Chapter-11

I allow myself a moment of silence, letting the weight of the question settle between us. The labyrinth ticks on, relentless, unfeeling. The creature's glowing eyes bore into me, its rusted frame twitching slightly, gears grinding as it awaits my response.

A test. A judgment. A threat.

How quaint.

"What do I seek?" I echo, tilting my head slightly as if pondering. Then, I let a slow, knowing smile curve my lips. "Ah, but that depends. What does the Labyrinth think I seek?"

The creature stiffens, something in its posture flickering—hesitation? Calculation? Its clockwork fingers twitch, metal scraping against metal. Good. Let it hesitate. Let it wonder.

"If this place consumes," I continue, my voice smooth, measured, "then perhaps I am here to see which breaks first—the Labyrinth, or me."

A bold answer. Arrogant, even. But I don't fear this thing. It's a part of the game, just like everything else. And I always play to win.

The clockwork creature's eyes pulse, the orange glow flickering erratically, as if processing my words. Then, with a grating whirr, it tilts its head. "A dangerous wager, traveler."

"Only if you bet against me."

The labyrinth hums around us, the unseen mechanisms shifting once more. The air feels charged now, as though the entire structure is reacting to my presence, my defiance.

The creature considers me for another long moment before finally stepping aside. "Very well. The path is open to you… for now. But remember this—every cog turns for a purpose. Every gear grinds towards an end. Even yours."

It gestures toward the revealed passage, the shadows beyond it pulsing with unseen energy. An invitation. A warning.

I take a slow step forward, my smirk deepening. "Let's see who reaches their end first, shall we?"

And with that, I step into the unknown.