The team stepped forward cautiously, their boots echoing on the cracked stone floor. Before them stretched a vast labyrinth, its towering walls covered in tangled vines and etched with eerie, shifting symbols. A pale beam of light from the chamber’s high ceiling illuminated the maze, but the shadows it cast seemed to move unnaturally, as if alive.
"Looks like we found our next challenge," Shadow muttered, her sniper rifle at the ready. Her sharp eyes scanned the intricate pathways, calculating every twist and turn.
Viper clutched the glowing tome, its energy pulsing stronger than ever. "The book is resonating with something," she whispered. "I think the source is at the center of the labyrinth."
Rook stepped forward, his tone commanding. "Ghost, scout ahead. Look for traps or clues. Shadow, cover him from here. Bulwark and Viper, stay close. We move as one."
Ghost nodded and disappeared into the shadows, his stealth unmatched even in this unnatural maze. The rest of the team followed slowly, weapons drawn, every sense on high alert.
As they advanced, the labyrinth seemed to shift. Paths that were open seconds before were now blocked by solid stone, and new passages materialized out of thin air. The air grew heavier, filled with an oppressive silence broken only by their breathing and the occasional rustle of unseen movement.
"This place isn’t natural," Bulwark growled, his hand gripping his weapon tightly. "It’s like it’s alive."
"It is," Viper said softly, flipping through the tome. "The text describes it as a living entity—a labyrinth meant to confuse and test intruders. If we fail, it consumes us."
"Great," Ghost’s voice crackled over the comms. "Just what we needed—a maze with a personality."
As they pressed deeper, strange figures began to appear in the periphery of their vision. Wisps of shadow, humanoid in form, flitted just out of sight, vanishing whenever anyone turned to face them.
"Don’t lose focus," Rook warned. "They’re trying to distract us."
Suddenly, a low rumble shook the ground, and the walls nearest to them began to close in. "Move, now!" Rook barked, and the team sprinted down the nearest corridor, narrowly avoiding being crushed.
After what felt like hours, they reached a clearing. At its center stood a massive, ornate door, its surface engraved with symbols identical to those in the tome. Surrounding the door was a series of stone pedestals, each bearing a glowing crystal.
"It’s a puzzle," Viper said, stepping closer. "The book mentions a sequence. If we get it wrong..."
"We don’t get it wrong," Rook interrupted. "Figure it out."
As Viper studied the symbols, the shadows around them began to take form. Dozens of figures emerged, their glowing eyes fixed on the team. Bulwark raised his weapon, ready to fire.
"Hold them off!" Viper shouted, frantically arranging the crystals. "I just need a few more seconds!"
The team formed a defensive circle as the shadowy figures closed in. Viper’s hands trembled as she placed the final crystal. With a deafening roar, the door began to open, flooding the area with blinding light.
The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓.
"Go!" Rook ordered, leading the team through the door just as the shadows lunged. Behind them, the door slammed shut, sealing the creatures within.
Enjoy new tales from freewebnovel
The team found themselves in a new chamber, its walls glowing with an otherworldly light. At its center stood a massive altar, pulsating with dark energy.
"We’ve reached the heart," Viper said, her voice trembling. "This is it—the source of the curse."
Rook tightened his grip on his weapon. "Then let’s end this."