AURA OF THE SEVEN 🌪️
Chapter 27: The Labyrinth of Holy Fire — Courage (and a little bit of Shoving) 🏰🔥😰
The Great Arbiter didn't let them off easy. To prove that Ryun could control the "Void Seed," he was ordered to enter the Labyrinth of Holy Fire—a shifting maze of divine flames that burned away lies and fear.
🏰 The Entrance of Doom
The gates of the labyrinth were made of white marble, dripping with liquid gold fire. The heat was enough to melt a mountain.
Ryun: (Staring at the fire, backing away slowly) "You know... I just remembered. I left the stove on back on Earth. I should probably go check that. Gojung, you go. You're the leader. Leaders love fire, right?"
Gojung (🌑): (Placing a heavy hand on Ryun's shoulder) "The stove has been off for three years, Ryun. And no, this is your trial. The 'Void Seed' reacts to your emotions. If you're scared, it'll eat you. If you're brave, you'll eat it."
Ryun: "Can I just... snack on it a little? Does it have to be a full meal?"
😂 The Guardians' "Support"
The other five Guardians were sitting on a nearby floating cloud, having found a basket of 'Celestial Grapes.'
Kael (⚡): "Yo, Ryun! Five gold coins says you scream like a girl in the first ten minutes!"
Akira (🍃): "I'll take that bet. I say he lasts five minutes before his pants catch fire."
Minho (🌿): "Guys, be nice. Ryun, if you die, can I have your sword? It matches my outfit."
Ryun: "I CAN HEAR YOU ALL! I HATE THIS TEAM!"
🤜 The Final Push
Mei-Lin walked up to her brother. Her eyes were soft, but she was holding a heavy wooden staff.
Mei-Lin (✨): "Brother, listen. The Gods are watching. They think you're a monster. But I know you're just a big chicken who cares too much. Use that care. Don't fight the fire—be the fire."
Ryun: "Thanks, Mei-Lin. That was actually helpful. I feel a bit bett—"
Gojung: (Suddenly kicking Ryun in the back) "Enough talk. Just go in!"
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Ryun's scream echoed as he tumbled headfirst into the white flames. The marble doors slammed shut behind him.
🔥 Inside the Maze
Ryun landed on his face. He scrambled up, patting his clothes to make sure he wasn't on fire. The walls were moving. Every time he took a step, the fire changed color—from gold to a terrifying violet.
Suddenly, a voice boomed from the walls: "Face your greatest fear, Carrier of the Void."
The flames shifted and took the shape of... The Great Arbiter, but ten times larger, holding a giant sandal (the ultimate weapon of discipline).
Ryun: (Gulping) "Okay, listen Mr. Big Fire God... I'm terrified of you. Like, really scared. But my leader just kicked me in the butt, and my sister is watching, so if you don't move... I might have to get slightly annoyed!"
His right eye (the Black Void) began to glow. The fire around him didn't burn him; it started to bow.
🌪️ Final Narration
"Ryun was shaking, his knees were knocking, but he didn't run.
Outside, Gojung looked at the closed doors with a small smile. He knew the 'Void' wasn't Ryun's curse—it was his test.
But will Ryun manage to survive the 'Divine Illusion' waiting at the center of the maze?