Champion sword part-6

The deeper they went, the more the branching corridors began to feel like invisible hands guiding them astray.

Every turn brought a dead end, forcing them to backtrack—

again and again—

as if the place were alive, determined to keep them from reaching its heart.

"This place is like a cursed maze," Nari grumbled, hovering lazily in the air.

"We've passed this exact spot three times!"

"Tired already?" Savior shot back without turning.

"You don't even walk. Why do you have feet if all you use them for is flair?"

Nari growled in annoyance but had no comeback.

The oppressive darkness and thick air were wearing on everyone's nerves.

Suddenly—

a surge of energy burst through the air.

Stronger than before.

The corridor trembled. Dust and bits of stone crumbled from the ceiling.

The air vibrated, and their hearts beat in sync with something unseen… something ancient.

Before they could react—

Crack!

A sharp sound beneath Arion's feet.

A circular section of floor gave way beneath him—as if waiting for this moment all along.

"Arion!" Aria screamed.

But it was too late.

The floor opened like the jaws of a giant beast,

swallowing Arion into a bottomless black void.

There was no sound of impact.

The floor slammed shut as if it had never moved.

Silence.

Heavy and absolute.

"No…" Aria whispered, staring at the spot where he had vanished. Her breath caught.

"We have to go after him! We have to save him!" she cried, rushing toward the place he'd fallen.

But Savior stepped in her path—

blocking her.

"Stop. If you jump in now, all you'll do is chase him into nowhere."

"You want us to leave him?!" Aria shouted, furious.

Savior stared straight ahead.

His eyes were sharp, but calm—unshaken.

"He's alive. Not hurt. Just separated. I… can feel it."

Aria froze.

Her breath quickened as she searched his face for certainty—or deception.

"This place doesn't just hide secrets," Savior continued,

"It tests us. If we act rashly, all of us will be lost."

He spun his staff slowly, then pointed toward the corridor they had come from.

"I've already marked the way out. If you want to live, follow me.

If you want to die a foolish death—be my guest."

He walked off without another word.

His silhouette vanished into the flickering torchlight of the long stone corridor—

leaving Aria frozen in place, and Nari—for once—utterly speechless.