Chapter 23 – Into the Labyrinth
The cold, echoing halls of the underground chamber stretched before Chris like the jaws of a slumbering beast.
He stood before the entrance—the gateway to the Celstrian Labyrinth.
Though to the world it was simply called the Underground Chambers, Chris knew the truth. It was a maze crafted by the First Duke Celstrius himself—a mix of arcane mechanisms and deadly traps. Every turn could be salvation… or doom.
He took a slow breath.
Two guards stood beside him—one, a mid 4th-circle mage, silent and alert. The other, a mid 5th-circle battle-mage, wore a mask of indifference, but Chris could feel his gaze analyzing every movement.
"We've arrived," the 4th-circle mage announced.
The 5th-circle mage stepped forward.
"We'll remain posted outside this chamber. If anything happens, send a flare spell immediately. These chambers are riddled with magic. Even a Duke's son isn't invincible here."
Chris gave a respectful nod and stepped past the threshold.
With a deep creak, the chamber door sealed behind him.
Inside, the world shifted.
Stone walls hummed faintly with ancient mana. Torches lit by everlasting flame runes lined the twisted hallways. Each corridor seemed to stretch endlessly, yet looped into dead ends, or worse—hidden traps that could turn bone to dust.
But Chris didn't falter.
He navigated with practiced precision, his steps deliberate. He wasn't wandering. He had a destination—a sealed training room hidden deep in the maze. A place only the direct line of the Duke family could access.
And he had one more advantage.
"You can come out now," Chris said quietly.
A flicker of light pulsed behind him, and from thin air, Igeris emerged. The tiny fire spirit floated beside him like a dancing ember.
"I did as you asked," Igeris whispered. "An unknown individual has entered the outer labyrinth. They're moving carefully, cloaked in weak illusion magic… But they're heading in this direction."
Chris's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"Then the trap is working."
Before entering the chamber, Chris had ordered Igeris to remain in the spirit realm, watching for any disturbance outside. Spirit magic, unseen by humans, gave him the perfect surveillance net.
And now, someone had taken the bait.
"How long before they arrive?" Chris asked.
"At their current pace… 20 to 30 minutes. They're avoiding traps too well for it to be their first time here."
Chris's expression sharpened.
"Which means someone who knows this place… maybe even someone from inside the estate."
He turned and continued walking, reaching a hidden mechanism behind a torch. A soft press—then a section of wall slid open to reveal a secret chamber.
Chris stepped inside.
The room was circular, lined with reinforced mana stones, made specifically to withstand powerful outbursts of magic. But tonight, this would serve a different purpose.
"Let them come," Chris muttered as he sat cross-legged at the room's center.
"Tonight, I hunt the hunter."
Igeris flared slightly, his tiny voice solemn.
"You've changed, Chris."
Chris smiled faintly.
"No… I've only remembered who I have to become."