Cyrus squinted ahead. "Looks like there's a barrier around the island. Goro, get ready to cut through it—I'll weaken it first."
Goro unsheathed a massive blade resting on his back. "Waiting on your signal."
Cyrus raised one hand, conjuring a small fireball in his palm. Then, with a graceful motion, he pulled his other arm back like a bowstring. The fireball shifted shape, forming into a blazing bow and arrow, heat radiating intensely as it expanded.
FWOOOSH—BOOM!
The fire arrow collided with the barrier, exploding in a flash of orange flames and golden sparks.
"Now!" Cyrus called out.
With a grunt, Goro launched himself from the chopper. The helicopter shuddered midair from the force as he cleaved into the damaged barrier, tearing it open with a mighty roar. Cracks rippled through the translucent field like shattered glass as he landed with a crash, his blade buried halfway into the ground.
The helicopter landed moments later. Cyrus stepped out first, brushing soot from his coat.
"You couldn't come down a little gentler, you brute?" he muttered.
Goro rolled his shoulders. "At least say thank you."
"Please. I would've only needed five more fire arrows to bring it down."
"Then why make me do it?"
"Why would I, when I have a blunt instrument to do it for me?"
Yukiko sighed. "Are they going to argue through the entire excursion?"
Trixie gave a nervous laugh. "It... kind of feels like they will."
They trekked deep into the island's forest. At the base of a mountain, a massive ancient door stood before them, embedded with glowing magic circles and faded runes. Vines curled around its edges, and the air around it was thick with mana.
"So the labyrinth is inside the mountain?" Akira asked, eyeing the towering stone structure.
Cyrus stepped forward, arms folded. "Highly doubtful. Labyrinths are typically enormous—I doubt this mountain has the depth to hold one." He turned his gaze toward the ground. "I suspect it's submerged. Beneath us."
Akira blinked. "Wait... underwater?"
Edward whistled. "If even one wall cracks, we're all going for a swim. A very permanent one."
Cyrus let out a sigh. "Listen carefully. If you encounter any hostiles, don't engage. Avoid damage to the structure at all costs. Retreat and regroup. Understood?"
The group nodded, tension rising in the silence that followed.
Cyrus ran his hand across the giant door, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "Amazing," he muttered under his breath.
Goro leaned closer. "What did you say?"
"The more I study this door," Cyrus replied, "the more I see how complex this magic barrier really is."
Goro scoffed. "So what? I'm still going to slice it open."
Cyrus sighed. "The day you think before speaking will be a glorious day indeed. This is old—really old. From an era when magic circles were still dominant. The enchantments here are so intricate that if someone tried to force it open a year after it was made, they wouldn't even scratch it. It's only because it's lost its power over time that we have a chance."
Goro gently shoved him aside. "Just stop talking gibberish—you're boring the kids."
He raised his massive blade, gripping it tightly, and swung with full force. A powerful gust of wind blasted from the impact—but when the dust settled, the door remained completely untouched.
Cyrus smirked. "Gibberish, eh?"
"I just need two more swings," Goro grunted and began hacking away at the door, strike after strike. Still, the door didn't budge.
Akira stepped up beside Cyrus. "Is there something special about that blade?"
"Yes," Cyrus replied, "it's forged to neutralize and negate magic. But," he added with a shrug, "this one's a cheaper model."
"Then why isn't it working?" Akira asked. "If it negates magic, shouldn't it be cutting through?"
Cyrus let out a short chuckle. "You're new to magic, huh? Listen—when it comes to magical clashes, it's all about mana. If one magic source has significantly more mana than the other, it overrides it completely. If they're equal, they clash and struggle for dominance. Right now, that barrier still holds more mana than Goro's blade. So, it's not even a contest."
Cyrus sighed and stepped back from the door. "Everyone, move away. Goro, get ready to hit it with everything you've got. I'll weaken it first."
Goro cracked his neck, raising his blade. "Now that's a plan I like."
As he began channeling mana into his sword, Cyrus took a deep breath. His chest glowed a bright red, fire trickling from his lips as he exhaled. He raised both hands toward the door, his palms burning hot as the air around them shimmered with rising heat.
A massive fireball began to form, spinning rapidly.
"Blazing Drill," Cyrus announced.
The spiraling inferno launched from his hands and slammed into the door, spinning with intense heat and precision as it drilled into the ancient magic barrier.
Watching in awe, Akira muttered, "Between your cataclysm attack and that fire drill... which is stronger?"
Mikage leaned in and whispered, "Hard to say. We've got similar mana reserves, but his attacks focus on precision and speed. Mine are slower—but way more destructive. It all depends on the situation."
Goro smirked. "Guess it's my turn."
He roared, "Sky Cleave!" and swung his sword downward.
A massive wave of wind surged forward, splitting the air and shaking the entire island. The force caused tremors through the ground and sent ripples across the surrounding sea.
When the dust and wind settled, the door stood split cleanly in two. The halves creaked, then crashed apart to reveal a staircase descending into darkness.
Goro kissed his biceps triumphantly. "Knew my muscles wouldn't let me down!"
Irritated, Cyrus conjured a fireball in his hand, but Edward calmly placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
Cyrus sighed, letting the fire fizzle out. "Let's just get moving."
As the group began their descent, Akira glanced upward—and froze.
The sky above them was torn in half. Through the rift, he could see the cold, endless stretch of space beyond the clouds.
"W-What...?" he stammered.
Cyrus, noticing his gaze, turned back. "What's wrong?"
Akira hesitantly pointed to the sky as the tear began to mend itself.
Cyrus raised a brow. "Oh, that. Yeah, that's why he calls it Sky Cleave."
He grinned. "If that impressed you, wait until you see what an S-Class Divine Visionary or a Sorcerer Supreme can do."
Akira blinked. "Wait… what class are you and Goro, then?"
"As of now?" Cyrus said casually. "We're both Mid C-Class. Your friends are Low C-Class... and you're sitting at D-Class."
Seeing Akira's expression, he added, "But that's good for your age. Don't let it get to you."
As they descended the narrow staircase, Cyrus and Mikage conjured orbs of fire, casting flickering light along the damp stone walls.
"Everyone stay behind me and Goro," Cyrus said, his tone calm but firm. "Just in case something happens."
Goro puffed his chest. "Don't worry, kids—there's nothing in this labyrinth I can't slay."
Yukiko glanced at him, arms crossed. "You sure? That last attack must've drained a good chunk of your mana."
Trixie chimed in, concern in her voice. "Yeah, you guys should take it easy. We can defend ourselves too, you know."
Cyrus gave a small smile. "We appreciate that. But it's our job to protect you—and we will."
The deeper they went, the more the sound of water droplets echoed in the air, each one a soft ping on the ancient stone.
"It's incredible," Edward said, running a hand along the wall. "This whole structure has survived underwater for centuries… and even withstood Goro's assault."
"The one who built it must've been incredibly powerful," Mikage added.
"Exactly," Cyrus said quietly. "Which is why we need to be careful."
Suddenly, Goro's voice boomed through the tight space. "How long are these stairs?! We've been walking forever!"
"It's only been five minutes," Cyrus muttered.
"Still too long!" Goro grumbled. "And can't you make this fire brighter? It's way too dark!"
Cyrus rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry. If you see a light switch, be my guest."
Trixie gave a nervous laugh, then stretched out her wings and began to float just above the steps.
Yukiko raised an eyebrow. "Why are you flying?"
"My legs are tired," Trixie replied casually.
"Wish I had wings," Yukiko muttered.
"Here, give me your hand," Trixie said.
Yukiko hesitated, then held it out. "What's this for?"
"In case something grabs me while I'm flying. You're my anchor."
Meanwhile, Akira was dragging his fingers along the smooth wall, his expression distant. He stared at the carvings, thoughts swirling in his head.
These walls… they're so smooth despite their age. And this strange feeling—I keep brushing it off as déjà vu, but... why does it feel like I've been here before?
Suddenly, a spark jumped from the wall to his fingertips.
"Ah!" Akira yelped, pulling his hand back in pain.
Everyone turned in alarm, weapons and spells at the ready.
Cyrus stepped forward. "What happened?"
"The wall... it shocked me," Akira said, wincing.
Cyrus's expression shifted to realization. "Right… I forgot you're still new to this. This labyrinth is riddled with traps. You need to be caref—"
He was cut off as a wave of dark flames ignited ahead, crawling across the corridor and lighting the path with eerie, flickering black fire.
Goro burst into laughter. "Well kid, whatever you touched—looks like it did the trick!"
As they walked deeper into the labyrinth, algae covered the damp walls, and portholes lined the sides, revealing glimpses of small marine life swimming by. Trixie kept trying to play with the fish, but Yukiko yanked her back each time.
Akira turned to Mikage.
"Do you think this labyrinth belonged to Atlantis?"
"That was my first thought," Mikage replied, "but it can't be."
"Why not?"
"Well, anything tied to Atlantis usually has statues of the builders or ancient rulers—usually holding tridents. I haven't seen a single one. Plus, their language is already in the magic database, so these inscriptions should've been deciphered... but they're not."
Mikage paused, frowning. A memory flashed in his mind—Akira muttering in an unknown language while asleep. He glanced at him, thinking, Could he be connected to this place? And how does he even know Atlantis is real?
Suddenly, a deep, haunting whale song echoed from above. Akira, Mikage, Yukiko, Trixie, and Edward froze, instinctively looking up. Through an opening in the ceiling, they could see the ocean above—whales swimming by majestically. Strangely, the water wasn't spilling into the labyrinth.
"It's beautiful," Akira whispered.
A few steps ahead, Goro leaned his blade against the wall and began to stretch. As he did, the blade accidentally pushed a stone slab inward. Without warning, a massive stone wall slammed down between the Divine Visionaries and the rest of the group.
"It wasn't me!" Goro shouted.
Cyrus rushed to the wall. "Kids! Are you okay?"
"We're fine!" they called back.
"Thank God," Cyrus said. "Listen closely: I need you to head back to the surface. Goro and I will try to break through or find another way."
Edward turned, eyes wide. "That would've worked... if the way back wasn't blocked."
They looked behind them. Another wall had sealed off their path.
Goro grunted and lifted his blade. "Stand back."
He swung with full force, striking the wall—but the moment he did, blood spurted from his forehead. He dropped to his knees, coughing violently.
Cyrus knelt beside him. "Don't try to break the wall!" he shouted to the others. "It reflects damage back at the attacker!"
Just then, a section of the wall beside Akira's group slid open, revealing a new path.
"A path just opened," Mikage called out.
"Then use it," Cyrus ordered. "If you encounter anything hostile, don't fight—just run. Mikage, I'm putting you in charge. We'll find another way to reach you."
"You heard the man," Mikage said, leading the others through the new corridor. Edward took point, while Mikage stayed behind to guard the rear.
Back with the Visionaries, Cyrus helped Goro up. "You alright?"
"You know what I just realized?" Goro muttered, blood still on his lips.
"What?"
"If this is what my blade feels like when I hold back, then... imagine the pain my enemies feel when I swing at full strength!" He chuckled proudly.
Cyrus groaned and slumped against the wall. "If you can laugh like that, you can walk too."
He stood and began walking away.
"Wait—no! I can't do this without you!" Goro called after him dramatically.
The group continued down the path that had opened up. A soft light suddenly illuminated Edward's face, casting shadows behind him and revealing a wide chamber ahead.
"Is that an exit?" he wondered aloud.
He turned his head and called back, "Mikage! There's an opening up ahead, but I can't tell if it's another part of the labyrinth or the exit!"
"Brace yourselves," Mikage replied. "Stay sharp."
They stepped into a massive, ancient chamber that resembled a combat arena. Unlike the decaying passages behind them, this place was pristine—no algae, no cracked walls, no leaks. It was well-lit by what felt like natural sunlight, though they were deep underwater.
Soldiers clad in silver armor stood frozen, forming a vast circle around something at the center. Each one had their hands resting on weapons—spears, swords, axes—all directed inward. The closer they were to the center, the fewer soldiers there were, almost as if guarding something sacred.
Akira stepped forward cautiously.
"Are they alive?"
Mikage narrowed his eyes. "I don't think so. I can't hear heartbeats... or breathing."
Trixie tilted her head. "Yeah, and it's amazing they've stayed upright for so long. Also—where's this light even coming from? It feels like sunlight."
Yukiko pointed upward. "That orb. It's coming from that orb above the altar."
They all looked up. Suspended in the air was a glowing sphere, radiating soft golden light that illuminated the entire arena.
Trixie's eyes widened. "It's like the orb is trying to tell us something."
Suddenly, her wings unfurled. Her sclera turned black and her irises a glowing yellow as she shot into the air with a burst of wind.
"Trixie!" Yukiko called. "Since you're up there—count the number of soldiers!"
Trixie gave a thumbs-up mid-flight.
Akira leaned closer to Yukiko. "Did something just happen to her eyes?"
"It's normal," Yukiko replied. "She changes when she's about to fight, fly fast, or focus on distant things."
"Cool…" Akira muttered, eyes still on her transformation.
Meanwhile, Edward stayed silent, scanning the room. Something's off, he thought. Why isn't there any algae or decay here? And why are these soldiers positioned so deliberately?
"There are five hundred and one soldiers," Trixie called down.
Mikage raised an eyebrow. "Why'd you say it like that?"
Trixie hovered in place. "Because one of them looks different. Even in death, he's... proud. It felt wrong to lump him in with the others."
She paused, then added, "Oh—and there's a grimoire in the center. That's what they're circling."
Akira tilted his head. "What if it's just a normal book?"
Trixie shook her head. "I doubt it. It's leaking mana like crazy."
"Thanks, Trixie," Mikage said. "You can come down now. We'll figure out how to get out of here."
But Akira interrupted, eyes fixed on the altar.
"Wait—stay there. Guide me to the book."
Mikage frowned. "No way. What if it's a trap?"
"Relax. I've got Shadow Step," Akira said confidently.
Edward snorted. "You're barely even proficient with it."
"Just watch," Akira shot back.
Trixie lowered a silken thread from above. "Just in case," she said. "Tie this around your wrist."
Akira nodded and tied the thread. Trixie guided him slowly between the rows of frozen soldiers. As he neared the altar, his gaze fell on the final knight—taller than the rest, clad in ornate black and silver armor. His helmet bore a crest like a raven's wing, and an ancient blackened greatsword rested before him. Even in stillness, he exuded an aura of command.
"Damn... Trixie was right," Akira whispered. "This one doesn't belong with the others."
He stepped past the commander and stood before the grimoire on the altar. Its cover was old, worn with age, but pulsing faintly with red mana.
"Show me your secrets," Akira murmured, opening the book.
Blank pages.
He flipped through them—nothing. More blank pages.
"Akira!" Mikage shouted from afar. "What does it say?!"
"Nothing!" Akira shouted back.
"What do you mean, nothing?!"
"I mean there's nothi—ahh!"
The book suddenly pricked his finger, and he cried out in pain. Blood dripped onto the pages. Instantly, red glowing script began to appear, spreading like wildfire across the parchment.
"AKIRA, WATCH OUT!" Trixie screamed.
He looked up—and saw a shadowy blade made of pure darkness descending toward his head.