The observation chamber of the Academy was silent, save for the steady hum of the enchanted mirrors that lined the walls. Each surface flickered with shifting images of the labyrinth's depths, capturing the struggles of the students within. At the center, Grandmaster Aldric stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on one particular figure—Evander Caldus.
"He's pushing himself too far," murmured one of the senior instructors, eyes narrowing as Evander stumbled through the shifting corridors, blood staining his uniform. "At this rate, he'll collapse before reaching the Ember Shard."
Aldric remained silent, his sharp eyes tracking Evander's every move. The boy's resilience was undeniable, but something deeper lurked beneath his determination—something that even the labyrinth seemed to acknowledge.
"Observe closely," Aldric finally spoke, his voice calm but commanding. "I believe we're about to witness something... extraordinary."
Inside the labyrinth, Evander's breathing came ragged, his vision swimming as pain radiated from his ribs. The last fight had drained him more than he was willing to admit, and his body was screaming for rest. But there was no time.
The shifting corridors opened into another vast chamber, this one lined with towering statues of faceless figures. An ominous hum filled the air as the labyrinth shifted again, forcing his group forward.
Iris was at his side, her expression hard with worry. "You're slowing down," she said, not bothering to hide her frustration.
Evander forced a grin despite the pain. "Just giving the others a chance to catch up."
Maren scoffed behind them, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You sure it's not because you're falling apart?"
Evander ignored him, but deep down, he knew Maren was right. His body was at its limit. Yet, something far more unsettling gnawed at him—the shadow. It was closer now, lingering at the edge of the room, just beyond the reach of the flickering torchlight.
No one else could see it. Only him.
Why me?
Before he could dwell on it further, a grinding sound echoed through the chamber as another construct descended from the ceiling. This one was larger than the last, its rune-carved body pulsing with raw energy. Its movements were faster, more fluid, and its presence sent a wave of dread through the group.
"Positions!" Iris barked, already moving to strike. Callum raised his trembling hands, summoning a shaky barrier as the construct lunged.
Evander stepped forward, forcing the Arcane Weave to respond, but something was wrong. The magic wavered, unstable and erratic within the labyrinth's oppressive atmosphere. He pushed harder, but the weave slipped through his grasp, flickering out like a dying ember.
The construct struck before he could react.
A blinding arc of energy slammed into Evander's chest, sending him sprawling across the chamber. His body hit the stone with a sickening crack, and for a moment, everything blurred into nothingness. Pain flared through him in sharp, unbearable waves. His ribs, his arm—broken, shattered.
"Evander!" Iris's voice cut through the haze, but it was distant, fading.
Evander tried to push himself up, but his limbs felt heavy, unresponsive. The weight of failure pressed down on him, suffocating, and for the first time, doubt gnawed at his resolve. Not again. I can't let this happen again.
Then—
A whisper. A sensation deep within him, stirring in response to his desperation. The Arcane Weave.
But this time, it wasn't just a flicker. It roared to life.
His mind fractured, pulled into a sea of raw energy—brighter, more violent than before. The threads of magic no longer slipped through his grasp; they coiled around him like living tendrils, eager, hungry. Power surged through his veins, and with it came clarity. The labyrinth's oppressive magic bent under the weight of his will, and for the first time, he felt in control.
The construct loomed above him, its core glowing in preparation for a final strike.
Not this time.
Evander exhaled, raising his trembling hand. The Arcane Weave snapped into place with a force that cracked the air. Violet-hued threads of magic surged outward, forming a translucent barrier around him. As the construct's strike landed, the force rebounded—its own power redirected back into its core with a resounding blast.
The construct staggered, its runes flickering in confusion.
Iris's eyes widened. "Evander...?"
But he wasn't done.
The weave pulsed stronger, spreading from his fingertips in intricate patterns. His body screamed in protest, but the power flowed unhindered now, raw and unrefined. With a twist of his fingers, he sent another surge of energy forward, striking the construct's weak points with pinpoint precision. Its once-impenetrable armor buckled under the relentless assault.
Callum watched in awe. "That... that's not normal magic."
Maren, for once, said nothing.
Evander could feel it—the second awakening of his Arcane Weave. No longer just a tool, but an extension of himself. The power to deflect and redirect attacks, absorbing their force and turning it back on his enemies. But there was more to it, something deeper, waiting to be unlocked.
With a final push, the construct crumbled under the weight of its own energy. The fight was over.
Evander staggered, his vision swimming, but the fire in his veins refused to die down. He clutched his side, breathing heavily, as Iris stepped closer.
"What was that?" she asked, voice low.
Evander shook his head. "Something... new."
Before she could press further, the labyrinth shifted once more, and that familiar shadow loomed closer. This time, Evander could feel its presence—not just watching, but reaching. And in that moment, he understood.
The labyrinth was testing him in ways the others couldn't comprehend. And whatever lurked within, it knew him.
It's not just a test. It's a warning.
In the observation chamber, Aldric's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Fascinating," he murmured. "His potential is... far beyond expectations."
The robed observer beside him studied the glowing runes on the mirror, their expression unreadable. "But is it his potential... or something else entirely?"
Aldric's eyes darkened. "That remains to be seen."
Evander wiped the sweat from his brow, forcing himself to stand. He could feel the change within him, the Arcane Weave thrumming in response to his will. But with that power came a lingering fear.
The labyrinth was far from done with him.
And neither was whatever watched from the shadows.