As Ryan and Wayde embarked on the chosen path, an air of anticipation hung heavy around them. Yet, their expectations were abruptly shattered when the maze responded with an unexpected twist. The very ground beneath them quivered, and, to their astonishment, an imposing wall materialised behind them, sealing off any retreat.
Wayde's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and mounting unease clouding his expression.
He had ventured deep into the maze more times than he could count.
He also had the records of those who had attempted the trial before him.
And never had the maze erected a wall so suddenly.
Retreat or an alternate route was no longer an option; they were now ensnared in the labyrinth's clutches with only one path forward.
The sudden turn of events injected a surge of anxiety into Wayde's veins. The direness of their situation became glaringly apparent, and the weight of having no way out pressed on him.
Ryan, too, felt the gravity of their predicament.
'I knew things were going too well,' he thought to himself, with the maze walls, imposing and unyielding, reminding him of their entrapment.
Yet, within the boundaries of their chosen path, a glimmer of determination sparked in their eyes.
Perhaps they had progressed to the next stage of the maze.
Maybe they were nearing the...
Just thinking about it caused Wayde to shake with anticipation.
However, as they advanced, they both suddenly felt danger heading their way in the form of numerous unknown entities.
Wayde's unease instantly escalated, his frustration and apprehension spilling into words as he questioned the validity of the chosen path.
"Is this the right way?" Wayde's voice, filled with mounting frustration, demanded certainty from Ryan.
Ryan's confidence wavered, his eyes scanning the daunting path before them. "I'm pretty sure..." he hesitated, a trace of uncertainty creeping into his voice.
Wayde, his patience worn thin, erupted with volatile emotions. He lunged forward, seizing Ryan by the collar, his rage threatening to explode. "If you get me killed here!" he bellowed, his grip tightening with each word.
In response, Ryan didn't yield. "Calm down and back off!" he retorted, a flash of defiance in his eyes as he shoved the deranged mage away from him.
Their heated argument echoed through the labyrinth's corridors, as both prepared for the worst. But they quickly realised that their clash was nothing but a futile diversion from the true challenge awaiting them.
And so they settled down...
-
A chilling silence descended, broken only by the approaching footsteps and thudding of imminent danger. Each of their steps shook the maze itself, and time seemed to halt for Ryan and Wayde, as the footsteps rapidly grew louder.
Turning the corner in unison, the creatures revealed themselves - lifeless bodies crafted from ancient stone, with shining green eyes fixated on Ryan and Wayde.
'Golems!' they exclaimed internally.
Both mages felt a wave of unease, knowing they were about to face seemingly invincible adversaries, with Ryan only ever reading about such entities in novels.
Yet, a surge of awe mingled with their trepidation.
The synchronised movements of the golems reminded them of the mastermind behind the maze and the entire trial's creation – the Great One, Odus.
Admiration for the trial's design intertwined with the awareness of the immense power required to devise such challenges.
Now, on the precipice of confrontation, the time for infighting had ended.
Unity and cooperation became paramount for their survival.
And so Wayde and Ryan prepared for the impending clash...
-
As the golems approached, Wayde swiftly took charge, instructing Ryan on their strategy. The towering stone figures loomed, each standing several meters tall, their lifeless yet formidable presence commanding attention.
"Attack them from a distance, and I'll support you," Wayde directed, his voice unwavering. "Physical attacks are practically useless, so if you've got anything else, now's the time to use it."
Ryan scratched his head, his wry smile revealing limited options. The Mana Beam, a basic energy output magic, was the extent of his arsenal – far from a guaranteed solution against these formidable foes.
Frustration and curiosity mingled on Wayde's face as he wondered how Ryan had made it this far. "Just act as a distraction, and don't get in my way," he ordered.
Although Ryan didn't appreciate his tone, he agreed to do as he said with a nod, before channelling mana throughout his body, energising every muscle. Bursting forward, he closed the distance to the five towering golems in an instant.
Their sudden movements in response to Ryan suggested an unnatural semblance of life within their ancient stone forms.
It was something that Wayde noticed and caused him to become even more unnerved.
Meanwhile, testing his strength with a bold punch, Ryan quickly realised its futility against the golem's sturdy exterior. "What kind of rock are these bastards made of?!" he exclaimed, holding his injured fist and backing away.
Undeterred, Ryan continued darting around the golems, using his agility to avoid their slow movements and attempt to damage them. Surprisingly, the golems refrained from direct engagement, instead observing his movements with an unsettling intensity.
On the other hand, observing the unfolding spectacle, Wayde felt an increasing trepidation.
The formidable golems stood as a daunting obstacle in their path, and the more he witnessed, the more fearful he became.