Theos moved through the labyrinthine corridors of the second stage with a quiet determination, each step measured and cautious. The deeper he ventured, the air grew thicker, pressing down like an invisible weight. Beasts had been relentless in earlier stages, each more horrifying than the last, but this—this was something different. The walls of the maze seemed alive, shifting imperceptibly, their angles and paths subtly rearranging as though to trap him. His senses remained razor-sharp, his every nerve on edge, bracing for the inevitable threat.
And then he saw it.
At first, Theos thought it was another illusion—a cruel trick of the labyrinth. But as he drew closer, his breath hitched. In the heart of the maze stood a creature that defied reason. Towering and grotesque, it was a nightmarish amalgamation of muscle and bone, its jagged armor gleaming like shards of polished obsidian. Spines jutted from its back in chaotic rows, and its glowing yellow eyes burned with a cold, malignant intensity. Theos felt the force of its gaze like a physical blow, sharp and invasive, as though it sought to unravel him piece by piece.
This was no ordinary monster. Legends spoke of creatures like this—beings too powerful for mortal hands to defeat. Warriors who encountered such abominations seldom returned, their stories only whispers of despair. Yet here it was, bound in place by chains that thrummed with a dark, otherworldly energy.
As Theos edged closer, he could see the chains weren't merely holding the creature down—they were feeding on it, siphoning its power and anchoring it to the labyrinth. The air crackled around the beast, a volatile mix of fury and pain. Its gaze fixed on Theos, unblinking, and for a moment, he felt as though the creature was peering directly into his soul, dissecting his fears, his doubts, and even his determination.
Theos swallowed hard, his heart pounding. Though restrained, the creature radiated power—raw, oppressive, and unyielding. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but something deeper kept him rooted in place. This was more than a test of strength. This creature, trapped in torment, was a warning. A mirror of the labyrinth's true purpose: to break those who dared to challenge it.
A guttural growl rumbled from the beast, low and mournful, reverberating through the stone walls. The sound wasn't just rage—it was pain, sorrow, and something almost akin to longing. Theos's breath caught as understanding struck him. The beast wasn't merely a monster. It was a victim—its immense power the very thing that had condemned it to this torment.
Theos stepped back, his thoughts racing. To fight this creature was suicide, but to ignore its plight entirely felt like a betrayal of something he couldn't quite name. Not now, he thought. There's nothing I can do for it yet.
He tore his gaze away from the beast and pressed onward, his resolve hardening. The labyrinth's challenges weren't simply tests of strength or cunning. They demanded something more: empathy, understanding, and the ability to see beyond what lay on the surface. He carried the image of the creature with him, a reminder of what power without freedom truly looked like.
Further down the twisting corridors, Theos's keen eyes caught movement ahead. Two figures emerged, their presence unmistakable. One was tall and broad, a greatsword strapped across his back—a weapon as imposing as its wielder. The other, leaner but no less dangerous, carried a longsword that gleamed with meticulous care. Their equipment spoke volumes; these weren't mere aspirants—they were competitors to be reckoned with.
Theos approached cautiously, his demeanor calm but guarded. The two students turned to face him, their gazes appraising but not immediately hostile.
"Hello," Theos greeted, his tone light and confident. "Didn't expect to see anyone this far in so soon. Guess you've had a busy time." He added a faint smirk, masking his wariness.
The greatsword-wielder stepped forward, his expression friendly yet firm. "Name's Amgis," he said, extending a hand. "And this here is Clay." He gestured toward the silent longsword user, whose sharp eyes flicked over Theos, calculating and cool.
Theos clasped Amgis's hand, noting the sheer strength behind the gesture. "Theos," he replied evenly. Clay gave a small nod but said nothing, his focus unwavering.
"So, how's the second stage treating you?" Amgis asked, his tone casual but laced with exhaustion. "Been rougher than I expected."
Theos shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "Same as everyone else, I suppose. Just taking it one step at a time. What about you two?"
Amgis grinned, some of his weariness giving way to pride. "Took down a level 3 beast not long ago. Damn near cost me everything, but here I am."
Theos raised an eyebrow, feigning interest. "Level 3? Impressive." His tone remained calm, even as his mind raced. Sharing his real strategy—avoiding direct combat whenever possible—wasn't an option. Appearances mattered, and projecting strength was key.
"Yeah," Amgis said with a laugh, patting the hilt of his greatsword. "Lucky to be alive, honestly."
Clay finally spoke, his voice sharp and deliberate. "A level 3, huh? Seems the labyrinth's pulling out all the stops."
Theos met Clay's gaze, unflinching. "I ran into one too," he said smoothly. "Close call, but I managed." The lie came effortlessly, a necessary armor against their scrutiny.
Amgis let out a low whistle. "Didn't think I'd meet someone else who pulled that off. Guess we're in good company."
Clay's eyes lingered on Theos for a beat longer, as though probing for cracks in his story. "Looks like this stage is separating the weak from the strong," he said, his tone neutral but weighted.
The conversation shifted as the three began walking together, sharing surface-level stories of their trials so far. Theos listened more than he spoke, careful to reveal little about himself. Amgis's boisterous recounting of his fight with the level 3 creature filled the silence, while Clay's occasional interjections betrayed a sharp, analytical mind.
At a fork in the path, Amgis paused, turning to Theos. "You know, you could stick with us. Safety in numbers and all that. What do you say?"
Theos considered the offer. Traveling with them might provide temporary security, but it could just as easily put him in a precarious position later. After a moment, he nodded. "For now, that sounds good. Let's keep moving."
The three pressed on, their footsteps echoing softly in the labyrinth. Theos remained vigilant, his mind turning over every detail of their interaction. Allies for now, he thought. But in this trial, even friends can become enemies.
4o