Shadows ruled the vast cavern. Black rocks formed its walls, while a dark fluid dripped from the ceiling. Countless paths twisted away from the main corridor, each promising a mysterious end. The gloom concealed the secrets of this underground labyrinth, daring the brave to explore its untouched depths.
From the great passage emerged green particles, piercing the darkness. They swirled into a vortex, materializing carriages guarded by an army of black knights. The scene, once still, came alive with this sudden and supernatural appearance.
"We've finally arrived. Go with Adam and prepare the children for the trial," said Aldric.
"As you wish, Lord Aldric." Lanira's charming voice filled the air. She turned gracefully, her body moving with fluid elegance toward the carriage door, ready to step out.
Upon exiting, Lanira saw the various carriages and the unconscious children inside them.
"It's time to see what each of them is made of," she said, amused by what was to come.
"Mmph, it's pointless wasting time on worldly distractions," Adam muttered with disdain.
"A creature like you could never understand life's pleasures. Though I think I know what might catch your attention," Lanira replied playfully.
"What are you suggesting, Lanira?" Adam asked, voice doubtful and broken up with clicks.
"A game. One that might pique your interest," Lanira answered with seductive softness.
"I won't waste my time with your schemes," Adam spat coldly. His voice rasped like a whisper.
"How disappointing that you think of me that way. Although I know you're tempted by a bet over the reward," Lanira said, now more firm and confident.
"Where's the catch?" Adam asked, puzzled.
"There's no catch this time. Just a direct wager. Whoever wins takes the other's full share," Lanira answered persuasively.
"Mmph… and what are the terms?" Adam asked, intrigued.
"Pick five children from the two hundred thirty-four. Whoever gets one of theirs to go the farthest wins. Do you dare?" Lanira said, meeting his gaze with defiance.
"You're insane. The odds of one of them being the strongest are under three percent. You're betting on luck," Adam growled, finishing with a dry, sharp click.
"That's what makes it so thrilling. And maybe you'll be the one to win. You just have to choose well. No tricks this time. Imagine taking my entire reward share. Isn't that tempting?" Lanira replied smoothly.
"Fine. I'm interested in this deal. You won't deceive me this time," said Adam, voice steady and rhythmic with clicks.
"Take the children out of the cages and line them up for the trial," Adam ordered in a shrill, raspy cry. He waited for the results. At his command, the riders dismounted. Metal plates rang through the cavern. The soldiers methodically freed the children from their cages. Echoes of bolts and footsteps filled the air as the children emerged, one by one, from the opened enclosures.
A pounding headache and ringing in his ears were the first things Eric felt when he woke. He tried to open his eyes, and the first thing he saw were the unconscious children in the carriage. The ringing faded. Armor clanked closer. The children woke with a start. Black knights opened the cages. They pulled the children out without mercy. Screams and sobs filled the air. Struggling was futile against the unrelenting steel. Eric took it all in. The knights performed their task with icy precision, indifferent to the surrounding pain.
When one knight grabbed Eric's arm, the grip was so strong it stopped him from even flinching. The knight's hand felt like an iron clamp, and Eric sensed the fingers—like claws—digging into his skin without pity. What caught his attention was the faint green flame glowing behind the slits in the knight's helmet, like a fire burning in his soul.
The knight stared at him with cold, calculating eyes, like someone analyzing prey. Eric felt vulnerable and exposed, like a cornered animal. That gaze shook him deeply, but before he could process it, the knight dragged him out and threw him roughly toward another. The second knight grabbed him and pulled him to where the other children were gathering.
Upon arrival, the knight shoved him, and Eric stumbled into the others. Looking around, he saw the knights had formed a protective ring between the shadowy corridor and a maze-like zone of rocky paths. Some were connected by natural stone arches, while others stretched into the horizon like outstretched arms.
Eric wondered whether running toward one of those paths might help him survive whatever came next. But he didn't know what lay ahead. So he decided to wait and see, or at least watch someone else brave enough to approach. He had no desire to be killed down one of those passages.
After a while, the last child arrived. Everyone stood tense, fearful of what would come next. A female voice shattered the silence.
"You've spent quite some time waiting in those carriages. But now it's time to decide your fate. You have two choices. Die here, or enter the dark labyrinth. Those who make it through will earn the honor of joining our Tower of Eternal Night. Let the game begin."
Lanira's voice rang out, menacing and full of promise. Everyone fell silent, overwhelmed by fear and despair.