The evil smirk on the face of the man in front of them sent chills down their spines.
"If this man is the same person who built this place, then we're in for something big," Gem and Dem thought, but Zain just stared blankly.
The bald man's words were dripping with malice as he started speaking. "Don't be too afraid though, you are going to be fine for this first trial. I've been watching you for a while, and I know your capabilities."
"The worst that can happen in the first trial is that you lose a limb or two. The best that can happen is that you survive so you can die on the second trial," the bald man continued.
"First trial, I don't get it, we came here for a book and a treasure, not to do some impossible trial and die. Please, if you can kindly give it to us, we aren't interested in your trial," Zain tried to convince the menacing stranger.
"Although he did come here for the book and the item that is said to be attached to it was why he left the village in the first place, but due to how the man in front of them just wants them to die... is making him lose interest."
"You already stepped in here, there's no going back. If you think you can return back without my help, then I'll watch you try."
"Your fate has been sealed, the trial is a must, whether you like it or not."
"Hmm, poetic," the bald man said as fogs started forming from thin air towards him. "It is a Labyrinthine trail in case you want to know, I'll be waiting for your dead body," he concluded as the fogs completely consumed him before disappearing. The trio couldn't do anything other than watch him disappear.
"He said we have five minutes to brace ourselves, but he spent it all talking to us."
*Rumble* *Rumble*
"It felt like an earthquake was coming as the whole ground beneath them was shaking rapidly," Gem observed. "Wha... wha... What's that?"
When they all jumped through the door, they were all positive that behind them was a wall, but that isn't the case right now. It felt like... No... They were currently in the middle of the nearly endless tunnel, and behind them, in a distance away, countless red glowing eyes could be seen coming from behind.
Behind them was a horde of gigantic rat beasts. Not the newly born beasts from before, it is the real deal.
As the horde of gigantic rat beasts closed in on them, Gem, Dem, and Zain panicked. Their hearts pounded in their chests, they looked at each other, their eyes filled with equal parts terror.
Dem, usually the calm and composed one, shouted frantically, "What do we do? How do we fight these things?"
Zain, always quick-witted, replied with a nervous chuckle, "Well, considering we didn't bring any cheese, I don't think we can negotiate our way out!"
Dem, known for his brute strength, clenched his fists and exclaimed, "No time for jokes, Zain! We need a plan!"
Suddenly, a mischievous glint appeared in Zain's eyes. "I have an idea, but it's a bit risky. Bear with me, guys!"
"Just say it and be quick!" Dem demanded.
"We have to run!"
The three of them darted instantly. Running for their lives was the only option they had.
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! I want my mommiiiiiiiiieee!" Zain screamed with tears running down his face. "If I knew that things would turn out like this, I wouldn't have left home in the first place."
"Shut up!" Dem and Gem echoed.
Dem started. "Listen, guys, due to my observations, I noticed that...."
"Arrrghhhhhhhhh! I don't wanna hear it, I don't wanna hear it, I don't wanna hear your stupid observations, it's not going to help us one bit. We are running in a maze with giant rats, we don't even know where we are, the gigantic rats that are even taller than us even when it's on all fours, are making the situation even worse," Zain screamed, tears streaming down his face.
Unlike the beasts they fought earlier, these beasts weren't like them. These beasts were rats though, but were bigger than what they fought tenfold. Those rats they fought earlier, they were only able to defeat it because it was a newborn rat.
Classifying beasts as something that is meant to be defeated by mages alone wasn't underestimation of human power, it is just what is meant to be.
Even upon how fierce the other beasts they fought earlier may seem, the strength between them and a single rat from the horde chasing them now was like the comparison of a newborn baby to an adult. As Zain continued to sob and complain, Gem and Dem exchanged exasperated glances.
"Zain... ARE YOU CRAZY? LOOK WHO KEEPS BRAGGING ABOUT BEING OUR LEADER, THE ONE WHO HAS THE TIP OF HIS HAIR GREEN SCREAMING MUMMY!" Gem barked. "You are supposed to be a father in two days time, how will you feel if your dad screamed mummy when he sees a rat in the kitchen, Zain, tell me."
With a sobbing voice, Zain replied. "Firstly, these aren't rats you'll see in the kitchen, and second, I never saw my dad for more than ten years now, so I wouldn't know how I'll feel."
Dem, who was usually level-headed, couldn't help but crack a smile. "You know, Zain, crying isn't going to save us. Unless you want to offer up your tears as a peace offering to the rats, I suggest you save your energy for running."
Zain sniffled and wiped his tears with the back of his hand before turning to the path by the left. "Fine, fine, I'll stop crying. But just remember, when we finally make it out of here, I'm going to demand a big bowl of cheese as compensation for this traumatic experience!"
As they sprinted through the labyrinthine tunnel, they had to dodge obstacles and make split-second decisions to avoid the rats' razor-sharp teeth. With each close call, the tension mounted, but Gem managed to find a silver lining in the chaos.
Zain, still running with tears streaming down his face, couldn't help but join in on the humor. "I can see it now: 'Skilled in rat evasion and cheese negotiation.' I'll be the most sought-after employee in the world!"
The silliness of their conversation in the face of danger somehow lightened the atmosphere, even if momentarily. They realized that finding humor in the midst of chaos was their way of coping and keeping their spirits up.
And yes, they increased the gap between them and the beasts.
As they continued to navigate the maze, Gem suddenly tripped, sending them all sprawling onto the ground. "Ouch! I've twisted my ankle!" Gem winced in pain.
Dem rushed to help their fallen comrade, a mix of concern on their face. "No worries, Gem. Zain and I will cover for you. We'll find a way to distract those rats while you catch your breath."
Zain, who had momentarily forgotten his fear, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Gem, take all the time you need. We've got your back. Besides, it's about time I put one of my brilliant observations to use."
Gem nodded with cold sweat running down his face then watch Zain as he continued.
"Alright, listen up! I've noticed that rats in general don't like loud noises, it scares them off. So Dem, pull off your metal helmet. We're going to make some music and give these giant rodents a taste of our 'rat-tling' skills!"
Dem gave Zain a skeptical look but played along, realizing that they had to try something.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
A smile appeared on his face as he smashed them both together, but the smile didn't last long.