As Eucholos's words hung in the air, Ryo's curiosity was piqued, but his gaze was soon drawn to Mei, who stood beside him like a statue shaken to its core. Her hands trembled, a rare display of emotion, and her eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken fears.
For a moment, the mask of composure she wore so well slipped, revealing a depth of vulnerability Ryo hadn't seen before. It was as if the mention of the Labyrinth of Lethe had awakened a primal dread within her, one that threatened to consume her.
Ryo's instincts kicked in, and he reached out, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. The touch seemed to anchor her, and she slowly regained control, her breathing steadying as she looked up at him. For an instant, their eyes met, and Ryo saw a flicker of gratitude there, mixed with a dash of embarrassment. Mei's gaze dropped, and she stepped back, subtly distancing herself from him.
Ryo felt a pang of awkwardness, unsure if his attempt at comfort had been welcome or not. He withdrew his hand, trying not to make a big deal of it, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd glimpsed a side of Mei she kept hidden.
As the messengers vanished, their farewell echoing in the air, the crowd's unease resurfaced, like a tide reclaiming the shore. The room, once a sanctuary of sorts, now felt oppressive, its emptiness a reminder of the uncertainty that lay ahead.
Ryo's eyes scanned the space, searching for a way forward. And then, as if in response to his gaze, the walls in front of them began to shift, revealing a path that hadn't been there before. The sudden appearance of the path was jarring, like a doorway opening into the unknown.
Without hesitation, Ryo stepped forward, his feet carrying him toward the unknown. Mei fell into step beside him, her composure regained, her expression a mask of calm determination. The crowd, sensing their movement, began to follow, driven by a mix of curiosity and desperation.
As they walked, the path unwound before them, leading them further into the depths of the mysterious realm. Ryo felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that his actions had indirectly guided the crowd. He glanced sideways at Mei, wondering what lay behind her calm exterior, and what thoughts drove her forward.
The silence between them was palpable, punctuated only by the soft murmur of the crowd behind them. Ryo's mind whirled with questions, but he knew that answers would have to wait. For now, they had only the path, and the uncertainty that lay ahead.
As they emerged into the huge, towering hall, the group's collective gasp was audible. The intricate designs etched into the walls and ceiling seemed to shimmer in the soft, ethereal light, drawing their eyes upward. The stairway, a sweeping curve of white marble, appeared to float upward, its steps glowing with a subtle, otherworldly energy.
Ryo raised an eyebrow, his eyes squinting slightly. "Just what I needed. Another inexplicable phenomenon to add to the list."
Mei's gaze was more measured, her eyes scanning the hall with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "It's certainly impressive," she said, her voice low.
As they ventured deeper into the hall, the sound of footsteps echoed through the space, growing louder with each step. In the distance, they saw a group of people approaching, their attire a riot of colors and textures that seemed almost fantastical. The clothing was similar to what Ryo and Mei wore, which Aetherion had provided, but one detail caught their attention: a cape, uniform among the group, flowing behind them like a banner.
The seven individuals approached with measured steps, their faces a complex interplay of curiosity and caution. One of them, a young woman with piercing green eyes that seemed to gleam like polished jade in the soft light, and hair the color of dark honey that cascaded down her back like a rich waterfall, stepped forward. Her gaze swept over Ryo and Mei with an air of quiet assessment.
"Greetings, travelers," she said, her voice melodious, with a hint of warmth that put Ryo at ease. "We are the Lotuses. And you are...?" Her eyes sparkled with genuine interest, as if she were unraveling a puzzle.
Ryo and Mei exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Ryo spoke up, his voice laced with a touch of dryness. "We're...not quite sure, to be honest. We've been summoned, I suppose. By Aetherion." He shrugged, the gesture conveying his bewilderment.
The woman's eyebrows arched, her expression transforming into one of intrigue. "Ah, new chapters for the messengers, I see," she said, her voice tinged with surprise. "We don't often get to witness this. We're a little...surprised, that's all." Her gaze lingered on Ryo and Mei, as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface.
Ryo's gaze drifted back to the crowd, his eyes scanning the sea of faces. "I wouldn't imagine it myself either," he said, his tone even. "So, I'm not really surprised you're surprised." A hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "So, what is this supposed to be about, anyway? You guys are Lotuses, right?"
The woman's gentle smile softened her features, casting a warm glow over her face. "Yes, we are the descendants of completed chapters who chose to stay and cultivate the Mirror Realm," she explained, her voice like a soothing melody. "We're known as the Lotuses. Unlike you, we don't function within chapters; instead, we form our own groups, bound by a shared purpose. We weren't scouted by messengers; our families volunteered us to aid the Grand Narrator."
Ryo's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze drifting into the distance. "Aid, you say?" he murmured, his curiosity piqued. Before he could ask another question, a voice boomed into the room, echoing off the walls.
A stately old man with pale skin and a shaved head, his beard trimmed to perfection, strode into the room, his staff thumping against the floor. His welcoming smile put the crowd at ease, but his eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Ah, a larger group than I expected," he said, his voice warm and rich. "Last time, there were about 40 of you. This time, it seems we've doubled that number. Welcome to the Islevale Garden of the Darkness scenario."
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of arguments and pleas, with one woman standing out. "Hey, please, I've learned my lesson," she called out, desperation etched on her face. "Can you people stop with this prank? Another world? Grand Narrator? Scenarios? Isn't this just some wide-scale over-identification of fantasy novels? Please, I'm begging you, let me go home!"
The old man's expression turned sympathetic, but his voice remained firm. He raised his staff and brought it down with a resounding thump, silencing the crowd. "I understand your frustrations," he said, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. "But the truth remains: you have subconsciously chosen this fate. You have been brought here for a purpose, and it's up to you to uncover what that purpose is."
The room fell silent, the weight of the old man's words settling heavily on the crowd's shoulders. Ryo's gaze met Mei's, a spark of curiosity and determination igniting between them.
The old man cleared his throat, his eyes twinkling with a hint of formality. "Allow me to introduce our esteemed companion," he said, gesturing towards the distant figure. "Sir Helianthus, the Valiant, has graciously joined us to...oversee our proceedings."
As the old man spoke, the man in question emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding attention. His elegant stride and noble bearing exuded confidence, and his aura seemed to radiate capability and strength. A scar on his chin added a touch of ruggedness to his features, while an eye patch covered a slight scar on his left eye, lending an air of mystery.
He wore thick, leathery armor adorned with various items that seemed to serve a purpose beyond mere decoration. A sword hung at his waist, its sheath a marvel of craftsmanship, with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer in the light. One could only imagine the sword itself would be equally impressive. Matching leather gloves and boots completed his attire, giving him a sense of rugged sophistication.
As he approached the crowd, his expression transformed, thickening into a mask of seriousness. "Greetings, participants," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Sir Helianthus, your...facilitator, for the duration of this scenario. I trust you will find my...guidance...enlightening."
Ryo's eyes seemed to glaze over, his voice dropping to a listless murmur. "Sir Helian... yeah, no thanks. Not even gonna try."
Sir Helianthus's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression a nuanced blend of understanding and challenge. "I'm sure some of you are confused, others scared or angry. But the fact remains: you're here now. The choice is yours – move forward, or stay rooted where you stand. From this point on, the only path forward is just that – forward."
He paused, his expression softening as he sympathized with their plight. "You wouldn't have left the original room if you hadn't already taken that first step, each in your own way. I know it's not easy, but sometimes the hardest choices are the ones that lead to growth."
His eyes seemed to bore into their souls, as if willing them to find the strength to persevere. "I was once in your shoes, and over the course of ten years, I've come to understand the value of taking that first step. It might have been the hardest choice I've ever made, but I'm alive because of it. Ultimately, the decision is still yours."
Just as Sir Helianthus finished speaking, the elderly man stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. His eyes, though weathered by age, shone with a deep wisdom. "Allow me to introduce myself," he said, his voice warm and gentle. "I am Katsuro Acashi, the guardian of this... establishment. I'll be overseeing the logistics of your stay, ensuring that you have everything you need to... navigate the challenges ahead."
Katsuro Acashi's gaze swept over the group, his eyes lingering on each face as if searching for something. "I must say, I'm intrigued by your... diverse group. Each of you has been chosen for a reason, and I'm eager to see how you'll work together – or not."
A man in the crowd spoke up, his voice laced with anxiety. "10 years?" he repeated, his face etched with worry. "You really expect us to wait that long for the Grand Narrator's favor?" His eyes locked onto Sir Helianthus, searching for some glimmer of hope. "Does it really take that long to have our wishes granted?"
Sir Helianthus's expression remained calm, but a hint of understanding crept into his voice. "The Grand Narrator's favor is not something to be taken lightly. The journey ahead will test your resolve, your strength, and your willpower. The time it takes to gain favor is different for each person, but one thing is certain – it requires perseverance and determination."
The man's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in concern. "But what's the point of having a wish granted if it takes so long? Will it even be worth it?"
Sir Helianthus's gaze softened, and he nodded slowly. "I chose to stay after my own chapter had concluded, not just to guide others, but to find meaning in this journey. The Grand Narrator's favor is not just about granting wishes; it's about becoming the protagonist of your own story."
Katsuro Acashi watched the exchange with interest, his eyes lingering on the anxious man. "The question is not how long it takes, but what you're willing to do to achieve your goal. The choice is still yours – to move forward or stay where you are."
As Sir Helianthus spoke, the crowd fell into a collective silence, each person lost in their own thoughts. Ryo and Mei stood out, their resolve forged from experience, their determination to push forward unwavering.
The man's proposal hung in the air, a stark choice presented to the group. "If you wish to proceed, raise your hands," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "If you'd rather opt out, you can stay behind... or accept a painless death, courtesy of my subordinates. We're nothing if not hospitable."
Ryo's brow furrowed in confusion. Why offer a way out? Why not simply force them to comply? But as he reflected on the events that had transpired, he realized that for some, death might be a mercy.
As the crowd's hands rose in unison, Sir Helianthus's expression remained unreadable. "So, no objections, that's... reassuring," he said dryly. "I suppose it's not every day we get a 100% participation rate. Though I wonder, are you all just eager to die, or do you actually believe you can succeed?"
Mei's eyes scanned the crowd, confirming everyone's compliance, including Ryo's. Her gaze met his, and for a moment, they shared a silent understanding.
Katsuro Acashi chuckled softly, a low, rumbling sound. "Well, it seems we have our participants. Let's hope they're not just here for the free accommodations... and eventual demise."
"Let's get down to brass tacks," Sir Helianthus said, his demeanor shifting to one of calculated seriousness. "In five months, you'll join the other Lillies from various scenarios on a page in the Labyrinth of Lethe. As you've likely been informed, our role is to guide and train you for this challenge. Our curriculum will cover the Mirror Realm's intricacies, combat techniques tailored to our scenario's emphasis on stealth, support, and combat prowess."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. "You'll learn to wield Kardiamagia, harness your traits, and support your party members effectively. Survival strategies will also be a key focus, given the high-stakes nature of our scenario. Unlike other scenarios, such as the Cleric or Alchemist paths, we can't afford to linger on the sidelines – every decision counts."
Sir Helianthus's expression turned pragmatic. "We'll provide accommodations, a monthly stipend of 10 Aurum coins for the next five months, and additional compensation based on the Mirror Fragments, minerals, and valuables you collect after completing pages. Don't worry about the currency; we'll brief you on the details as we go along."
With a nod, he gestured to the Jasmines. "They'll escort you to your quarters. Rest assured, we have ample space to accommodate your needs."
Ryo's gaze lingered on the Jasmines, their dark gold capes a stark contrast to the dark black capes worn by the Lotuses they had met earlier. "Wait, why the different capes?" he asked, his tone laced with mild curiosity. "Is it some sort of uniform for the 'welcome to the cult' ceremony?" he added dryly.
Sir Helianthus chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, well, let's just say we have a... nuanced hierarchy system in place. Nothing to do with your scenario's successions, but more about... internal rankings. We'll get to that later, in a more relaxed setting."
His gaze narrowed as he studied Ryo and Mei. "You two, however, aren't wearing the standard attire. Your arms and muscles look... seasoned, and those tired expressions suggest you've been pushing yourselves to the limit. And that clothing... it's native to this world, isn't it?"
Katsuro Acashi tapped Sir Helianthus's shoulder, whispering something in his ear. The man's expression shifted, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Oh, I see. Maybe that's a good thing?"
Ryo's confusion deepened. How did the old man know about Them? Had he been in contact with the messengers? It seemed like the most plausible explanation.
As Sir Helianthus finished speaking, the 5 Jasmines – 2 women with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair, and 3 men with stern expressions and dark blond hair – stepped forward. Their dark gold capes fluttered behind them like wings, adorned with intricate silver threading that seemed to shimmer in the light. "Follow us, please," one of the women said, her voice firm but polite. The crowd began to move, filing out of the grand hall through a majestic wooden doorway.
The Jasmines led the way, their movements fluid and synchronized. Ryo and Mei fell into step behind them, their eyes scanning the surroundings as they wondered what lay ahead.