As the light from the orb dimd, Number 11 exhaled slowly, finally allowing the tension to leave his body.
His wings fluttered nervously as he drifted back toward the screens where he was watching the humans.
"Always watching… always waiting to pounce," he muttered, his expression sour.
"Number 3 acts like a king, but he'll never be the true ruler. Only one has that right."
His mind wandered to thoughts of the Fairy King, Beruel, a na spoken with reverence and fear among the fae.
Beruel had been one of the few to rise in power, securing influence not only within the fairy courts but also within the darker forces of the Nether Cult.
Beruel's strength was legendary, his ambition boundless—and it was for him that Number 11 worked tirelessly, hoping to prove his worth.
"I must succeed for the King," he whispered, his sharp eyes glinting with determination.
"If I fail this mission, Number 3 will use it to discredit , and the King's favor will slip through my fingers."
He knew that Number 3 just wanted to steal the glory from him which was why he had told him to report to him first.
Of course he had no intention of doing it but he didn't have the guts to refuse him outrightly.
He just hoped that the goodwill and eventual promotion from King Beruel would be enough to shield him from the anger of Number 3.
Failure was not an option. The Arcana—the ancient artifact hidden within the labyrinth—would secure not only his place but also help the Nether Cult grow in power, a vital step in Beruel's plans.
If he failed… well, he didn't want to think about what the Head of the Cult would do, let alone the consequences from his own kind.
Still, there was ti. The adventurers were doing most of the work. He could afford a little more patience.
Turning his attention back to the shimring screens, Number 11 began watching the Adventurers with renewed interest.
*
*
*
anwhile, back in the dungeon, Neron and Lily pressed forward through the dark corridor, each of their step filled with caution.
After defeating the previous group of golems, the air had grown heavy with tension, as if sothing was watching them, waiting for the perfect mont to strike.
"I don't like this place," Lily muttered, her usual confidence montarily wavering.
Her hand remained tight around her dagger as she glanced around the shadowed pillars that lined the path ahead. "Feels like we're walking into a trap."
"You've noticed too," Neron replied, his voice low and calm, though his eyes were alert.
His masked face betrayed nothing, but his grip on his sword had tightened. "It's been quiet for too long. Anyway this whole place is a trap."
"Stay sharp," Neron said quietly, his eyes scanning the environnt for any sign of movent.
Lily wiped sweat from her brow and glanced at Neron with a grin. "You know, for soone who keeps saying this isn't about strength, you sure like showing off."
Neron ignored her comnt, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the now silent corridor.
Sothing still felt off, but before he could voice his concerns, the sound of footsteps echoed from further ahead—not the heavy stomping of golems, but the lighter, more deliberate steps of human feet.
"Soone's coming," Neron said, raising his sword defensively as he took a step forward, positioning himself between Lily and the approaching figures.
From the shadows, a group of adventurers erged, their weapons drawn but their expressions wary rather than hostile.
At their head was a tall man with dark hair and sharp eyes, his armor scratched and battered from battle. He raised a hand, signaling for his group to halt as they ca into view.
"Well, well," the man said, his voice low and amused. "Didn't expect to find others down here. Thought we were the only unlucky souls left."
Neron didn't relax, his eyes assessing the newcors with suspicion. "Who are you?"
The man smirked. "Davis. And these are my comrades. Looks like we're all stuck in this ss together."
Lily stepped forward, her expression guarded but curious. "You're adventurers too?"
Davis nodded. "Like you, we were separated from the original group when we entered this cursed place. Been fighting golems and dodging traps ever since. But no matter where we go, there's no clear way out."
Neron remained silent for a mont, weighing his options. The reality of them being stuck in the maze with no clear escape route wasn't ideal.
Teaming up—at least temporarily—might give them a better chance of survival.
"We're heading deeper into the labyrinth," Neron said after a mont. "You can join us, but we're not here to babysit. Stay out of our way, and we'll stay out of yours."
From the corner of his eyes, he saw Lily glance sharply at him trying to catch his attention but he didn't look at her.
Davis chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusent. "Fair enough. We're all here for the sa reason anyway."
Lily shot Neron a glance, but he gave her a slight nod, signaling that it was better to work together for now.
Lily shifted uneasily, still not entirely convinced about teaming up with the newcors as she wanted them to be alone.
"Let's not waste ti," she muttered, sheathing her dagger.
They moved in silence, each step echoing through the dark stone halls.
Davis, walking beside Neron, glanced at him from the corner of his eye. "You seem calm for soone in a place like this. Most adventurers would've lost their nerve by now."
Neron didn't respond imdiately, his gaze fixed on the surroundings.
Finally, he muttered, "Fear clouds judgnt. That's when mistakes happen."
Davis raised an eyebrow but didn't push the conversation further. He noticed that the masked guy wasn't big on small talks.
There was sothing unsettling about him and he couldn't wait to see him in action.
As they pressed on, the corridor began to widen, revealing an expansive chamber with towering pillars stretching into the shadows above.
Davis nodded. "Let's hope it's not another trap."
Neron's eyes darkened. "It's always a trap. Question is—are we ready for it?"
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