Chapter 300 Chameleon’s Maze - 9

Chapter 300 Chameleon's Maze - 9

Walking through the underground maze in darkness, I made sure not to step on anything that triggers traps for obvious reasons.

Others did the same. I haven't said a word since I came down here because of what I said earlier. If they want to follow, they can, or do whatever they want, just not interfere or blame me.

It's been an hour or so, deflecting traps and illusions, and it's about time I see the exit somewhere here.

"Ugh," Erik grunted. I turned around to see him fall on his face straight like a log.

"What happened?" Aron raised his voice a bit.

I pushed mana into my eyes and focused on the floor. There was a thin greenish vine coming out of the cobblestone, near Erik's foot.

I stepped back and came near him, a small ember sent on the vine as I saw it wriggle and squirm in pain. It's a sleeping vine—a basic trap.

"Haa, he's asleep for good," I tossed Erik to the side, revealing his foaming mouth and turned-up eyeballs. Dude legit looked like he was dead for a good minute if not for his calm breathing.

Sleeping vines are—well, more like Venus flytraps, plants that feed on meat. Anyways, this one here had a small needle that can pierce through a tough sheet of mithril easily, so Erik's boots were no better.

"Carry him," I got up and went ahead.

"Hey! Why don't you help at least!?" Aron yelled.

"Hmm? Help? Why?" I asked.

"What do you mean why? Isn't he your friend as well!? Help him," he argued. A friend of mine...

"You see that slate there," I pointed at the raised slate of stone, making something similar to a bench, "I'll put him on there and leave. I ain't carrying him around on my shoulder."

I made it clear, because once we are out, I am not going to be able to focus on anything.

"What do you mean? You're going to leave him here?" He put in. Why's he so concerned though... and in hindsight, Erik won't die, as I think no one is coming to this side now.

... it was where the Shadow Hound was—Nari somehow made it here faster than anyone and didn't expect the Shadow Hound. It chased them away, leaving the spot it was supposed to protect open.

And there, at the far end of the chamber, stood the object of our quest—a gigantic door set into the stretched-out wall, its surface etched with symbols of power and ancient magic.

Without hesitation, I strode forward, my heart pounding with anticipation as I reached out to touch the door. And as my fingers made contact with its smooth surface, I felt a surge of energy course through me, filling me with a sense of purpose and determination.

This was the moment we had been waiting for—the moment when all our trials and tribulations would finally be rewarded. With a steady hand and a resolute heart, I pushed open the door, stepping out into the known... only to close it immediately.

"Put Erik down before going; we'll get him back later," I said.

"Nah, it's not your place to tell me what I can—" Aron argued.

"He'd die if you get him past this door and yourself too, so choose wisely."

"Die?" Vexa spoke for the first time in a while.

"Yep," I responded.

"Really?" She questioned again.

"Yeah," I repeated.

She robotically turned to Aron, "Put him down."

"You don't get to tell me that—he'd die here, and we are going to lose points," Aron argued.

Vexa looked around, stepped aside, and waved her hand—water appeared, took shape, and froze, creating a very coffin-like structure.

"Put him here; he'll be fine."

I ignored them and took a deep breath before opening the door.

"Fuck it, I'mma do it quick."