The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Wyndell. Damon strolled down the main road with his hands in his pockets, a faint grin playing on his lips. The town was alive with its usual rhythm, vendors hawking their wares, children darting through the crowds, and the ever-present hum of chatter filling the air.
"Another day, another coin,"
Damon muttered as he passed a fruit stand.
He glanced at the apples, his stomach growling, but decided against spending his last few coppers.
'Maybe tomorrow,'
he thought, brushing off the pang of hunger.
He turned the corner and found himself at his favorite spot — a small, tucked-away alley where an old man named Merrick sold odd trinkets and secondhand books. Damon leaned against the wooden stall, his easy grin widening as he greeted the merchant.
"Morning, Eric. Got anything interesting today?"
The old man looked up from his chair, his weathered face breaking into a smile.
"Damon! Always a pleasure. Let me see..."
He rummaged through a crate and pulled out a small, carved figurine.
"This here's from the eastern isles. Supposed to bring good fortune."
Damon picked up the figurine, turning it over in his hands.
"Good fortune, huh? Could've used this yesterday when I tripped over that cart in the square."
Eric chuckled.
"Careful, boy. With your luck, it might just reverse the curse instead."
Damon laughed, setting the figurine back on the stall.
"Yeah, I'll pass. My bad luck's part of my charm."
He winked before turning to the shelf of books.
Most were old and tattered, but that was part of the appeal. He ran his fingers along the spines until one caught his eye — a leather-bound journal with no title.
"What's this?"
Damon asked, pulling it free.
Eric squinted at the book.
"Oh, that? Came in yesterday. No idea what's inside. Could be treasure maps, could be someone's grocery list."
"Sounds like a gamble,"
Damon said with a smirk.
"My kind of thing. How much?"
"Two coppers."
Damon hesitated, then handed over the coins.
"You drive a hard bargain, Eric."
With the journal tucked under his arm, Damon wandered to the edge of town, where the noise of the market faded into the quiet rustle of trees. He found his usual spot — a large, flat rock overlooking the river and plopped down, opening the journal.
The pages were filled with strange symbols and sketches. Damon frowned, trying to make sense of them. There were diagrams of labyrinths, notes scribbled in a language he didn't recognize, and what appeared to be maps.
'What is this?'
he thought, flipping through the pages. Some of the sketches depicted creatures, towering beasts with jagged claws and glowing eyes. Others showed what looked like artifacts, each one more intricate than the last.
"Weird,"
Damon muttered, tracing one of the drawings. His finger brushed against the paper, and for a split second, he thought he felt it pulse beneath his touch. He blinked, pulling his hand back. 'Okay, that's new.'
Before he could dwell on it, a voice called out behind him.
"Damon! There you are."
He turned to see Julie, his childhood friend, jogging up the hill. Her auburn hair was tied back, and she carried a small satchel over her shoulder. She was out of breath when she reached him, her hands on her hips.
"You know,"
she said between gasps,
"Most people would let their friends know when they're planning to vanish for the day."
Damon shrugged, grinning.
"Figured you'd find me. You always do."
Julie rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself.
"What's that?"
She pointed to the journal in his lap.
"Picked it up from Eric's stall,"
Damon said, holding it up.
"No title, no clue what it's about, but it's got some... interesting vibes."
Julie sat down beside him, peering at the pages.
"Huh. Looks like some kind of puzzle book. Or maybe a diary?"
"Whatever it is, it's got my attention,"
Damon said.
"Check this out."
He flipped to a page with a detailed map of what looked like a labyrinth.
"Ever seen anything like this before?"
Julie frowned, studying the drawing.
"Not around here. But it reminds me of something..."
She trailed off, her gaze distant.
"Reminds you of what?"
Damon prompted.
She hesitated.
"My father used to tell stories about places like this. Gateways to other worlds. Dangerous places filled with monsters and treasure."
She shook her head.
"It's just an old tale."
Damon raised an eyebrow.
"Exaclty like my kind of adventure."
"Damon,"
Julie said, her tone serious.
"If there's even a shred of truth to those stories, it's not something to joke about. People who go through those Gateways... most don't come back."
Before Damon could speak.
"HAHA you should've seen your face as I said this, Only dumb people would believe it."
"Calling your father dumb, not very nice of you"
Damon said looking disappointed.
She didn't answer. Damon sighed, closing the journal.
"Alright, alright. I'll shelve the treasure hunt for now. Happy?"
Julie gave him a small smile.
"Okay mister ruining the fun, Just... be careful of those monsters, okay?"
"Always,"
Damon said, standing up and offering her a hand.
"Now, how about we grab some food? I'm starving."
That night, as Damon lay in bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that the journal was more than it seemed. It sat on his desk, the faint glow of moonlight highlighting its worn cover. He stared at it for a long time before finally giving in to curiosity.
'Just one more look,'
he thought, getting up and flipping to the first page. As soon as his fingers touched the paper, the symbols began to glow. The air around him grew heavy, and a faint hum filled the room.
"Uh... that's not normal,"
Damon said aloud, backing away. But before he could react further, the journal emitted a bright flash of light, and the world around him dissolved.
When the light faded, Damon found himself standing in a vast chamber. The walls glowed faintly, etched with intricate patterns, and the air was charged with energy.
He stared in disbelief.
"What the hell..."
The first floor of the Eternal Maze stretched out before him.