Chapter 21: Chamber of Reflections
"Now then, towards the Enigmatic Labyrinth." I voiced, trying to make my voice sound rather exciting to keep the mood light.
Thus, we began to make our way towards the Enigmatic Labyrinth, or the destination the Third Main-Story quest would commence.
The journey was rather anticlimactic as we just followed the map guiding us there, nothing seemed to be out of place.
At least till we got there.
As we approached the Morland Forest, the air grew thick with tension.
Each step echoed through the towering trees that surrounded us, as if nature itself was holding its breath.
The labyrinth's entrance loomed ahead, shrouded in an ethereal mist, and the weight of our mission pressed heavily on my shoulders.
Beside me, Cleare walked with a determined grace, her emerald eyes fixed on the path ahead.
Smool, who had turned into a woman again, hummed a soothing melody to keep our nerves at bay.
Maya, with her sharp wit and keen instincts forged through her training, scanned our surroundings for any hidden threats.
Izzy, the tech genius, fiddled with a small device, preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Marcus, the stoic and battle-hardened warrior, kept a watchful eye on Alaric, the impulsive scientist whose job class was an Alchemist, his powers still a mystery to us too.
Evie, the archeologist who seemed used to such areas, moved silently like a shadow, ready to strike if danger lurked nearby.
And Bash, the thief whose presence couldn't be noticed, tightened his grip on his sword, ever ready to protect us all.
Finally, there was X, the mysterious soul with an ever-changing identity from what I had heard from him.
Together, we were a diverse group bound by a shared purpose: to conquer the Enigmatic Labyrinth, and hell, maybe save the world by doing it.
As we entered the labyrinth, the enchanting mist wrapped around us like a cocoon, distorting our senses.
I could feel my heart pounding, the weight of responsibility as the leader almost suffocating. In this maze, each step could lead to our salvation or our doom.
"You're all ready to get through this, correct?" I asked once more.
"…"
Silence stretched out between us for a little before they nodded one by one.
"Let's do this then."
We navigated the labyrinth's twists and turns, each pathway presenting its own set of challenges.
After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at the fabled Room of Reflections. The entrance revealed a vast chamber filled with countless mirrors, stretching infinitely into the distance.
"This is the Room of Reflections," Maya explained, her voice low and reverent. "Based on the information of my Lenticular supporter, these mirrors will show us our innermost doubts and fears, forcing us to confront them."
"Ah, I see. That certainly helps to be prepared mentally." I nodded, recalling numerous stuff I didn't want to already.
My eyes met my own reflection, and for a moment, I saw uncertainty and self-doubt etched into my features.
What if I wasn't strong enough to lead this group?
What if my decisions led to their downfall?
Cleare stepped forward, her reflection showing moments of vulnerability and past failures at her workplace.
Smool's mirror revealed a clouded silhouette of his losing loved ones, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Maya confronted her innermost insecurities, questioning her worthiness as a leader of paramedics.
Izzy's reflection was filled with self-criticism, questioning whether her inventions were enough.
As each member faced their own reflections, I realized that this trial was not about defeating an external enemy but overcoming the doubts and fears that resided within us all.
The maze wasn't designed to test our physical prowess; it sought to challenge our inner strength.
With a deep breath, I stepped towards my reflection, locking eyes with myself. "I acknowledge my fears," I said firmly, trying to summon the courage that had brought us this far.
"But I won't let them define me. I will lead us through this." I said resolutely as my party members joined me, voicing their determination to conquer their inner demons.
Together, we moved forward, facing mirror after mirror, each reflecting the darkest corners of our souls. But with each confrontation, we grew stronger.
Marcus, who had always appeared unshakable, admitted his fear of failure and rejection.
Alaric embraced the fact that he was still learning and that it was okay to make mistakes. He accepted it on a surface level at least.
Evie, despite her aloof exterior, revealed a longing for true connections and friendships.
As we passed through the last mirror, the mist lifted, and the path ahead became clear.
We had overcome the Room of Reflections, not by denying our fears but by acknowledging them and finding strength in each other.
Or so I thought.
Instantly an ear-deafening screech entered my ears, making me alerted as I whipped my head in the direction where the voice had reached me from.
"Kgh… No, no, I don't want to! I DON'T WANT TO!"
The one laying on the ground and holding her head was Izzy, the sixteen year old who was known as a genius.
"Ah… agh!"
I ran towards her and crouched, taking hold of her shoulders as I tapped on her face numerous times, "Hey, Izzy! Izzy, wake up! It's not real! It's not the truth!"
Ah, fuck.
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
I don't want to lose a member from so early on. What do I do what do I do…?!
[Mythical Race Attribute: (Rationality) Is in effect.]
"No, please, I'll be a good child just no more…"
My race's attribute came into effect as Izzy's wails entered my ears, making my heart pound in fear of losing her.
This rationality shit is not working!
"Huff, huff…" I began panting, not able to gain any sort of composure.
Ding.
[Special Requirements have been met]
[New Mythical Race Attribute has been Unlocked]
"Huh?" A breath of confusion escaped my lips as the notifications entered my sight.
A new mythical attribute? After all this time? I was surprised to see, especially since I hadn't unlocked any other attributes besides Rationality back when I was faced with the hydra.
There were numerous spaces left for attributes, and now, the second one's question marks had been cast away.
[Mythical Race Attribute: (Attribute Sharing) Is in effect]
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone