A group of people wake up in a video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

The group attempts to leave the woods after finishing their objective.

Chapter 6

The morning air is cool and crisp as I slowly open my eyes, the soft light filtering through the trees casting a faint golden glow across the clearing. The fire has burned down to embers, its warmth fading but still comforting.

I glance around the camp, seeing Kaida curled up with her staff beside her, Hrothgar leaning against a tree, and Veyron sprawled out in the most relaxed pose I’ve ever seen. Lyra is still resting, her breathing steady, and for a moment, the peace feels almost surreal.

But then my eyes land on Lorien. He’s sitting at the edge of the camp, his spear resting across his knees, his gaze fixed on the forest beyond. His shoulders are tense, his posture alert.

I hesitate, the memory of yesterday’s events flickering in my mind. The cave, the skeletons, Lyra’s kiss… and the strange feelings it stirred in me.

I could just stay where I am, pretend I’m still asleep, and avoid the awkwardness entirely. But then I see the way Lorien’s grip tightens on his spear, the faint crease of worry on his brow, and I feel a tug of something else—curiosity, maybe, or the desire to understand.

I sit up quietly, careful not to disturb the others as I get to my feet. The cool morning air nips at my skin, but I ignore it as I walk over to where Lorien is sitting. He doesn’t notice me at first, his focus on the forest ahead, his fingers tapping lightly against his spear.

“Morning,” I say softly, settling down beside him.

He startles slightly, turning to me with wide eyes. “Oh, Artemis,” he says, his voice low but steady. “I didn’t hear you get up. Morning.”

For a moment, there’s a quiet pause between us, the sound of birds chirping faintly in the distance. I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, noticing the faint shadows under his eyes.

“You’ve been up a while, haven’t you?” I ask casually, keeping my tone light.

He nods, his grip tightening slightly on his spear. “Yeah. Couldn’t sleep much. Decided I’d just keep watch.” He glances at the others, his expression softening. “They needed the rest more than I did.”

“Guess that makes you the unofficial sentinel of the group,” I say with a faint smile.

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t go that far. Just… felt like the right thing to do.”

I glance at Lorien. “When did you switch off guard duty?

He hesitates for a moment, then gives a sheepish smile. “Hrothgar wanted to keep watch the whole night, but I… I couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind, I guess.”

I tilt my head, studying him. “You should’ve taken the chance to rest. You’ve been through just as much as the rest of us. Probably more, considering you carried Lyra out of that cave.”

He shrugs, glancing at Lyra still sleeping peacefully near the fire. “I didn’t mind. She’s part of the group, you know? And… it’s not like I’d have been able to sleep anyway. Better to keep watch and let the others recharge.”

There’s something about the way he says it—calm, selfless—that makes me pause. “You’ve been putting the group first this whole time, haven’t you?”

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “I’m just trying to do my part. That’s what a party is, right? We look out for each other.”

I lean back, looking at him thoughtfully. “You’re a good guy, Lorien.”

He glances at me, surprised, then smiles faintly. “Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you.”

I tilt my head slightly, narrowing my eyes as his words linger in the air. “What do you mean, ‘coming from me?’”

Lorien looks away for a moment, his cheeks flushing faintly. “I just mean… you’re the leader, right? You’re the one holding this group together. Everyone looks to you to make the tough calls. So… hearing you say that means a lot.”

I blink, caught off guard. “I didn’t exactly sign up to be the leader. It just… happened. I’m not sure I even know what I’m doing half the time.”

He shakes his head, his expression earnest. “Maybe. But you still do it. You make the calls, you keep us moving forward, and you don’t let the pressure crush you. That’s not easy, Artemis. Not everyone could do that.”

I glance away, the weight of his words settling on me. “I don’t always feel like I’m doing a good job,” I admit quietly. “Sometimes I feel like I’m just making it up as I go.”

“And yet,” Lorien says softly, “Everyone here trusts you with their lives. Whether you really wanted to or not that first day you saved everyone. Got everyone moving and into the city. Even if they don’t say it we are alive cause of you.”

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say. Finally, I manage a small smile. “Thanks, Lorien. That… means a lot.”

He nods, his own smile soft and genuine. “Anytime.”

The forest seems a little quieter, the weight on my shoulders a little lighter. Despite everything—despite the chaos and danger—I feel a flicker of warmth in his words.

Lorien shifts slightly, leaning closer, his gaze fixed on mine. His voice is soft, hesitant. “Artemis…”

Before I can respond, he leans in and kisses me. It’s brief, gentle, and completely unexpected. My breath catches as he pulls back, his eyes wide with shock, as though he can’t quite believe what he just did.

“I—” I start to speak, but the words die in my throat as a loud, sudden caw cuts through the quiet morning.

The entire camp stirs to life at once. Hrothgar jerks awake with a grunt, his hand already reaching for his axe. Veyron groans loudly, rubbing his eyes. “What the hell was that?” he mutters.

Kaida sits up, blinking blearily, her staff clutched tightly in her hands. Lyra stirs as well, glancing around with a sleepy but curious expression.

A large bird flutters through the clearing, its feathers dark and iridescent, before disappearing into the trees.

“Well,” Veyron says, smirking faintly as he stretches, “guess we’ve got our alarm clock.”

I sit frozen, my mind racing as the group’s attention shifts to the bird and their morning routines. Lorien glances at me briefly, his face turning red before he quickly looks away.

Kaida catches the look between us, her brow furrowing slightly, but she doesn’t say anything—at least not yet.

The awkwardness lingers for a moment before Hrothgar’s voice cuts through it. “Alright, enough sitting around. Let’s get moving. The sooner we’re out of this forest, the better.”

The forest feels quieter in the morning light, but the tension from last night lingers slightly as we gather our supplies and set out on the path back to the city. Lyra is walking on her own now, still looking pale but managing to keep up with the group. Hrothgar takes the lead, his axe ready as always, while Veyron and Lorien move near the middle, keeping an eye on the surroundings.

Kaida lingers at the back of the group with me, her pace deliberately slow as she falls into step beside me. She doesn’t say anything at first, just glances at me out of the corner of her eye, her expression curious but patient.

Finally, she speaks, her voice low enough that the others won’t hear. “Alright, spill it. What happened back there?”

I hesitate, my cheeks heating up as the memory of the kiss flashes in my mind. “What are you talking about?” I say, trying—and failing—to sound casual.

Kaida raises an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look. “Oh, come on. I saw how red his face was when we started moving, and you’ve been avoiding his gaze since we left. Something happened.” She pauses, her voice softening. “Did he… kiss you?”

I glance away, my silence confirming her suspicions.

Her eyes widen, and a small smile tugs at her lips. “He did, didn’t he?” she whispers excitedly. “Oh my gods, Artemis! What did you do?”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I didn’t do anything,” I admit quietly. “He kissed me, and then the bird woke everyone up before I could even process it.”

Kaida bites her lip, clearly trying to suppress a laugh. “Wow. Great timing, bird,” she says sarcastically before turning back to me. “But… how do you feel about it? About him?”

I hesitate again, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions. “I don’t know,” I say finally. “It’s just… confusing. I didn’t expect it, and now I don’t know what to think. Everything’s been so chaotic, and now this… I don’t even know how to feel about myself half the time, let alone someone else.”

Kaida nods, her smile softening into something more understanding. “That’s fair. I mean, you’ve been through so much, and this… this is a lot on top of everything else.”

I glance at her, grateful for her calm, supportive tone. “Yeah. It is.”

She pats my shoulder gently. “Take your time. Don’t rush yourself into figuring it all out. And hey, if you ever want to talk—or vent—I’m here like I keep saying.”

I smile faintly, her words easing some of the tension in my chest. “Thanks, Kaida. That means a lot.”

We walk in companionable silence for a while, the group ahead of us focused on the path back to the city. The forest feels less oppressive in the daylight, but I can’t shake the lingering weight of everything that’s happened—and everything that’s yet to come.

I glance at Kaida as we walk, lowering my voice to make sure the others don’t hear. “The thing is,” I begin, hesitating before continuing, “I’m still… a guy. At least, my mind is. Everything I feel, how I think… that’s all still the same, or at least I thought it was.”

Kaida tilts her head, her expression thoughtful. “Is it? I mean your body clearly isn’t,” she says gently. “And that has to be affecting you, whether you realize it or not. You’re experiencing things differently now—how people treat you, how you see yourself. It’s a lot to handle.”

I nod slowly, my hands tightening around my bow as I think. “I don’t even know how much of what I’m feeling is real. Would I feel like this if I was still… me? Or is it just this body, this game, messing with my head?”

Kaida offers me a small, understanding smile. “It’s probably a mix of both,” she says. “Your mind might still be the same, but your body is giving you new experiences, new emotions. And that doesn’t mean those feelings aren’t real—it just means they’re different.”

“But what does that even mean for me?” I ask, frustration creeping into my voice. “I’ve never thought about guys like that before. And now… Lorien…” I trail off, shaking my head.

Kaida places a reassuring hand on my arm, her voice calm. “It means you’re figuring yourself out. That’s okay, Artemis. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. And you don’t have to decide how you feel about Lorien—or anyone—until you’re ready.”

Her words settle something in me, a small flicker of relief cutting through the confusion. “I guess it’s just hard,” I admit. “Back in the real world, everything was… simpler. Now it feels like every decision, every feeling, is so much bigger.”

Kaida nods, her smile soft. “This world changes us. All of us. But you’re not alone in this, Artemis. You’ve got us—me—and we’ll figure it out together.”

I give her a small smile, grateful for her steady support. “Thanks, Kaida. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She chuckles, giving my arm a light squeeze. “Good thing you don’t have to find out.”

The two of us continue walking at the back of the group, the quiet forest around us feeling a little less heavy.

As we walk, I catch Lorien glancing back at me. His eyes meet mine for a brief moment, and he gives me a nervous smile before quickly turning back to face the path ahead. Next to him, Veyron leans in slightly, talking in low tones.

My stomach twists, and I can’t help but wonder: Are they talking about me? Did Lorien say something?

The thought sends my mind spiraling, every step through the forest suddenly feeling heavier. The trees seem taller, the shadows deeper, and the distance back to the city feels impossibly far.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Calm down, I tell myself. They’re probably just talking about something random. Veyron’s not exactly subtle—if it was about me, I’d know.

Still, the uncertainty lingers, making the forest feel even more stifling.

Kaida must notice the change in my posture, because she nudges me lightly with her elbow. “Hey,” she says quietly, her voice laced with concern. “You okay? You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”

I shake my head, forcing a small, unconvincing smile. “I’m fine,” I say quickly. “It’s just… this forest. I’m so ready to be back in the city.”

Kaida raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press further. “You and me both,” she says softly. “But we’re almost there. Just keep moving, one step at a time.”

I glance back up at the group, catching another glimpse of Veyron gesturing animatedly while Lorien looks… distracted. My chest tightens again, but I push the thought away. Whatever they’re talking about doesn’t matter right now. What matters is getting out of this forest and back to safety.

“Yeah,” I murmur to Kaida. “One step at a time.”

As I walk, trying to clear my mind, I see Lyra slowing her pace to fall in line next to me, her pale hair glinting faintly in the forest’s filtered light. She looks tired but steady, her gaze warm and curious.

“Hey, Artemis,” she says softly, falling into step beside me. “Can I ask you something?”

I nod, forcing a small smile. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

Lyra tilts her head, studying me for a moment. “Are you… the leader now?”

The question catches me off guard, and I blink at her. “I mean, not officially,” I say, glancing ahead at the group. “It just kind of… happened. Everyone kept looking to me to make decisions, and I guess I went along with it.”

She nods thoughtfully, her gaze flicking forward to Lorien and the others before returning to me. “you seem good at it,” she says after a moment. “The whole group feels… steady when you’re leading. It’s like they trust you completely…”

Her words send a strange mix of pride and uncertainty through me. “Uh Thanks,” I say hesitantly. “But I’m just making it up as I go, honestly. Half the time, I feel like I’m one bad call away from screwing everything up.”

Lyra smiles faintly. “That’s what being a leader is, though, isn’t it? Making the best decisions you can, even when you don’t have all the answers.” She pauses, her expression softening. “You kept everyone together and— you saved me. That’s not nothing.”

Her words catch me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond. Finally, I manage a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Lyra.”

She shrugs, her smile widening. “Just telling the truth. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing great. Even Lorien thinks so—he hasn’t stopped talking about you since we left the cave.”

My cheeks flush, and I glance ahead at Lorien, who’s still walking with Veyron. “Oh, uh… really?” I say awkwardly, trying to keep my voice steady.

Lyra chuckles softly, clearly amused by my reaction. “Don’t worry,” she says, her tone teasing. “It’s nothing bad. He’s just… very impressed with you.” She says winking.

I clear my throat, focusing on the path ahead as my heart beats a little faster. “Thanks for telling me,” I say, my voice quieter now.

Lyra gives me a knowing smile before moving up to talk to talk with Hrothgar, leaving me to process her words.

Kaida sidles up beside me as Lyra moves to the back of the group, her expression brimming with amusement. She leans in slightly, her voice low and teasing. “Ooo, she knows,” she whispers, a sly grin spreading across her face. “Guess she’s backing off for you.”

I feel my face flush instantly. “Kaida,” I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one else heard her.

“What?” she says innocently, though her grin only widens. “You heard her. She practically handed Lorien over to you on a silver platter.”

I groan, covering my face with my hand. “That’s not what’s happening. Lyra’s just… being nice.”

Kaida raises an eyebrow, her grin turning mischievous. “Oh, come on, Artemis. You can’t tell me you didn’t see the way she looked at you. She knows. And honestly? She’s fine with it.”

I glance back at Lyra, who’s chatting casually with Veyron now, her smile light and carefree. A part of me wonders if Kaida’s right—if Lyra is stepping aside because she can sense something between Lorien and me.

Kaida nudges me lightly, her tone softening. “Hey, I’m just saying, it’s okay to feel something for him. Lyra clearly thinks so, and she doesn’t seem upset about it. So maybe… cut yourself some slack, huh?”

I let out a breath, feeling both embarrassed and oddly comforted. “I don’t even know what I feel yet,” I admit quietly. “It’s just… a lot.”

Kaida nods, her grin turning into a gentle smile. “I get it. No rush. Just… don’t let the moment pass you by, okay? Sometimes, you only get one chance.”

I let out a heavy sigh, glancing at Kaida. “This forest sucks,” I mutter under my breath, kicking at a root that juts out of the ground. “It’s like it’s been designed specifically to mess with my head. Every step we take feels like it’s just setting up for more romantic drama.”

Kaida snorts, clearly trying to stifle a laugh. “You’re not wrong,” she whispers back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Between the quiet walks, the tense silences, and the random moments with Lorien, it does feel… a little too perfect, doesn’t it?”

I nod, glancing ahead where Lorien and Veyron are still walking and talking. “It’s like we’re in some kind of cheesy fantasy romance subplot. I mean, come on—skeleton caves, glowing magical balls, and now Lyra’s casually stepping back like she’s in on the script?”

Kaida bursts out laughing, quickly covering her mouth to muffle the sound as Hrothgar glances back with a confused grunt.

“Well,” Kaida says after a moment, still grinning, “if this is some kind of romantic setup, at least you’re the lead character. The rest of us are just the comic relief or supportive best friends.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help laughing softly. “Great. Exactly what I wanted—to be the star of a forest soap opera. Can we just get back to the city already?”

Kaida chuckles, patting my shoulder. “We’ll get there. And hey, maybe once we’re out of this cursed forest, things will make more sense. Or, you know, get even more complicated. Either way, I’ve got your back.”

Her humor lightens the mood as we keep walking, and for the first time in hours, the oppressive weight of the forest feels a little less heavy.

Another hour passes, and the scenery around us feels… eerily familiar. The same gnarled trees, the same clusters of moss-covered rocks, and even the faint sound of running water in the distance. My stomach sinks as I realize it feels like we’ve been walking in circles.

Kaida slows beside me, glancing around with a worried expression. “Artemis,” she whispers, her voice low, “doesn’t this all look… the same?”

I nod grimly, scanning the forest again. “Yeah. It does.”

Hrothgar comes to a stop ahead of us, his brows furrowed. “Something’s wrong,” he says, his voice gruff. “We’ve been walking for hours, but we’re not getting anywhere.”

Veyron spins around dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. “Oh, fantastic. The forest is messing with us. Can we not catch a break for once?”

Lorien steps closer, his spear tapping lightly against the ground as he studies the surroundings. “It’s like the terrain is looping,” he says. “The same trees, the same rocks… I’m not even sure we’re heading in the right direction anymore.”

I glance at the locator map, but it’s not designed for this. Lyra’s marker is gone now that she’s with us, and the map has faded.

Kaida grips her staff tightly, her voice trembling slightly. “What if we’re… trapped? Like, the forest isn’t letting us leave? We were in such a rush to reach Lyra we didn’t even talk about what to do when that wall appeared.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “We’re not trapped,” I say firmly, though I’m not entirely sure. “There’s got to be a way out. We just need to figure out what’s causing this.”

“Maybe it’s magic,” Veyron suggests, his tone more serious now. “Could be some kind of illusion or barrier keeping us here. Wouldn’t be the first time something in this game tried to mess with our heads.”

“Or maybe we’re just lost,” Hrothgar grunts.

I glance at Kaida. “Think your magic can help us figure out what’s going on?”

She hesitates, then nods. “I can try. There might be a spell for detecting magical barriers or traps. Give me a second.”

Kaida steps away slightly, closing her eyes as she begins murmuring under her breath, her staff glowing faintly.

Kaida opens her eyes, frustration evident on her face as the faint glow around her staff fades. She sighs heavily, gripping it tightly. “I can’t find any spells that might help,” she admits, her voice low and tinged with regret. “I don’t think I’m high enough level yet.”

Her words sink in, and the group collectively falls silent. The weight of the situation presses down harder, the oppressive forest around us feeling even more stifling.

“It’s okay,” I say gently, stepping closer to Kaida. “We’ll figure something else out.”

She nods, but her disappointment is clear. “I just wish I could do more. I hate feeling useless.”

“You’re not useless,” Lorien says firmly, glancing back at her. “None of us would’ve made it this far without you, Kaida.”

Hrothgar crosses his arms, frowning as he looks around the forest. “If it’s not magic, then what? A trap? A puzzle? What kind of forest loops you in circles for hours?”

“It’s got to be tied to the game,” Veyron mutters, leaning against a tree. “If this place is acting weird, it’s because it’s designed to act weird. There’s always a trick or a clue—we just have to find it.”

I take a deep breath, trying to think. “Okay,” I say, my voice steady. “Let’s retrace everything we’ve done so far. Did we pass anything that seemed… out of place? A landmark, an item, something that didn’t fit?”

The group exchanges uncertain glances, but no one speaks up immediately.

“We did meet those skeletons,” Kaida offers hesitantly. “Maybe… maybe they were part of it?”

I glance around, my mind racing. Something about this forest is wrong, and if we don’t figure it out soon, we’ll be stuck here indefinitely—or worse.

Veyron crosses his arms, his expression tense. “We can’t go back there,” he says, his tone sharp. “Those skeletons are probably still waiting for us. The game wants us to think they’re friendly so we let our guard down. This whole forest is a trap.”

Kaida shakes her head, frowning. “They weren’t hostile, Veyron,” she counters. “They even moved aside to let us leave. Maybe they know how to get out, or maybe they’re trapped here too. Either way, they’re not the enemy.”

The two of them exchange a glare, the tension building as Hrothgar steps forward with a grunt. “Arguing isn’t going to get us anywhere,” he rumbles. “We need a plan, and fast.” He looks up at the sky observing the light with a worried expression.

Before I can step in, Lyra suddenly stops, her eyes narrowing as she looks at something in the grass on the side of the path. “Wait,” she says softly, crouching down. “What’s this?”

We all freeze, watching as she brushes the grass aside, revealing faint, glowing symbols etched into the ground. The markings pulse with a soft, golden light, almost as if they’re alive.

Kaida steps closer, her eyes widening. “Are those… runes?”

Lyra nods, glancing up at me. “I think so. I’ve never seen anything like this before. They look old, like they’ve been here for ages.”

“Or like they were placed here on purpose,” Veyron mutters, leaning in to examine them. “Probably part of the trap.”

“Maybe,” I say, crouching down beside Lyra. “But if they’re tied to the forest, they could also be the key to escaping.”

Kaida kneels beside me, studying the runes carefully. “I could try to interact with them,” she says, her voice uncertain. “But… I don’t know what will happen. They might help us, or they might trigger something worse.”

Hrothgar grips his axe, his expression wary. “If this is part of the game, then it’s a risk we might have to take. But we’d better be ready for a fight, just in case.”

The runes glow faintly, their light increasing slightly as if reacting to our presence. The air around them feels charged, humming faintly with energy.

Kaida hesitates for a moment, biting her lip nervously as she hovers her staff over the glowing runes. “Well,” she mutters softly, “here goes nothing.”

With a quick motion, she pokes the runes with the tip of her staff.

The glowing intensifies for a brief moment, and then, suddenly, a shimmering menu materializes in the air in front of us. The golden light of the runes pulses, and the symbols on the ground shift, rearranging themselves as though responding to the activation.

The menu floats just above the runes, its text glowing softly against the forest’s dim light.

The screen reads:

“Forest Trial: Escape”
The path is hidden. To escape the forest, complete the trial.

Underneath, two options appear:
1. Start Trial
2. Ignore and Continue Wandering

Kaida steps back quickly, her eyes wide. “Okay, I didn’t expect that.”

Veyron groans, running a hand through his hair. “Oh, great. A trial. Just what we needed.”

Lyra tilts her head, reading the menu carefully. “It doesn’t explain what the trial is, but… it’s clearly tied to the forest. This might be our way out.”

I glance at the glowing options, the weight of the decision settling on me. The trial could be our only way out, but if we fail, there’s no telling what might happen. On the other hand, continuing to wander aimlessly through the forest could leave us stuck—or worse.

I take a deep breath, glancing at the glowing menu before looking at the group. “We’ve been wandering for hours, and we’re no closer to finding a way out,” I say. “We don’t know what this trial is, but it’s the only lead we have right now. I say we go for it.”

Hrothgar grunts, nodding as he hefts his axe. “Agreed. This forest isn’t going to let us walk out on our own. We need to take a chance.”

Kaida grips her staff tightly, still looking a bit uneasy but nodding nonetheless. “I think we should try. At least this gives us a direction.”

Lyra speaks up softly. “I’m with you, Artemis. Whatever this trial is, we’ll get through it together.”

Even Veyron sighs dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. “Fine. Better than wandering around in circles for the next week.”

With everyone in agreement, I step closer to the shimmering menu. The glowing text hovers in the air, waiting for our decision. I glance back at the group one last time. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

Reaching out, I select Start Trial.

The moment I press the option, the glowing runes on the ground flare brightly, and the air around us shifts. The hum of energy grows louder, and the forest itself seems to twist and ripple. The trees blur for a moment, their branches bending unnaturally before snapping back into place.

The menu fades, replaced by a new message that floats in the air:

**Trial Initiated**

“Woah,” I gasp as the shimmering text flickers and shifts, the title of the trial fading into new instructions:

“Find the way out through this maze, but beware—enemies follow and watch your every move.”

The glowing runes fade completely, and the forest around us twists again. The trees ripple unnaturally, bending and shifting until the clearing disappears entirely. When the world settles again, we’re standing at the entrance of a massive, shadowy maze, its high walls made of tightly woven vines and gnarled roots.

A faint mist returns to the ground, swirling ominously with every step we take.

Hrothgar hefts his axe, his expression grim. “A maze. Of course it’s a maze.”

“Because wandering in a cursed forest wasn’t already a maze,” Veyron mutters, rolling his eyes. “Now we get to wander in circles inside a literal maze. Great.”

Kaida grips her staff tightly, her gaze darting nervously between the looming walls. “Enemies are watching us,” she says softly, her voice trembling slightly. “Do you think they’re… already here?”

“They could be anywhere,” Lyra whispers, stepping closer to Lorien. “Or… everywhere.”

I glance back at the group, my heart pounding as I try to push down my own unease. “Stay close,” I say firmly, pulling my bow from my shoulder. “If this maze is part of the trial, then there’s a way out. We just have to find it—and watch each other’s backs.”

The group nods, their expressions a mix of determination and fear. The oppressive silence of the maze weighs heavily on us as we step forward, the faint sound of rustling leaves and creaking wood making my skin crawl.

Veyron steps forward, his dagger in hand and a surprising amount of confidence in his stride. “I’ve got this,” he says, glancing back at us with a smirk. “You all look like you’re about to get swallowed by the vines. Let someone with actual instincts handle this.”

Hrothgar raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue, while Kaida glances at me nervously. I nod faintly, letting Veyron take point. After all, he did help save Lyra, and it seems like that success has given him a boost of confidence.

“Alright, Rogue Extraordinaire,” I say, keeping my tone light to mask my own unease. “Lead the way. But don’t get too cocky—we’re all in this together.”

Veyron chuckles, his grin widening. “Don’t worry, Artemis. I’ll make sure none of you get lost—or eaten.”

With that, we follow him into the maze. The towering walls of vines and roots seem to close in around us as we move, their shadowy tendrils twisting like they’re alive. The faint rustling in the distance keeps us on edge, but Veyron moves with surprising precision, his sharp eyes scanning the twists and turns as if he can see something the rest of us can’t.

“This way,” he says confidently, turning down a narrow corridor.

Kaida glances at me nervously. “Do you think he actually knows where he’s going?” she whispers.

“I hope so,” I reply softly, though I’m not entirely convinced.

The maze grows darker as we press on, the mist thickening around our feet. Every so often, I catch the faint sound of movement behind us—a rustle of leaves, a faint creak of wood—but every time I glance back, there’s nothing there.

Lyra stays close to Lorien, her pale hair glowing faintly in the dim light. Hrothgar remains near the back, his axe ready, while Kaida grips her staff tightly beside me.

Veyron suddenly stops, holding up a hand. “Wait,” he says, his voice low.

We freeze, the air growing eerily still.

“What is it?” I whisper, my grip tightening on my bow.

He gestures to the ground ahead, where faint claw marks are etched into the dirt, leading around the next corner. “Something’s been through here,” he murmurs. “And it’s not far.”

Veyron kneels down near the claw marks, his hand hovering over the ground as he closes his eyes. His expression shifts to one of deep focus, and for a moment, a faint shimmer of energy surrounds him.

“Give me a second,” he murmurs, his voice quiet.

The rest of us wait in tense silence as the shimmer spreads, and Veyron’s body tenses, his head tilting slightly as if he’s listening to something far away. Finally, he opens his eyes, the energy fading.

“There’s something moving nearby,” he says, standing up quickly. “Not close enough to see us yet, but it’s circling. If we stay quiet and move fast, we might avoid it.”

Kaida swallows nervously, clutching her staff. “What… what kind of something?”

Veyron shrugs, but there’s a flicker of unease in his eyes. “Big. Claws, maybe wings. Didn’t get a clear sense, but trust me, you don’t want to meet it.”

I nod, gripping my bow tightly. “Alright. Lead the way, but stay sharp. If it’s close, we can’t afford any mistakes.”

Veyron flashes a faint grin, though it lacks his usual bravado. “Relax, Artemis. I’ve got this.”

We continue moving through the maze, the air around us feeling heavier with each step. The claw marks become more frequent, some of them raking across the walls of the maze, leaving deep gouges in the vines and roots.

Every so often, Veyron pauses, his heightened senses flaring briefly before he waves us forward. The sound of movement grows fainter, but the oppressive feeling of being watched never goes away.

“Whatever’s out there,” Lorien whispers, his spear at the ready, “it’s keeping its distance for now. Maybe it’s just trying to scare us.”

“Or it’s waiting for the right moment to strike,” Hrothgar mutters grimly.

Lyra glances at me, her face pale. “Do you think we’ll have to fight it?”

“Not if we can help it,” I say, though my voice isn’t as confident as I’d like.

We turn another corner, and the path ahead opens into a small clearing within the maze. The faint golden glow of runes shines on the far wall, similar to the ones that activated the trial.

“There,” Veyron says, pointing. “That’s got to be a checkpoint or something.”

Before we can move, the faint rustling sound behind us grows louder, closer. The air grows colder, and the oppressive feeling of being watched sharpens into something more tangible.

“We’re out of time,” Veyron mutters, his grip tightening on his dagger. “Whatever it is, it’s coming straight towards us.”

A roar rips through the maze, deep and guttural, shaking the very ground beneath our feet. My heart leaps into my throat as the tree walls ahead tremble, and the sound of heavy, pounding footsteps grows closer.

“SCREW THIS!” Hrothgar bellows, his voice cutting through the chaos. Without waiting for a response, he charges forward, his axe raised and his sights locked on the glowing runes. “We’re getting out of here!”

The rest of us don’t need convincing.

“Go!” I shout, gripping my bow tightly as I run after him. The group surges forward, Veyron and Kaida flanking me while Lorien keeps close to Lyra, his spear ready in case the beast closes in.

Behind us, the pounding footsteps grow louder, and the creature roars again. I risk a glance over my shoulder and catch a glimpse of it—a hulking mass of fur, claws, and glowing red eyes barreling through the maze, tearing through the vine walls like paper.

“Faster!” Kaida cries, her voice high with panic.

The glowing runes on the far wall pulse brighter as we approach, almost as if they’re reacting to our desperation. Hrothgar reaches them first, slamming his palm against the center of the pattern.

For a moment, nothing happens.

“Hrothgar!” I shout, skidding to a stop beside him as the others catch up. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know!” he growls, pounding the runes again. “Do your magic thing or whatever! Just get us out of here!”

Kaida steps forward, her staff glowing faintly as she reaches for the runes. “Give me a second!” she says, her voice shaking as the pounding footsteps draw closer.

The beast roars again, and I spin around, raising my bow as the massive creature tears into view. It’s bigger than I expected, its glowing eyes locking onto us with predatory fury.

“Kaida!” I shout, nocking an arrow. “We don’t have a second!”

I fire off an arrow, then another, each one aimed straight at the creature, but the beast barely flinches. The arrows glance off its thick hide, embedding harmlessly into the vines of the maze behind it. My heart pounds as the creature roars again, its glowing red eyes locking onto me with deadly intent.

“This isn’t working!” I shout, my voice echoing through the clearing.

Then I remember—the ability.

The pulse of energy I felt back in the inn, the way the orb merged with me and unlocked something deeper. I don’t know how I know, but I feel it in my gut—this is the moment to use it.

I step back, focusing on the beast and the bow in my hands. A strange warmth spreads through me, a hum of power that feels like it’s been waiting to be unleashed. “Ok let’s go Arrow Volley come on” I mutter.

The bow begins to glow faintly in my hands, a golden light spreading along its curve. I pull the string back, and instead of one arrow, multiple glowing projectiles form, crackling with energy.

The beast charges, its claws tearing through the ground as it barrels toward us. I grit my teeth, my fingers releasing the bowstring as it closes the distance.

The arrows fly in unison, a flurry of glowing light that rains down on the creature like a storm. They strike at the beasts back, each one bouncing off until one glowing brighter hits with an explosive force that sends the beast reeling back with a deafening roar.

The impact tears chunks of flesh and fur from its massive frame, the glowing energy searing into it. The beast staggers, its glowing red eyes flickering as it lets out a guttural snarl.

“Now, Kaida!” I shout, turning back to her.

Kaida’s eyes are wide with awe, but she snaps into action, pressing her glowing staff and hands against the runes. The symbols flare brightly, and the air around us shifts violently, as if the maze itself is reacting.

The beast roars one last time, but the ground beneath it trembles and shifts, vines wrapping around its legs as the glowing runes pulse with blinding light.

“Hold on!” Kaida cries, her voice barely audible over the roar of energy.

The runes activate, and the world around us shatters into light, pulling us out of the maze.

When the light fades, I find myself sprawled on the ground, the cool morning air of the forest greeting me. The maze is gone, replaced by the familiar sight of the open woods.

The group stumbles to their feet, everyone shaken but alive.

“That…” Veyron mutters, his voice hoarse, “was insane.”

“Agreed,” Hrothgar rumbles, rubbing his head.

Kaida looks at me, her face a mix of relief and amazement. “Artemis… that ability… what was that?”

I take a deep breath, leaning on my bow as I look at the others. “I think… when the orb flew into me back at the inn, it did something to me. Like I leveled up or unlocked a new ability.”

I glance at the faint shimmer that still lingers on my bow. “I don’t know exactly how it works yet, but when I activated my ability just now… it felt natural, like I’ve always known how to use it. It’s not just an active skill either—I think it’s tied to me passively now, making my attacks stronger somehow.”

Hrothgar grunts, slinging his axe over his shoulder. “Well, whatever it is, it saved our skins back there. That thing would’ve torn us apart without it.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Veyron says, his smirk faint but genuine. “You’re full of surprises, Artemis. I mean, I was totally about to save the day myself, but you beat me to it.”

Lyra chuckles softly, stepping closer. “It’s impressive, though. Whatever the orb did, it’s made you even stronger. Looks like we all need to get some orbs.”

I glance at them, my chest tightening slightly at their praise. “Thanks,” I say, managing a small smile.”

The group takes a moment to catch their breath, the forest around us eerily calm now that the maze is gone.

“We should get moving,” Lorien says, his spear in hand as he glances around warily. “That thing might not come out, but we don’t want to stick around and find out.”

“We should be safe now,” Hrothgar says, scanning the horizon. “That thing doesn’t look like it’d leave the maze.”

“Let’s hope you’re right,” Veyron mutters, still glancing over his shoulder.

Suddenly, a soft ding chimes in the air, and a shimmering menu materializes in front of us.

Trial Complete: Escape
Reward: Medium Bag of Gold

The text fades, and in its place, a glowing bag of gold appears, floating gently in the air. It drops lightly to the ground with a soft thud, the faint clinking of coins inside catching everyone’s attention.

“Well, that’s a nice surprise,” Veyron says, stepping forward to pick up the bag. He weighs it in his hand, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Not bad. Feels like a decent haul.”

Kaida smiles faintly, her exhaustion giving way to relief. “At least we got something out of all of this.”

I hesitate, glancing at the others. The bag of gold is heavier than I expected, a tangible reward for everything we just endured. But I know we’ll need to figure out how to use it wisely—supplies, gear, and maybe a chance to rest in the city.

Veyron tosses the bag lightly in his hand, grinning. “So, boss,” he says, “what’s the call? Split it up now, or save it for the group’s expenses?”

Before I can answer, Veyron speaks again, his voice as loud and smug as ever. “I say we split it,” he declares, tossing the bag of gold into the air and catching it with a dramatic flourish. “There’s a lovely little brothel back in the city that I think deserves a visit. And by ‘deserves,’ I mean ‘demands.’”

The entire group groans almost in unison.

“Seriously, Veyron?” Kaida says, glaring at him. “We just escaped a death maze, and that’s what you’re thinking about?”

Hrothgar rubs his temple, his deep voice rumbling with annoyance. “For once, can you just be normal?”

Lyra crosses her arms, shooting Veyron a disapproving look. “You’d spend your share on that instead of something useful, like better armor or, I don’t know, supplies?”

Veyron shrugs, smirking. “What can I say? A man’s got needs. Besides, I can get out of trouble just fine with what I’ve got.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, fighting back a groan of my own. “Veyron,” I say firmly, “we’re not exactly rolling in gold here. Maybe save your, uh, extracurricular activities for after we’re not struggling to survive.”

Kaida stifles a laugh beside me, while Veyron lets out a dramatic sigh. “Fine, fine,” he says, waving a hand dismissively. “But my vote still stands—split it up. Let everyone decide how to use their share.”

I let out a small sigh, nodding as I glance around at the group. “Fine,” I say, meeting their gazes. “We’ll split it evenly. But—and this is important—make sure to save some of it. We’re going to need supplies, gear, and probably a lot more if we want to survive whatever comes next. If we blow it all, we’re just making things harder for ourselves. We barely have enough for today alone.”

Kaida nods quickly, her expression serious. “That’s fair. We don’t know what’s waiting for us, so we can’t afford to be careless.”

Hrothgar grunts in agreement, folding his arms. “As long as everyone uses it wisely, I’ve got no problem splitting it.”

Veyron grins, already reaching into the bag to count the coins. “Oh, don’t worry, boss,” he says with a wink. “I’ll use it very wisely.”

“Not on a brothel,” Lyra mutters under her breath, earning a stifled laugh from Kaida.

“Yeah, yeah,” Veyron says, rolling his eyes. “I get it. I’m a degenerate. Let’s move on.”

Once the gold is counted and distributed, everyone pockets their share. It’s not a fortune, but it’s enough to make a difference—if we use it carefully.

“We should keep moving,” I say, glancing at the horizon. “The city’s not far now, and I’d rather not risk camping out here again.”

The group nods, falling into formation as we leave the open field and head toward the distant city walls.

By the time the city walls come into view, the sky is painted with the deep blues and purples of twilight, the first stars flickering faintly above. The distant hum of Aeloria’s activity reaches us, a welcome sound after the oppressive silence of the forest and maze.

Kaida lets out a long sigh, her shoulders relaxing visibly. “I didn’t realize how much I missed this place until now,” she says, glancing at gate.

“Feels good to be back,” Lorien agrees, though his posture still seems a bit tense.

Veyron stretches dramatically, grinning. “Home sweet home. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have very important plans for my share of the gold.”

“Don’t,” Kaida warns, her eyes narrowing.

“Relax,” Veyron replies with a wink. “I’m just messing with you. Mostly.”

Hrothgar shakes his head, his voice gruff. “Let’s get to the inn and rest. We can deal with everything else tomorrow.”

I nod, exhausted but relieved. “Agreed. Let’s just get off our feet for a while.”

The guard at the gate steps forward, the same guard who had let us in before, his familiar smirk returning as he spots us.

“Well, well,” he says, his tone light but laced with curiosity. “Back from the forest already? And looking like you’ve been through the ringer. What happened out there?”

I glance at the group, too tired to explain the full story. “Long day,” I say simply, managing a faint smile. “We just need a place to rest.”

The guard nods, his expression softening. “Fair enough. Welcome back. Stay safe in there.”

The gates creak open, and we step into the bustling streets of the city. The warmth of lanterns and the murmur of voices surround us, a sharp contrast to the cold, dangerous maze we left behind.

As we step through the gates, the guard’s smirk deepens, and he nods toward Lyra, his tone casual but slightly off. “Congratulations on retrieving your lost party member,” he says, his words smooth but carrying an undertone I can’t quite place.

The odd smile lingers on his face, and for a moment, his eyes seem to flicker—like he knows more than he’s letting on.

I slow my pace slightly, glancing at him with a mix of caution and curiosity. “Thanks?” I say cautiously, trying to gauge his expression. “

Veyron, ever the skeptic, leans in slightly, his smirk mirroring the guard’s. “Alright, pal,” he says, his tone casual but sharp. “You got any tips for our next venture? Maybe save us some time wandering in circles?”

The guard chuckles, shaking his head. “Just keep your eyes open,” he says cryptically. “The game’s not done with you yet.” He says smirking “Oh and maybe visit the guild tower.”

His words send a chill down my spine, and I glance at the group. Kaida looks uneasy, while Lorien’s hand shifts toward his spear, just in case.

“Right,” I say, keeping my tone steady. “Thanks for the advice. We’ll keep that in mind.”

The guard waves us off as we continue into the city, his strange smile still lingering in my mind. Something about the way he spoke—like he was watching us, like he knew more than he should—doesn’t sit right with me.

Kaida leans closer as we walk, her voice barely above a whisper. “Artemis, I don’t like this. That felt off.”

I glance back over my shoulder at the gate as we move deeper into the city, the guard’s strange smile still lingering in my mind. “He definitely seems… off,” I murmur, keeping my voice low so only Kaida and the others nearby can hear.

Kaida nods quickly, her brows furrowed. “The first time we met him, I thought he was just the typical greeter NPC—friendly, helpful, whatever. But he’s way too real.”

“Exactly,” I say, gripping my bow tightly. “The way he talks, the way he looks at us… it’s like he knows more than he’s supposed to. NPCs don’t act like that—they’re usually scripted, predictable.”

Kaida shudders slightly, her grip on her staff tightening. “If he’s not an NPC, that’s… unsettling. Do you think he’s the only one? Or are there others?”

I sigh, my mind racing as I try to make sense of it. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But he’s definitely not just a normal NPC. Whether he’s a player, a moderator, or something else, he’s paying way too much attention to us.”

Lyra speaks up softly, her voice hesitant. “Do you think he’s… dangerous? Should we avoid him?”

I shake my head, glancing around at the group. “We don’t know enough to make that call yet,” I say. “For now, we keep our distance. If we see him again, we’ll have to decide how to handle it then.”

Hrothgar nods slowly, though unease is clear. “Agreed. But… we should be careful. If he’s watching us, he could be keeping track of everything we do.”

The group falls into an uneasy silence as we continue toward the inn, the warm lights and bustling streets offering little comfort.

End of chapter 6

A trial, more romance drama and more mysteries what will happen next…