The entrance to the Labyrinth of Echoes loomed before them, a gaping maw carved into the face of a rugged cliff. A heavy mist clung to the stone walls, swirling around the group as they approached. Lucan led the way, his steps firm and confident, while Julia, Hima, Olive, and Rina followed closely behind.
The Labyrinth of Echoes was infamous for its treacherousyout and the powerful creatures that dwelled within, a ce where sound and reality blended together, creating illusions that could ensnare even the most seasoned adventurers.
As they crossed the threshold, thebyrinth''s first floor unfolded before them. The floor was a vast, dimly lit chamber, its walls lined with jagged, reflective crystals that amplified every sound. The ceiling was high and cavernous, the darkness above seeming to stretch endlessly into the void. The only light came from the faint glow of the crystals, casting eerie shadows across the uneven ground.
The group moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. It didn''t take long for the first creature to appear.
From the darkness, a low growl rumbled, reverberating off the walls. A massive beast stepped into view—a Shadowhound. The creature was nearly ten feet long, its body sleek and ck as night, with eyes that glowed a sinister red. Its form seemed to flicker in and out of existence, as if it were a living shadow, and it moved with a predatory grace, each step silent and calcted.
Rina, despite her missing right arm, stepped forward with determination. She gripped her heavy sword in her left hand, a weapon that most would struggle to wield even with both hands. Her strength and skill, however, allowed her to manage it with ease.
The Shadowhound snarled and lunged at Rina, its jaws snapping with terrifying speed. But Rina was faster. She sidestepped the attack, her muscles rippling as she swung her sword in a powerful arc. The de cut through the air with a whistle, striking the beast''s side.
The Shadowhound howled as the sword''s edge bit deep into its shadowy flesh, its form flickering more erratically as if struggling to maintain its physical presence.
Rina did not let up. She brought her sword down again, this time aiming for the creature''s neck. The Shadowhound, weakened by the first blow, could not avoid the attack. With a final, desperate snarl, the beast dissolved into a wisp of shadowy mist, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared
No sooner had Rina dispatched the Shadowhound than another threat emerged. This time, it was a Crystal Wraith—a tall, ghostly figureposed of the same reflective crystals that lined thebyrinth''s walls. Its body shimmered with an unnatural light, and it moved with an ethereal grace, hovering just above the ground.
The Crystal Wraith was a creature of sound and light, its very presence distorting reality, creating echoes that disoriented its enemies.
Olive, ever the silent and precise adventurer, took a step forward. She unsheathed her sword, a simple but well-crafted weapon, and approached the wraith with steady determination. The wraith let out a high-pitched wail, the sound bouncing off the walls and multiplying, creating a cacophony that threatened to overwhelm them. But Olive remained unfazed.
With a practiced hand, Olive swung her sword, aiming for the wraith''s core. The creature darted to the side, its form bing translucent, almost invisible. But Olive''s eyes were sharp, and she followed its movements with uncanny precision. Her sword shed through the air, and with a single, decisive strike, she pierced the wraith''s core.
The creature let out a final, mournful cry before shattering into a thousand pieces, the sound of its destruction echoing through the chamber.
As the shards of the Crystal Wraith ttered to the ground, the final threat appeared—a Sonic Serpent. The creature was long and sinuous, its scales gleaming like polished metal. It moved with lightning speed, coiling and uncoiling as it slithered toward the group. The Sonic Serpent was a creature of pure sound, its body vibrating with intense frequencies that could shatter bones and rupture organs.
Hima stepped forward, her expression calm but focused. She raised her hand, summoning a barrier of magic that pulsed with energy. The serpent lunged at her, its maw open wide, releasing a piercing sonic scream that caused the very air to ripple. But Hima stood her ground, the barrier absorbing the brunt of the attack.
With a determined flick of her wrist, Hima manipted the energy of the barrier, sending it outward in a wave of force. The Sonic Serpent was pushed back, its body colliding with the crystal-lined walls, sending a shower of sparks flying. Undeterred, the serpent hissed and coiled again, preparing to strike once more.
Hima, however, was ready. She chanted an incantation under her breath, and a sphere of condensed sound formed in her hand. With a swift motion, she hurled the sphere at the serpent. It struck the creature''s head with a deafening st, and the serpent recoiled, thrashing violently as the soundwaves tore through its form.
With a final, echoing screech, the Sonic Serpent copsed to the ground, its metallic scales turning dull and lifeless. Thebyrinth fell silent once more, save for the soft echoes of their victory that reverberated through the chamber.
Your next chapter is on m v|l-e''-NovelBin
The group took a moment to catch their breath, each of them casting a wary nce at thebyrinth''s depths.
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Maris entered the principal''s office with a determined expression, her light blue eyes shimmering with an unsettling intensity. The principal barely had time to greet her before she whispered an incantation under her breath, her voiceced with hidden power. The principal''s eyes zed over, her will bending to Maris''s control.
"Tell me where Lucan is," Marismanded softly.
The principal, now entirely under her influence, responded in a monotone voice, "Lucan has gone to the Labyrinth of Echoes. He will return tomorrow."
A satisfied smile yed on Maris''s lips as she released her hold, leaving the room unnoticed.