In the darkness of the evening, a light in ocean green color illuminated in the said location of the labyrinth. Its glow gave emphasis to the structure of the land. Ominous screeches was heard along with indistinct noises that indicate the peril it withholds. Nevertheless, the tandem continue to walk, disregarding it all while putting up a strong front, walking up straight in marvelous posture that attempts to make their inane courage and recklessness look natural.
Queries were endless. Their nervous system seemed to have an endless work. There's a lot of missing pieces which makes it harder to remain calm and focused. What if they can't survive inside? How are they going to look for the book of sages?
"Light element, that's what I can sense. I bet you tried to remain unnoticed but too bad, the invasion is not successful" The contractor said in his shrill voice that abruptly sends shivers down their spines. "What do you want with the orb?" he asked.
"Orb? We do not care about that" Freya answered.
The contractor looked at them, taken aback. "Then what object interests you?"
"Something I need for the completion of my quest. Now mister, can you please let us through?"
"Definitely not. I don't even know who you are. Even the heroes of light are capable of being overwhelmed by their fantasies. In simple words..." He slid past at their back, accompanied by the coldness of air, creating an eerie ambiance.
Odette thought of something that could slightly distract him. "We don't know you either, not even your name." and with that, she didn't failed. They are able to steal a couple of seconds to plot their next move. "You are consistent with knowing our identity without introducing yourself first.
"I thought of the ladies first basis. Anyhow, the name is Aldous, the guardian of the orb. Now, kindly expand my knowledge about you and your purpose." said Aldous. "It's not good talking to strangers." he mouthed. Freya and Odette looked straight to each other's eyes, with mischievous expression written on their faces.
To avoid causing suspicion, they both diverted their gaze to Aldous. 'Get ready for this kindergarten play'
"I am Freya, a Valkyrie from the Nost Gal and the other person here is the Swan Castle's 13th sole heir. Both of us are through with your questions so I guess...." Freya gaped at him, fully aware that this man doesn't plan to go easy on them. "We'll let you meet our other friend."
"Hmmm... a three-man team. The mechanics of this course must be served in fascination in your minds before you dived in here."
Odette gave her cue to Johnson, and quickly from an unseen angle of the place, where there are ruins of tall pillars, he transformed into a vehicle and rushed towards them.
"What are you doing?" Aldous asked when the two acted weird as they got ready to hop into Johnson once he reached their position. Shortly after, the noise of Johnson's engine was heard and the sound intermittently increased. While desperately looking out to find where he could find the source of noise, Odette casts a Blue Nova to restrain him from his movements. Her lips curled into a smile to rejoice her successful setting. "Now" she said.
In a blast of split seconds, Aldous failed to even caught a full glimpse of Johnson as he speeds up like a comet that travels in light years. The fog that Johnson absentmindedly formed as he sets his speed like a racing car clouded Aldous' vision, making it easier for them to infiltrate the Labyrinth.
Heaving for air, Aldous finally able to open his eyes and waited for the sand fog to cease. The massive amount of dust constricts his breathing. He finally noticed the magical barrier in form of a bird cage and has a golden color, somehow transient since its fade as the clock ticks. "Damn these dunes! That man have this ability to create a sandstorm on his own." he trembled.
Aldous knew that his efforts are lacking and he did not give his best to keep things intact. Countless people tried to steal the twilight orb for their personal gain. "They said their goal is not the orb." said he, but he remembered that anyone can pretend. People lie, and willing to gamble for things that will be beneficial to them. Anyone is capable of being tempted to steal the orb, be it the holiest. Even people whom he trust the most was recorded as a thief in his own notes of history.
Then he thought of it again...
'Who can say that they are an exemption?'
The contractor sat down to decide if his going to follow them. He unrolled the scroll that turns out to be a magical map where he can supervise the whole maze. He can tell their location, but not what they are doing. Judging from now, with the fast paced movement of Johnson, he concluded that he's still driving.
"There's no way for them to get out alive if they attempt to gain the orb" he said in an undertone.
Aldous is aware of the fact that he can trust no one and all possible risk can happen. Despite of his negative judgment is the thought of relief about what he felt earlier, he sought a gist of pure intention with their eyes, the non-fallacious kind of purity. He planned to follow them using his ultimate technique, the information they gave was vague and simply, he cannot risk being calm and letting it be. Yet, he discarded that thought as he became nervous after he realized one thing.
Sinister, greed, and anguish---those are few words to describe it. If the first team who entered the maze does not care about the orb, this team is severely different.
"Once they're alerted the real battle begins." Aldous closes the map and plop himself down to the nearest fallen debris that is made of concrete. "No one has the right to experience cessation until they survive the night."
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South-Western Remains, farthest part of the Minoan Maze.
"Invasion success!"
"That was exhausting but I enjoyed that ride." said Freya.
"But after reaching such distance, we're still unable to see a single equipment."
"Johnson, you don't know the rules, do you?" asked Odette. "I'm quite sure that Freya knows how it's done. After all, I am not going to allot time in preparing if it was too easy."
"Are we going to fight with one another then?"
"No." Freya said. "My knowledge may not be comparable to her because it all turned rusty. I'm not even interested in here in the past. This maze withholds secrets; so far that's what I can remember from the words of the Lord of Light."
"It is not something that is forbidden though, but the guardian does everything he can in order to protect the orb." Odette said. "Even for once it was obtained by the wrong person or entity, the world will be disrupted"
"Where are we going to seek for it. All I know is that a high balanced team is needed to assure our durability." said Johnson who is worried and somehow struck by inferiority for not being knowledgeable of the labyrinth.
"We're going to look for it right here." Freya said as she proceeds to walk towards a little whirling wind. "Through battle." she emphasize her last phrase and proceeds to pick up the whirling wind that instantly increases the speed of their movement until they reached a triangular landscape wherein creeps of various kind was resting.
"They'll be our spring of resources. Defeating them grants us equipment that can empower us to defeat more powerful creeps that guard this maze. I hope we'll find an unused Book of Sages in one of these creeps." Odette explained the situation to them especially to Johnson. She arranged her posture and armed herself holding onto her magic staff tightly. "No one of them is going to be safe."
Same goes with us. Odette said in her mind for there are wide ranges of possibility that can occur. There are the slightest possibilities that they can get out of this place with no single scratch. Even though, she couldn't care less.
Almost half hour has passed and they remained unsuccessful. They decided to have a short break from the clanging of their swords and casting their skills to the creeps. The monsters they defeated dropped common items repetitively, items of the same kind and no luck of something rare or even final equipment that can give their attacks a full boosting effect.
A syringe that looks like their obtained mystic container caught Freya's attention, the object was not painted in teal but she can see that it contains a neon green chemical. It was located 3 meters away from their position. Out of curiosity, Freya aimed to get closer at it, making Odette and Johnson follow her. "It's not recommendable to be separated in this dark labyrinth" Johnson uttered.
"Princess Odette! Take a look at this. Have we found something like this from earlier?" Freya handed the syringe, stout and in medium size and the chemical it holds is at the maximum level of a hundred milliliters.
"I don't recall but I think it could be useful." the princess answered while scrutinizing the container.
"I reckon that it has a power to heal. Buff potion gives off an energizing aroma while poisons give off a portentous sense of atrocious death once inhaled." Johnson explained.
"Then I should pick this up and find some more so we'll not die in here." said Freya as she looks at them with a serious face. "But I'm not planning to be killed here along with the creeps we've slain" the goddess added.
"A lot of dwelling monsters have been ended and the maze is getting itself protected." From the various location, a vent from the sky opened, radiated a light as a grave force was felt when the astounding energy was released. "its level 4, challengers" Aldous voiced from the entrance of the labyrinth. He continue to watch them as if it was a classic action movie of bravery and valor, and the arena is the Minoan maze itself.
"What was that?" asked Odette.
"Another plot twists to this adventure. I think it won't harm us unless we challenge them. Just like the monsters."
"They are awakened by our attacks. Without it, they are no more than a display." answered Johnson. "We need to plot our next moves."
"I think we've finished exploring the shrines at this moment." said Odette. She turned her head from left to right to analyze the place. "Still no sign of the book of sages. What equipment do you have so far?"
"I have obtained a corrosion scythe and a demon hunter sword as final equipment. Others belong in common kinds" Freya said.
"I have 4 final equipment of defense type." Johnson stated. "And you?" he throws the question back to the princess.
"Unfortunately, I have none. Only an azure blade and a gem. I asked you to see if we can slay that guardian over there." she pointed to the direction near the bridge of the shrines and there lies an enormous, giant-like guardian of the Minoan Kingdom. Its ax can seize them with one attack and one wrong step they'll be pulverized.
"A lord?"
"A Minoan guardian in the form of Lord." she replied. "Slaying them wont grant us alliance but mere equipment that are rare."
"This means we can attain even one book of sages." Freya said. She became enthusiastic.
"And equipment to slay monsters of a higher rank." Johnson said and took the front positioning in the battle "Princess Odette, stay somewhere out of its reach so the damage to you will not be severe." he transformed into a car once again and Odette understood what she needs to do. On the other hand, Freya failed to get inside the vehicle so she ran in her fastest speed possible.
Johnson bumped the Minoan Guardian with full force and in the duration of the stun and slowing effect, Odette raises her magical scepter and floats in the air along with it.
"Swan!" a river-like circle with golden border and twirling gaseous strips gradually decreases the life of the Minoan Guardian. Johnson performs basic attack to help Odette while letting his armor take all the damage to shield the princess. When Johnson hurled a metal bar to stun it, Freya arrived and used her swordsmanship technique with a burning willingness to defeat it. The battle lasted for almost three minutes. It vanished the moment it fell to the ground leaving equipment of different kinds.
"Finally, I have completed the defense items." Johnson said and became surrounded with a golden-orange glow. The same with Freya, but in wine red color. Both of them increased in height and size, implying that their attributes became stronger.
"It seems like I'll be the easiest to kill." Odette uttered with a bitter smile when the Minoan Guardian did not dropped any magical equipment she needs and has no option but to choose a temporary equipment to help her in survival.
"Princess....."
"Don't worry, I'll settle with this for now." She said as the golden circles envelop her body.
"Athena's shield..." Freya said.
"Let's not waste any more minute."
Meanwhile, Aldous smirk was the only thing remarkable from his face when the three succeeded to kill one of the Minoan Guardian. That smirk was erased and replaced by a sullen look and he gritted his teeth the moment he sensed a presence of entities with their destructive desires. "As expected. The news spread pretty fast." The dark elf who rides on the back of a brute beast came near him, the beast was not something he saw before, it was rare and surely one of a kind for he can feel a formidable power that rests in him. She leads her demonic troops who are suspected to help her invade the labyrinth.
"Can you let us enjoy too? It's been a long time since we've played an interesting game." Then it laughed, in the most vicious voice he'd ever heard, its echo penetrates through his eardrums and irritates him.
"Tss." He carefully located the location of Freya's team. He is the least person to do this but not warning them about their arrival would be a mistake that he'll repent for.
Why would they slay a large amount of monsters if they are seeking for the orb? He realized that they are not after the twilight orb and its powers. They are after something that doesn't even involve it.
"Johnson, look at your head!" Freya said nervously. "Yours too."
"We've been marked. He's coming..." Johnson said. "And the princess is his target---wait.... "
"It's gone."
Aldous aimed, not even seeing whom he targeted but long before he transformed into a grinding drill, an abyssal arrow rushed upon to stun him. "N-not again." The dark elf transformed into a deadly form of an abyssal demon. Then she performed fatal attacks to weaken Aldous which makes it harder for him to counter their blows and prevent their invasion.
"Oh, it's too early for your turn to be over." She reverts back to her elven form and looked down to Aldous. A victorious smile was drawn in her face and along with threatening eyes, she proceeds to lead their way inside the maze. "A perfect time to obtain the orb and one pawn was taken out, others' strength was withdrawn."
"Selena.... "
"We're sorry, contractor. There's no time I can waste for you." She slid past in his back nearing the opening of the labyrinth. "After all... I only have time for handsome guys." the swarm of abyssal demons that accompanies Selena completely faded out of his sight as they succeeded to invade the Minoan maze. He gets up and used his regained strength to locate Freya's team.
Seeing the marks above their heads made them conceal themselves into the bush and patiently waited for what will happen next.
"Is this some kind of warning or something?" Once again the mark was locked onto Johnson. After a few seconds, they saw a rushing drill-like object, it has enormous size that can pierce through one's body. Aldous noticed where they are and quits his current state. And quickly approaches them.
"You need to communicate with me quickly."
"We're sorry for our intrusion but please---"
"I have proven that you have no interest to the twilight orb. But your intrusion that activated the maze alerted the ones who crave for its powers."
"How special is the orb for them to make you bleed like that?" Johnson asked Aldous when he noticed its deep wounds that seemed to be made out of sharp claw scratches. "Princess, the healing syringe." The moonlight allows them to see Aldous' state. Freya recognizes those marks left in his body.
"Could it be..." she said in a low voice.
"Healing syringe? You have obtained those?" Aldous asked.
"We have." Freya handed out the healing syringe and carefully injected all its contents to Aldous veins. The chemical rushed through his bloodstream and harmoniously mixed in with his blood. It quickly taken into an effect and Aldous gained most of his strength.
"Don't tell me... "
"The abyssal demons are here. About hundreds of them accompanied Selena to obtain the twilight orb. I want each of you to be careful. Especially you... " his ge Odette a penetrating look with a bliss of sympathy. "You need to get out of here alive and defeat them at all cost. I am opt to help, it is my duty as the guardian and a consequences of my miscalculations."
"Aldous.... "
"You need to do obtain the full equipment build that will strengthen you. I am asking a little help even your team is totally outnumbered. May they find you a minute later, all I can do is bid you goodbyes."
"And to put an end to this?" Odette asked. She held her scepter tighter; it's the only object she can rely to. All of them can't help to worry about their safety. Freya looked down and felt sorry for involving others in her quest. Johnson wanted nothing but to help them escape this sinister. Odette was determined to taste victory. She glances at the sword she's carrying. "Lancelot" the swan princess whispered.
"I'll be able to defeat nearly half of them with the healing syringe. I am grateful." he said. "Get whatever you desire and escape this place quick, before the judgment of Minoan labyrinth takes toll."
Aldous sprinted, leaving them behind to avoid any ruckus to happen any further. However, Selena has sensed their presence already. "Element of light and technology?" she planted her abyssal traps in every corners. "I guess I should meet them and give my thanks and respect. If not for these fools, I will never be able to set foot in this maze." She lets out a girlish laugh but tainted with demonic intent. "Lord Argus will be pleased."
As the clock ticks, the three remained unsuccessful to obtain the book of sages. While looking throughout the maze, they set various traps to help them survive. Finally Odette was able to gain magical equipment. Unlike earlier, they must be more careful for there are other enemies that conjure offensive attacks. The moment they reached the river altar, they felt an immense power and the perception that someone's watching them. Disregarding it may be a mistake. but whatever happens may result to battle.
"Freya how many healing items do you have?" Johnson asked.
"Only three." she replied.
"I have one." Odette said. "Let's use it all to prepare for battle" she commanded.
"I get it well, I don't want to die in this ruins." said Johnson. "I'm wondering if Aldous is fine."
"He'll be. For sure." said Freya who recalled the ability that a guardian of Minoan maze has.
The team continues to explore and slay creeps one by one. Until on the center of the river altar hailed a deafening silence. Even the winds refused to create a noise. Freya let out a blood-curdling scream when a piercing claw swiftly touches her back. "I'll play with them later." said Selena who is currently as his abyssal demon form and left the place instantly. The abyssal arrow restrains their movements for 5 second straight, giving chance to other abyssal demons to attack them. Odette takes all the damage and her energy drains so fast. The duration of the stun ended enabling them to defend.
"Johnson, take her to the safest place and used this last piece of healing aid." Freya ordered as she engages into a battle to defeat the seven abyssal demons that approached them.
"And you? Can you defeat them?"
"Enough with questions, you must be aware that demons, even of those in higher tier has no match for a goddess." Freya smiled and dodged the spear that tried to impale her chest. Johnson surged the healing aid to Odette and she gained half of her strength and recovering from the light cuts inflicted onto her body. Near the path to the next bridge that connects the desert altar and the western shrine. They failed to reach the bridge when Johnson hit the demon who sprinted in front of the car. The dismantling of his car form gave existence to a field that slowing the demon, who turns out to not be alone because they have noticed that anywhere they throw their gaze, they can see abyssal demons.
"We are facing more than twenty creatures here." Johnson said. Odette casts her ultimate, making her to successfully eliminate half of them. Others who have survived that attack became frail. Facing enemies that has low chance of survival made them merciless in casting attacks from left to right. The number of the demons dramatically decreases.
Just the moment they thought they're safe to continue, another group shows up. Their number is doubled and the exhaustion of Johnson and Odette hinders them to extend their capabilities.
"Johnson on your left!" Freya warned when she reached them, the fabric on her clothing was worn out. Johnson docked but his move became a failure that helped the demon gain advantage.
"The princess' scepter!" Johnson shouted. A terrified look flushed through Odette's face. Freya and Johnson was flustered, her skills could be their ace to effectively decrease the number of their enemies within a short span of time. "I have nothing left, that's what these demons think."
"You mustn't!" Johnson volted to shield Odette from the demons who pursues to attack the defenseless princess. The number of demons abruptly increased, ready to devour, ready to take them down.
Freya rushed to their side to help them. She's unsure of everything as the disturbing emotions bug her mind. Odette continues to walk and neglected the rejoicing laughter of the abyssal demons. "I have no other choice, no one perceived this." She took the front line and throw a sharp look on the demons. "Come forth determined opponents, for sword is now unsheathed and my desires have been ignited." she said in a clear and loud voice that aims to initiate a war.
The time has come for her sword to be baptized in a thick drip of blood that belongs to these creatures that made her sick.
- E N D O F C H A P T E R S E V E N T E E N -