The Labyrinth Test Begins

Chapter 13 – The Labyrinth Test Begins

The main hall buzzed with tension.

Students gathered under the arched ceiling of the central tower, where golden light from crystal lanterns danced off the stone walls. It was the first time this many of them had been summoned together outside of opening ceremony.

Kael stood near the back with Juno, Lyra beside them, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. Elith stood nearby as well, her usual silence giving off a sense of alert focus.

"Why do I feel like they're about to throw us into something painful?" Juno muttered.

"Because they probably are," Lyra replied.

Kael didn't speak. His attention was fixed on the elevated platform ahead—where three professors stood, flanked by instructors in armor. In the center was Headmaster Dravos himself, long silver beard and deep violet robes billowing with a subtle enchantment.

He raised his hand.

The hall fell silent instantly.

"You've trained," Dravos said, voice echoing effortlessly, "and you've endured. Now, your first major trial awaits."

He gestured to a swirling glyph that materialized behind him. A massive illusion appeared—an underground maze of corridors and chambers.

"The Labyrinth."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Beneath the Academy lies an ancient testing ground. You will enter it in teams of three to five. Your task: reach the central chamber. Each group will be monitored. You will face traps, illusions, and summoned monsters. Some of you may fall short. That is expected. What matters is how you face what lies within."

Kael's pulse quickened.

It was finally happening.

The test that would push them beyond the classroom.

"This is no dungeon," Dravos continued. "It is controlled. But it is real. And those who excel may find doors open to higher training… or sponsorship."

That caught everyone's attention.

"Prepare yourselves. Team formations are due by tomorrow morning."

The illusion vanished.

And with it, the murmurs began.

Back in their dorm room, Juno flopped dramatically onto his bed. "Team of three to five, huh? Guess that means us."

Kael nodded, pacing. "You, me, Lyra. That's three."

"I'll ask Elith," Lyra offered. "She may not say much, but she's sharp. Wind magic would be useful."

Kael paused. "You think she'll agree?"

"She respects you. You don't notice it, but she watches during training."

"…Alright. Let's ask."

Juno sat up. "That's four. We bringing anyone else?"

Kael considered it, then shook his head. "Four is enough. Too many, and we'll get clumsy in close quarters."

Juno raised a brow. "Look at you thinking like a leader."

Kael gave a small smile. "I'm trying."

Later that evening, Kael walked the academy gardens to clear his head. Twilight cast long shadows between marble arches, and the soft hum of enchantments lingered in the air.

He wasn't alone.

Princess Selene stepped out from behind one of the pillars.

Kael blinked. "Your Highness?"

She gave a slow nod. Her formal attire was replaced by a simpler black-and-blue cloak, and her long dark hair fell loosely behind her.

"I saw your match earlier," she said, voice unreadable.

Kael scratched the back of his head. "I didn't know I had such an audience."

"You didn't," she said quickly. "I just happened to be passing by."

Kael gave her a sideways look but didn't press.

"…You're forming a team for the Labyrinth?"

"I am."

"Not inviting me?"

Kael blinked again. "I didn't think you'd be interested."

Selene crossed her arms. "You're not wrong. I'll be joining a different group. But…" She hesitated, then stepped closer. "Don't die in there."

Kael was stunned.

Was that… worry?

Before he could respond, she turned sharply and walked away, her cloak billowing behind her like a curtain.

Kael stood alone, confused but… strangely encouraged.

The next day, the teams were confirmed.

Team 14: Kael, Juno, Lyra, Elith.

They gathered at the entrance of the Labyrinth Gate—an ancient stone arch embedded with shimmering glyphs. Behind it, spirals of light hinted at the vast structure beneath.

"Once you pass through, you begin," the instructor warned. "No contact. No help. You either reach the center… or you don't."

Kael tightened his gloves.

Juno summoned his armor.

Lyra conjured a flame in her palm, eyes narrowed in concentration.

Elith simply nodded, wind swirling faintly around her.

Kael took one last breath.

"Let's go."

Together, they stepped through the gate.

And into the unknown.

End of Chapter 13

Next: Chapter 14 – The Maze Bites Back