Chapter 6: The Labyrinth's Trial
Jin Mu-Yeon stood quietly at the edge of the training grounds, observing the new day's challenges unfolding before him. The air was thick with tension as the Demonic Sect's disciples gathered, each preparing for another day of grueling tests and unrelenting expectations.
"Today, you'll need more than your sword," Elder Seong-Won's voice echoed sharply, cutting through the chatter of the group. The teacher's piercing gaze swept across the gathered children, finally landing on Jin Mu-Yeon. "We test your ability to strategize. A warrior is nothing without his mind."
The task for the day was a group battle. Disciples were paired into teams of three and sent into the sect's underground arena—a labyrinth filled with traps, simulated enemies, and rival teams. Survival wasn't guaranteed.
"Mu-Yeon," Do Hyun called, stepping beside him. The boy's expression was calm, but there was a spark of mischief in his eyes. "They've placed us together. I suppose they think we'll kill each other before the trial even begins."
Jin Mu-Yeon smirked. "It's not such a bad match. You handle brute force, and I'll handle the thinking."
Their third teammate, a girl named Chae Rin, joined them silently. She was known for her precision with throwing weapons, a quiet and calculating disciple who had survived the previous trials without drawing much attention. "We move fast," she said simply. "The labyrinth will close its gates after an hour."
The three descended into the dimly lit maze, their senses sharp. Jin Mu-Yeon gripped his sword tightly, his mind racing to predict the traps the elders might have laid. Do Hyun, meanwhile, cracked his knuckles, his Qi faintly glowing crimson—a sign of his family's terrifying blood arts.
"Split into a formation," Jin instructed. "I'll lead. Do Hyun, cover the rear. Chae Rin, keep an eye on the flanks."
As they moved deeper, a series of mechanical sounds erupted. Spiked walls began to close in on them, forcing the team to sprint forward. Chae Rin hurled a throwing knife, triggering a hidden mechanism that momentarily slowed the trap.
"Nice throw," Do Hyun remarked, but his grin faded as shadowy figures emerged ahead—another team, armed and ready to attack.
"Stand your ground," Jin ordered. The opposing disciples charged, their leader wielding dual blades. Jin stepped forward, parrying the first strike and countering with a swift slash that forced his opponent back. "Chae Rin, disable their ranged fighter."
Without hesitation, Chae Rin's knife flew, disarming the enemy's archer. Meanwhile, Do Hyun stepped into the fray, his Qi flaring as he launched a devastating palm strike that sent one attacker crashing into the maze wall.
The fight was quick but intense. Jin's calculated moves and Do Hyun's raw power created an overwhelming force. Soon, their opponents were incapacitated, left behind as the trio pressed onward.
"We make a good team," Do Hyun said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Don't get too comfortable," Jin replied. "The elders won't let us win this easily."
His words proved true. The labyrinth's final challenge was a towering golem powered by dark Qi. Its eyes glowed with malice as it charged toward them, swinging massive stone fists.
"Together!" Jin shouted. He darted forward, aiming for the creature's joints. His blade struck true, but the golem barely faltered. Do Hyun leaped onto its back, unleashing a series of crimson-infused strikes that cracked its armor. Chae Rin, from a safe distance, targeted its weak points with deadly precision.
It took all their efforts, but the golem finally collapsed, crumbling into a heap of stone and ash. The trio, battered but victorious, stood in the silence of the now-still labyrinth.
When they emerged back into the sunlight, Elder Seong-Won was waiting. "Not bad," he said, a rare hint of approval in his tone. "You three might actually survive long enough to be of use to the sect."
Jin Mu-Yeon said nothing, his mind already racing ahead. He knew the challenges would only grow more deadly, and the bonds he was forming with his teammates might be the only thing keeping him alive.