The air inside the labyrinth grew heavy as the remaining adventurers reached the final chamber. Torches flickered, casting eerie shadows across the towering stone walls. At the center of the massive arena stood the final obstacle a Chimera.
A grotesque fusion of lion, serpent, and goat, its crimson eyes gleamed with raw malice. The scent of charred stone and blood filled the air as it let out a guttural roar.
"Tch. This thing's different from the others," Red muttered, gripping Grim Valor. His instincts screamed that this wasn't just another challenge—it was a death sentence.
The proctor's voice echoed from above. "Only those who can defeat the Chimera will pass the final trial. Fail, and you forfeit your right to be an adventurer."
A tense silence settled. Then the beast lunged.
The Battle Begins
Anna dodged to the left, rolling just as the Chimera's claws smashed into the stone floor. The shockwave sent dust and debris flying. Sephyra reacted instantly, raising her staff.
"Glacier Bind!" She summoned a barrage of ice spears, but the Chimera's **serpentine tail whipped forward, shattering them mid-air.**
Duke charged head-on, his blade shining with raw energy. "Stay on its flanks! I'll draw its attention!"
Red clicked his tongue. "Reckless old man." But he followed suit.
The battle was brutal. No matter how many wounds they inflicted, the Chimera regenerated at an alarming rate. Anna managed to land a solid punch, but the beast retaliated, slamming her into a wall. Sephyra gasped, hurrying to heal her.
Meanwhile, Duke stood firm, ignoring the blood trickling from his forehead. He had faced monsters before—but this time was different.
The Chimera wasn't just strong. It was evolving.
Its goat head began chanting an eerie incantation, and suddenly, flames erupted beneath their feet.
Duke's Final Stand
Duke staggered back, barely avoiding the searing fire. His eyes flicked toward Red and Sephyra, both struggling to regain their footing.
He made a decision.
"I'm ending this."
Raising his sword, Duke's aura flared like a beacon. The ground trembled beneath him. His strongest technique—the one he had sworn to never use again—was his only option.
Red's eyes widened. "Duke! Don't—!"
But Duke had already leaped forward, dodging past the Chimera's strikes with inhuman speed. His blade pulsed with radiant light.
"Aurora Wave!"
A colossal slash of golden energy erupted from his sword, tearing through the Chimera's core. Time seemed to freeze. The beast let out an agonized roar as the attack consumed it, turning its massive body into nothing but light and ash.
The battle was won.
But Duke… was falling.
Red dashed forward, catching him before he hit the ground. Blood stained his armor, his breathing ragged.
Sephyra kneeled beside them, panic flashing in her eyes. Hold on! I can heal you!"
But Duke chuckled weakly. "No, kid. My time's up."
Anna clenched her fists. "No. You can't just—!"
Duke smiled, looking at them **not as students, but as warriors. "You've all got something worth fighting for. So don't waste it."
With one final breath, his grip loosened. His sword clattered to the ground. Duke… was gone.
Silence.
Sephyra bit her lip, forcing back tears. Anna turned away, shoulders shaking. Red stared at the fallen knight, fists clenched.
Then, the proctor's voice rang out.
"Congratulations. Those who remain standing… have passed."
The words meant nothing.
For the first time, Red realized— this world didn't care who lived or died. Only the strong moved forward.
And that truth burned deeper than any wound.