Sam and Kito are walking forward with nervousness. They have seen every side, and it was a dead end. Sam spoke, "We have searched every path, and it was a dead end."
Sam spoke, "Hey, use any spell to find a way."
Kito spoke, "I am still not a full lighter yet. We need a spell book to use our power.
Sam spoke, "I can't understand, we hunters need Animus to see our weapons attribute and connect with them, and Soleborn also need Animus to see their ability, but what is a spell book going to do for Lighter.
Kito explained, " We Lighters are not like other supernatural beings; we got our power by using supernatural creatures to make our souls supernatural. Before that, my ancestors were just normal human beings, and then they became supernatural beings, with the power of the soul passed down from generation to generation, like a bloodline; we are not naturally supernatural."
Sam spoke, "You told me all that, but didn't tell me why you use a spell book."
Kito said, "Hey, I am not all intelligent, ok, but one thing I know is we Lighters use a spell book to control our power and store our spells.
Kito continued, "Lighters get their spell by proving themselves, ok, let's discuss this later."
*******
Alex and Daniel sprinted down the narrow, dimly lit corridor, their hearts pounding as they skidded to a halt at a dead end. They leaned against the cool stone wall, gasping for breath. "Is he still following us?" Alex asked, glancing over his shoulder, dread creeping into his voice. Daniel shook his head, trying to steady his racing heart. "No, I think we're safe for now. "Just moments earlier, the two had stepped cautiously into a mysterious path, the flickering light from their flashlights revealing an eerie room ahead. As they entered, two heavy doors confronted them, both ominously closed. "What do we do now?" Daniel wondered, his attention fixated on the sealed doors. Alex furrowed his brow. "One of the rules said we need to solve the puzzles to move forward. Let's see if there's anything here that can help us. "As they approached, an ancient inscription caught their eyes, carved deep into the stone. They leaned closer to read the cryptic message: "To progress through this place, you must abide by the maze's rules. To continue, unlock the tomb nestled between the doors that will reveal the path ahead. "They saw the tomb on the side. Daniel spoke, "How do we open it? Even if we open it, we don't know what danger lies inside the tomb. "As they stood before the imposing tomb, a shiver ran down their spines. Inscribed on the weathered stone were cryptic words that beckoned them closer:**Name the word** *"What is the thing you defeat by not fighting?"*Alex and Daniel exchanged puzzled glances, both deep in thought. Finally, breaking the silence, Alex asked, "Even if we uncover the answer, what do we do with it? "With a spark of inspiration in his eyes, Daniel replied, "I think I might know!" He continued, "There's an ancient form of magic known as word magic, a powerful force that infuses words with a kind of life, drawing from the essence of solus. Most of its intricacies have faded with time, but the basics remain. "Intrigued, Alex nodded. "Then we have to discover the word. "After ten minutes of contemplation, a realisation struck Alex like a lightning bolt. She jumped to her feet, startling Daniel. "What is it? Did you figure it out?" Daniel asked eagerly. "Yes!" Alex exclaimed, her voice filled with conviction. "Remember when we entered the maze? That overwhelming feeling in our hearts? It was fear. No matter which path we chose, fear loomed over us, threatening to lead us to our doom. This maze is designed to instil fear deep within us. The answer, Daniel, is fear itself. It cannot be conquered through fighting."
With a deep breath, Daniel embraced the weight of his thoughts and let the word flow from his lips, grounding himself in its essence: "fear."
The tomb trembled as if alive, its ancient doors creaking open. From the tomb, a black figure emerged. This creature was a haunting sight, its skull partially exposed and adorned with patches of ominous fungus. Piercing blue eyes glimmered through tangled strands of hair, giving it an unsettling, otherworldly gaze. Clad in aged, battered armour, it exuded an air of forgotten power, yet its mouth was grotesquely stitched shut, sealing away whatever horrors lurked within. In one hand, it grasped a menacing black sword that seemed to absorb the surrounding light. Daniel and Alex exchanged wary glances, their calm exteriors belied by the rapid thrum of fear rising within them, every instinct screaming to flee from the dread that had just emerged from the shadows.
With determination in his eyes, Daniel charged at the monstrous creature, landing a powerful punch squarely on its chest. To his dismay, the beast barely flinched, its terrifying presence unfazed. In an instant, it retaliated, swinging its enormous sword with lethal precision, just as Daniel braced for impact. But before the blade could find its target, Alex sprang into action, pulling him out of harm's way. Heart racing, Daniel prepared to counterattack, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, a glimmering sword sliced through the air, striking him down in a flash. As Daniel crumpled to the ground, shock etched across his face, Alex fell to her knees, the horrors of the moment crashing over her like a tidal wave. Her screams of anguish filled the air, but desperation turned to despair in an instant as she met her own tragic end, darkness swallowing her whole. The battlefield echoed with silence, leaving only the shadows of their sacrifice behind. Daniel woke up to find an unconscious Alex beside him. "Alex, wake up!" he shouted. She soon woke and hugged him tight.
Alex spoke, "How are we alive? I remember we were killed by that monster in the tomb."
Suddenly, the maze's voice was heard in both of their ears.
**The Maze Awaits: Welcome to the Undead Maze!** Each of you has been assigned a number of lives based on your strength—those who are weaker possess more lives, while the stronger among you have fewer. Keep a close eye on your remaining lives, which are visible in your hand. Remember, once your last life fades away, you will be drawn into the maze forever. Face the challenges ahead wisely, for survival hinges on your choices! Will you rise to the occasion, or will you become part of the undead? The maze beckons!
Alex checked her hand and saw 4 dots on her hand and Daniel had 3 in his hand. Alex spoke, "We have to be careful and not waste our lives.
Suddenly, a voice was heard in the silent maze. Daniel spoke, "It is that monster, let's run."
Flashback completed now.