The sound of footsteps echoed through the stone hallway as Sophia moved forward, her breathing controlled and her mind focused. The second test of the Aren was about to begin, and the rumors she had heard in the corridors only increased her tension. There was talk of an ancient labyrinth, a test of wits, strength, and above all, endurance.
When Sophia arrived at the meeting point, she found the other candidates gathered around an imposing gate made of dark iron, decorated with intricate carvings of demonic creatures. Elara was leaning against the wall, her expression impenetrable; Calantha was studying the gate with a mix of curiosity and disdain; Xanthe was lost in thought, murmuring a low tune that only she seemed to understand; and Lysandra was watching the scene with cold, calculating eyes, as if already planning her next moves.
The Demon King, Kael, appeared out of nowhere, his imposing presence enveloping everyone present. His voice echoed through the air with the force of a storm.
—Welcome to the second test of the Aren —Kael said, his red eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and authority. "Today, you must face the Shadow Labyrinth, an ancient construct that will test not only your physical and magical skills, but also your will and your ability to work under pressure."
Sophia felt a surge of electricity run down her spine. The Demon King was watching them, judging them, and the weight of that gaze was not easy to bear. She knew that this test was not just a matter of survival; it was a chance to stand out, to show the King that she was worthy of being at his side.
—The labyrinth is not what it seems —Kael continued —Their paths shift, twist, and adapt to their deepest fears. Only those strong enough in mind and spirit will reach the center and emerge alive. Not everyone will make it.
With those words, Kael gestured, and the iron gate swung open with a chilling creak, revealing a dark, ominous entrance. One by one, the candidates began to enter the labyrinth. Sophia was the last to pass through, feeling the weight of the shadows closing in around her.
The first stretch of the labyrinth was shrouded in an almost palpable darkness. Sophia lit a small silver light in the palm of her hand, enough to illuminate the path as she moved forward. The walls, made of a black stone that absorbed the light, seemed to move, as if they were alive. Each step echoed in the silence, amplified by the strange acoustics of the place.
As she went deeper into the labyrinth, Sophia realized that the shadows were playing tricks on her mind. Every now and then, she saw familiar figures in the gloom, faces of those she had lost in her previous life, whispering to her things she did not want to hear. But she forced herself to keep going, knowing that stopping would be fatal.
It wasn't long before Sophia came to a fork in the road. Three paths opened before her, each shrouded in dark mist. Xanthe had spoken of labyrinths in her training: a wrong choice could lead to a deadly trap. However, Sophia had no time for doubt. Remembering Belthar's advice, she decided on the right path, trusting her intuition.
The path she chose narrowed as she continued forward, and soon Sophia found herself in a small, circular chamber. In the center, a hooded figure stood, surrounded by arcane symbols that emitted a bluish light. Sophia felt the air grow heavier, as if she were being watched by an ancient and powerful presence.
The figure raised its head, and Sophia recognized Lysandra. The Moon Sorceress had arrived before her. However, there was no sign of hostility in Lysandra's eyes; rather, they seemed filled with an eerie calm.
—Sophia —Lysandra said, her voice low and melodious. —. I didn't expect to find you here so soon .
Sophia didn't let her guard down, but she didn't attack either. She knew that any rash action could be her downfall.
—The labyrinth is designed to divide and weaken us —continued Lysandra —. But there is a way through it… if we work together.
Sophia's natural distrust was aroused. Could she really trust Lysandra? Until now, the Moon Sorceress had maintained a distant attitude, not showing much interest in the other candidates.
—And why should I trust you? —Sophia asked, measuring her words carefully.
Lysandra stepped forward, allowing the blue light to illuminate her face.
—Because I'm not here to compete for the Demon King's favor, Sophia. My goal is different, and it doesn't affect you directly. But if we help each other, we can both get out of this labyrinth alive.
Sophia assessed the situation. There was something in Lysandra's voice, something that seemed sincere. Although every fiber of her being told her to be wary, she also knew that facing the labyrinth alone would be far more dangerous.
—What do you propose? —he finally asked.
Lysandra smiled, a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
—I know this place better than you think. If we follow my path, we will avoid the worst traps. You and I have complementary powers, and together we can overcome any obstacle. Besides, a temporary alliance does not mean that we are united forever.
Sophia nodded slowly. A temporary alliance, perhaps, was her best option. Of all the candidates, Lysandra was the most unpredictable, and a potential ally might be more useful alive than dead.
—OK —said Sophia —. But if you try to betray me…
—I won't do it —Lysandra replied, her tone firm. —. But the same goes for you.
The two young demons looked at each other for a moment, sealing the agreement without the need for further words. Together, they began to advance deeper into the labyrinth, aware that the true test was yet to come.