Chapter 15: The Maze's Grasp

The labyrinth's halls seemed to stretch endlessly, each corner folding into another set of identical stone walls. The faint glow of the runes pulsed rhythmically, like the heartbeat of some ancient beast. Orin led the group cautiously, his katana unsheathed and held low at his side.

Finn walked a few steps behind him, his usual humor gone as his eyes scanned for traps. Cassandra stayed at the back, keeping a watchful eye on Kael and Mira, both of whom seemed on the verge of collapse.

"How much farther do you think we have to go?" Finn whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of their footsteps.

"No idea," Orin replied, his tone grim. "But we keep moving until we find the center."

Kael let out a strained laugh. "Easier said than done. This place feels like it's alive."

"It is," Cassandra said matter-of-factly. "The runes, the shifting walls—it's all part of the labyrinth's magic. It's designed to wear us down, mentally and physically."

"Great," Finn muttered. "Just what I needed to hear."

---

A Sudden Danger

The air grew colder as they turned another corner, the dim glow of the runes flickering faintly. Orin stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal the group to halt.

"What is it?" Mira whispered, her voice trembling.

"Something's ahead," Orin said, narrowing his eyes. The artifact in his chest pulsed harder, its warmth warning him of the approaching danger.

A low growl echoed through the corridor, followed by the sound of claws scraping against stone.

Orin tightened his grip on his katana as a hulking creature emerged from the shadows. Its body was canine, but far larger than any wolf Orin had ever seen. Its fur was matted and black as midnight, and its glowing red eyes locked onto the group with predatory intent.

The corridor fell silent as the growls of the Shadowhounds echoed through the stone halls.

Orin took a step forward, his katana gleaming faintly in the low light. The artifact in his chest pulsed harder, spreading warmth through his body. But that warmth didn't comfort him—it only made him more aware of the immense power radiating from the creatures.

"Three of them," Cassandra said quietly, her daggers already drawn. Her sharp green eyes scanned the creatures for weaknesses. "D-Rank. This will be... interesting."

"Interesting?" Finn hissed. "This is suicide!"

Kael swallowed hard, clutching his staff with trembling hands. Mira remained frozen, her wide eyes fixed on the advancing monsters.

"We can't run," Orin said firmly, gripping his katana tightly. "They'll catch us if we do. We stand and fight."

"You have a death wish," Finn muttered, his voice tinged with fear.

"No," Orin said, his gaze locked on the lead hound. "I have a plan."

Orin pointed to the narrow walls on either side of the corridor. "We can use the terrain to limit how many of them can attack at once. Cassandra, take the left flank and try to target their legs. Kael, hit them with magic when you see an opening, but don't waste your energy. Mira, you're on defense—stay close to Kael and cover him if they break through."

"And me?" Finn asked, his dagger already in hand.

"You're with me," Orin said. "We'll hold the front."

Finn stared at him, his mouth open in disbelief. "Great. Frontline duty with a guy who hasn't even hit E-Rank yet. What could go wrong?"

"Just stay sharp," Orin said. "We don't have time for doubts."

The lead hound growled low, its claws scraping against the stone floor. Then, without warning, it lunged forward, its massive jaws snapping at Orin's throat.

Orin activated Spirit Step, his body blurring as he dodged to the side. The hound's claws slashed through empty air, its momentum carrying it forward. Orin reappeared behind it and swung his katana in a wide arc. The blade struck the hound's side, black ichor spraying onto the ground as the creature howled in pain.

But the attack didn't slow it down. The hound spun around, its glowing red eyes locking onto Orin with renewed fury.

"Orin, behind you!" Finn shouted.

The second hound lunged, its claws aimed directly at Orin's back. Finn threw a dagger, the blade embedding itself in the hound's shoulder just before it could strike. The creature snarled, turning its attention to Finn.

"Thanks," Orin said, quickly repositioning.

"Don't thank me yet!" Finn called, drawing another dagger as the hound charged at him.

Meanwhile, Cassandra darted to the left, her movements graceful and calculated. The third hound tried to intercept her, snapping its jaws at her legs, but she leapt over its attack with ease. Her daggers flashed in the dim light as she struck the creature's hind legs, targeting the joints.

"Legs are vulnerable!" Cassandra shouted. "Aim for them if you can!"

The hound snarled and whipped around, its claws swiping at her with surprising speed. Cassandra barely managed to dodge, the tip of one claw grazing her arm.

She hissed in pain but didn't retreat, instead circling the creature and looking for another opening.

At the rear, Kael raised his staff, his face pale but determined. He muttered an incantation under his breath, and a bolt of crackling energy shot toward the second hound. The spell struck its side, leaving scorch marks on its dark fur.

The creature snarled in pain but didn't fall, turning its glowing eyes toward Kael.

"Stay back!" Mira shouted, stepping in front of Kael. She raised her short sword, her hands trembling, but she held her ground.

The second hound lunged at her, its massive jaws snapping shut inches from her face. Mira thrust her sword forward, the blade scraping against the creature's thick hide.

"You're doing fine, Mira!" Kael shouted, summoning another bolt of energy. "Keep it off me!"

Mira gritted her teeth, her fear giving way to determination. "I'm trying!"

The lead hound lunged at Orin again, its claws aimed at his chest. Orin parried the attack with his katana, the force of the blow sending a jolt through his arms. The artifact in his chest pulsed harder, its heat spreading through his body as he activated Aether Slash.

The glowing blade cut through the hound's foreleg, black ichor spilling onto the ground. The creature howled, stumbling slightly, but it didn't go down.

"These things are tougher than they look," Orin muttered, stepping back to catch his breath.

"Yeah, no kidding!" Finn shouted, throwing another dagger at the second hound.

Cassandra darted past Orin, her daggers striking the lead hound's hind legs. "You're too slow, Lumis. Keep up!"

"I'm trying!" Orin snapped, raising his katana for another strike.

The hounds began to adapt, their movements becoming more coordinated. The second and third hounds circled around, trying to flank the group.

"They're learning," Cassandra warned, her tone grim.

Kael's mana was nearly spent, and Mira was struggling to hold off the second hound. Finn's breathing was ragged, his supply of daggers running low.

Orin clenched his jaw, his mind racing. The artifact in his chest pulsed faster, its energy pushing him to act.

"Kael, one last spell—hit the ceiling above them!" Orin shouted.

Kael blinked in confusion but obeyed, raising his staff. A bolt of energy shot upward, striking the stone ceiling. Chunks of rock rained down, forcing the hounds to scatter.

"Now!" Orin yelled, charging forward.

He activated Spirit Step, his body blurring as he closed the distance to the lead hound. His katana glowed brightly as he struck, the blade piercing the creature's chest. The hound howled in agony before collapsing, its body dissolving into black mist.

Orin turned, his chest heaving, but the battle wasn't over. The second and third hounds were still alive, their glowing eyes filled with fury.

"We're not done yet," Cassandra said, wiping blood from her daggers.

"No," Orin agreed, raising his katana. "But we will be."

The hounds growled, preparing to lunge again, and the group braced themselves for the next wave.