The rise of the unorthodox

The game was on. The team and I had already begun walking through the labyrinth.

The walls around us were made of a strange material that bent and shifted as if alive. It wasn't just a physical structure—it felt like a mental barrier, one that challenged both body and mind.

"Okay… we've been walking for almost thirty minutes now. We need a strategy," Daniel said, his voice steady and authoritative.

Daniel had always been calm and collected, exuding the aura of a natural leader. He didn't have to try—it was as if he'd been born that way.

Devin cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing faintly in the confined space. "They said we just need to make it to the end, right? They never said how we need to do it. I'm pretty sure I could just punch our way out of here."

Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Please don't…"

But Daniel's plea fell on deaf ears. Devin had already activated his ability. His arm began to glow, radiating with an intense light. His fair skin and bright yellow hair seemed to reflect the glow, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. With a grunt, he swung his fist forward with all his might.

The impact sent a loud reverberation through the air. But instead of breaking the wall, Devin's hand sank into the material and then rebounded back, like a rubber ball hitting a trampoline.

I couldn't hold back a laugh. "So basically, the material stretches out more the harder you hit it. Thanks for using yourself as the test dummy, Devin. Much appreciated."

Delight giggled beside me, covering her mouth as she did. Daniel simply shook his head, his disappointment clear.

"Alright, let's focus, guys," Daniel said, regaining control of the situation. "This is a contest, and we need to be the first ones out to earn the most points. Any ideas?"

Delight cleared her throat and stepped forward. "I could fly up to get an aerial view of the place and report back to you guys. But keep in mind, someone else with the ability to fly might already have the same idea."

Daniel reached out and gently held her hand, giving her an encouraging nod. "That's a great idea. Go for it."

Devin leaned closer to me and muttered, "These two need to get a room, am I right?"

I smirked. "Agreed."

Delight walked a few steps away from us and reached into her pocket. She pulled out a small metallic disc, pressing a button on its side. A tiny pigeon-like creature emerged, cooing softly.

Using her secondary ability, Symbiosis, large wings began to form from her back. They were majestic, shimmering with an iridescent glow that made her look almost angelic.

"Wish me luck," she said with a wink before flapping her wings and lifting off the ground.

We watched as Delight ascended gracefully, her wings carrying her high above the labyrinth. She let out a sharp whistle once she reached a vantage point, surveying the area below. After a few moments, she returned, landing softly in front of us.

"Alright," Delight began, retracting her wings as she spoke. "I'll need to fly up again a few times to map out a proper route, but for now, here's the first heads-up: we're going to run into some guy up ahead. I don't know what he wants, but we should be ready for anything."

She gave us a reassuring smile and a small bow before taking the lead.

We followed her through the winding paths of the labyrinth. True to her word, it wasn't long before we encountered the obstacle she had mentioned.

A robed man with a long beard stood in our path, his expression inscrutable. He held a staff in one hand, leaning on it slightly as though to emphasize his authority.

"Welcome," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "To what I assume is your first challenge. If you can solve my riddle, I will grant you passage. If you cannot, you will remain here until you come up with the answer. Shall we begin?"

Daniel stepped forward confidently. "I think I can handle this one, guys."

Devin folded his arms and shrugged. "Be my guest. I'm terrible at puzzles."

Delight nodded in agreement. "Yeah, riddles aren't my thing either."

I crossed my arms and smirked. "No pressure, Daniel. Just don't let us down."

Daniel gave us a calm smile, then turned his full attention to the robed man.

Daniel glanced back at us, calm as ever. "Trust me."

The robed man's lips curled into a faint smile, as if he relished the challenge. He raised his staff slightly, and the walls around us darkened, faint whispers filling the air. His voice rang out, low and deliberate:

"I am born of thought yet shape the world.

Invisible, I linger where shadows curl.

I breathe in silence, I thrive in doubt,

I can trap the brave or drive them out.

I wear no face but countless forms,

From ancient myths to modern storms.

Conquer me, and I shall flee;

Ignore me, and I will grow to be.

What am I?"

The labyrinth fell silent, save for the faint shifting of the walls.

Devin groaned softly. "You've got to be kidding me. What kind of question is that? It's like a word maze."

"Quiet," Daniel said, his tone firm but calm. His brow furrowed slightly as he considered the riddle. "Let's break it down. It's not something physical—that's obvious. It's intangible but powerful. And it thrives on… shadows, doubt, silence…"

Delight tilted her head. "Could it be… a memory? Memories can shape the world and linger in the shadows."

"Not bad," I said, nodding. "But memories don't 'grow when ignored.' They fade."

Daniel tapped his chin, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It's not a memory. It's something more primal, more universal. Shadows, doubt, silence… ancient myths. It's something older. Something all of us know."

"Fear," Daniel said at last, his voice steady.

The robed man's expression didn't change, but the labyrinth seemed to react. The whispers ceased, the walls brightened, and the tension in the air lifted.

"Well done," the man said with a nod of approval. "Fear is the answer. It is the foundation of all monsters, real and imagined. Confront it, and you will always find a way forward. Deny it, and it will consume you."

Devin let out a loud exhale. "Okay, genius. I'll give you that one. Nice work."

Daniel turned to us, his usual calm confidence restored. "Let's keep moving. We don't know what's waiting for us next."

We moved past the robed man, his form fading into the shadows behind us. But his words lingered. Monsters weren't just in the labyrinth—they were within us, waiting for a moment of doubt.

As we kept on walking I began to feel a faint pulse on my horn. Quickly I touched it to see if it was growing. It wasn't but what was going on then?

An eerie feeling enveloped me. Something was ahead