The labyrinth pulsed with life, its ever-shifting walls a chaotic blend of sinew, stone, and bone. Leading the group was Kuro, his body a grotesque and fascinating display of transformation. A multitude of sensory organs covered his form—quivering antennae, compound eyes, sensitive membranes, and protruding auditory structures. They moved independently, scanning the environment with meticulous precision.
Luke followed close behind, the adventivore femur strapped to his back, its reassuring weight a silent promise of potential. Eleanor trailed at the rear, her newly enhanced bow slung across her shoulder, her eyes constantly scanning for threats.
The air around them grew heavier as they delved deeper. The distant hum of the Shifting Bazaar faded, replaced by the rhythmic throb of the labyrinth itself. Luke's mind wandered as they walked, his hand brushing against the femur. A weapon that adapts… It's more than I could have hoped for. But will it be enough?
"How much farther?" Eleanor's voice broke the silence, sharp and clear. Her tone carried a trace of impatience, though her steps remained measured.
Kuro's sensory appendages twitched at the sound, and a pair of eyes on his shoulder swiveled to glance back. "Not far. The Glow Gardens are close, but this section of the labyrinth shifts often. I'm mapping a stable route as we go."
"Convenient," Eleanor muttered. She gestured vaguely at the pulsating walls. "It's like this thing knows we're trying to reach the Abnormal Relic."
"It probably does," Kuro replied, his voice even. His antennae flicked toward a barely perceptible tremor ahead, prompting him to shift their direction slightly. "The labyrinth is reactive. Every step we take changes it, even in small ways. It's alive after all."
Eleanor smirked but didn't respond, her attention shifting to the walls. They had started to change, faint bioluminescent streaks appearing in the flesh-like texture. The colors pulsed faintly, blues and greens blending into one another like ripples on water.
---
They rounded a corner, and the corridor opened into a wider passage. Veins of glowing fungi clung to the walls, their tendrils spreading like intricate webs. Mutated flowers, their petals shimmering with a soft iridescence, jutted out at odd angles. The light they emitted was gentle, casting the path ahead in a calming glow.
Kuro halted, his form solidifying as he turned to the others. "We're on the right track. The Glow Gardens are just ahead, but stay sharp. The labyrinth can shift unexpectedly even this close."
Luke nodded, though he couldn't help but let his guard relax slightly. The atmosphere here was different—less oppressive, more serene. It's beautiful, he thought, marveling at the interplay of light and shadow. The labyrinth felt less like a predator here and more like an artist showing off its finest work.
Eleanor crouched near one of the glowing flowers, her fingers brushing the petals. "These are infused with advent," she remarked. "Harvesting them could be lucrative. Or dangerous."
"More dangerous than lucrative, I'd bet," Luke said. He gestured to the walls. "The labyrinth doesn't seem like it'd appreciate us plucking its decorations."
Kuro gave a quiet hum of agreement. "Best not to disturb them unless necessary. Advent this pure can attract… attention."
---
As they continued, the bioluminescence grew more vibrant, the walls alive with swirling patterns of light. The path widened into a series of overlapping bridges, their surfaces slick and glistening. Below, a chasm stretched into darkness, faint glimmers of light visible far below like stars trapped beneath the earth.
Eleanor whistled softly. "You don't see something like this every day."
Luke peered over the edge, his stomach tightening at the sight. The depth was dizzying, the glow below both inviting and unnerving. How deep does this place go? he wondered. He tightened his grip on the bridge's edge as they crossed, his steps careful.
Kuro's voice broke the silence. "This area doesn't shift as often as others. It's stable… relatively speaking."
"Relatively," Eleanor repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Comforting."
Kuro's eyes shifted, looking forward and scanning the path ahead. He spoke without looking back. "The Glow Gardens are one of the labyrinth's rare semi-stable zones. A sanctuary of sorts. But stability doesn't mean safety. Keep your eyes open."
---
They moved steadily, the group's pace unhurried but deliberate. The glow around them softened, shifting into warmer tones—golds and ambers blending with the blues and greens. The air was rich with the scent of damp earth and a faint metallic tang.
Eleanor broke the silence. "You never said, Kuro—how did you hear about this place?"
Kuro's form flickered as he considered the question. "The Exploration Team told me in the bathhouse before Luke arrived. The labyrinth is vast, but they are sent to map it's shifting layout. The Glow Gardens is rare, a place where advent gathers naturally. Many come looking for it, seeking refuge, few return."
"Sounds promising," Eleanor said dryly. "And you think we'll be the exception?"
Kuro turned, his expression unreadable. "We've made it this far, haven't we?"
---
The path narrowed as they approached what Kuro described as the outskirts of the Glow Gardens. The walls here were more intricate, the glowing fungi and flowers forming patterns that seemed deliberate, almost as if they were guiding the way. The light grew brighter but never harsh, a gentle radiance that felt alive.
Luke glanced at Kuro. "How do you navigate all this? It feels… endless."
Kuro's lips curved into a small smile. "Did you forget already Luke? In the Abnormal Kingdom you adapt to your surroundings. It's not about knowing the way—it's about understanding the flow."
Eleanor tilted her head. "Flow, huh? Sounds cryptic."
"It's not," Kuro replied. "The labyrinth is alive. It reacts to us, meaning it can either cooperate with us or antagonize us. The key is to move with it, not against it."
Luke considered this. Move with it, not against it… Easier said than done.
---
The air grew warmer as they pressed on, the glow around them intensifying. The sound of trickling water reached Luke's ears, faint but distinct. The tension he hadn't realized he was holding began to ease, the tranquility of the surroundings washing over him.
They reached a final bend, the path opening into a vast expanse bathed in light. Though they were still on the outskirts of the Glow Gardens, the sight was breathtaking. Towers of glowing fungi stretched upwards, their tops blending into the walls. Mutated flowers carpeted the ground, their petals shimmering in waves as if responding to an unseen breeze.
Luke stopped, his breath catching. "It's… incredible."
Eleanor stepped forward, her usual sharp demeanor softening as she took in the scene. "I've seen a lot in this place, but nothing like this."
Kuro's gaze remained steady. "And this is just the edge."
The group stood in silence, the glow around them casting their shadows in soft, elongated patterns. For a moment, the labyrinth felt less like a monster and more like a guardian, showing them a glimpse of its hidden beauty.
Luke tightened his grip on the femur, its surface warm against his hand. We've made it this far. Whatever's ahead, we can handle it. All that's left now is to confirm the presence of the Abnormal Relic.
As they prepared to move deeper into the Glow Gardens, the labyrinth seemed to hum around them, its energy a quiet reminder that they were still guests in its domain. The journey was far from over, but for now, they had found a moment of peace.