As they approached the imposing gate of the maze, their eyes were drawn to an intricate carving etched into the wood. It read simply:
**Uldarok **
But beneath that ominous name, they found a set of chilling rules etched into the gate:
1. Don't attempt the impossible
2. Solve the riddle to find your freedom
3. Face your fears or face your demise.
"Master these rules, and you pave the way for everyone's survival!"
Shina asked, "Whose name is it?"
Daniel spoke, "It must be the builder's name."
With a creaking groan, the gate swung open, and a deep, resonant voice echoed through the air: "Welcome to the maze. "Once inside, darkness enveloped them, and a flickering light from a row of seven lamps cast eerie shadows on the walls. Each lamp seemed meant for one of them, illuminating their path but also highlighting the uncertainty ahead. "This place is seriously creepy," Sam murmured, his voice filled with unease as his eyes darted around the dim surroundings. Feeling a knot of fear tighten in her stomach, Alex took a deep breath. She reminded herself, "There has to be a hidden mechanism." Steeling her resolve, she stepped forward, determined to uncover the mysteries that lay within.
As they ventured deeper into the unknown, their footsteps echoed against the eerie silence. Ten minutes passed in a mix of anticipation and trepidation until they stumbled upon a crossroads, where four distinct paths stretched out before them. Each path bore an ominous sign, whispering secrets of what lay ahead. The first sign read: "The blood has to be risked (2)." It hinted at a challenge that demanded sacrifice. The second declared: "The impossible can't be done (2)," a stark reminder of the limits that loomed ahead. The third path was marked with a stark warning: "The path of alone (1)," suggesting a solitary journey fraught with loneliness. Finally, the last sign beckoned with a haunting promise: "The place of regrets (2)," enticing and foreboding in equal measure. With hearts pounding and choices to be made, they stood at the brink of destiny, unsure of which path to take.
As Sam walked out and went into the 4th path, Rin said "wait" and tried to follow him to catch the two, but Rin couldn't pass through, as there was an invincible barrier. Rin spoke, "I can't pass through."
Daniel glanced pointedly at the sign and said, "Take a closer look at the text; it seems to indicate a specific number. This figure likely represents the limit on the souls that can enter. We need to understand its significance."
Sam and Kito tried to go out, but they couldn't.
Kito said, "We are stuck."
Rin spoke, "So if you get inside one time, you can't go out."
Shina spoke, "So one of us has to go alone, but Rin is powerless, so we can't leave him alone. I will go."
Yuri replied, "I think I am the right choice because I am more experienced."
Shina spoke, "But your ability is an illusion; it is not suitable for offence. We may not fully understand our abilities yet, but I am elite; we are born stronger."
Alex spoke, " Daniel and I will go on the second path, so discuss among yourselves."
Alex was more like Rin heartless in nature, but deep inside, she cares for her closest ones.
As the two of them were arguing, Rin pushed them both into the first path.
Shina and Yuri shouted, "Rin! What are you doing?"
With a fierce determination, Rin declared, "I understand your worries for me, but I was born a warrior, and I will face my end alone, just as a warrior should. From the very beginning of this journey, you've seen me as a figure of sorrow. But I refuse to accept that fate! I would rather fight fiercely and meet my demise than live a life filled with your pity."