The sixteenth floor began in the heart of a dead city. Gray stone buildings lined narrow, winding cobblestone streets. The sky was a flat, oppressive charcoal color. There was no wind. The only sound was the constant, rhythmic scratching of thousands of claws against stone. The city of Hamelin was submerged in a sea of rats. These were not common rodents. They were demon beasts with elongated limbs, jagged teeth, and fur that dripped with a caustic, green ichor.
The thirty climbers stood in the central plaza, surrounded by four-story townhouses. Above their heads, the system windows flickered into existence.
「Floor 16: The Pied Piper's Encore」
「Main Scenario: Pay the Piper's Debt」
「Objective: Clear the infestation or pay the toll.」
「Clear Condition: Ensure the city is free of the Plague-Rats.」
「The Offer: The Piper will remove the swarm in exchange for one permanent sacrifice from the party.」
