The knight in black armor stood erect before the group, his spear gleaming in the dim light of the embers. The dragon at his side let out a hot breath, its wings fluttering slightly, demonstrating its imposing stature. The warrior's eyes analyzed each of the students.
Renji frowned. Something was strange.
"The system isn't beeping... and it doesn't show his level either," he muttered.
The knight pointed his gun in their direction. His voice was deep and mesmerizing, without aggression, but loaded with authority.
"Outsiders. You don't belong in the labyrinth... Introduce yourselves."
There was something about his presence that made them hesitate, but Arisa, always determined, stepped forward. Her eyes were fixed on the knight.
"My name is Arisa Tachibana. I'm the president of the school's student council..." She paused, realizing how irrelevant that title seemed in that world. "From Japan."
Toru lifted his chin and smiled confidently. "Toru Kanzaki, scion of the most influential family in our city."
Renji let out a sigh before speaking up. "Renji Kurogane. The one next to me, Yui Aoyama."
The knight remained silent for a moment, taking in the words. Then a smile appeared on his lips.
"Oh... One of you has noble lineage? Interesting."
He descended from the dragon with an agile movement, driving the tip of his spear into the ground with a dry sound.
In a smooth gesture, he removed his helmet, revealing a youthful face. His red hair was well groomed, falling in soft layers over his shoulders. There was something about him that mixed charm and danger.
"It's been a long time since new travelers arrived in this world!"
He smiled, raising his hand in a friendly gesture.
"My name is Shouma Kisaragi. Welcome!"
Yui's eyes lit up with immediate interest.
With a soft laugh, she approached, subtly adjusting her uniform and leaning slightly to highlight her attributes.
"Oh... Shouma, so you're experienced in this place?"
Shouma laughed softly. "Let's just say I know a few things."
He passed by her without paying much attention, walking over to Arisa. Holding her hand gently, his fingers glided lightly over her skin.
"You speak firmly. I suppose you're the leader."
Arisa pulled her hand back immediately, with a disgusted look on her face. Shouma raised her hands in an apologetic gesture, her expression amused.
"I'm sorry about that..."
He turned to Yui.
"About your question, I know a lot about this world. But I'm not the one who has the answers you need."
Toru crossed his arms, suspicious. "And who would?"
Shouma's gaze changed for a moment, becoming as cold as a blade, frightening the young Kanzaki. But he soon returned to his usual tone, a confident smile on his lips.
"Someone much more experienced than me."
He observed the students' expressions before continuing.
"In case you hadn't noticed, I'm just like you. I also came from another world. And I got stuck here."
Arisa's eyes narrowed. "Is that true?"
"Absolutely!"
Shouma snapped his fingers, his confidence renewed by winning her attention.
"I'm here on a reconnaissance mission. The Maestro noticed that new players had entered the labyrinth and sent me to check it out."
"Maestro?" Renji asked.
"Yes. He was the first player to arrive here. He created a city on this floor... or this level, whichever you prefer to call it."
The group exchanged glances.
"My mission is to take you to him. I guarantee that all your questions will be answered by the great lord of Drakenvaar."
Arisa took a deep breath.
They didn't have many options, and trusting or not was a decision that was up to her.
"Right. We'll go with you."
Shouma smiled, satisfied. "Great! Get on the Askaloon. He'll take us to the city."
The dragon spread its wings, and a strong wind enveloped the group.
They climbed one by one.
Askaloon roared and, in one leap, shot into the sky.
The force of the take-off made Yui hold on tightly to the saddle, his heart racing with adrenaline.
The wind cut across their faces as they passed through clouds and gazed at the vastness of the labyrinth.
"This place is... huge." murmured Renji.
"It's scary," added Yui, pressing her lips together.
○
The dragon carried them across the sky, through the clouds. After a few minutes, a city appeared among the mists. Surrounded by massive stone walls, it had a rustic medieval style, with wooden houses and reinforced roofs. In the center stood a colossal statue of a stone dragon, so large that it protruded beyond the walls, visible even from the sky.
"We're here!" announced Shouma. Shouma announced. "Askaloon, time to land."
The dragon tilted its wings and spiraled down, passing through the clouds like a bolt of lightning. When it got close to the ground, it flapped its wings to slow down and landed gently on a stone platform. Clearly built to accommodate him.
Shouma jumped down first and grabbed a fish from a nearby barrel, throwing it to the dragon. "Good boy."
The creature let out a satisfied snore, its forked tongue sliding over its sharp teeth.
The knight pointed to a large cathedral.
"Come with me. I'll take you to the Maestro."
They then entered the imposing building. Its interior was cold and dark, its walls adorned with old chandeliers.
Along the way, Shouma tried to strike up a conversation with Arisa, who ignored him. His attention was on Renji, who looked uncomfortable. Yui, still annoyed at being ignored before, kept her arms crossed. Toru, meanwhile, couldn't hide his disdain for the red-haired knight.
At the end of the corridor, Shouma opened a large, solid wooden door. Inside, a stout man was sitting, scribbling on parchments. His presence was intense but serene.
"Maestro, I've brought the new players. I ask permission to leave."
The man looked up, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight.
"I appreciate your contribution, Shouma. Always so helpful. I grant your permission. Now, leave me to our guests."
The knight smiled and winked at Arisa before leaving.
The Maestro looked at them and smiled slightly. "Sit down. You don't have to be so frightened."
The students hesitated before pulling out their chairs and settling down. Arisa took the lead.
"Mr. Maestro, I am..."
"Arisa Tachibana," he added. "You don't need to introduce yourself. I know very well who you are."
She frowned.
"How...?"
He smiled, holding up a scroll.
"All of you, with the exception of Yui Aoyama, have a hero's path. They are: Usurper of Glory, Goddess of the Hunt and the Art of the Immortals. Am I right?"
Yui shrank a little in his chair.
"How do you know all this?" she asked.
The Maestro then raised his hand, revealing his system.
╔════════════╗
[ Status Screen ]
╠════════════╣
○ Level: 100
Attributes:
○ Strength: 500
Speed: 500
○ Endurance: 500
Mana: 5000
○ Stamina: 5000
○ Intelligence: 500
╚════════════╝
His numbers were impressive, scoring top marks in all categories, but what most caught Renji's eye was the name of his Hero's Path.