Chapter 8: Whispers of Eternity

Maki woke to the soft glow of twilight spilling through a grand, open chamber. The lingering aches in her muscles reminded her of the trial she had barely survived. Her spear rested against the wall beside her, its polished surface gleaming faintly in the dim light.

The room was unfamiliar yet comforting. Massive stone pillars adorned with intricate carvings of ancient battles stretched toward the high ceiling. The air was cool, carrying a faint scent of pine and iron. At the far end of the chamber, Scathach stood, her back to Maki, gazing out at the sprawling horizon of Orario through a wide, arched window.

"You're awake," Scathach said without turning.

Maki swung her legs over the side of the stone bench she'd been resting on, rubbing her temples. "Barely. That trial was insane."

Scathach chuckled softly, turning to face her. "And yet, you emerged victorious. Your strength is growing, but your journey has just begun."

Maki leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "You keep saying that, but I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to be preparing for. What's next? Another giant, glowing monster?"

Scathach's expression softened, a rare glimpse of warmth behind her otherwise impenetrable demeanour. "You will face many trials, Maki. Not all of them will be as straightforward as what you encountered in the void. Some will challenge your resolve, others your heart."

At the mention of her heart, Maki frowned. "I don't have time for anything like that. I just need to get stronger."

Scathach tilted her head, studying her. "Strength without purpose is a hollow pursuit. Tell me, what do you fight for?"

Maki hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. Images of her past life flashed in her mind—her clan's disdain, Mai's sorrowful face, the cold weight of rejection. She clenched her fists. "I fight because I have to. If I stop, I'll disappear. I refuse to let anyone decide my worth."

Scathach walked over to her, standing just close enough to make Maki look up. "That is a powerful resolve, but it is rooted in defiance, not ambition. You must find a higher purpose, or you will falter when faced with true divinity."

The Call to the Dungeon

Before Maki could respond, a soft chime echoed through the chamber. Scathach turned toward the window, her expression sharpening.

"What is it?" Maki asked, standing.

"A disturbance in the lower levels of the Dungeon," Scathach replied. "Something unnatural."

Maki grabbed her spear, adrenaline already coursing through her veins. "Then let's go."

Scathach smiled faintly. "Eager, aren't we? Very well. This will serve as your next trial."

The two women descended the labyrinthine halls of Babel Tower, their footsteps echoing against the polished stone. As they stepped out into Orario's bustling streets, Maki couldn't help but feel a strange sense of belonging. This city was alive, its people vibrant and determined, and the Dungeon beneath it was the heart of everything.

The Descent

The entrance to the Dungeon was a yawning cavern guarded by members of the Guild, their stern faces betraying the tension in the air. As Maki and Scathach approached, a young Guild clerk intercepted them.

"Lady Scathach, it's good that you're here," the clerk said, bowing. "There's been a surge of irregular monsters in the lower levels. We've already lost contact with several adventurers."

Scathach nodded. "We'll handle it."

The clerk glanced at Maki, his brow furrowing. "Is she…?"

"She is more capable than you realize," Scathach said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Maki smirked, spinning her spear once before resting it on her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll keep up."

The Dungeon's oppressive atmosphere hit Maki the moment they entered. The air was thick and humid, and the walls seemed to pulse faintly, as though the labyrinth itself were alive.

They descended quickly, bypassing the upper floors where novice adventurers fought weak monsters. As they reached the lower levels, the air grew colder, and the sounds of battle echoed faintly in the distance.

"Stay alert," Scathach warned. "The monsters here are stronger than anything you've faced so far."

Maki nodded, her senses on high alert.

A New Threat

The first wave of monsters came without warning. They were unlike the creatures Maki had encountered before—twisted amalgamations of flesh and bone, their forms writhing unnaturally as though they were barely held together.

Maki sprang into action, her spear cutting through the air with precision. She dodged a clawed swipe, countering with a thrust that pierced the monster's core. It let out an unearthly shriek before dissolving into black mist.

"These things are nasty," Maki muttered, stepping back as another creature lunged at her.

"They are not native to the Dungeon," Scathach said, her spear flashing as she dispatched three monsters in quick succession. "Something has tampered with this place."

As the battle raged, Maki noticed something unusual. The monsters weren't attacking randomly—they were converging on a single point deeper within the Dungeon.

"Do you see that?" she asked, falling back to Scathach's side.

Scathach nodded. "Whatever lies ahead is the source of this disturbance. We must eliminate it."

The Singularity's Shadow

They pushed forward, cutting through waves of monsters until they reached a massive chamber. At its center was a swirling vortex of dark energy, crackling with power. Standing before it was a figure clad in black robes, their face obscured by a hood.

"So, you've arrived," the figure said, their voice echoing unnaturally.

"Who are you?" Maki demanded, leveling her spear.

The figure chuckled. "A harbinger of what's to come. You've felt it, haven't you? The fractures between worlds, the whispers of chaos."

Scathach stepped forward, her presence commanding. "You've tampered with forces you cannot control. Stand down, or face the consequences."

The figure laughed, a hollow, chilling sound. "You cannot stop what's coming. But by all means, try."

With a wave of their hand, the vortex surged, and a monstrous figure emerged—a towering, multi-limbed abomination that radiated a godlike aura.

Maki tightened her grip on her spear, her heart pounding.

"Ready yourself," Scathach said, her voice steady. "This is no ordinary foe."

Maki smirked despite the tension. "Good. I was starting to get bored."