The atmosphere in the grand council hall of the allied races was charged with a mix of tension and determination. Leaders of elves, dwarves, humans, and other factions had assembled once more to strategize for the siege of the 8th floor, known as the Crimson Wastes. The room, an architectural marvel blending various cultural elements, hummed with focused discussion.

"The Crimson Wastes are a desolate expanse, scarred by the Demon King's wrath," the Elf King elaborated, his tone grave. The map on the table revealed a landscape that was both haunting and stark - a testament to the horrors they would soon face.

Aisha, her fiery red hair tied back, leaned in. “Our scouts have identified key enemy outposts. The Scorched Fortress here,” she pointed, “is heavily fortified, but it’s a critical target.”

Alexandur, standing tall with a commanding presence, added, "The Ember Wyrm patrols this region," tracing a path around the ominous Bloodstone Mountains on the map. "It's a formidable guardian; taking it down will be crucial."

Isabella’s gentle voice carried a note of urgency. “I’ll prepare a series of protective wards. The Wyrm's fire is lethal, and we'll need strong magical defenses.”

Ryu, shrouded in his customary cloak, looked up. “I suggest a stealth operation through the Shadow Pass here. It’s less guarded and could give us the element of surprise.”

“Seriously, Vold? Is dodging giant snake bites part of the curriculum now?” Kagan’s voice cut through the hall, causing a few leaders to jump in their seats. In the background, the screen showed him leaping between branches, narrowly avoiding the serpent’s lunges.

The Elf King attempted to refocus the discussion, only to be interrupted again as Kagan shouted, “Whoa! That was too close! Note to self: serpents don’t like jokes about their weight!”

The council members exchanged amused but frustrated glances, trying their best to concentrate despite the interruptions. Vold remained stoic for the most part, but as Kagan’s voice once again boomed through the chamber – “Hey, does anyone know if serpents are ticklish?” – her patience finally snapped.

“Kagan! Enough!” Vold’s voice thundered, her usual composure breaking for a moment. She gathered her thoughts and spoke "Please continue."

The meeting progressed, with each leader contributing their expertise to the plan. Suddenly, the sound of commotion outside the hall drew their attention. A group of climbers, battered and weary, had returned from a reconnaissance mission.

“We encountered Hellhounds in the eastern ridge,” one climber reported, his armor bearing the marks of battle. “They’re vicious, more so than any we’ve seen.”

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“Hellhounds, Ember Wyrms...this floor is a beastmaster’s nightmare,” Alexandur mused, his gaze returning to the map.

The Elf King stood, his voice resonant in the chamber. “This is more than a battle; it’s a war for the heart of this world. Every race, every climber has a part to play.”

The chamber fell silent for a moment, each leader contemplating the weight of their endeavor. Suddenly, the silence was broken by a distant commotion – the sound of Kagan, once again inadvertently stealing the scene. Through the open window, his voice carried from the direction of the dark elf enclave.

“...and if one more serpent tries to give me a hug, I’m starting a reptile zoo!” Kagan’s exasperated yet humorous shout reminded everyone of the lighter side of their grim task.

Alexandur studied the map, his brow furrowed. “It seems every creature in the Crimson Wastes is a deadly challenge.”

As they discussed further, a distant ruckus interrupted them, drawing a round of raised eyebrows. It was Kagan, and this time, his usually confident tone was edged with panic. His voice carried through the open windows of the council hall, “Why did it have to be bugs?!”

Through the magical screen, they saw Kagan battling not just the world serpent, but a swarm of grotesque insects it had unleashed. His expression was one of sheer terror as he frantically cast spells, trying to keep the bugs at bay. “Vold, I hate bugs! This is the worst training ever!”

The council members couldn’t help but chuckle, the absurdity of the situation momentarily lightening the mood. Vold, appearing slightly embarrassed yet amused, reassured them, “He’ll be fine. This is part of his training.”

The Elf King cleared his throat, bringing the focus back to their mission. “We must be prepared for all manner of beasts in the Crimson Wastes. Let us finalize our strategy.”

The meeting continued, with leaders mapping out detailed plans for each phase of the siege. But Vold did something that alleviated some tension.

Vold announced that she would be helping with the fight on the eight floor.

Kagan’s expression shifted from one of weary resignation to hopeful relief. He leaned towards the magical projection device, his eyes brightening. “Does this mean I get a break from serpent wrestling and bug squashing? Because I have to tell you, my bug squashing skills are seriously underdeveloped.”

Before Kagan could revel in his anticipated freedom, Vold dropped her bombshell. “Your training will continue under Mamor's supervision,” she stated, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

The screen panned to reveal Mamor, a dark elf known for his unforgiving training methods and a smile that could send shivers down the bravest climber’s spine. Kagan, trying to salvage the situation with his trademark humor, nudged Mamor playfully. “Hey, Mamor, about that cookie incident... we’re good, right? Best buddies?”

Mamor’s smile didn’t waver, but his eyes gleamed with a mischievous, almost demonic light. “Oh, we’re going to have so much fun, Kagan,” he said, the ominous tone of his voice belying his words. “I’ve planned a special training session just for you.”

Kagan’s smile faltered as he processed Mamor’s words. “Wait, that’s not the ‘fun’ I signed up for!” But before he could protest further, a powerful gust sent him hurtling off the branch, his yells of “Not again! Why always the high places?!” echoing through the hall.

The meeting concluded for the day and the preparations would take a week or two to be completed. The attack on the 8th would be an interesting one for sure.