The spiral staircase stretched upward, each step lit by faintly glowing runes that pulsed in rhythm with Marcus's heartbeat. The air grew colder as Marcus and Elara ascended, and the oppressive silence was broken only by the sound of their footsteps. The Gateway Spire was unlike anything Marcus had encountered before—its walls seemed alive, shimmering with an unearthly energy that made his skin tingle.
"This place is giving me the creeps," Marcus muttered, gripping his staff tighter.
Elara smirked. "Creeps or not, we don't have a choice. The Orb of Convergence is up there, and we need it."
"And remind me why we need it again?" Marcus asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"To unlock the Multiversal Nexus, remember?" she replied with a wink.
"Right," Marcus said, rolling his eyes. "Because that sounds like a safe and reasonable plan."
