The looming entrance of the Shadowed Labyrinth was a jagged arch of dark stone, its edges carved with runes faintly glowing in deep crimson. The air surrounding it felt heavy, charged with a foreboding energy that seemed to hum in Jisoo's ears. Beside him, Hana inspected her gear with a calm intensity, her expression betraying none of the unease that hung thick in the atmosphere.
Jisoo adjusted the grip on his basic staff. The wooden surface felt fragile in his hands, a stark reminder of his amateur status in this dangerous world of dungeons and adventurers. Kalix hovered just over his shoulder, his tiny wings producing a low buzz.
"Let's hope the Labyrinth's first trial isn't too cruel," Kalix murmured. His golden eyes flickered toward the dark entrance. "Not that I'd mind if you survived by a thread, master. Keeps things interesting."
Hana ignored the imp's remark, her voice steady. "Stick close, Jisoo. The reports mention disorienting traps. If we lose sight of each other, getting out alive will be the least of our worries."
With a nod, they stepped into the Labyrinth. The moment they crossed the threshold, the world shifted. The faint daylight disappeared, replaced by flickering torchlight. The corridor stretched endlessly ahead, its walls lined with strange, writhing carvings that seemed alive in the flickering shadows.
System Notification: "Dungeon Detected: Shadowed Labyrinth." "Level: 2-4. Objective: Reach the Core."
As they ventured deeper, the labyrinth's tricks became apparent. The pathways twisted unnaturally, bending in impossible ways. At one point, they found themselves back at the entrance despite walking straight ahead for ten minutes.
"It's enchanted," Hana said, frustration creeping into her voice. She knelt to inspect the floor, tracing the faint runes embedded in the stone. "These symbols—they're designed to manipulate perception. If we don't disrupt them, we'll be walking in circles forever."
Jisoo studied the runes, the faint hum of magic tugging at the edges of his consciousness. "I might be able to disrupt them with shadow energy," he offered hesitantly.
Kalix's grin widened. "Now we're talking. Go on, master. Let's see what you can do."
Channeling his mana, Jisoo raised his staff, focusing on the rune closest to him. The smoky tendrils of Shadow Bind emerged, wrapping around the glowing symbol. The light flickered, then dimmed, the magic unraveling in a faint burst of energy. The air shifted, and the corridor ahead seemed clearer.
"It worked," Hana said, standing. "But that was just one. There will be more."
The labyrinth's first significant challenge came in the form of a chamber filled with shifting tiles. Each tile glowed faintly, its color changing between green, red, and blue. On the far side of the room stood a massive stone door, its surface etched with a locking mechanism that pulsed faintly in time with the tiles.
"A puzzle," Hana said, scanning the room. "The colors must correspond to the lock. But one wrong step and..."
Jisoo didn't need her to finish. The charred remains of past adventurers littered the floor, their equipment rusted and broken.
Kalix flitted toward the edge of the room, his wings fluttering nervously. "Well, master, it's your show. Just don't fry yourself. I'd hate to break in a new partner so soon."
Jisoo rolled his eyes but knelt to inspect the nearest tile. It glowed red, the heat radiating faintly against his palm. He extended his mana, feeling for the flow of energy. The red tiles pulsed more strongly than the others, their connection to the lock's mechanism apparent.
"The red tiles are safe," Jisoo said, rising. "We'll have to stick to them."
Hana nodded, moving with precision as she stepped onto the first red tile. It held firm beneath her weight, the glow intensifying briefly. "Stay close," she instructed.
The path forward was painstaking. The tiles shifted their patterns periodically, forcing Jisoo and Hana to move quickly while maintaining their balance. Several times, the tiles' glow changed mid-step, nearly catching them in deadly traps. With each movement, the lock on the door pulsed brighter, until at last, it clicked open with a heavy groan.
Beyond the door was another corridor, this one lined with skeletal remains and broken weapons.
"Charming," Kalix remarked, his grin never wavering. "I wonder how many failed right here."
"Focus," Hana said sharply. "We're not out yet."
The final stretch of the Labyrinth was eerily silent. The corridor opened into a vast, circular chamber, its walls lined with glowing crystals that bathed the room in an unsettling light. At the center stood a pedestal, atop which rested a small, pulsating shard of black crystal.
System Notification: "Objective Updated: Retrieve the Core Shard."
Hana approached cautiously, her sword drawn. "This is too easy," she said. "There's no way it's unguarded."
As if in response, the chamber trembled. From the shadows emerged a massive creature, its body composed of writhing tendrils of darkness. Two glowing eyes locked onto them, and its low growl echoed through the room.
Kalix let out a low whistle. "A Shadow Warden. Tough luck, master. These things are nasty."
The Warden lunged, its tendrils slamming into the ground with enough force to crack the stone. Hana dodged, her movements fluid as she slashed at the creature's limbs. Jisoo raised his staff, casting Fear Aura to slow its movements.
The oppressive energy radiated outward, causing the Warden to hesitate. Jisoo followed up with Shadow Bind, the chains wrapping around the creature's limbs and holding it in place.
"Now!" Hana shouted, driving her blade into the Warden's core. The creature roared, its tendrils thrashing wildly as it dissolved into shadow.
The room fell silent once more. Jisoo approached the pedestal, his heart pounding as he picked up the shard.
System Notification: "Core Shard Acquired. Objective Complete." "Rewards: 300 Experience Points, Midnight Core Shard."
Jisoo stared at the shard, its faint glow pulsing rhythmically in his palm. He could feel its power, a dark and steady energy that resonated with his own. "This... is incredible," he murmured.
"Don't let it go to your head," Hana warned. "We still have to get out of here.