Nova's steps slowed as unease crept into his mind. He had begun to worry about teaming up with the Watson family's cousins. The way Eric treated people's lives as numbers disturbed him deeply—especially since Eric hadn't shown a shred of remorse for the deaths of his teammates.
'Are they really trying to kill the King? And why are they in such a hurry?'
The more he thought about it, the more questions bubbled up. Doubts grew stronger with each passing moment.
Unable to make sense of any of it, Nova forced himself to stop thinking.
'I'll just escape if things go wrong.'
As they continued toward Winterland, the temperature around them dropped steadily. Noticing the change, Eric turned and asked, "Nova, did you bring your jacket?"
Nova nodded and patted his backpack. "I did."
"Put it on now," Eric said. "We're almost at the Winterland border, and you won't last long in that climate without it."
Although Nova was skeptical, he still pulled the jacket from his bag and wore it over his leather armor like a cloak.
As they walked on, the scenery shifted dramatically. The lush green plains were gradually giving way to patches of snow and frost. The familiar blue sky dimmed under thick clouds, the sun now barely visible.
Then suddenly—Nova slipped.
He hit the ground face-first, and instead of feeling the familiar grit of soil, a blast of freezing cold met his skin.
'What the hell?!'
Nova's eyes widened as he looked around in disbelief. The entire Garden of Spring had vanished. Snow blanketed everything as far as the eye could see. The blue sky had been replaced by a haunting hue of dark blue and violet.
Snowflakes brushed his cheeks, pulling him out of his daze. Shivering, Nova rubbed his hands for warmth.
The snow squall had created a small blizzard, and the temperature dropped far lower than he'd expected.
Eric appeared behind him and chuckled, "Magical, right?" He took in the white scenery with a small smile. "This is how the first floor's regions work."
"There are no clear borders between them. You can't even see the next region until you've crossed into it."
"No one knows how it works, but if you walk in a certain direction long enough, you'll eventually find yourself in a new region—like we just did, moving from the Garden of Spring to Winterland."
Nova's eyes lit up at the explanation. He stepped back experimentally—and gasped.
Just one step took him back to the Garden of Spring.
'This is amazing… I can't see the Winterland at all even though it's right there.'
"So that's why it's called the Labyrinth of Wonders," Nova murmured in awe.
Eric, now suddenly standing in front of him, nodded. "Yes, but what you've seen is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless wonders—just on the first floor alone."
"Fewer than a thousand people have ever reached the ninth floor. And even they wouldn't dare claim to know the labyrinth's secrets."
Nova nodded seriously. He didn't believe that anyone—no matter how strong—could truly understand a place like this.
Even though his grandmother had taught him a lot about the labyrinth, he was already running into things she had never mentioned.
"We're just five minutes away from the meeting place. They've already set up a campfire. Come on, let's move," Eric said, gesturing forward.
"Thank God. I hate this weather."
Nova quickened his pace, his dislike of winter growing stronger with every frozen step.
Finally, he saw the flicker of flames in the distance. A man sitting beside the fire stood up and waved.
"Eric! You're finally back! And who's that behind you?"
The man's cheerful voice echoed in the cold. He had a powerful build, his physique solid and defined. To Nova's shock, he wasn't wearing anything on his upper body despite the freezing wind. His easy smile and bare chest made him look almost... immune.
Eric gave him a helpless smile but still introduced them. "Ray, this is Nova—our new teammate."
Then turning to Nova, he added, "And this is Ray Renold. A member of the Watson aristocracy and a close friend."
Nova blinked. 'Watson aristocracy? He frowned. What's that supposed to mean? And why didn't you explain it properly?'
While Nova was lost in thought, Ray walked over and patted his shoulder with a bright grin.
"Nova! Welcome to the team. Nice to meet you."
"Thank you, sir. Nice to meet you too," Nova replied politely, still unsure how to act. He didn't know whether Ray was truly noble, but just in case, he kept his tone respectful.
Ray laughed. "No need to be formal. Just call me Ray—like Eric does."
'Like hell, I would.'
Even though Ray seemed open and friendly, Nova didn't buy it. He had heard far too many horror stories about noble families from the other orphans to trust them easily.
And from the look in Ray's eyes… Nova was certain the smile wasn't genuine.
'Why pretend to be friendly? What does he want from me?'
"No sir," Nova said with a forced smile. "I'm more comfortable speaking respectfully."
Ray, who now looked like a massive gorilla up close, gave his shoulder a firm shake that nearly rattled his bones.
'Take your damn hands off me, monkey!'
"Ray, leave him alone," Eric said sharply. "Nova hasn't even taken his potion yet—this is his first time inside the labyrinth."
Ray froze, surprise flashing across his face for a split second before he composed himself.
He stepped away from Nova and leaned closer to Eric, whispering something. The wind drowned out their voices, so Nova couldn't make anything out.
'Something is definitely wrong with their goal. But if they're trying to hide it, why are they being so obvious?'
Eric suddenly smacked Ray on the head and said loud enough for Nova to hear, "Don't judge someone before you know them."
Nova's suspicion deepened.
'Was that a cover-up? Or something else entirely?'
Eric walked over with a smile and said, "Don't mind Ray. He's just protective. He doesn't want a newbie to die and put the rest of us at risk."
'What a flawless excuse. As if I'd fall for it completely.'
"I'm sorry, Nova," Ray added, bowing deeply. "I didn't consider your feelings—I just panicked at the idea of losing another teammate."
Nova blinked. 'If I didn't already suspect something fishy, I might've actually believed you.'
"No need to apologize, sir. I understand completely. I'd probably do the same if I were in your shoes. We can't risk the whole team over one stranger."
"Thank God you're understanding!" Ray said, and without warning, wrapped his arm around Nova's shoulders in a rough side-hug. "Now you must call me Ray! If you don't, I won't leave you alone!"
"Okay, okay! I'll call you Ray—just let me go, I can't breathe!" Nova groaned, trying to push him away.
"Stop messing around, Ray," Eric said. His tone turned serious. "Why did you come out here? Did something happen?"
"Nothing serious," Ray replied. "I came looking for you since you said you'd be back in an hour."
"I didn't find anyone suitable nearby," Eric explained. "So I went to the Garden of Spring and found Nova there."
Ray nodded and didn't ask further.
The three of them resumed their journey into Winterland. As they went deeper, the air grew colder and the snow thicker. Even walking became difficult.
Nova struggled the most. Eric and Ray had already consumed potions, enhancing their physical endurance and resistance. But Nova, who had only undergone basic training, was just a regular person.
He hugged himself tightly, teeth chattering.
Was it always this cold? Grandma never said the environment could be this harsh.
"We're here," Eric announced.
Nova sighed in relief when he saw the campfire.
Without a second thought, he ignored the surrounding tents and the curious stares, heading straight for the fire and holding his hands out.
The others in the camp watched in confusion. But when they noticed Eric and Ray behind him, they stayed silent.
"Eric, is this the new guy?" a man asked, stepping out of his tent. He wore a cloak made from stitched animal hides.
"Yeah. This is Nova, our new teammate," Eric replied, though he, too, looked surprised.
Nova stood quietly by the fire, listening to their conversation but paying them no mind.
'Try standing in this cold without a potion and see how you act.'
Eric, Ray, and the man joined him near the fire.
After a few seconds, Eric spoke again.
"Nova, this is Mark Smith. He's from the Watson aristocracy too."
Mark gave him a nod but said nothing.
Seeing his silence, Nova breathed a small sigh of relief. He wasn't ready for another awkward exchange.
I should've teamed up with Ryan...
Well, whatever. Let's look at the bright side—free potions, and a glimpse into noble-only secrets.
He smiled faintly and felt, at last, a little warmer.