The faint glow of Orario's surface was a distant memory as Maki and Scathach descended deeper into the Dungeon. The 39th floor greeted them with an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional groan of shifting stone. The deeper they ventured, the more the air itself seemed to weigh on them—a subtle warning from the Dungeon that they were unwelcome intruders.
Maki had learned to ignore it. Fear and doubt were tools her enemies could use against her, and she wouldn't give them the satisfaction. Scathach's calm presence beside her was a steadying force, though she noticed that even the Queen of Shadows seemed more cautious in these depths.
"This place is alive," Maki murmured, her cursed energy flowing subtly through her spear.
"Alive and aware," Scathach confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Dungeon reacts to its challengers. It learns. Be ready for anything."
As they moved, the faint pulse of energy Maki had felt on the 37th floor returned, stronger now. It was like a faint heartbeat, an echo of something ancient and powerful. She didn't mention it aloud, but her instincts told her they were being led—guided to something the Dungeon wanted them to see.
They entered a vast chamber, its walls scorched black as though consumed by fire. The air shimmered with heat, and the acrid scent of smoke lingered. At the chamber's center stood a gateway, formed of jagged obsidian and wreathed in flickering flames.
Maki stepped closer, her cursed energy crackling in response to the oppressive aura. "What is this?"
Scathach studied the gateway, her eyes narrowing. "A fracture in the fabric of this world. It seems the Dungeon has connected to another realm."
Maki glanced at her, brow furrowed. "Another realm? Like a portal?"
Scathach nodded. "Precisely. But this isn't random. The Dungeon seeks to test you, Maki. It draws on your soul's ties to other places, other times."
Before Maki could respond, the flames surged, and the air was filled with the sound of distant screams. She stiffened as a wave of heat washed over her, bringing with it the smell of burning flesh and the metallic tang of blood.
A single image burned in her mind: the city of Fuyuki, consumed by fire.
"No…" Maki whispered, her voice trembling.
The gateway pulsed, and a figure stepped through. It was a young man, clad in crimson armor, his face twisted in a grimace of determination. In his hand, he held a crimson blade that radiated overwhelming power.
Scathach's eyes narrowed. "A Servant."
The man's gaze locked onto Maki, and for a moment, his expression softened. "You shouldn't be here," he said, his voice layered with weariness. "This is a battlefield you're not meant to witness."
Maki raised her spear, her grip firm despite the trembling in her chest. "I don't know who you are, but I'm not turning back. If this is part of the Dungeon's test, then I'll pass it."
The Servant tilted his head, a flicker of sorrow crossing his features. "You don't understand. This fire consumes everything. If you step into it, you'll lose yourself."
Maki's eyes burned with determination. "I've lost plenty already. I'm not afraid of a little fire."
Without warning, the Servant lunged, his blade slicing through the air with impossible speed. Maki barely managed to parry, the force of the strike sending her skidding back. The heat from his weapon was overwhelming, but she refused to falter.
"You're strong," the Servant said, his voice carrying a note of regret. "But strength alone won't save you here."
Maki smirked, her cursed energy flaring. "Good thing I've got more than just strength."
She countered with a series of rapid strikes, her spear moving like a blur. The Servant blocked each one, his movements fluid and precise. They clashed in a dance of fire and steel, neither gaining the upper hand.
Scathach watched from the sidelines, her expression unreadable. "This is your crucible, Maki. Show me your resolve."
The battle raged on, each strike shaking the chamber. Maki's cursed energy clashed against the Servant's fiery aura, creating shockwaves that threatened to collapse the room. Yet despite her skill and determination, she couldn't ignore the toll it was taking on her body. The Servant's power was overwhelming, and his attacks carried a weight of inevitability.
Finally, he broke through her guard, his blade stopping inches from her neck. Maki froze, her chest heaving as sweat dripped from her brow.
"Enough," the Servant said, his voice filled with sorrow. "I don't want to destroy you. This isn't your fight."
Maki glared at him, her defiance unwavering. "If it's in my way, it's my fight. I won't back down."
The Servant hesitated, his expression pained. "You remind me of someone… someone I failed to save. But this path you're on—it leads to ruin."
The flames around the gateway flared, and another vision filled Maki's mind. She saw Scathach, standing amidst a battlefield littered with gods and monsters. At her side was Maki, their bond unbroken despite the chaos. Yet the vision shifted, showing a future where Maki stood alone, her spear broken and her body bloodied.
"A choice awaits you," the Servant said. "Will you pursue strength at all costs, or will you find another way?"
Maki stepped back, lowering her spear. Her gaze met the Servant's, and for the first time, she saw the pain behind his eyes. "I don't know what the future holds," she admitted, her voice steady. "But I'll fight for it anyway. I won't let fear decide for me."
The Servant smiled faintly, his form beginning to waver. "Perhaps you'll succeed where I failed. Go, then. Face the fire and emerge stronger."
With those words, he dissolved into light, the flames of the gateway receding. The chamber fell silent, leaving only the faint pulse of energy that had guided them here.
Scathach approached, her expression softening. "You've passed this trial, but the road ahead will only grow more treacherous. Are you ready, Maki?"
Maki grinned, her confidence renewed. "Always."
Together, they stepped through the gateway, the flames parting to reveal the next stage of their journey.