Malik's wounds became more evident with every passing moment, but his eyes never lost focus. The metallic scorpion advanced slowly, as if carefully studying Malik's movements.
Malik (breathing heavily): "Looks like I'll have to take a risk this time."
Gathering all his strength, Malik charged suddenly toward the creature. He leaped high, aiming for the glowing point beneath its tail. But the scorpion was ready, striking him with its claws and slamming him to the ground.
Malik (grimacing in pain): "No… I won't give up."
He pulled out a small stone he had been carrying since the beginning of the journey, a gift from the doctor before entering the tower. When he pressed it, a faint energy enveloped his body, restoring some of his strength.
Malik: "Now it's my turn!"
He charged again, and with precise control, leaped over the scorpion, plunging his sword into the glowing point. The creature let out a metallic shriek that echoed through the room before disintegrating, leaving behind a small, shiny shield.
Malik (smiling): "A new shield? Alright, I'll be needing this."
The battle between Walid and his opponent looked like a clash of elements. Flames consumed everything around Walid, but he used his lightning arrows to encircle and corner his foe.
Opponent: "You cannot defeat me… Lightning cannot extinguish fire!"
Walid (mocking): "But you've never heard of a lightning storm."
Walid gathered his energy and fired a series of arrows into the sky. The arrows interacted, forming an electric ring around the guardian.
Opponent (confused): "What are you doing?"
Walid: "Ending the game."
Lightning struck down from above, hitting the opponent directly and causing him to collapse. When he vanished, a new bow adorned with golden engravings appeared.
Walid (grabbing the new bow): "I think I'll stick with this one now."
Kinta was panting heavily as his aggressive replica smirked arrogantly.
Kinta: "You know everything about me, don't you?"
Replica: "Of course. I am you."
Kinta (smirking): "Wrong! You're just a reflection. A reflection that can't innovate."
Kinta began using the mirrors creatively, darting swiftly between them and confusing his replica. Suddenly, Kinta leaped behind the replica and struck it with force.
Kinta (breathing heavily): "Goodbye, old me."
The replica vanished, leaving behind a piece of black glass.
Kinta: "What's this? Looks important."
Malik, Walid, and Kinta regrouped in the main room of the third floor, all panting from exhaustion.
Malik: "Did you make it?"
Walid (laughing): "Of course. I was just waiting for you two."
Kinta (joking): "I hope your battles were tougher than mine… I don't want to be the best all the time!"
Each of them revealed the loot they had acquired: Malik's shield, Walid's bow, and the black glass shard Kinta obtained.
Kinta (examining the glass): "I think this has something to do with the next floor."
Malik: "Let's find out soon. But first, we need to rest."
…