The deeper they ventured into the Labyrinth, the more time itself seemed to lose meaning.
One floor after another.
The scenery changed little from floor to floor. Endless stone corridors stretched in every direction, illuminated by clusters of glowing blue crystals embedded throughout the walls and ceiling.
Occasionally the passages widened into vast chambers filled with monsters, only for silence to reclaim them moments later.
Hours quietly slipped away.
Floor after floor disappeared behind them.
Reiji never slowed. Neither did he complain. He simply walked forward with both hands tucked inside his hoodie pockets, allowing Detect Presence to guide every step.
Whenever monsters appeared they disappeared just as quickly.
Sometimes they were engulfed by amber flames.
Sometimes crushed beneath invisible pressure.
Sometimes sliced apart by razor-sharp blades of wind.
By now even Aoi had stopped reacting.
