Ash stirred awake, stretching his arms lazily as he yawned, the peaceful ambiance of the morning soothing his restless mind. The events of the previous days had weighed on him, but for the first time in a while, he felt refreshed. Sliding out of bed, he padded over to the window, pulling back the heavy curtains.
Warm sunlight spilled into the room, casting a golden glow over everything it touched. The light fell on his face, and he closed his eyes, basking in its gentle warmth. For a moment, he simply stood there, letting the rays soothe his weary body. A faint smile crept onto his lips as he savored the rare moment of tranquility.
After a refreshing bath, where the cool water invigorated his senses, Ash dressed and stepped out of his room. As he opened the door, he noticed a knight and a maid stationed outside. They straightened immediately upon seeing him.
Raising an eyebrow, Ash gave them a cursory glance but said nothing. They're just doing their duty, he thought, though the constant presence of others shadowing him was starting to grate on his nerves.
Descending the stairs, he made his way to the inn's dining area. The space was grand, reminiscent of a high-end restaurant. Polished wood tables, plush chairs, and golden chandeliers spoke of the inn's luxury. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats wafted through the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation.
Ash ate his breakfast in silence, savoring the well-prepared meal. The buttery softness of the bread, the perfectly seasoned meat, and the fragrant herbal tea left him feeling content.
Once he finished, he stepped out of the inn, his boots crunching softly on the cobblestone streets. The city buzzed with activity—merchants haggling with customers, street performers entertaining crowds, and carriages clattering past.
But Ash's moment of solitude was short-lived. Behind him, a line of knights and maids followed closely, their formation precise and their expressions resolute.
He stopped abruptly, turning to face them. "I'm just taking a stroll," he said, irritation creeping into his voice. "There's no need for the carriage."
The group exchanged uneasy glances but didn't move. It was clear they wouldn't leave him unattended. Ash sighed, realizing there was no point in arguing. They're like ducklings following their mother, he thought with a wry smile.
Accepting their presence as inevitable, he continued his walk, exploring the lively streets of Libel City. The city was vibrant and bustling, filled with people of all kinds. After about an hour of wandering, he noticed something peculiar. Many of the individuals around him carried weapons—swords, spears, and even magical artifacts. Their auras radiated strength, and their movements were disciplined.
Curiosity piqued, Ash approached a local vendor selling fruit. "This place seems full of adventurers and strong individuals. What's going on?"
The vendor, an elderly man with a kind face, looked up from his wares. "Ah, you must be new to Libel City, young lord. Most of these folks are here because of the labyrinth just outside the city."
"The labyrinth?" Ash asked, his interest growing.
The vendor nodded. "Aye, it's a massive underground maze—a place that draws adventurers from all over. People venture in to hunt monsters, gather rare herbs, mine crystals, and harvest mana stones. But it's no easy feat. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it becomes."
Ash leaned against the stall, intrigued. "How many floors have been cleared so far?"
"Twenty-four," the man replied. "But it's been years since anyone made significant progress. The labyrinth is unpredictable—no clear paths, endless waves of monsters. It's said to be a place of despair for most."
Ash's mind raced. He had read about labyrinths before, underground towers with endless challenges. The concept fascinated him, but the vendor's next words sent a shiver down his spine.
"They say the monsters inside don't leave the labyrinth. They remain confined within, as if it's a prison of sorts. No one knows what's at the end. Some believe it holds a god's power, or perhaps a divine weapon. Others think it's simply a curse meant to trap the creatures."
Ash's gaze hardened. "And yet people still go there?"
"Of course," the vendor said with a chuckle. "Despite the danger, the rewards are worth it. The herbs and mana stones you can find there fetch high prices. And for some, the allure of uncovering the labyrinth's secrets is too tempting to resist."
Ash thanked the vendor and continued his walk, his thoughts consumed by what he had learned. A labyrinth that doesn't threaten the outside world… Is it really a prison? Or something else entirely?
His musings were interrupted by a loud crash from a nearby alley. Curious, he turned to see a group of adventurers arguing over a pile of loot. Their voices were raised, their tempers flaring.
Ash shook his head. Humans truly are the most dangerous species, he thought. Monsters could be fought with skill and strategy, but human greed was an entirely different beast.
He stopped at a quiet corner, leaning against a wall. If the labyrinth is truly a prison... what could be so dangerous that it needs to be sealed away? And who built it?
The knights trailing behind him stood at a respectful distance, their watchful eyes scanning the surroundings. Ash glanced at them, his expression unreadable. For now, I have bigger issues to deal with. But someday, I'll have to explore that place. There's something about it that feels… off.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Ash turned back toward the inn. His first step into the labyrinth would have to wait. For now, he needed to prepare—not just for the dangers of the maze, but for the intricate web of schemes and betrayals that awaited him in this world.
But one thing was clear: the labyrinth was no mere dungeon. It was a test, a trap, and perhaps the key to unlocking the secrets of this world.