The Tower-Climbing Trio

Aoko and her companions followed the directions until they finally reached the tallest tower.

Two monsters stood before its main gate. They seemed to have been waiting for some time.

"Welcome, guests. I'm Karakasa, and this is Kappa. We're the monsters Her Highness assigned to guide you through the trial," said one of them, who was shaped like an umbrella.

The other monster, Kappa, seemed shy. She hid behind Karakasa and looked so cute that Aoko wanted to go over and pat her head.

Alice asked, "Who is your princess? What is this trial? And how do we leave?"

Karakasa said, "Her Highness is the White Egret Princess, of course. She gave us monsters a place to live. As for the trial and how to leave, we don't know. Our only job is to explain the rules."

"If you want answers, you'll need to reach the room at the very top. Her Highness is waiting for you there. But first, please pay attention to the rules of this trial."

Rule One: To reach the top, you must go up one floor at a time. You cannot climb through a window to skip floors, or you will be sent back here.

Rule Two: Not every floor involves combat. Some have puzzles and deduction games. Do not use force to smash your way through, or you will likewise be sent back here.

Rule Three: Every tenth floor is guarded by a Greater Monster. Please show restraint in battle; the Greater Monsters will do the same. This is only a trial, after all. It would be a shame if anyone were hurt or killed.

Rule Four: The trial has one hundred floors. Her Highness will await your arrival on the 101st floor. Time flows differently here than in the outside world, so you