – a sallow-faced healer with crackling lightning patterns on his robes. Ignivar Knight – a lithe fighter with burning eyes and a scarlet blade. And Aqualith Mage – tall, robed in deep blue, one hand already surging with a water orb. The crowd hushed as the final match began.
Gun steadied himself. He told Luna, "Cast Graceful Flame on me. Now." A small flaming orb appeared above her palm and flew over to hover at Gun's shoulder. Its warm light filled him with renewed strength and defense. In that instant, everyone in the arena could feel Gun's aura spike. Even allies paused in surprise: Gun was stepping forward alone. He wanted to 1v4 – an insane gamble.
Gun vanished. Flash Step. He reappeared amid the shadows behind the Voltbrand support. With impossible speed, he launched Mirror Strike – a lethal slash aided by the mirror effect doubling its force – straight through the support's back. The Voltbrand cried out and fell instantly, eyes glazed. Two enemy faces turned from confidence to absolute terror.
Before they could react, Gun had spun and lunged at the Dustbraker Commander. Using his momentum, he delivered a crushing Avenger's Cut to the commander's throat. The giant staggered and went down at once, face drained of blood. Two foes left – the Knight and the Mage – exchanged a wary glance.
These were experts. The Knight charged with a blazing sword, while the Mage unleashed a torrent of water and shimmering sparks. Gun's greatsword rose in a flash. The ignivar knight collided with him first; Gun caught the knight's blade on the flat of his sword, then yanked it aside to wrap both arms around the knight's neck. Gun's face was grim, panic nowhere to be seen. He crushed the knight against his chest, strangling and twisting. As the Mage's beam lanced through the air toward Gun, he twisted again, using the struggling knight's body as a living shield. The water spell shattered uselessly against armor.
With a final choke, the knight went limp in Gun's hold. Gun tossed the limp body aside and Flash Stepped again, materializing behind the Aqualith mage. Without hesitation, he struck downward with Avenger's Cut, piercing the mage's back. The blue-clad figure sank to his knees and collapsed.
Silence fell. All four enemies lay unconscious around Gun. None had lethal wounds – merely the evidence of being bested. Cheers erupted as the ref declared the Divers victorious.
Jack, panting, jogged over. Luna rushed in as the ash-and-lightning shield dissipated. Even Waver had crept forward to survey the scene. "You… did it," Luna breathed. Gun simply nodded, catching his breath.
Moments later, the arena's rewards appeared above them. A brilliant new sword materialized in Gun's hands, its dark blade etched with glowing runes. "Devourer" – a monstrous greatsword. A second gift hovered down to Waver: a long, curved spear glowing with eerie green aura. "Spear of Fear", it said, which hummed with oppressive magic. Finally, two ordinary scrolls drifted to Luna and Jack respectively. Both looked at them curiously, but neither was needed.
Gathering behind a quiet plaza bench after the match, the team examined the loot. Luna read the Devourer's inscription aloud: "Passive: Consumes the magic of a parried spell. The next strike against an enemy inflicts that spell's elemental effect on them." Waver held the Spear of Fear, running his fingers along its shaft. "It says: when planted in the ground, it releases an aura of terror that inflicts psychological damage on all enemies in range."
Jack shrugged, "We don't need common scrolls. Anyone want these?" Luna tucked one into Jack's pack and gave him one for safe-keeping.
Gun hefted the Devourer thoughtfully. The blade felt alive in his hands. "This will end up more useful than the slimy boots," he said with a grin. He eyed the Spear of Fear next. "Nice work, Waver." The electrician nodded, adjusting the spear's grip. "I guess I'll find a use for mind games."
Luna sprinkled some water from her flask onto a small plant nearby and perked up. "We're okay here, but next floor is uncharted territory. We should rest and plan." She twirled her Ashen Veil ringfinger and gave them a sly smile. "Or maybe trust Luna to heal instead of running it alone."
Jack laughed, shaking his head. "Lead the way, boss. We've got a mysterious tower to conquer."
Gun's grin widened as he slung Devourer over his back. The final match had been an insane spectacle, but it ended perfectly for the Divers. They rose from the bench together, spirits high. Whatever Floor 11 had in store, they'd face it as a team – armed with new power, new tools, and even greater determination.
Together, the Divers strode forward, down the golden corridor that led to the stairs upward, ready for the challenges above.