A DIVINE FOOL

Chapter 23: The Labyrinth of Wailing Echoes

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An Ominous Entrance

After their narrow escape from the shadow duelists, the trio found themselves standing before a massive stone archway. Beyond it lay a winding maze of jagged walls and shifting shadows. Strange runes pulsed faintly on the arch, emitting an eerie hum.

"This must be the Labyrinth of Wailing Echoes," Aria said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Wailing Echoes? That sounds… cheerful," Yuki quipped, though his nervous laugh betrayed his unease.

"It's not a place to joke about," Kaida said, scanning the runes. "Legends say this maze was created to trap the souls of those who dared defy the Void. They wander endlessly, their screams echoing forever."

"Well, that's horrifying," Yuki muttered. "Can't we just, I don't know, go around it?"

"We can't," Aria replied. "The Labyrinth blocks the path forward. If we want to reach the Heart of the Realm, we have to go through it."

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The First Step

As they crossed the threshold, a chill ran down Yuki's spine. The air inside the Labyrinth was heavy, each breath feeling like a struggle. The walls seemed to pulse with a life of their own, and faint whispers echoed around them.

"Stick together," Kaida warned, her hand on her sword. "This place is designed to disorient and separate us. Don't stray, no matter what."

"Got it," Yuki said, gripping the orb tightly.

The trio moved cautiously through the twisting paths. At first, it seemed straightforward enough, but soon the passages began to shift, walls sliding silently to block their path or open new ones.

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The First Trial

After what felt like hours, the group came to a dead end. On the wall before them was a glowing symbol, pulsating with a strange energy.

"What is this?" Yuki asked, stepping closer.

"It's a Void seal," Aria said. "We'll need to break it to progress."

"Great. How do we do that?"

"By solving its riddle," she replied, pointing to an inscription below the symbol. The words seemed to twist and shimmer, but Yuki could just make them out:

'To move forward, leave something behind. What you carry is heavier than you think.'

"That's… vague," Yuki said, scratching his head.

"It means we need to sacrifice something," Kaida said. "But what?"

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Yuki's Sacrifice

The group rummaged through their belongings, but nothing seemed to appease the seal. Frustrated, Yuki slumped against the wall, the orb glowing faintly in his hands.

"Wait," Aria said, noticing the change in the orb's light. "Yuki, it's responding to you."

"Me? Why me?"

"Because the riddle is about what you carry—not just physically, but emotionally," she said. "What's weighing on you, Yuki?"

Yuki hesitated. He thought of his constant self-doubt, his fear of failure, and the nagging feeling that he didn't belong in this group.

"I… I don't know if I can let that go," he admitted.

"You have to try," Kaida said firmly. "The Void feeds on doubt. You need to let it go, or we'll be stuck here."

Closing his eyes, Yuki focused on the feelings he had been holding onto. He imagined placing them into the orb, letting it absorb his fears. The orb pulsed brightly, and the seal shattered, revealing a new path.

"You did it," Aria said with a smile.

Yuki nodded, feeling lighter. "Let's keep moving."

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The Echoing Voices

As they ventured deeper, the whispers grew louder, forming distinct voices.

"Yuki…" a voice called, soft and familiar.

He froze. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Kaida asked, glancing back at him.

"It sounded like my mom," Yuki said, his voice trembling. "She… she called my name."

"It's the Labyrinth," Aria said. "It uses memories to confuse you. Don't listen."

But the voice came again, clearer this time. "Yuki, please… help me…"

Against his better judgment, Yuki turned down a side path, drawn by the voice.

"Yuki, wait!" Kaida shouted, but he was already gone.

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Confronting the Illusion

The side path opened into a small clearing, where a woman stood with her back to him. Her silhouette was eerily familiar, and Yuki's heart ached.

"Mom?" he whispered, stepping closer.

The woman turned, her face kind and warm. "Yuki, it's been so long. I've missed you."

Tears filled Yuki's eyes. "I missed you too… But how are you here?"

"Does it matter?" she said, opening her arms. "Come to me, my son."

As Yuki stepped forward, something tugged at the back of his mind—a faint warning. He stopped, his gaze sharpening.

"You're not her," he said, his voice firm.

The woman's expression twisted into a snarl. "You dare defy me?" she hissed, her form dissolving into a mass of shadows.

Yuki raised the orb, its light banishing the illusion.

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Reunited

Kaida and Aria appeared moments later, relief evident on their faces.

"What were you thinking?" Kaida scolded. "You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"I'm sorry," Yuki said, genuinely ashamed. "It just… it felt so real."

"The Void knows how to exploit your weaknesses," Aria said gently. "But you resisted. That's what matters."

Kaida sighed. "Just don't do it again, okay? We're a team. We can't afford to lose you."

Yuki nodded. "I'll try to be better."

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The Heart of the Labyrinth

After navigating more shifting paths and avoiding several traps, the group finally arrived at the center of the Labyrinth. There, a massive gate loomed, covered in intricate runes and glowing faintly.

"This is it," Aria said, her voice filled with awe. "The Gate of Wailing Echoes. Beyond this lies the core of the Void's power."

"And probably a lot more things trying to kill us," Yuki added.

Kaida smirked. "Would you have it any other way?"

"Honestly? Yes," Yuki said, but he smiled despite himself.

With a deep breath, the trio stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay beyond.

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End of Chapter 23