The towering gate of the Labyrinth of Shadows loomed before Elias, its obsidian walls shifting like living darkness. The air itself carried a strange weight, as if something unseen was watching-waiting. He clenched his fists, his mind steady despite the eerie atmosphere. Не had fought beasts, wraiths, and even gods. Now, he would face assassins and unseen horrors.
Just as he was about to step forward, a familiar voice cut through the silence.
"So, you're really going in?"
Elias turned, finding Althea standing behind him, arms crossed. Her golden eyes, sharp and unreadable, studied him like a hawk. She was dressed in a sleek, dark combat uniform, a stark contrast to the armor she usually wore in the city.
"You're following me?" Elias asked, half amused, half annoyed.
Althea scoffed. "Hardly. I have my own reasons for entering the Trial. But it seems fate has placed us on the same path again."
Elias narrowed his eyes. He knew Althea took pride in her duty, but what exactly was her goal here?
"This layer isn't like the others," she continued. "It's a living maze. People get lost in it-forever. If you go in alone, you might never make it out."
He smirked. "And you think I need a guide?"
Althea's expression darkened. "I think you need someone to keep you from getting yourself killed."
Elias let out a dry chuckle. "Fine. Just don't slow me down."
Without another word, they stepped forward.
A World of Shadows
The moment they crossed the threshold, the entrance behind them vanished-swallowed by the abyss. The walls of the labyrinth twisted, reshaping themselves as though alive. Shadows slithered like ink across the floor, and an unnatural silence settled around them.
Althea drew her weapon-a thin, curved blade that gleamed in the dim light. "Stay close," she muttered.
Elias took a deep breath, his senses sharpening. He could hear whispers in the dark, the softest movement of something lurking nearby. He reached out with his abilities, channeling the Beast Mastery he had gained from Kaelis. His instincts screamed-danger.
"Incoming!" he warned.
A dagger whistled through the air. Elias barely dodged in time, twisting to the side. A shadowed figure emerged from the darkness, its presence barely detectable.
An assassin.
Althea reacted instantly, her blade flashing. "Too slow!" she hissed, striking at the figure with lightning speed. The assassin evaded her attack and vanished into the shadows.
Elias gritted his teeth. "They're using the darkness itself to move. That's going to be a problem."
Althea nodded. "Then we don't play by their rules."
She raised her free hand, channeling her own magic. A faint golden glow surrounded her-holy energy. It wasn't much, but in this lightless place, even a small glow helped.
Elias clenched his fists, summoning his own power. Lightning crackled around him, illuminating the maze in brief, blinding flashes. He grinned.
"Let's see them hide from this."
As the light filled the space, the assassins were revealed-a dozen cloaked figures standing just beyond their reach.
Elias and Althea exchanged a glance.
"Now," she said.
Together, they charged into the fray.