The passage opened up onto the 21st floor. Within was a circular room, grand and echoing, reminiscent of some ancient, hidden vault. Seven portals, each presenting a unique vision, lined the walls evenly spaced from one another. The group's footsteps echoed faintly in the cavernous chamber as they cautiously approached the portals, studying each scene with wide eyes and furrowed brows.

The first portal shimmered menacingly, presenting a vision of roiling magma. It looked like the inside of a volcano, with rivers of molten rock coursing through jagged channels. Gouts of flame occasionally erupted from unseen fissures, and the oppressive heat seemed palpable even from their distant vantage point. Bright, angry reds and oranges painted a volatile landscape where the very ground seemed to live and breathe fire.

Beside it, the second portal offered a stark contrast. This one revealed an alien underwater realm where bioluminescent creatures floated lazily through the dark depths. The water was a deep, almost inky blue, dotted with bursts of color from the strange marine life. Enormous, otherworldly coral structures towered, their outlines ghostly in the muted light. Currents caused the aquatic flora to sway gently, like some slow, underwater ballet.

The third portal provided a glimpse into an alien alpine environment. Jagged mountain peaks, impossibly tall and covered in unfamiliar, glittering crystals, stretched toward an emerald green sky. Sparse, hardy vegetation clung to life amidst the rocky outcroppings, and strange, winged creatures soared between the peaks. Snowdrifts sparkled with an ethereal quality, catching the light in prismatic displays, while the cold air from this portal carried an unmistakable bite.

The fourth portal led to what appeared to be a dense, alien jungle. The vegetation was lush and vibrant, with towering trees whose leaves shimmered with a silver hue. Unidentifiable creatures darted in and out of the underbrush, their movements quick and fleeting. The air was filled with strange, musical calls and the thick scent of blooming, exotic flowers. This place was teeming with life and danger in equal measure.

In the fifth portal, a barren desert landscape stretched endlessly beneath a scorching sun. The sand was a shimmering, glassy black, and the heat waves made the air ripple in disorienting patterns. Occasional dunes broke the monotony, casting long shadows in the harsh daylight. It felt like a land of desolation and mirages where nothing could endure the relentless sun for long.

The sixth portal displayed a twisted, labyrinthine cave system. Jagged stalactites and stalagmites interlaced like fangs within a gaping maw. The shadows and echoes created an ominous feeling, and the scarce light source cast long, unsettling shapes on the cavern walls. The air emanating from this realm was damp and filled with the distant drip of unseen water.

Lastly, the seventh portal revealed an arid, rocky plateau beneath an alien sky. The terrain was unforgiving, with sharp, craggy rocks and sparse vegetation. Strange, looming monoliths dotted the landscape, inscribed with runes that glimmered faintly. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting an eerie, reddish-purple hue across the stones.

The team stood in the center, surrounded by these otherworldly vistas, pondering their next move. Calvin folded his arms, facing his companions to initiate a strategy meeting.

"Alright, folks," he began, his voice steady, though the magnitude of their decision was clear in his eyes. "We need to think this through carefully. This choice could define the rest of our journey through this place."

Amy stepped closer to the magma portal, feeling the rush of hot air streaming from it. "This one's dangerous for sure," she remarked, her eyes narrowing as she studied the fiendish landscape. "We could end up cooked alive if we're not careful, but the environment might slow down any enemies."

Ian gazed intently at the underwater realm, his affinity for elements making his thoughts apparent. "This oceanic world could give us an edge. My elemental abilities might be particularly effective here, though movement could be a challenge unless we have some way to adapt to being underwater."

Freya's eyes reflected the sparkle of the alien alpine scenery. She loved the wilderness, and the idea of battling in such an environment excited her.

Seth meticulously examined the portals, his analytical mind already running various calculations. "We need to consider more than just what looks doable. Let's think about our gear, abilities, and potential advantages.”

Marshall, standing back with Tank, added his perspective. "I’d prefer the jungle; dense cover could work to our stealth advantage and confuse the enemy. Plus, the flora might provide ingredients for more of Amy's toxins."

Tank grumbled, his eyes fixed upon the barren, glassy desert. His heavily armored suit and weaponry favored straightforward combat rather than environmental navigation. "Sparse landscape like that could mean fewer surprises, but we'd be exposed if we don’t move fast."

Reaper surveyed the twisted cave system thoughtfully. "The caverns provide natural choke points. Ambushes and traps could work in our favor, but it's a double-edged sword. We'd be limited in maneuverability."

The arid plateau warranted some interest as well. Calvin, after calculating the risks and rewards, turned to the group. "Each environment has its pros and cons. We need to unify our choice based on a strategy that maximizes our strengths while mitigating our weaknesses."

A brief silence followed, filled with the hum of power from each portal. Amy broke it with a thoughtful nod. "The jungle seems like the best option for us in terms of flexibility. The dense cover could be a nightmare for any adversaries while allowing us to utilize stealth and ambush tactics."

Freya yipped in agreement.

Ian showed some hesitation, “My flames would be useful, though we’d risk causing a catastrophic blaze.”

“That could be an advantage,” Reaper replied, “If things get sticky, we create a wall of fire to block pursuit.”

Marshall chimed in, “The jungle potentially offers rare ingredients for more alchemical concoctions like Amy said. We’re not just fighting; we’re gathering resources along the way.”

Amy’s lips curled into a confident smile, “Alright. It’s settled then? We choose the alien jungle.”

Everyone exchanged nods, each weighing the different variables they’d have to adapt to. Calvin turned back to face the jungle portal, raising his hand. Before they could step through, he needed to confirm their final decision.

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“Everyone on board with the jungle?” he asked, seeking unanimous consensus.

“Yes,” came the replies; more determined now that they’d discussed and accepted potential risks.

With united purpose, they approached the jungle portal. The environment shimmered vibrantly, and each of them steeled themselves for the transition. Calvin stepped through first, a flash of silver and green enveloping him.

The sensation was like swimming through cool water, refreshing yet disorienting. As he emerged on the other side, the lush, verdant world greeted him. The sound of strange creatures and the scent of alien flowers overwhelmed his senses momentarily, but he quickly regained his focus.

Calvin looked around in a momentary panic. There was just one problem with this landscape. He was alone.

The team watched Calvin step through the portal, his figure dissolving into the vibrant greens of the alien jungle. In a tense moment of realization, they noticed the portal had vanished, leaving behind an empty space. It quickly dawned on them—each member would need to choose a different portal. One by one, they'd face their own trial. And something more ominous—there were seven portals, eight of them. One of the group would have to stay behind.

"Well, this complicates things," Reaper stated, rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes flitting from one portal to the next.

"We’ve got no choice. We need to pick the environments we're best suited for," Tank said, his tone firm, echoing his military discipline. "No use panicking now."

Ian stepped forward, his eyes locked onto the magma portal. The fiery depths called to his elemental abilities, offering a thrilling yet dangerous riddle. "I'm taking this one. My control over fire should help navigate those hellish conditions."

Freya padded silently towards the alpine portal, her canine agility and bond with nature aligning perfectly with the icy peaks presented. She looked over her shoulder and nodded to the group, her gleaming eyes full of resolve.

Tank picked the desert portal without hesitation. His advanced armor had temperature regulation, ideal for the scorching environment. "I'll head through this one. The heat won't be an issue. Keep your heads cool—no pun intended."

Seth stared at the underwater portal, his face paling slightly, though his technological prowess made him an ideal candidate. "Underwater... not my favorite, but I'll make do. I can deploy drones to navigate the currents and relay vital information."

Reaper observed the arid rocky plateau, its harsh terrain suitable for his exceptional mobility and stealth. He nodded, his expression unreadable as always. "The plateau's mine. I'll be alright. Just another environment to master."

Amy moved towards the labyrinthine caves, swaying slightly with grace. Dark, tight spaces would be a playground for her stealthy assassin skills. "I'll take the caves. Should feel like home," she said with a smirk.

That left Marshall. The healer took a moment to sweep the room with his eyes. His outwardly goofy demeanor belied an inner certainty. "Guess that leaves me. I'll deal with staying back. Maybe there’s something here I can figure out that isn't apparent yet."

With decisions made, each person approached their respective portals, not knowing what awaited them but ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.

Ian stepped into the furious blaze of the magma portal. Instantly, the overwhelming heat enveloped him. Lava rivers snaked through the landscape, molten and bubbling, and the air shimmered with intense heat. His robe, enchanted for such environments, kept him cool enough, but he could still feel the intensity. Ian's powers over flame and earth would serve him well here.

Control, he reminded himself. His hands surged with elemental energy, extending his magic to influence the environment around him. With broad sweeps, he redirected small flows of magma, carving a path forward. Elemental spirits, beings of pure flame, rose from the molten rivers, challenging him without mercy, yet he met them head-on with torrents of controlled fire.

Freya stepped through her portal into the chilling embrace of an alien alpine world. Giant crystal-covered mountains loomed, and a biting wind howled through the narrow passes. Snow, strangely luminescent, blanketed the ground, and the cold air invigorated her senses.

Freya felt right at home. Her warden powers allowed her to blend the wrath of nature with her own kinetic strength. She bounded upward, her paws gripping the treacherous terrain effortlessly. In the distance, strange creatures, perhaps guardians of this icy domain, stalked. Freya summoned her pack of nanite-constructed creatures—a bear, an eagle, and a pack of squirrels. Together, her pack scouted the peaks, listening to the winds, seeking the secrets hidden within the crystalline structures.

Tank marched into the desert, where scorching daylight poured over an expanse of black, glassy sand. His suit's cooling mechanisms activated, combating the relentless heat waves that distorted the horizon.

The desert was eerily quiet. Tank's HUD displayed readings of extreme temperatures, but his focus remained on what might lie ahead. The flat landscape offered no immediate cover, leaving him exposed, yet he walked onwards, relying on strength and endurance.

Creatures burrowed beneath the sand, sensing his vibrations. Massive, serpent-like entities emerged, their scales glinting ominously in the sunlight. Tank unleashed his autocannon, the powerful bursts of fire meeting the writhing beasts with unyielding force. There would be no room for hesitation in this barren realm.

Seth took a deep breath and plunged into the underwater portal. Instantly, he was submerged in the alien depths, the pressure and cold pressing against him. His suit managed the transition flawlessly, creating an air pocket around him with specialized breathing apparatus engaged.

Bioluminescent creatures and bizarre sea flora glowed in the undulating darkness. Seth deployed his drones, each flashing to life with synchronized commands. These drones would be his eyes and ears in this alien sea, guiding him through the treacherous waters.

Navigating through coral labyrinths and confronting aquatic predators demanded not just technological skill but a nuanced understanding of marine ecosystems—a true trial of adaptation and ingenuity.

Reaper entered the plateau, the landscape rocky and harsh under an alien sky. Sharp, craggy rocks jutted out from the ground, and faintly glowing runic monoliths dotted the terrain. The sun cast a dim, eerie light, painting everything in reddish-purple hues.

His sniper instincts kicked in as he searched for vantage points. Movement in the distance alerted him to potential threats—alien beasts adept at blending into the rocky environment. Reaper’s agility and stealth allowed him to traverse the plateau, setting traps and outmaneuvering predators.

This trial would test his survival skills and his sharp eye for detail, ensuring a stealthy approach and quick reflexes.

Amy moved into the cave system, where darkness reigned supreme. Jagged rock formations and narrow passages greeted her, casting ethereal shadows that seemed to twist and writhe as if alive. Her instincts, honed for stealth and surprise attacks, fitted perfectly with this place.

Navigating through the labyrinth, she felt the damp air on her skin. Echoes and drips filled the space, where one wrong step could mean falling into endless pits or triggering ancient mechanisms. Her eyes scanned for the subtle glow of hidden traps, her ears tuned to the faintest whispers of movement.

This realm was a test of patience and precision, where the shadows were both her enemy and ally.

Marshall stayed behind, surveying the now-vacant room where the portals had once stood. He sensed no particular threat but remained vigilant. Exploring the chamber after the others had departed, he searched for any hidden clues or mechanisms that might aid his friends.

He studied the walls, touching the ancient engravings that seemed to pulse with a silent, mysterious energy. "I'll just hang out here everyone.” he muttered. “I'll kick back, drink a beer and keep the lights on for ya!"

Marshall’s sense of humor faded slightly as his focus sharpened. This wasn’t a moment for jokes but a puzzle requiring his analytical mind. He approached the central dais, noting slight grooves and indentations. Could they hold the key to the portals’ mystery?

He knelt, pressing his hand against a finely carved symbol. A faint vibration traveled up his arm, followed by a low hum that resonated through the room. It was only the beginning of Marshall’s unique challenge.