Shadows dominated the vast cavern. Black rocks formed its walls, while a dark fluid dripped from the ceiling. Countless paths wound away from the main corridor, each promising a mysterious end. The dim light concealed the secrets of this underground labyrinth, challenging the brave to explore its uncharted depths.
From the grand passage, green particles emerged, breaking the darkness. They formed a whirlpool, materializing carriages guarded by an army of black knights. The scene, once still, sprang to life with this unexpected and supernatural appearance.
"At last, we have arrived. Go with Adam and prepare the children for the trial," said Aldric.
"As you wish, Lord Aldric," Lanira's enchanting voice filled the air. She turned gracefully, moving with fluid elegance towards the carriage door, ready to depart.
Upon exiting, Lanira saw the various carriages and the unconscious children within them. "It's time to see what each of them is made of," Lanira said, amused by what was to come.
"Mmph, entertaining oneself with mundane things makes no sense," Adam said disdainfully. "An insect like you cannot grasp and enjoy the pleasures life offers, though I believe I know what will catch your attention," Lanira replied with a playful tone.
"What do you mean, Lanira?" Adam asked, his voice tinged with doubt and brief clicks.
"Oh, I propose a game that might interest you," Lanira said seductively.
"I don't want to waste my time with your deceptions," Adam replied coldly; his voice was a rasping whisper.
"Oh, it saddens me that you think so of me, but I'm sure you'd like to place a bet regarding the distribution of the reward," Lanira said confidently.
"What's the trick?" Adam asked, puzzled.
"There's no trick this time. I only want to make a bet, and the winner will take the entire reward of the other," Lanira said persuasively.
"Mmph, and what are the conditions?" Adam asked, intrigued.
"Choose five children out of the two hundred thirty-four in the carriages. The one who goes the furthest with one of the five will win. Are you daring?" Lanira said intimidatingly.
"You're insane! The chance that at least one of them will be the one to go the furthest among all the children is less than three percent. It's a gamble," Adam said angrily, ending with a sharp, loud click.
"Ha ha, that's what makes it interesting. Besides, it's possible you might win. You just need to choose wisely. This time there are no tricks. Just imagine winning my share of the reward. All you could do with it," Lanira said persuasively.
"Alright, I'm interested in this deal. There's no way you'll fool me," Adam said with a confident tone and continuous clicks.
"Get the children out of the cages and line them up for the trial," Adam commanded with a clamor that was both chirping and rasping. He awaited the results. At his command, the riders dismounted. Metal plates echoed through the cavern. The army, methodically, freed the children from their cages. The air was filled with echoes of locks and footsteps as the children emerged, one by one, from the open cages.
A strong headache and a buzzing in his ears were the first things Eric felt when he woke up. He tried to open his eyes and saw the unconscious children in the carriage. The buzzing ceased. Metal plates clanged, approaching. The children woke up startled. Black knights opened the cages, pulling the children out without hesitation. Cries and sobs filled the air. Useless struggles against unyielding steel. Eric took in the scene. Impassive, the knights executed their task with icy precision, indifferent to the surrounding pain.
When a knight grabbed Eric's arm, he felt a strong grip that prevented him from even moving away. The knight's hand was like an iron claw, and Eric noticed his fingers digging into his skin like talons. What caught Eric's attention was that, looking through the gaps in the knight's helmet, a faint green flame flickered, like a flame burning in his soul.
The knight looked at him with cold, calculating eyes, as if studying a piece of game. Eric felt vulnerable and exposed, like a cornered animal. This unsettled Eric, but before he could think further, the knight threw him to another. This second knight grabbed him and pulled him to where the other children were gathering.
Upon arrival, the knight pushed him, and Eric collided with the children already there. He looked around and noticed that the knights had formed a protective circle between the shadowy passage and a labyrinthine area with many rocky paths, some connected by natural stone arches, others fading into the horizon like open arms.
Eric wondered if it would be a good idea to run towards one of the many paths; perhaps he could survive what was coming, but he didn't know what awaited him there. So he decided to wait and see what would happen, or at least watch someone daring enough to approach. He had no desire for any being to kill him in one of those paths.
After a while, the last child arrived. Everyone was tense and fearful of what would happen next. A female voice broke the silence. "You've been waiting in those carriages for quite some time, but it's finally time to decide your fate. You have two options: die here or enter the dark labyrinth. Those who manage to traverse it will have the honor of joining our Tower of Eternal Night. Let the game begin." Lanira's voice resonated, threatening and full of promises. Everyone fell into a deep silence, filled with fear and despair.