章 69: Chapter 69: System's Respite

Panic began to overwhelm Elio, but he forced it down, compelling himself to think. There was a possibility, remote but existent: The fifth level.

If he could access it immediately after exiting the fourth... But even if he could manage it, it wasn't a great option either.

Elio closed his eyes, breathing deeply. The taste of victory mingled with the bitter knowledge that the worst was yet to come. But he had no choice. He had to press on, he had to survive.

"We... we did it, little one," he murmured, his voice still high-pitched from the residual helium. The salamander, exhausted but alert, blinked in response from his shoulder.

As he caught his breath, Elio realized he could sense the helium around him in a new and fascinating way. He had gained control over this element.

"Level 4," he whispered, almost reverently. "We're the tenth to achieve it, you know?" The salamander tilted its head, its bright eyes fixed on Elio.