Labyrinth of abyss

Norton Ella—a small province in the Ranch Republic.

Seated at a quiet café, Athan leaned back in his chair, casually flipping through the newspaper. His eyes scanned the headline:

"Labyrinths Appears in Ranch Republic State—Investigations Still Ongoing."

He smirked, tapping his fingers against the paper.

"labyrinths, huh?" he muttered to himself. "We have only seven in our entire empire… but these lucky bastards already have eleven. And more keep popping up."

He set the newspaper down, tilting his head thoughtfully.

"Maybe I should pay those labyrinths a visit."

Just then, a hooded woman in a dark robe approached his table, placing a cup of tea before him. Instead of walking away, she silently took the seat opposite him.

Athan didn't even glance at the cup. Instead, his crimson eyes flickered toward the woman, a sly smile creeping onto his lips.

"Hi there… I know you're no waiter."

The woman chuckled softly.

"Of course not. I am a fortune teller."

Athan finally leaned forward, resting an elbow on the table, amusement dancing in his glowing red eyes.

"Is that so?" he murmured. "Then tell me something interesting."

"You're looking for someone, mister."

The hooded woman's voice was calm yet knowing.

Athan smirked, setting his cup down. "Yes, indeed. So… you know about him?"

"Not exactly." The woman folded her hands together. "My ability allows me to perceive certain energy forms within living creatures. From that, I can tell when someone has lost something… or is searching for something—or someone."

Athan chuckled. "Sounds useful. So, what's your name, Mrs. Fortune Teller?"

"You may call me Lola." Her lips curled into a small smile. "A humble fortune teller from the East."

Athan rested his chin on his hand. "Alright, Miss Lola, how much do you charge for your services?"

"It will cost you one Roin silver."

His eyebrow arched slightly. "Oh? One silver Roin? That's quite expensive."

Lola remained unbothered. "Not much, sir."

Athan let out a low chuckle. "Alright then… Tell me something truly interesting, and I'll give you five Roin gold."

Lola tilted her head before speaking. "On the border of the alliance between the UPS and Ranch Republic, there exists a small village that neither country officially claims. Why? Because soon… a higher-level labyrinth will emerge there."

She paused, her tone deepening. "Both nations will be forced to recognize it as the world's first true neutral zone. And there… you will find the person you seek."

Athan leaned back, exhaling through his nose. "Huh. You just gave me more information than I paid for. But your words hold no weight yet—because that place doesn't exist."

Still, he reached into his pocket, tossing a small coin pouch onto the table.

"But a deal's a deal. Five Roin gold."

Lola picked up the pouch with a faint smile. "Don't worry, mister. In a day or two, you'll hear all about the labyrinth."

With that, she stood up and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

Athan didn't stop her. He simply took another sip of his tea, flipped his newspaper open, and continued reading.

Somewhere far away, in a place where light had no meaning, there existed a vast and incomprehensible throne room. It was impossible to discern where it began or ended—whether it even had a roof or if it stretched endlessly into the abyss. The only tangible thing in this void was a throne, resting at the heart of a palace so vast that it defied reason.

The darkness inside the chamber was absolute, impenetrable to ordinary eyes. But within it, a man sat upon the throne, his presence alone commanding the void itself.

His eyes opened.

Deep black, with pupils that held only a sliver of white. His beard was dark as midnight, his robes as black as the abyss around him. He was none other than Rhadamanthus.

Beside him knelt a woman—long white hair cascading over her shoulders, her robe as pale as freshly fallen snow. Her skin was so white it seemed unnatural, something no mere mortal could ever possess.

Head bowed, she remained on one knee.

"What troubles you, Master?" she asked, her voice calm yet respectful.

Rhadamanthus leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. "Someone destroyed my clone… using only five moves."

Her pink eyes widened in shock, her body flinching ever so slightly—but she forced herself to remain still.

Rhadamanthus chuckled lowly. "Raise your head, Neels. You have been bowing for four days."

Neels slowly lifted her gaze. "Bowing before you brings me joy, Master."

"There is no need to bow all the time." His voice was amused but firm. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Aren't you curious? About the one who defeated my clone?"

Neels hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Who was it?"

"A boy." Rhadamanthus's smirk deepened. "One who wields the power of absolute shadow. It reminded me of the first God-Slayer. But… they are not the same."

Her fingers curled slightly. "Will you inform Lord Hades?"

"Not yet." Rhadamanthus's eyes gleamed with an unsettling amusement. "For now, I'm rather pleased. This boy… he might become a true threat to the gods of origin."

A slow, wicked smile spread across his face.