As the village basked in the first blush of dawn, a hush spread across its confines. The world seemed to take a deep breath, almost as if attempting to cleanse itself of the darkness that had just transpired. The once-muted colors began to regain their vibrancy, a stark contrast to the pale faces of the villagers. The soft chirping of birds contrasted sharply with the lingering tension.
Johan felt the slight give in the air, the easing of pressure against his skin. 'About damn time,' he thought, his eyes narrowing at the now-fading periphery of the barrier. "Looks like we're not bloody trapped anymore," he remarked dryly, not trying to mask his relief.
The retreating barrier unveiled what lay beyond. The towering entrance to the fifteenth floor stood there, dark and forbidding. Carved out of obsidian, it held the promise of further challenges and dangers. The gaping maw of the entrance beckoned them forward, as if mocking their recent trials.
