10

  Sun Maze

  The morning sun bathed the coliseum in a warm, golden light as Alyc and Durk made their way to their seats in the Emberfall section. The red stone of the arena gleamed under the suns’ rays, its polished surfaces glowing with a sense of timeless grandeur. The hum of the crowd filled the air, a cacophony of excitement, nerves, and anticipation as spectators from both Emberfall and Selenia gathered to witness the next set of trials. Alyc could feel the energy in her chest, her heart pounding as she took her seat beside her father. She glanced at the banners of Emberfall fluttering above their section, their vibrant reds and golds stark against the sky. Across the arena, Selenian banners of blue and grey stood in regal contrast. The stakes of the trials had never felt more real. She turned to Durk, gripping his hand tightly without realizing it. Her gaze flicked to the arena floor, where the Divine Council had yet to appear. The anticipation was almost unbearable.

  “Easy, Alyc,” Durk said with a quiet chuckle, wincing slightly. “Ow, you’re going to break my fingers.” Alyc quickly let go, her cheeks flushing. “Sorry, Dad,” she mumbled, managing a small smile.

  Durk gave her a reassuring glance. “Nerves are good. It means you care.” Before she could reply, a hush fell over the coliseum. All eyes turned to the center of the arena as the Seer appeared, her presence as commanding as ever. Dressed in flowing silver robes that shimmered like moonlight, her silver eyes scanned the crowd, filled with quiet authority. A graceful motion of her hand silenced the murmurs of the spectators entirely, the coliseum now holding its breath. “Champions of Emberfall and Selenia,” the Seer began, her voice resonating across the arena despite its soft tone. It was as though the very air carried her words. “Today marks a turning point in the trials. Two challenges await your warriors each a test of endurance, timing, and willpower. By day’s end, four competitors will fall, leaving only six to continue.” A murmur rippled through the crowd at her words, and Alyc felt her stomach twist. Four eliminations. Nearly half of the remaining competitors would be gone by the end of the day. She glanced at the group of Emberfall competitors seated near the arena floor, their expressions ranging from focused determination to quiet apprehension. “Endurance and timing,” Durk echoed under his breath, his tone thoughtful. “Two qualities that separate a good warrior from a great one.” Alyc nodded, her attention fixed on the Seer as she continued. “The first trial today,” the Seer announced, her silver eyes gleaming, “is known as the Sun Maze.” At the mention of its name, a collective wave of anticipation swept through the audience. Alyc leaned forward in her seat, her pulse quickening. “This trial,” the Seer explained, “will test our champions’ ability to navigate through fire and confusion, to endure the heat and find clarity amidst chaos. Within the maze, each competitor must retrieve their garrison’s shield, a symbol of their courage and unity. The final two to return will be eliminated.” The crowd erupted in cheers, and Alyc could feel the excitement and tension building. Her gaze flicked back to Durk, who was now watching the arena floor intently. “She said chaos,” Alyc muttered. “What kind of maze are they facing?” Durk didn’t answer immediately, his focus sharp. “We’re about to find out.” In the arena, the Seer lifted her hand again. “Champions, prepare yourselves. The Sun Maze awaits.” The coliseum fell silent as the Seer lifted her hands, her presence commanding complete attention. She turned toward Felrum, the Stoneheart, whose massive frame seemed almost carved from the very stone he controlled. With a deliberate gesture, Felrum raised his arms. The ground beneath the arena trembled, and the earth itself began to shift and groan. Slowly, an intricate labyrinth rose from the floor, its smooth, towering walls gleaming in the sunlight. The maze’s design was both beautiful and intimidating, its pathways winding and complex, stretching across the entire arena. Alyc watched in awe as the structure took shape. She leaned toward her father, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s incredible. It looks alive.” Durk nodded, his gaze never leaving the arena. “It’s more than a maze. It’s a test of their will and their ability to adapt.” The labyrinth stood completed, a massive monument to endurance and cunning. Skywatcher, Venta, stepped forward next, her movements fluid and calm. Her robes shifted as though caught in an unseen breeze, and with a graceful sweep of her arms, the Divine platform began to rise. It floated steadily upward, carrying the Divine Council to a vantage point high above the maze. From there, the gods could observe the competitors’ every move, their presence a reminder of the stakes. Then came Calor, the Flamebearer. The fire surrounding him seemed to ripple with his every step. He approached the edge of the platform, his aura radiating heat. With a single motion, he unleashed his power. Flames erupted across the labyrinth, roaring to life as they engulfed the walls. The fire’s glow turned the arena into a blazing inferno, its heat palpable even from the stands. The crowd gasped, their awe and fear mingling in the charged atmosphere. Alyc shielded her face as the heat washed over her. “How can anyone survive in there?” she murmured. Durk’s jaw tightened. “They won’t have a choice.” The Seer stepped forward once more, her silver eyes scanning the competitors gathered near the maze’s entrance. Her voice carried effortlessly across the coliseum. “Champions, the Sun Maze is not merely a test of speed or strength. Within its fiery depths, you must find a shield bearing the emblem of your garrison. Only by retrieving your shield and returning to the entrance will you complete this trial. But remember, the last two to return will be eliminated.” The competitors stood in tense silence, their faces a mix of determination and apprehension. The Seer’s voice softened, though her words were no less commanding. “This is a non-combative trial. Leave your weapons here, for they will not serve you within the maze. You will face heat, disorientation, and challenges designed to test your endurance and resolve. The flames will block your path. The walls will shift. The maze will demand your adaptability and your strength of will.”

  Alyc felt a chill despite the heat. The challenges sounded almost impossible. One by one, the competitors stepped forward to lay down their weapons. Vienna Hast placed her staff carefully, her expression calm and focused. Jesta Valance adjusted her gloves, her movements precise and deliberate. Prigo Crest tossed his sword down carelessly, his smirk unwavering. At the maze’s entrance, the competitors lined up. The flames roared higher, casting flickering shadows across their determined faces. The labyrinth itself seemed to pulse, as though it were alive and waiting for them to enter. Alyc’s breath caught as she watched them prepare. Durk’s gaze remained sharp, taking in every detail. The Seer raised her hand. “The Sun Maze awaits,” she declared. With that, the competitors surged forward, their forms disappearing into the fiery depths of the labyrinth. The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices rising in a deafening wave of excitement. From her seat, Alyc gripped the edge tightly, her knuckles white. The maze blazed like a living thing, its flames reaching toward the sky. She could only imagine the heat and chaos within, the traps and shifting paths that would test every ounce of the competitors’ strength and resolve.

  Beside her, Durk leaned forward, his expression unyielding. “Watch carefully, Alyc,” he said, his voice low but firm. “This is where they’ll show who they truly are.” The fiery maze consumed the competitors, their fates hidden from view. The Sun Maze had begun. The Seer’s voice rang out, clear and commanding, over the roaring flames. “The trial begins!” The competitors bolted toward the entrance of the Sun Maze, their forms vanishing into the inferno. The crowd erupted, their cheers shaking the coliseum as spectators leaned forward in their seats, eager to witness the unfolding drama. Alyc watched with bated breath, her heart pounding as the fiery labyrinth consumed the champions. Inside the maze, the heat was suffocating. The flames weren’t just decoration they licked at the stone walls, casting shimmering heatwaves through the narrow corridors. The maze felt alive, the air thick with smoke and the acrid scent of burning stone. Prigo Crest, ever confident, took the lead. His sharp eyes darted from wall to wall as he memorized key features, marking his path mentally. He moved with calculated precision, his pace unyielding. A burst of flame erupted just ahead, but Prigo didn’t flinch. Timing his steps perfectly, he leaped through the blaze, landing on the other side with a smirk.

  Behind him, Jesta Valance moved like a shadow. Her lithe frame slipped through tight spaces with ease, her every step deliberate. Where others hesitated, Jesta flowed, her instincts seeming to guide her around traps before they could ensnare her. At one point, a narrow corridor erupted into flames on both sides. Instead of retreating or waiting, Jesta leaped onto a narrow ledge along the wall, balancing precariously as she bypassed the danger. Brook Browner, on the other hand, took an entirely different approach. The hulking warrior charged forward, his sheer strength allowing him to overcome obstacles that would have stalled others. When he encountered a collapsing wall, he didn’t wait for it to reset he barreled through it with a roar, the weakened stone crumbling under his weight. His brute force won him passage, though it left him panting in the stifling heat. Further back, Bex Trylon struggled. The veteran competitor’s silver hair clung to her face, damp with sweat. The heat bore down on her, sapping her strength. She moved cautiously, her sharp eyes scanning for traps. At one turn, a section of the floor gave way beneath her feet, and she fell into a shallow pit. The crowd let out a collective gasp as she clawed her way back up, her movements slower but resolute.

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  The maze itself seemed to conspire against the champions. Narrow corridors twisted and turned, sometimes leading to dead ends that shifted into new pathways. Bursts of flame erupted unpredictably, forcing the competitors to stop and calculate their timing. One section featured a series of shallow pits, their edges slick with heat-warped stone, making each climb a test of endurance. Morrow Coswo, the master archer from Selenia, moved with measured precision. His lean frame allowed him to slip through tight spaces, and his sharp eyes caught subtle shifts in the maze’s layout. At one point, he encountered a series of collapsing walls that reset within seconds. Timing his movements with the precision of an arrow’s flight, he darted through the gaps, emerging unscathed on the other side. Brail Wistare, the towering Moonguard warrior, used his size to his advantage, though it occasionally worked against him. His broad shoulders barely fit through some of the narrower corridors, forcing him to slow down. However, his immense strength allowed him to lift fallen debris with ease, clearing paths that others might have abandoned. Vienna Hast approached the maze like a puzzle to be solved. Her strategic mind analyzed each obstacle, and she rarely wasted a step. When she encountered a dead end, she paused briefly, her sharp eyes scanning for subtle clues before retracing her steps. Her methodical approach was slower than Prigo’s or Jesta’s, but it was undeniably effective. The crowd’s cheers rose and fell as the competitors faced the maze’s challenges. Alyc’s eyes darted between the pathways, trying to follow each champion’s progress. The flames obscured much of the action, but the occasional glimpse of a moving figure or the sound of a distant shout kept the tension high. “They’re doing better than I thought,” Durk muttered beside her, his voice low. Alyc glanced at him, surprised. “Even Bex?” Durk’s expression softened. “She’s struggling, but she’s still fighting. That counts for more than you think.” Within the maze, the champions pushed onward, their determination unwavering despite the brutal conditions. The heat, the traps, and the constantly shifting paths tested every ounce of their endurance and cunning. At last, Prigo Crest reached the center of the maze. His sharp memory had guided him flawlessly, and his shield gleamed in the firelight. He snatched it up and turned back the way he came, retracing his steps with the same confidence that had brought him this far. As he emerged from the entrance, the crowd erupted into cheers, his smirk never fading. Jesta Valance was close behind. Her agility and intuition had served her well, and she moved with the grace of a shadow as she retrieved her shield. The flames seemed almost to part for her as she raced back to the entrance, her every movement calculated and efficient. Brook Browner’s roar echoed through the maze as he finally reached his shield, his face slick with sweat but alight with determination. He hefted the shield and began his return, his massive frame barreling through the maze’s final obstacles. Further back, Bex gritted her teeth as she pulled herself up from another pit. Her shield was within sight now, its emblem gleaming through the haze. With a final burst of strength, she reached it, clutching it tightly before beginning the arduous journey back. The trial wasn’t over, but the Sun Maze had already claimed its first victims. As the competitors emerged from the blazing Sun Maze, their shields clutched tightly in their hands, the tension in the coliseum reached its peak. The crowd roared as each champion appeared, their efforts met with a thunderous mix of cheers and applause. Prigo Crest was the first to reappear, his movements as effortless as if he had strolled through the maze. He raised his shield high, a smug grin plastered across his face as the crowd erupted in admiration. Jesta Valance was not far behind, her movements still graceful despite the toll the maze had taken. She stepped into view, her expression fierce but calm, as though she had conquered the flames and shifting paths with ease. The agility and precision she had shown in the Shadow Duel shone just as brightly now, earning her a place as the second finisher. Morrow Coswo emerged next, his keen adaptability and methodical approach having served him well. He moved steadily, his shield held firmly, his demeanor reflecting quiet confidence. His calculated strategy had paid off, securing him third place in the trial. Vienna Hast followed, her steps deliberate yet brisk. She glanced at the crowd briefly as she held her shield up, the emblem glinting in the sunlight. Her intellect and tactical approach had guided her through the chaos of the maze, solidifying her fourth-place finish. Brook Browner came barreling out of the entrance, his massive frame drenched in sweat, his shield gripped tightly in one hand. His roars of determination echoed across the coliseum, his raw strength and grit allowing him to overcome every obstacle in his path. He planted his feet firmly at the finish, his chest heaving as the crowd cheered his fifth-place victory. Brail Wistare appeared moments later, his towering frame bearing the signs of the maze’s grueling challenges. His broad shoulders heaved as he strode out, the heat of the flames still radiating from his body. Despite the odds, he had pushed through, earning himself sixth place. The coliseum grew quieter as the crowd waited for the final two competitors. Magra Broost stumbled through the entrance, her face streaked with soot and her eyes reflecting both exhaustion and resolve. She barely made it, her shield clutched in trembling hands. The Emberfall supporters cheered for her valiant effort, though their voices held a note of worry. Finally, Bex Trylon emerged, her silver hair matted with sweat. Her steps were slower, her shield dragging slightly at her side, but she stood tall, determined to finish with dignity. The crowd’s applause was heartfelt, a testament to her perseverance despite the overwhelming odds. The flames surrounding the maze began to die, and the labyrinth itself sank slowly back into the arena floor. The Seer, her silver eyes glowing faintly, stepped forward into the center of the coliseum. The crowd quieted instantly, their attention riveted on her as she raised her hand. "Champions," the Seer began, her voice resonant and calm, "the Sun Maze has tested your endurance, your timing, and your resolve. You have faced the fire and emerged stronger for it. But as with all trials, some journeys must end." Alyc gripped Durk’s arm tightly, her heart sinking as she glanced at Magra and Bex, both of whom looked drained but steadfast.

  “Magra Broost of Emberfall,” the Seer said, turning her gaze toward the Emberfall competitor. “And Bex Trylon of Selenia.” The crowd rose to their feet, offering a wave of applause that filled the coliseum. Alyc felt a pang of sorrow as she watched Magra bow her head slightly, her shoulders slumping under the weight of the announcement. "You have brought honor to your kingdoms," the Seer continued, her tone steady but kind. "Hold your heads high, for your strength and determination will not be forgotten." Magra turned to her teammates, her expression a mix of disappointment and gratitude. Brook stepped forward, clapping her on the back with a reassuring grin. “You gave it your all, Magra. That’s what counts.” Bex stood tall, her silver hair catching the light as she nodded stoically toward her fellow competitors. “It’s been an honor,” she said simply, her voice calm despite the emotions she surely felt.The Seer’s gaze swept over the remaining competitors. “Rest now, champions. The trials will only grow more challenging from here.” As the Sun Maze’s remnants disappeared entirely, the coliseum echoed with the crowd’s cheers, a mixture of joy and anticipation for what was still to come. Alyc’s heart ached for Magra, but she felt a deep sense of honor in the way the warrior had faced her elimination with grace.

  Beside her, Durk exhaled, his eyes fixed on the arena floor. “They’ve done well,” he murmured. “Now it’s up to the rest to carry on.” Alyc nodded, her thoughts already turning to the next challenge. The trials were far from over, and the stakes had never been higher. As the echoes of the crowd’s cheers faded into a hum of anticipation, the Sun Maze was gone, leaving only the smoothed arena floor in its place. The competitors, though weary, stood tall, their shields still in hand as the golden glow of the two suns bathed them in light. Above them, the Divine Council observed silently, their presence a reminder of the sacred weight of these trials. From her position in the stands, Alyc’s gaze shifted to the Lifebringer, Sani, who stepped forward with an air of calm authority. Her robes of green and gold shimmered softly, her serene face radiating compassion. As she moved, her hands began to glow with a warm, golden light, casting an aura of renewal over the arena. “Come forth,” Sani said, her voice gentle yet commanding. “Let me restore you, champions, so you may face the next trial at your best.” The competitors formed a line, their movements sluggish but filled with determination. Sani approached the first in line, Vienna Hast, and placed her hands lightly on the competitor’s shoulders. A soft glow enveloped Vienna, and as it faded, she straightened, her face no longer marked by the strain of the trial. One by one, the competitors received Sani’s healing touch. Morrow Coswo rolled his shoulders, testing his renewed strength with a small nod of appreciation. Brook Browner let out a hearty laugh, declaring he felt better than ever as he patted his shiel