expand_more
Through The Labyrinthine Depths
11th
Century,
Unidentified
Place
Leto's
eyelids
clamped
shut
against
the
dizzying
transition,
and
he
stayed
motionless.
The
air
itself
was
strange,
heavy
with
foreign
smells
that
pressed
in
on
him
from
all
sides,
maybe
spices
or
strange
flowers.
His
eyes
popped
open.
His
senses
were
assaulted
by
a
riot
of
color
and
geometry
that
was
both
incredibly
confusing
and
oddly
captivating.
On
all
sides,
walls
covered
in
intricate,
swirling
patterns
that
appeared
to
writhe
at
the
edge
of
his
vision
were
painted
in
colors
he
was
unable
to
identify:
deep
azure,
vivid
ochre,
and
startling
crimsons.
Under
his
boots,
the
floor
was
covered
in
similar
patterns.
He
had
been
pulled
across
centuries
by
the
operation
of
the
temporal
displacement
unit.
To
what
part
of
this
past
era,
though?
There
were
no
hints
from
the
machine.
The
instinct
of
a
warrior
struggled
with
confusion.
Survival
was
essential,
and
curiosity
was
a
luxury.
Before
moving
forward
with
his
actual
goal,
he
needed
to
get
his
bearings
and
comprehend
this
place.
With
caution,
he
started
to
move.
In
the
cramped
room,
his
first
steps
echoed
oddly.
He
was
surrounded
by
walls
that
twisted
away
into
invisible
depths.
Unquestionably,
it
was
a
maze—a
place
intended
to
conceal
and
confound.
In
an
effort
to
control
his
racing
thoughts
and
stop
the
vertigo,
he
stopped
and
took
a
slow,
deliberate
breath.
The
list
was
the
worn,
slightly
crumpled
paper
he
instinctively
touched
and
tucked
safely
inside
his
tunic.
General
Li
Ling
was
the
next
name
he
saw
on
the
parchment.
His
chosen
target
in
this
day
and
age.
A
recognizable,
unwanted
glimmer
of
discomfort
–
guilt?
For
a
moment,
a
ghostly
echo
of
the
Juton
leader's
treachery
emerged:
regret?
He
brutally
stifled
it.
He
couldn't
afford
to
have
doubts
about
anything.
This
was
the
assignment,
the
course
that
the
Time
Father
had
established.
Despite
the
morally
dubious
nature
of
the
path,
his
goal
was
obvious.
After
securing
the
list
again,
he
redirected
his
attention
to
the
current
task
at
hand:
figuring
out
the
confusing
architecture
that
surrounded
him.
The
swirling
patterns
and
geometric
details
adorning
the
walls
were
completely
alien,
having
nothing
in
common
with
the
timbers
and
stonework
of
his
home
period
or
the
locations
to
which
his
missions
had
previously
transported
him.
The
air
itself,
however,
felt
different.
It
adhered
to
his
skin
and
was
thick
and
wet.
The
meager
breeze
that
did
blow
through
the
passageways
carried
a
lazy
warmth
that
suggested
places
that
were
bathed
in
sunlight.
He
looked
up
where
the
walls
of
the
maze
allowed
him
to
see
the
sky,
and
there
he
saw
the
sun,
high
overhead,
its
brightness
verifying
the
weather.
So,
eastward.
Far,
far
to
the
east,
away
from
the
mountains
and
chilly
woods
he
was
familiar
with.
He
moved
slowly,
every
step
unnaturally
loud
in
the
echoing
hallways.
A
shape
started
to
emerge
from
the
darkness
farther
into
the
maze's
turns,
where
shadows
gathered
densely.
He
was
being
watched
by
an
unmistakably
human
silhouette.
Assessing
the
figure
was
challenging
because
it
approached
slowly
and
deliberately,
its
features
hidden
by
the
play
of
light
and
shadow
in
the
small
passage.
Leto
came
to
a
sudden
halt,
his
hand
reflexively
reaching
the
hilt
of
his
sword.
He
leveled
the
point
squarely
at
the
stranger
who
was
coming,
and
the
blade
hissed
out
of
its
sheath,
the
polished
steel
gleaming
in
the
surrounding
light.
The
stranger
instantly
stopped
his
advance
and
made
the
universal
non-aggressive
gesture
of
slowly
raising
both
hands,
palms
out.
"Who
are
you?"
Leto's
demanding,
piercing
voice
broke
through
the
silence,
but
it
was
tempered
by
a
hint
of
cautious
curiosity.
The
man's
face
was
still
mostly
in
shadow,
but
a
faint,
unreadable
smile
touched
his
lips.
"A
soldier,"
he
answered
in
a
cool,
collected
tone.
"Lost,
maybe,
like
you?
And
without
a
doubt
without
a
weapon.
His
hands
remained
raised
in
the
placating
position.
But
even
in
the
low
light,
Leto
could
make
out
a
tall,
muscular
figure
beneath
plain
clothing—the
body
of
a
warrior,
bearing
the
faint
burden
of
old
age
or
battle.
Leto
paused,
examining
the
man.
It
seemed
silly
to
attack
without
warning
in
this
unfamiliar
and
possibly
hostile
setting.
He
lowered
the
tip
of
his
sword
slowly
and
carefully,
but
his
grip
was
still
firm
and
ready.
He
inquired,
"Why
are
you
here?"
"And
where
does
this
labyrinth
lead?"
The
man's
faint
smile
became
more
mysterious.
"The
Wishing
Labyrinth
is
not
usually
discovered
by
chance.
Finding
someone
inside
its
walls
who
is
unaware
of
its
name
or
mission
is...
unexpected.
"Wishing
Labyrinth?"
Leto
said
the
name
again,
strange
and
fanciful.
A
glimmer
of
incredulity
appeared
on
his
face.
A
new
sound,
sharp,
guttural,
and
uncomfortably
close,
interrupted
the
soldier
before
he
could
explain
the
mysterious
name.
It
echoed
down
the
hallway
next
to
it.
The
two
men
froze.
A
silent,
instantaneous
recognition
of
an
impending
threat
passed
between
them
as
their
eyes
locked.
The
soldier
whispered,
"Circumstances
seem
to
dictate
a
temporary
alliance,"
his
previous
composure
giving
way
to
a
tense
urgency.
The
noises—heavy
scuffling
and
a
low
hissing—were
getting
closer
and
closer.
Sharp,
sibilant
hisses
were
interspersed
with
a
fast
slithering,
and
the
sounds
grew
louder
until
they
resolved
into
something
reptilian.
Leto
thought
it
was
similar
to
a
crocodile,
but
the
volume
and
speed
pointed
to
something
much
bigger
and
much
more
hostile.
With
his
eyes
darting
anxiously
down
the
hallway,
the
soldier
pleaded,
"These
guardians...
we
must
avoid
direct
confrontation
if
possible,"
"Here,
victory
entails
escape
and
survival.
Not
useless
killing.
Leto
saw
a
warrior's
resolve
overlaid
with
real
concern,
maybe
even
fear,
tightening
the
lines
around
the
soldier's
eyes.
While
inaction
meant
certain
death,
trust
was
a
risk.
He
nodded
curtly.
"Lead
on."
Without
hesitation,
the
soldier
took
the
lead
and
they
started
running,
diving
further
into
the
embrace
of
the
labyrinth.
The
scuffling
and
hissing
behind
them
increased
in
volume
and
began
to
echo
in
various
directions;
the
creatures
were
close
and
numerous.
They
skidded
to
a
stop
as
they
rounded
a
sharp
corner.
It
was
a
monstrous
guardian
of
the
Labyrinth,
blocking
the
passage.
Its
hide,
a
carapace
of
interlocking,
obsidian-black
scales
that
were
thick
as
a
warrior's
shield
and
glistening
with
some
foul,
oily
secretion,
could
easily
tower
over
a
tall
man.
In
a
horrifying
rictus,
its
long
jaws
opened
to
reveal
several
rows
of
backward-curving,
serrated
teeth
that
resembled
filthy
scimitars
and
dripped
a
viscous,
pale
ichor
that
smoked
and
sizzled
where
it
hit
the
patterned
floor.
The
eyes
were
set
deep
within
cavernous
sockets
and
blazed
with
a
malevolent,
red-orange
luminescence,
embers
reflecting
a
cold,
predatory
intelligence.
Jagged,
bony
spurs
protruded
from
its
brow
and
snout
like
crude
horns.
Each
slight
shift
of
its
weight
sent
noticeable
tremors
through
the
floor,
and
its
bulk
was
held
poised,
ready
to
charge,
by
thick,
powerful
legs
that
ended
in
wickedly
curved
claws.
With
their
hearts
racing,
they
ducked
into
a
side
passage
and
avoided
the
giant.
However,
the
escape
was
brief.
The
labyrinth's
winding
passageways
seemed
to
be
working
against
them,
pushing
them
in
the
direction
of
conflict.
The
hissing
soon
spread
throughout
the
area,
and
shadows
began
to
separate
from
the
walls
and
resolve
into
more
scaled
horrors.
Leto
moved
like
lightning,
his
previous
fatigue
melted
away
by
adrenaline.
His
sword
turned
into
a
silver
blur,
deflecting
strong
tail
swipes
and
parrying
snapping
jaws
while
briefly
gaining
traction
in
the
spaces
between
the
thick
scales.
Despite
claiming
to
be
unarmed,
the
soldier's
agility
was
impressive,
as
he
skillfully
navigated
through
the
attacks.
He
seemed
to
foresee
the
creatures'
lunges,
attracting
their
attention,
making
room
for
Leto,
who
was
an
incredibly
powerful
unarmed
fighter,
and
shouting
warnings.
Even
as
he
fought,
Leto's
mind
was
racing.
Labyrinth,
best
wishes.
With
a
hint
of
purpose
and
promise
of
power,
the
name
echoed.
But
it
was
a
luxury
to
speculate.
Focusing
on
the
immediate,
brutal
reality
was
necessary
for
survival.
Under
the
jaw
of
one
creature,
a
quick
thrust
found
a
softer
spot.
Another
was
discouraged
by
a
spinning
slash.
He
battled
with
vicious
efficiency,
constantly
on
the
move
and
looking
for
a
way
out.
With
its
never-ending
twists
and
blind
corners
intended
to
confuse
and
trap,
the
maze
itself
was
an
enemy.
They
rushed
into
a
larger
intersection
where
several
hallways
met,
only
to
have
another
guardian,
bigger
and
more
scarred
than
the
first,
block
their
way.
It
hissed
loudly
and
fixed
them
with
its
eyes.
This
time,
there
was
no
escape
route.
Leto
and
the
soldier
exchanged
a
quick,
meaningful
look
that
was
the
result
of
an
unspoken
understanding
and
a
last-ditch
plan
created
in
an
instant.
Leto
made
no
hesitation.
He
let
out
a
battle
cry
and
charged
forward,
his
sword
flying,
taking
the
giant
head-on
with
a
barrage
of
distracting
blows
to
its
head
and
forelimbs.
With
a
roar,
the
creature
directed
its
powerful
rage
towards
Leto.
Taking
advantage
of
the
brief
distraction,
the
soldier
darted
around
its
flank
as
it
lunged,
moving
with
eerily
silent
speed.
Leto
witnessed
him
strike
the
back
of
the
creature's
knee
joint,
possibly
with
a
concealed
tool
or
with
sheer,
concentrated
force,
rather
than
a
weapon.
It
stumbled
and
bellowed
in
pain.
Leto
applied
pressure,
his
blade
searching
for
weak
spots
that
the
soldier's
interruption
had
exposed.
They
achieved
a
rough
synchronicity
in
their
movements,
which
were
born
out
of
necessity
rather
than
practice.
The
monster's
defenses
were
eroded
by
feints,
strikes,
evasion,
and
support
until
it
finally
let
out
a
shuddering
moan
and
fell
to
the
ground,
dead.
They
nodded
grimly
at
the
corpse,
gasping
for
air,
chests
heaving.
Not
a
moment
to
rejoice.
There
were
still
echoes
of
other
creatures.
They
dove
forward.
The
place's
character
gradually
changed
as
they
made
their
way
farther
into
the
maze.
The
air
became
colder,
heavier,
and
carried
the
distinct
smell
of
wet
soil
along
with
something
else—possibly
ozone?
Rougher-hewn
stone
took
the
place
of
the
bright
patterns
on
the
walls.
The
hallways
grew
smaller
and
more
intricately
wound
back
on
themselves.
As
they
turned
another
corner,
they
were
suddenly
confronted
not
by
another
hallway
but
by
a
doorway
carved
into
the
stone
that
had
been
obscured
by
the
passage's
angle.
Intricately
carved
into
the
doorway
frame
were
symbols
Leto
had
never
seen
before,
yet
they
reverberated
with
a
sense
of
age
and
dormant
energy
that
was
almost
tangible.
They
exchanged
a
wary
look
and
moved
through
the
gap.
The
air
inside
hummed
softly.
The
chamber
was
faintly
lit
by
an
invisible
source
after
the
corridors
had
been
relatively
dark.
The
sight
in
front
of
them
stopped
them
in
their
tracks
as
their
eyes
adjusted,
causing
them
to
both
take
a
breath.
It
was
a
crystalline
structure,
multifaceted
and
glowing,
that
dominated
the
center
of
the
circular
chamber
and
rested
on
a
simple
stone
pedestal.
It
pulsed
with
a
soft,
internal
light.
It
appeared
to
attract
the
shadows
themselves.
Leto
knew
instinctively
that
the
name
of
the
Labyrinth
must
have
come
from
this.
The
soldier's
voice
was
hushed,
perhaps
out
of
fear
but
also
out
of
respect.
"The
Stone
of
Wishing."
According
to
legend,
it
can
fulfill
the
deepest
desires
of
the
heart,
but
the
cost
is
always
high.
a
sacrifice
worthy
of
the
desire.
Leto
glanced
at
the
soldier
from
the
throbbing
stone.
It
was
terrifying
how
much
power
could
be
contained
in
that
crystal.
Even
for
a
brief
instant,
the
temptation
to
change
the
course
of
events
and
correct
past
errors
was
strong.
They
found
themselves
at
a
crossroads
of
great
power,
a
decision
that
could
have
long-term
effects.
The
moment
was
long
and
full
of
unspoken
potentialities.
Then,
ignoring
the
enticing
whispers,
Leto's
resolve
became
more
firm.
"No
artifact
should
hold
such
sway,"
he
said
in
the
silent
room,
his
voice
firm
and
clear.
"It
has
an
excessively
high
potential
for
corruption
and
misuse.
It
needs
to
be
unmade.
After
a
beat
of
silence,
the
soldier
looked
Leto
in
the
eye
and
nodded
slowly
and
thoughtfully.
Determination
took
the
place
of
awe
in
his
eyes.
"You're
correct.
Such
authority
only
invites
catastrophe.
Without
further
discussion,
they
started
evaluating
the
pedestal
and
the
stone
in
an
attempt
to
find
a
safe
way
to
neutralize
the
artifact.
They
collaborated
to
identify
a
structural
weakness
or,
perhaps,
to
simply
overwhelm
its
containment
field
with
concentrated
effort.
The
soldier
found
leverage
as
Leto
used
the
pommel
of
his
sword.
The
Wishing
Stone
broke
with
a
sharp,
abrupt
crack
that
echoed
through
the
cramped
room
like
thunder.
For
a
brief
moment,
the
internal
light
flared
violently
before
dying,
leaving
the
pedestal
covered
in
inert,
strewn-about
crystal
shards.
The
suffocating
hum
in
the
air
stopped.
A
deep
silence
fell.
Both
men
felt
a
tangible
sense
of
relief
as
a
tension
they
hadn't
fully
realized
they
were
holding
was
released.
After
completing
their
unexpected,
self-assigned
mission,
they
turned
around
and
went
back
into
the
maze-like
hallways.
Oddly
enough,
the
passages
were
now
empty
and
silent.
As
though
their
mission—protecting
the
Stone—had
faded
with
its
strength,
the
scaled
guardians
were
no
longer
there.
They
eventually
made
their
way
back
towards
the
entrance,
navigating
by
instinct
and
memory
as
fatigue
set
in
now
that
the
danger
had
passed.
Or
rather,
in
the
direction
of
an
exit—not
the
one
Leto
had
come
through,
but
an
archway
that
was
distorted
by
a
shimmering
heat
haze.
Leto
stopped
at
the
threshold
and
looked
back
into
the
patterned,
now-quiet
depths.
Beside
him,
the
soldier
waited
calmly.
Leto
inhaled
and
moved
through
the
glistening
curtain.
The
labyrinth's
humid,
exotic
air
was
quickly
replaced.
He
detected
smells
that
were
less
fantastical
and
more
grounded,
like
dust,
dry
grass,
and
possibly
distant
cookfires.
However,
the
experience
persisted.
His
internal
landscape
was
subtly
changed
by
the
journey
through
that
unattainable
place,
and
the
memories
of
the
pulsating
stone,
the
unanswered
questions
about
the
soldier,
and
the
visceral
struggle
for
survival
all
became
ingrained
in
him.
Confused,
he
looked
around.
They
were
standing
on
a
sun-baked,
dusty
plain
with
low
hills
in
the
background.
The
entrance
to
the
labyrinth
had
vanished.
"The
Labyrinth—did
it
disappear?
"How?"
Calmly,
the
soldier
looked
around.
It
is...
conditional
in
its
existence.
a
point
of
convergence.
Adjacent
to
this
physical
reality,
but
not
actually
a
part
of
it.
After
surviving
its
trial,
we
have
been
given
our
money
back.
He
gave
Leto
another
of
his
mysterious
grins.
"Welcome
back
to
the
world
you
recognize."
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Quest - Reading Lv.10/1
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