I am dropping this book 9

The blue light of the portal dimmed, spitting Vell and his team back into the tower's base. The sticky swamp smell of Floor 12 clung to their clothes, but the cool, dry air of the base washed over them like a relief. The black stone walls glowed faintly, their hum a steady heartbeat in the quiet. Twelve floors—sandstorms, ice spirits, lava titans, shadow wraiths, fire wyrms, and now a swamp toad—they'd beaten them all. Vell held the blue key from Floor 12, its smooth surface slick with mud but buzzing with energy.

"Twelve floors done!" Ruby cheered, shaking slime off her fluffy hat. Her fox ears twitched, and her tail swished despite the mess. "We're so awesome, Master!"

Wren smirked, flicking goo from her claws. "Yeah, but Floor 13's up next. Bet it's a real monster."

Jia wiped her daggers on her cloak, calm as ever. "I'm over this mud. Let's make the next one quick."