《The Twilight Dream》 1 IN PURSUIT OF BALANCE PROLOGUE "I think I met you in one of my dreams", Lunox spoke in her meek voice. She raised her head from the soft turf and sat up primly. Then, a figure kneeled and leaned closer to her, almost like kissing her forehead. "Here milady, I am giving it back for your safekeeping", the man spoke with a sweet brimming smile on its cheeks. And small little hands handed over the magical twilight orb into the hands of the Twilight Goddess. As soon as the orb sits on her palm, it shines brightly with an overwhelming power that immersed with the goddess. Lunox finally felt renewed and restored with the powers of the orb flowing back to her very core holistically. She planted a hand on the turf and her power surge towards every inch of the magical garden. Surroundings became clear as the unbalanced atmosphere disappears in view. The man was amused with her capability with the orb. "Um, how come you were just staying up here this entire time milady?" Her purple eyes opened full of radiance like a precious gem. But in contrast her eyes speak of a sad monotone song. "I''ve been away for too long and forgotten who I was", she looked at the man and tears slid on the side of her cheeks. "Oh no, I never meant to made you feel bad", the man reach across her face and wiped away her tears. "Because you milady, is meant to bring balanced to my---", he brushes her cheeks softly with his thin fingers, and both of their eyes met. "I mean, to the land. Balanced to the Land of Dawn", he quickly added. She paved away his nervous with her gentle smile. "I am. Balanced is the only truth". Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. It was this time again that the conflict between Light and Dark has ignited. The war had brought morbid pictures all through every tribe and kingdom bringing tremendous pursuit of balance between the broken order and chaos. Heroes of Light against Army of Dark were fighting for the long lost twilight orb. The light wanted it to seek for eternal order while the Darkness wanted it for eternal chaos. The war just begun when the gates of the great Minoan Maze was again finally open. Century has locked this sacred place where the twilight orb was known to be kept and guarded by the Minos. However, the Minos was almost wiped away together with the other citizens of the Land of Dawn after the Lord of Light and Dark punished everyone including Moniyan Empire and up to the outskirts of the land because of individual selfish desires. But there were those who survived. The maze wasn''t left unguarded, one named Aldous the gate keeper was well-nourished with the power of the orb after the punishment. He was able to sustain the chaos of century ago and instead became more powerful. He decided to dedicate his life full pledge in protecting the orb from invaders not excluding his late comrade Minotaur. Now, that the gate was opened and that the prophecy became a hunt for everyone interested to go after their selfish or patriotic desires. Still, no one knows how to succeed the maze because it was known to be deadly. Yet, it did not bother both sides, the Light and Dark, so they send out both of their greatest marksmen, assassins, warriors, fighters and mages to fight against each other. And that the prize for the victorious army would be the power of the twilight orb. And so, the war began. 2 BROKEN SWORD Tears streaming down on princess Odette''s poor face as she ran towards her wounded lover. Blood has covered his handsome face after Leomord, the great black knight of the dead army, wielded his oath keeper, his sword, after his army cornered Lancelot. He tried to keep his stamina against his oppressors. But his pace was overtaken until he was down on his knees and a broken sword spare in his hands. Odette quickly cast her swan song, creating a protective energy surrounding her lover. "Oh Lancelot hear me please", she quickly ended the enemy after casting her full power to drive away Leomord and his army. Then quickly, an aid ended the couple''s suffering. Heroes of the Light helped the lover''s escaped from the almost suppressing power of the Army of Darkness. Alucard the demon hunter and Fanny chased Leomord and his army of dead through the battle ground. Princess Odette immediately returned to her dying lover whom was soaked with his own blood. "Oh Lance", she said crying while hugging her weak and dying lover in her arms. "Please hold on", tighten her grip over his frail body. "Odette, beautiful Odette", Lancelot weakly gazed at Odette with her spare voice. His trembling hands touched her face fondly. "Odette, Ughh---", Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. he grunts and loose half of his conscious. "No! Please hold on!" the princess cried over again reaching her lover''s face in response. Though hardly could do it, the swan princess held her lover and tried to led him towards a safer place with her remaining energy. Her tears continued streaming down her pretty face. While, she continued her hardship eliminating melee troupes of the enemy that were chasing them. Odette swung her magical scepter once more to protect them both with the chasing melee (minion). Light struck to the enemies face but princess Odette was already tired to further fight at the same time protect both of them against the chasing enemy minions. They were soon cornered. And yet they were already near the safe turret. She looked in the distance and was determined to give her chasing enemies a final swing of her swan song just to get them both safe. And when Odette was about to cast her swan song, suddenly, a bright light charges towards the crimson sky and rippled across the Land of Dawn. Everyone witnessed the powerful energy that was scattered above all of them. The energy that came from the center of the Minoan maze had burst into a quivering energy. The ground shakes tremendously for a minute. Thus, it destroys every small minion troops on both forces. Odette''s glistening eyes find relief at once as the chasing enemies were gone. And so the lover''s continued to walk closer to the safe turret. 3 A HERO OR VILLAIN "Hush!" said the crow witch. "I may not see it but I know indeed it was the powerful twilight orb. Verri let us spread our wings." Pharsa emerged from the magical forest bringing with her the deadly magic that she launches onto the enemies. "Nothing will stop my justice. I am driven by revenge. And revenge has blinded me", Pharsa spoke to Verri, her husband which turned into a white crow after Alice the blood witch invaded her wedding day. Her magic was marked on the ground creating a deadly trap to anyone within her radius by striking them to death. "Alas! Feel my pain!" the crow witch continued suppressing weak and timid dark armies. Thus, no one can seem to stop her as she graces through the battle field. Meanwhile, a huge werewolf man kept gnashing his victim''s fleshes one after the other. His hideous and vicious attack horrifies every enemy minion, so he was fighting alongside the heroes of the Light. He was once a noble man, Roger the werewolf hunter until one day he was blessed with the cursed. Yet, it did not stop him fighting for the good. His strong claws and large sharp fangs helped him enjoyed harvesting weak enemies'' soul. "I see lots of prey!" Roger victoriously claims as he continued ripping off his victims. But Selena, the abyssal witch, grew angry to the werewolf fighter. She turned herself into monstrous purple beast and dashed towards the werewolf. She attacked her at the back. Her claws ripped some flesh leaving deeper wounds. But the werewolf quickly regained the ambush attack and retorted Selena. "Quiet well, mister werewolf!" the abyssal queen mocked and laughed demonically. "Go back to hell demon or I will cut your throat if I get near you!" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Roger exclaimed with his claws and fangs ready to suppress Selena. Instead she laughed deviously again. "You insulted me mister werewolf. Sure, there are ugly demons in the abyss but there are also gorgeous elves like me", and continues to laughed with her demonic tone. But Roger looses with temper and taken Selena''s bait. He dashed and jumped on the beast but he was stunned with the abyssal creatures Selena had cunningly set. "Ding-Dong!" she exclaimed. And quickly she takes an advantage to claw him without escaping her fury as she turned into a purple beast again. "Ha-ha! No one can escape me!" Another abyssal creature had stunned Roger and he returned to his human form. "Fools eventually die from stupidity!" the abyssal witch excitedly and dashed once more to Roger. But just in time when the crow witch Pharsa saved Roger from a near death in the hands of Selena. She was disturbed with the magic bonded on the ground that had injured her reasonably. It drove her away and hissed at the crow witch like it would be her next victim. "Next time, I''ll catch you. Ha-ha!" 4 FALL BACK Forces of Darkness were getting overtaken by the heroes of Light after that tremendous energy spread across the sky caused by the awakened twilight orb. The ruler of the Abyss had entrusted the fallen angel Argus, the once Light of the Dawn, and bestowed a power to represent in his behalf just like Selena, the now Queen of the Abyss. Argus commended his trusted men to retreat for the meantime. "We need more allies Alice!" Argus sneered demandingly. "Yes I know my Lord. I am working on it", the witch hastily replied. "I don''t want your talking Alice! You disappointed the Dark Lord again! Go and reap some soul to our side. We can''t win if we only have the orcs, the abyssal creatures, undead army and squishy dark elves on our side. We need the heroes of the Light", the fallen angel grinned devilishly. "As you speak my Lord", Alice obeyed and quickly summoned her minions to start her quest. Alice the blood demon witch was so fond with the Dark Lord of the Abyss. She was all willing to do whatever the dark lord wishes or demands. Selena, the newly adorned abyssal queen sheepishly sneered upon Alice. Quickly shifts her pace and leaned to whisper teasingly. "Did you disappoint the dark Lord again, Alice", Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Selena mocked with her teasing soft giggle. But Alice remained mute not to take albeit on Selena because she knew the power of the Dark Abyss that was controlling her was more powerful than her blood magic. Selena faced the blood witch with her long blood-polished nails running on Alice''s collarbone. "You''re no longer famous to the Dark Lord, I''ll give you a chance to join my fan club", the abyssal witch smirked. "And I''ll make it easier for you to reap blood and souls, Ding-Dong!" and Selena continued with her quivering sinister smile. Yet for the meantime, the dark forces retreated to restore their power for the next wave. Then, the Dark Lord ordered the shadow bringer, Helcurt, one of the mythical dark creatures living in the Land of Dawn, to cover the land with dark shadows so the army of the Darkness could retreat. And so does Helcurt spoke his black incantation. Darkness started to blind the army of the Light as he begun crawling to the ground. "Dark Night Falls", he uttered hissing like. And the Land of Dawn was quickly surrounded with vile darkness. 5 BASE CAMP The great emperor also the mystic warrior in the Land of Dawn never believed in defeat. He continues to charged enormous force to slay every walking enemy that crossed his way. "A warrior''s duty is to bring victory. Slay them all!" Yet, the perfect opponent for Tigreal had finally returned to set his foot in the Land of Dawn, whom was Leomord. The story of the greatness of this another knight from another kingdom was buried together with the dead long ago. But it was after the turned-to-mad queen Vexana the necromancer, thought of bringing Leomord back to life because she knew of no one else to match with Tigreal''s strength but her late Chief of The Kinsmen Leomord. And Tigreal had already set his eyes locked on Leomord his next opponent. Unfortunately, darkness suddenly covered the Land of Dawn. And that no every eye could see through the vicious darkness. Armies and heroes of the Light stopped because the darkness has almost blinded them. Tigreal immediately announces retreat to secure his allies because the army of dark might creep and take advantage of the darkness. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "What a sly tactic! Off course they never fail to use this to take aim or to take shelter", Zilong ranted over his breath. He returned to the base making sure every breathing heroes and allies of the Light was safely back. "Hurry all! Take refuge for the meantime. Will be back when we are restored", the dragon warrior screamed. The base was crowded with wounded armies and heroes. Rafaela the angel used her powers to keep healing wounded allies. She was restless but also heartbroken. Knowing that Argus was enjoying getting nourished continuously with the dark power while resenting their past behind. She was aided with the King of the Moon Elves Estes, in providing healing among wounded allies, even the gravest like what Lancelot suffered. Yet, he was still unconscious. But still, Princess Odette never loses hope that he will regain his consciousness soon again. So she nursed him, same scenario where they first met by the Dawn of Lake. Rafaela went near Lancelot and she stretched her hand above his wounds then releases a power. "Healing prayers for you", she mumbled. Open wounds begun to heal until it restores Lancelot''s normal breathing. "He''ll be soon okay, just some rest from then on", she added and smiled at Odette. Rafaela proceeds giving healing to others as more were coming. 7 NORTHERN GATE "Abandon hope! All! Ye! Who enter here", a voice echoed and trembled by the gates of labyrinth. Thus, it was Aldous'' way of welcoming the invaders who would try to obtain the twilight orb. "It must have been the gate keeper", Alucard blurted. The heroes of Light gathered outside the northern gate of the Minoan maze. Their legion was headed by emperor Tigreal. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "A brave man never hides in bush. Whatever creature is in there, we will fight!" the emperor commanded. "Only the fearless heart can soar to the heavens. HEROES NEVER FADE!" shouted Zilong the dragon warrior, and whipped his spear in the air. Zilong then stood next to Tigreal. Then, Alucard the demon hunter joined the two men. The Light has able to gather allies that will be fighting with the army of Light. Freya, the Goddess of War, Layla, the marksmen, Miya, the Elven Archer, Gord, the mage, Irithel and his lion Leo, Elven Warrior and Archer, Hilda, the tank warrior, Natalia and the royal cavalry Fanny were the human assassins, Roger, the werewolf, Pharsa, the crow witch, and Karina, the dark elf assassin, all stood side by side together with Tigreal, Alucard and Zilong. They are the heroes that will complete the army of Light. "Nothing lasts forever, we can change the future", Alucard added and yanked his sword forward then winked seducingly at the elven archer Miya. She launched her blazing arrow in the air amusing everyone with her skills "Wise choice", she beamed and smirked at Alucard. Then, the goddess of war moved forward. Her armor shines brighter than the flickering stars suspended above the Land of Dawn. Freya''s pretty face would mistake her for Aphrodite. She stood carefree that made everyone in awe especially Zilong whom was struck with her grace and beauty. "So beautiful", he murmured. She places her hand on the hilt of her shining blade. "God witness everything that happens here. Meaningless fate, sooner or later, will collapse, when facing reality. Yet, the spirit will be with us", she remarked and smiled. Applause and honor tossed in the air for her speech. "Aside evil there is justice. Nothing can stop us", Karina uttered and look fondly on her sharp blades, smile hides sheepishly. "Time to shine! We can do it!" Layla joyfully cheered. "Payback time", added the crow witch in a cunning claim while massaging Verri''s feather. "There is no time to chit chat", Gord scorned and rode his magical board. "For honor!" Tigreal bellowed and raised the Sword of Dawn as a sign of command. "For victory!" Fanny belted. "Let''s fight! Side-by-side, let''s go!" shouted Irithel and joined the heroes with Leo. Clamoring heavy metals of armors and weapons gave spirit of bravery that dominates in front the northern gate as they all marched forward. 8 THE SOUTHERN GATE To the southern gate of the Minoan Maze awaits the legion of Darkness, once lurking in the Shadows of Dark Abyss but now storming viciousness in the Land of Dawn. Argus had led the army with his demonic blazing sword ordained with a dark power from the Dark Lord himself. He was assisted by Selena, the queen of the abyss. Selena''s abyssal creatures were already hungry for souls, petted by the abyssal witch herself. The dark allies that will be fighting for the Dark Lord were, King Thamuz of the Fire Demons, King Zhask of the Kastiyans, King Martis of Ashura, Queen Alice of Blood Magic, Helcurt the shadow bringer, the mad Queen Vexana the Necromancer, Faramis the loyal Alchemist, Leomord the dark Knight of the dead, Balmond the Chief of the Blood Orcs, Moskov the battle master of Wildsand, Hanzo the Akuma ninja and Karrie the rebel yasson warrior. Argus spread his black devilish wings and flew above everyone feeling his recharged power granted by the Dark Lord. The eyes of his allies were rejoicing as they felt the same power and hunger that Argus over poured. "Nothing is worthy without power. The flame is burning inside me. Justice is the last refuge of the weakness. Find the enemies! FIGHT TILL DEATH!" he roared and trembles the land. Moskov gets excited as he held the Spear of Quiescence burning with hellish hunger for vengeance. Same happened to Leomord and his Oath keeper, the sword that would about to conquer even Tigreal''s Sword of Dawn. Barbiel couldn''t keep steady as it''s about to gallop and obstruct every barrier. Thus, Leomord quickly hop on the saddle to ease Barbiel getting ready to lance every enemy. "My wrath is about to start", Martis laughed as he sways those pair of blades that was already recharged with more darkness. "Death to begin with!" yelled Thamuz after feeling reenergized, thus, bursting molten rocks to try out. "The strongest ninja has arrived!" Hanzo laughed in a sinister way as he held Ame no Habakiri. "Speed, precision and strength!" added the yasson warrior as she whipped light wheel in the air. The allies were shouting and already claiming their victory. Once the darkness obtains the orb they will seek for more power and immortality to rule over the Land of Dawn. Chaos is what pleases them. "Turn everything to darkness!" the blood witch reappeared after absorbing renewed power from the Dark Lord. "I possess the most powerful magic!" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Faramis stood next to Queen Vexana. "Keep them in twist of pain", Vexana laughed arrogantly as the necromancer queen walked the aisle with Alice and Selena. "They will come to a pitiful end!" she added bringing her undead army. "Revenge! Revenge against the Empire!" shouted Faramis which was already excited to try his vicious retrieval. Argus was too confident enough to be victorious because the power of the dark that runs through their veins was vile and fierce. Besides, Selena couldn''t put away her cunning and vicious grin because her traps will soon begin. She with Alice, Vexana and Faramis were going to reap souls of the enemy that were willing to turn against the Light and become allies of the Dark. The Queen of the Abyss gorgeously walks forward followed by her abyssal demons. "Shh, quiet my babies. Hunting is about to begin", Selena giggled deviously and led the marching towards the gate. 13 ALL TROOPS DEPLOYED PING! Metals were clanking. BOOM! WHOOSH! Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Another trembling sound that now causes disturbance to the once silent labyrinth. Three gates but there are thousand possible paths each with underlying traps and lurking monsters. Explosions simultaneously occurred, all randomly, from different sections of the maze. Their hearts'' leapt after every sudden noise spreading somewhere. Following noises of destruction of could be anything. But men and creatures from either side masked their fear with bravery and fuel their passion with their respective desires to win and obtain the twilight orb. Darkness and misty cold chills fill the labyrinth. Every hero, allies, and travelers was struggling with the traps they met along the way. While the army of the Dark felt a little advantage because of the darkness. Yet everyone''s so careful. And Aldous had started creating conflicts to clash the invaders against each other because the faster it would be for him to eliminate unwanted visitors as he thought. It was the first stage of the maze. The Minoan Maze had three stages. The obstacles needed to survive in every stage also increases in difficulty. However, only ten heroes allowed to enter the last stage which composes two doors dividing them into two teams. And only the winning team will have the chance to get near the twilight orb. But winning the third stage leads to facing the guardians that further eliminates four. Only one was allowed to get near the orb. Thus, from the first stage to the last, survival is the key. So, eliminating the enemy by giving them death or suffering was most likely the fate of most of them. And meanwhile, Selena immediately plotted her abyssal creatures randomly while waiting for their prey. She was assisted by Alice and Vexana, the demon queens and Faramis the vicious alchemist. While, the Light on the other side had split into three teams each taking different lanes. Tigreal, Natalia, Freya and Zilong were the first three. Then, Pharsa, Roger, Layla, Karina and Fanny were the second group. So, Miya, Alucard, Hilda, Irithel and Gord were the last group. Night grew even colder and gloomy surrounding was experienced further by the heroes and allies. Although, the dark army marveled their advantage as darkness was their source of strength. Helcurt most of all, enjoyed lurking behind shadows. It was hard to tell what was happening on the other side of the maze because the walls extended way too long and rise high in structure. Aside from the creepy fogs, were deadly traps underlying beneath the floor or walls that each may surprisingly encounter. Yet, the distant howling of wolves could also be heard as the moon finally peeked behind the scarlet clouds. Still the night was too young. 14 FIRST BLOOD! Roger felt uneasy after the moon brims and peeks behind the clouds. So he decided to walk further and ahead from his team. Verri, Pharsa''s crow, flew above the walls so that her wife would get to spy the happenings from the other side. Queerly though, silence sometimes filled the entire labyrinth. And the more it was horrifying. Such that, most of them finally able to learn to be careful because of traps that were laid everywhere. Meanwhile, Roger again taking the lead took the eastern path. It was really a long and narrow path. Some parts along the path were mystic gardens or mini magical forests. In one of Rogers''s team encountered, creatures seemed lurking behind the bushes and or trees. There was no enough light reflected from the moon, so darkness overruled. All of them ready their weapons, while Pharsa was using her sensitive hearing to recognize more the creature. Since, Roger was always impulsive, due to the moon also, that he jumps forward aimed his claws. It turned out he was Selena''s first prey. From the distance, Selena immediately recognizes the catch of her abyssal creature. She quickly morphed into her abyssal form and swiftly went on her target. Alice, Vexana and Faramis followed her after. Fanny and Karina quickly aided Roger their assistance when they too had struck by the creatures. Selena instantly emerges and attacked Roger. Pharsa was about to cast his spell but Vexana distracted her. And Layla was countered by Alice before she could give a burst. Magic blew everywhere. Fanny and Karina regained their strength and tried to help but Faramis was so quick that they were caught by his shadow stampede. Roger managed to escape the creatures stunning and attacks from Selena. But Selena quickly shifted to her elven form and shoot abyssal arrows giving damage to Roger. Karina went to save Roger with her sharp blades. She swings it to Selena from the back that almost cut her throat. Karina leapt backwards but she was so shocked to see her long lost sister. Karina knew it was indeed Selena her sister that was sacrificed into the abyss. Quickly, Roger dashes forward to Selena but sharp blades immediately wounded him. This time, Karina protected her sister. Selena was amused with the happening. And Karina introduced herself as she tried to bring her sister back. Roger was baffled with the happening that he resumed attacking Selena. But he was oppressed by the sisters. Then, with Selena''s devilish plan, instead, she convinces her sister to reunite with her. "Come to the dark abyss, and I will lead you to victory", Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Selena bewitching Karina. But because she loved her sister so much, that Selena immediately persuaded her. Selena bite Karina, giving her powers of the dark abyss. Yet, Roger was still trying to be a hero when, accidentally the blood fusion he distracted affected him as well. 15 BERSERKERS FURY Howls like a real mad wolf now. Roger turned to a more beastly and ruthless hungry wolf after he was blessed with the power of the dark abyss. Also added, that the moon went finally full, relinquishing more of his hunger for hunting. When given the advantage over Vexana, Pharsa quickly launches her deadly spell bonded on the ground. Layla and fanny takes shelter inside the crow witch spell and continues to attack while they have the upper hand. But Selena told his team, with Karina and Roger, to leave and moved to the next prey instead. Selena actually wanted the stronger heroes of the Light to be her prey to turn them to allies of the dark. And she was luckily happy to capture Roger the werewolf plus her sister Karina an assassin. Roger was out of control but Selena never bother to stop him to go his way. So Roger lost himself in the mystic woods. His eyes turned bloody red. He sniffs and sniffs for his next victim. Gusion made a friendly companion with the siblings Lesley and Harley after being separated with Guinevere, Lancelot and Odette. The three of them managed to surpass easy traps they had encountered along the way. Small friendly engagements were mostly between Gusion and Lesley, while, Harley keep on reminding their vigilance still continues to be annoyed by Gusion. And for such instance they were taking the path where Roger was waiting for his first human prey. "Shhh!", Harley vigilantly gestured and prepared his cards. Then the werewolf quickly emerges behind the ruined wall. He was drooling much more because the full moon made him hungrier for flesh. Harley throws his magical cards as his basic attack against the beast. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Sniper ready! Enemy in range!" and Lesley aimed his rifle on the beast while Gusion quickly cast his magical knives. "My blade moves with the shadows". The attacks began. Roger was immune with small damages after he receives the power of darkness; the upgrade had helped him handle the simultaneous attacks coming from the three like he unleashes the berserker''s fury. However, when the three kept pursuing and their attacks went united it was then Roger should not underestimate them. That yet, the moon and darkness had harnessed his full potential as a mad wolf. He still had the upper hand to them. Just as almost he could have a winning triple kill when a reaper pierced him badly. It was a magical scythe, a weapon made to conquer werewolves. A red hooded little figure faced him with no fear. "Awwoo! The hunt begins!" she raved excitedly. And once more the reaper hooks Roger and it badly wounded him. Then together, the four of them attacked him. Roger sprinted back to the woods. "I love the feeling of chasing prey!" But the red hooded figure followed him. He was already too weak and returned to his human form, gravely wounded. The moon continues to shine giving some light. When Ruby was about to end the wolf, but she was taken aback with what she saw was the man who once saved her from Whitetooth, the savage wolf that Roger killed to save Ruby. That in return gave him the curse. Ruby was weakened and felt pity on Roger. Instead, she retreated back to the three strangers she saved and let Roger lived. 16 ANGEL IN THE MAZE Lesley worriedly went to his little brother whom got wounded on his arm. "Harley! Harley! Oh no!" she held his arms crying and quickly ripped a spare clothes from the hem of her coat and wrapped around Harley''s wound. "I am fine, okay. Enough with that worried face", he muttered. "How can''t I! Stubborn! You are bitten by that cursed monster!" she exclaimed. "Let me see", Ruby said approaching them. "I know what a wolf bite looks like. The kind that carries the curse", she added formally. She examined his arms and positively assured he was safe. "Nope, Just a wolf scratch", she aided and smiled briefly and came looking at their other companion. Lesley sooner cast a worry face to the friendly stranger whom was Gusion. So she immediately volunteered to search for him while demanding Harley to stay with Ruby. She insisted going because she has her sniper full of bullets. Harley was a little annoyed with Lesley after leaving him but he chose to behave since a new friend accompanied him. Now, Lesley carefully takes their previous tracks. When suddenly, a hand from behind pulled her into the bushes. The pace was so swift that she loses her own vigilance and was simply overtaken by the force. Only then, to find herself face to face with the stranger she was looking. "What!?" she''s about to yelped but Gusion pulled her even closer covering her mouth together. "Shh!" he gestured carefully and pointed at Argus and Thamuz roaming near their situation. The two let those Dark army passed instead to begin a fight. "We can''t fight them when they still have the upper hand. I''m sorry", he said. "It''s okay. I understand tho", she replied. "C''mon we need to go back to my brother", she continued and grabbed Gusion out from the bush when she heard him grunt in pain. "Sorry, what''s wrong?" she asked and looked over her shoulder. Gusion had a deep wound in his right leg. "Apologies. The wolf had caused this cut", he explained and tried to stand. Lesley fell into a quick concern over him and quickly offered her shoulders to help him stand. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "I think we need to fix that first before we return to them", she suggestively offered and smiled. And using the old bondage wrapped around his body, she bonded it to his wounded legs. "I am such an unlucky man. Just yesterday when that fire lizard almost ended me, good thing, there''s the healing angel in Nost Gal", he narrated while Lesley was wrapping the bondage around his legs. "There''s an angel?'''', she asked amusingly. Her eyes were full of child-like curiosity. Gusion noticed her adorable expression and enjoyed the sight of her pretty face as the moon shines on her perfectly. "Yes. Angel that brings healing to wounded allies. Just like you now", he added and smiled sweetly. Lesley captured the words quickly that made her heart skipped a bit. "Thank you", she replied and avoid his eyes that was lock onto hers while hiding little blush on her cheeks. 17 LOVEBUGS FLEETING TIME AWOO! As a sad distance howling of a badly hurt wolf echoed throughout the labyrinth. Miya quickly raised her bow in position after a sudden burst. "A lil'' scared Miya?" the demon hunter teased. "Who say''s I''m scared Alucard?" Miya quickly snapped and walked passed Alucard. He clears his throat and continues pursuing Miya in his seemed like courting actions. "Traps are everywhere. What I was going to say was I can give you a hand if your''e a bit scared", he said smiling. "No. Thank you. We moon elves were used to hunting at night, so darkness wouldn''t scare me", she replied and shoot pass her arrows behind Alucard to a monster creeping from the bush. Alucard dashed quickly to the monster and ended its life with his demon hunter sword. "You almost shamed me from her!" he scowled. He stood quickly, tossed his hair boyishly and flashed a handsome smile across his face. "See, we could be best teammates", he suggested and followed Miya. "I can handle that!" she replied and walked passed him. But she just ignores him and instead approached Gord and Irithel. Still, Alucard keeps on pursuing Miya with his obvious engagements and chivalry. But Miya doesn''t seemed persuaded enough to turn her cheeks red with his words. And Hilda was enjoying teasing Alucard with his failure attempts. The group luckily hasn''t encountered any of the Dark army yet. Gord had led the team and by far, only monsters and few traps they encountered in their path. The moon continues to peek behind the interlacing scarlet clouds. And often times Miya would gaze back at the peeking moon. And her thoughts would always visit the image of King Estes. The moon elves adore their king so much, most specially Miya. Alucard stopped and fondly watched Miya praying with the moon. Her elven feature was perfectly captured by the moonlight. He temporarily forgets he''s in the labyrinth and was fully mesmerized by the moon elf. Though, Miya gets occasionally annoyed with Alucard''s breezy boy next door moves, she tried playing a little trick on him in return. She moved swiftly then disappeared and positioned her bow and arrow at the back of Alucard''s head. "I can hit you and let you die in a mile away", she smirked and reappeared. "Aimless hunter", she added and gave him a cheeky laugh. "Really?" he said grinning in disapproval but was challenged with her childish arrogant approach. So he quickly takes his advantage while she was enjoying teasing his manliness. Alucard''s agility made him pace quickly to her side then snatches her bow from her hand. Miya was out of her own balance as he made sure she would fall exactly in his arms. "Hmm, I don''t think so moon elf archer", he beamed handsomely. And finally, blush flushed across her moonlit face. She gulps in frustration and Alucard simply laughed after hearing. Thus, only embarrassment filled her thoughts, the more her face turned to red. "You''re so cute Miya", he added and run fingers through his tousled hair. "Shut up! Childish hunter!" she muttered. "Well, who started this entire childish act and fell on me in just a fleeting time", Alucard quickly added with a cute smirk. Miya that was so embarrassed wanted to finally get away from him because she could no longer understand her sudden sweating. "Well, the more you resist. The more I wanted to tease you", he mischievously added. Before Alucard could add more teases on her, so she forcefully makes an effort to get away from his embrace, which she luckily did by slapping his face. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Ouch", he smirked. "Why it''s always so hard to please you", Alucard murmured and silently giggled. 18 ALWAYS A BROTHERHOOD There is always an unexpected reunion in the Land of Dawn. Another was the broken brotherhood between Vale and Valir. "We meet again fire boy", Vale began. Winds were swirling around him as he was floating in mid air. "I see. You''re after the orb also", he said and laughed hard. "Why is everyone after it? All for power!" he aggressively added. And ignite a blazing fire on his fist. Vale smirked in dismay at his old brotherhood. "Always impulsive just like your fire", Vale replied laughing and positioned a relaxed sitting pose mid air. "You never changed a bit old friend", he added and turned his back on Valir. "Say like as if you did!" he shouted and burst a flame on Vale. But Vale was quite familiar with his old friend''s demeanor and so he was able to counter his fire with his tornado. A distracting burst after the collision of wind and fire. It even attracts the Queen of Abyss and Aldous from a distance. "I won''t be sorry to kill you if the price is the orb", Valir grinned and cast his fire magic again. "Feel the heat of the inferno!" It gave Vale several severe burns. In respond, Vale calls the might of the winds and sent a thunderstorm to Valir so both of them were wounded. And Vale did not stop there but send simultaneous wind blades to his old friend which made the fire mage kneeled on the ground. "You can''t longer move. Don''t even try", Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Vale teased. Yet, Valir masked his pain and stood again with fire burning in his fist. And when he was about to send his full rage against Vale, suddenly, a loud cry from a woman was heard by both of them. Immediately, a maiden was seen running towards them which were trying to escape from her oppressor. The two men quickly set aside their feud for awhile and came to help the maiden who landed helplessly in front them. "Help me", the maiden weakly cried "Khufra is---", she was panting and then passed out while in Valir''s arms. Vale positioned himself for the incoming huge bouncing enemy made out of bondages. "What the hell is that?!" Valir shouted and cast his fire inferno on the unknown enemy. Vale also matched Valir''s defenses by sending out the same thunderstorm against the bouncing bondage. Until Khufra felt the damage brought by the two he transformed back to his human form. A sinister laughed bellowed all around. "All I want is the girl. And I will both let you live", Khufra stated in his most tragic voice. "Hey! That isn''t a gentlemen''s way. So that''s a NO FOR ME!" Vale replied and sends his wind blades. "See if you can handle us. The brotherhood wouldn''t let you get away with this", Valir added and smirked at Vale. "Only this time", he uttered stood alongside Vale. "Off course, there is always an exception", Vale replied and started the attack followed by Valir''s flame. 19 THE QUEEN OF THE ABYSS The brotherhood continues to send simultaneous attacks against tyrant Khufra. On the other hand, the maiden Esmeralda finally gained her consciousness. "You can''t escape my burning blasts!" Valir shouted as he sends his flames against Khufra. She immediately saw the fight between the brotherhood and Khufra. Esmeralda tried to gather her remaining strength to help the two men suppress Khufra. And without their notice, upon gathering the powers of the moon casket within her Esmeralda quickly showered Khufra with it. "Star!" she exclaimed. She stepped forward once more and whipped the recharged energy flowing inside her. "The underworld is your fate!" she added talking about the enemy. Khufra was charged backward dealt by the trio''s attack most especially when Esmeralda joined. He knows the power of the moon casket can overtake him. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "May my rule, add some fun to this boring world", Khufra started and recharged himself from the attacks. "I am an Immortal!" he bellowed. "No one can''t stop me", he added but was scheming how to oppress. More advantageous with Esmeralda because she had the windtalker and fire mage help to suppress him. However, the help that khufra needs just came bringing with her the hungry abyssal creatures and her dark allies. Vale was stunned by one of the abyssal creatures. "Ding-dong!" she dashes towards Vale as she morphed into her famous purple beast. She was assisted by the loyal alchemist Faramis. "Your life is no longer yours!" Faramis cried. The trio no longer as strong, added that the abyssal queen bring with her the strongest allies she had. Alice on the latter made the negotiations with Khufra to become allies of the dark. The brotherhood''s energy drains so fast because Faramis was so skilled on countering their attacks. "Pain is my greatest gift to you!" he added demonically. It turned out after Faramis inflicted the two with serious damage Selena had her huge chance in finishing both of them. Meanwhile, Esmeralda was against Vexana that she can''t help the two men. Valir was badly wounded by Faramis than Vale. He was on his knees, weak and helpless. Selena laughed in her demonic tone and swiftly dive to end Valir. "In the name of the winds", shouted Vale. And when Vale saw Selena he quickly run to save Valir but Faramis cast his black alchemy on Vale and Selena''s attack had quickly ended his life. Valir''s eyes grew in rage as his heart sunk after seeing Vale fell to the ground lifeless. He quickly cast his last fire inferno towards the enemy. Esmeralda overtaken Vexana and she quickly helped Valir and they both escaped from the scene. The fire mage shed tears after remembering the last image of Vale. A sudden tight dominated inside his chest that made it hard for him to breathe. He cried like never before. "Try to keep up if you can", she said while keeping up their pace. Esmeralda embraced him trying to comfort Valir but she insisted they need to go because the queen of the abyss and her allies were chasing them. 21 ENEMY DOMINATING Esmeralda kept running and running through the maze. Until she grew tired, her feet were getting numb from pain. And yet, she pursued herself to continue because she remembered her promise with Valir. And still she holds onto her promise. "The struggle is real. I could not stop now", she mumbled and resumed searching with high hopes she could meet good allies. Whereas the dark allies led by Selena were still tailing the chase after Esmeralda. They seemed to lose Valir and only tracked her. Esmeralda was clever enough to lose the enemy against Valir but her life was in danger in return. Meanwhile, Leo suddenly became distracted after it tracks an incoming creature. Irithel knew the capability of her lion and quickly informed her team. Everyone positioned their selves by hiding in the bushes and ruined wall. Esmeralda running in their direction and she was panting, weak and almost certain to fall down. However, three dark allies were chasing her. Selena quickly morphed into a beast after her abyssal creatures captured Esmeralda. She was about to dashed towards Esmeralda when a laser burns her. Miya and Irithel showered their arrows simultaneously. Faramis and Karina quickly aided the abyssal queen whom was wounded by the surprise attacks. The dark alchemy Faramis bonded on the ground quickly regained Selena''s strength. "Have a taste of my most sinister magic!" the dark alchemist shouted. "My weapon is your shield", Hilda approached dying Esmeralda. Hilda had sheltered Esmeralda to the safer side and returned to assist her teammates. Alucard followed a dash and wield his demon hunter sword which wounded Faramis in the back badly. Though, he was countered quickly by Karina''S now powerful blades. "My pleasure", Karina affirmed. Everyone was shocked after Karina''s convert into one of the dark army. Selena then could not stop from laughing deviously at their reactions. Attacks continued to flash from every direction in either both teams. But the abyssal queen was so powerful that she luckily able to convert Gord into a dark ally after simultaneous attacks and vicious damage by her abyssal creatures. Gord first suffer extreme pain until sooner his eyes turned red and his color turned to half red and yellow. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Im not a moster, I''m a demon!" Gord yelled after being nourished by the dark powers. The heroes of light wanted to still pursue Selena and her dark allies but they could not suppress them specially Selena''s renewed dark powers. Enemy was already dominating, after the queen of the abyss second attempt to convert Irithel and Leo int a dark ally. Hilda attempt to save Miya, "The real warrior is here!" but was only killed by Gord and Faramis. Selena''s demonic laugh echoed in the maze bringing more horror to Miya, Alucard and Esmeralda. 22 THREE LITTLE MAGE Feline elves were very sensitive using their special senses like smell, hearing, and sight. Harith led the three of them after they sneaked out the Nost Gal amidst King Estes, Rafaela and Queen Aurora forbade Nana and Chang''e to join the quest in the labyrinth. "Adventure''s waiting for us!" Nana exclaimed. The three little mage luckily take the path cleared with traps and monsters after the prior heroes. Despite calm journey through the maze they could not deny the horror from sudden burst of magic spells or weapons in different areas of the maze. Nana and Chang''e would always cover behind Harith whenever sudden attacks occurred somewhere. "I am so scared. Wha-what is this place? Hmm, i-it looks like we may be lost", Chang''e mumbled as she held a grip on Nana''s arms and held her moon rabbit secured in her embrace. "Harith?" Nana''s voice slightly trembled. And Harith took Nana''s little hands and patted her fondly. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Why? I am here. I will protect you", said he and smiled. Nana smiled back at Harith and purred fondly. She rests her head on his shoulders then continues to walk. Little did they know that they are a great help in saving Miya, Alucard and Esmeralda from the dominating army of the dark. Instead, they were a "just in time" help before Selena could completely dominate the maze. Harith bonded a spell on the ground that stunned the dark allies including Selena. Nana and Chang''e followed their magic attacks after Harith simultaneously damaged the dark army with time and space stirred with his well mastered magic. "You can''t catch me!" he added and cast another deadly magic attack. "Magic is my life! Thank me my lowly opponent", Harith happily teased. He chrono dashed once more and avenge the heroes by ending Gord. Chang''e also unleashed her powers as the moon shines brightly honoring twice of her powers. It damaged Karina and Irithel. The queen of the dark abyss hissed with angered then locked her perspective on Harith. Faramis laid again his dark alchemy to match with Selena''s attacks again. But Harith was just so fast that she cannot capture him even the abyssal creatures. She always missed a hit. Luck finally resides in the heroes of light because Selena was having a hard time with the three little mage. Also to count, that often times they were suddenly morphed into Nana''s molina which can never be countered. "What a perfect shot!" Nana exclaimed everytime she hits anyone of the dark army. "Ssshhh!...I''ll be angry if you poke me again!" she added angrily as she kept her pace against the enemy. Then, the easier for Harith and Chang''e to gave reasonable damage among them. Alucard helped the little trio as he wields his sword back and forth. "Let me show you the art of killing!" Alucard roared and attacked the enemies in his way. Then, they were assisted by Miya''s blazing arrows "Where do you think you''re going?! You can''t run from my arrow". And Esmeralda''s recharged power from the moon caskets, "Ah! The stars are my beacon!" she said feeling powered. Finally, Selena and his dark allies decided to retreat. But the abyssal queen was plotting full vengeance when she comes back. Esmeralda was so grateful after she found good allies and told everyone about Valir. They sooner rescued Valir whom was so grateful with the little trio, to Miya and Alucard. And then, all of them agreed to continue the maze together as a team. 23 THE STORY OF THE NINJAS It''s been past midnight since everyone entered the Minoan maze. The ninja''s, in so far, were the most incognito and vigilant visitors in the maze but still not as clever as Claude and Dexter tho. They finished each traps and monsters swift and clean. And they were almost about to advance the second stage than most everyone. Yet, Hanabi made herself unknown to her fellow ninja Hayabusa and Kagura. It''s because of her envious jealousy over Kagura, Hayabusa''s favorite girl. "Why do all men only like cute girls?" she mumbled wearing an expression full of scorn. Hayabusa led the way courtly for him and Kagura. Her sweet and lady-like nature was the factors that Hanabi hated the most because she can''t be the girl he loved. "Just show me an umbrella and see what happens to you." Hanabi furiously muttered whenever Hayabusa acted all so chivalrous towards Kagura. The love triangle was complicatedly secret. Despite the ninjas precise and careful journey through the maze, but until a vicious and cunning Akuma ninja was lurking like shadow of death arrived to challenge them. The evil ninja Hanzo was busy creeping through and through the bushes in the maze when he noticed familiar ninja tracks that only a ninja knows. It brought delight to his attention specially devouring the souls of a fellow ninja was like winning the jackpot. The fierceness of a ninja''s soul would make him more powerful. So, he carefully trailed it and plotted an ambush. He called the assistance of the rebel yasson Karrie and Martis the King from Ashura. A sinister laughed echoed that alerts Hayabusa, Kagura and Hanabi. "Kai Jin Retsu Zai Zen!" Hanzo yelled together with an evil laugh. The three immediately takes notice that it was another ninja after Hanzo spoke in native Japanese. Evil laugh continues to soar. He used his shadow form and attacked Hayabusa and Kagura. "Higanbana!" Hanabi quickly emerged from the dark shadows and attacked Hanzo. Just in time, when two speed of light almost hits Hanabi. But Kagura saved her with her magical umbrella. "The umbrella is yang, the human is yin", she said and smiled. She throws her umbrella again and dragged Karrie near and a burst damaged the yasson. "Shogyo Mogyo!" she shouted. Meanwhile, Hayabusa and Hanzo fight exclusively one on one. Martis jumped to ambush the two girls to help out Karrie. The fight was hard because the ninja''s were difficult to suppress and the dark allies were also cunning and skilled. Hanzo or Hayabusa kept exchanging simultaneous shadow attacks. However, the dark allies were using a sly tactic to overtake their enemy. It was when Helcurt the shadow bringer appeared near and aided his dark allies. Helcurt cast his black enchantment and called the shadows and blinded their enemies. Moonlight could not pass through the vile darkness. Then, Hanzo and Martis advanced through the shadows and attacked Hayabusa first. Just then a sudden cry from anyone of the girls distracted Hayabusa. His worry cast on Kagura. But he was fooled by Hanzo and instead injured him. When the shadow was lifted Kagura and Hanabi finally saw Hayabusa down on his knees gravely wounded. Kagura rushed to protect Hayabusa by throwing her umbrella and created another burst of her shogyo mogyo. And still, as Hanzo was about to end Hayabusa with his hungry Ame no Habakiri, Hanabi risk her life to save the two but most specially Hayabusa. Thus, it ended her life. "Hanabi", he spilled those words and passed out. Kagura was crying while keeping Hayabusa in her arms half dead. "How would you want me to end your life?" Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Hanzo spoke deviously as he slowly approached Kagura. "Becoming a part of me is a gift to my enemies", dragging Ame no Habakiri annoyingly in the ground "Ame no Habakiri will devour you!" and about to wield it on helpless maiden, but he was countered by a mysterious creature. The monkey faced man throw his ancient rod and suddenly he became three. He was aided by a fat panda swiftly swirling and tossed Karrie and Martis away from Kagura. "Oh I''m hungry!" the fat panda shouted. "I am Akai by the way. Haven''t seen a panda warrior, eh!" he introduced and positioned himself alongside his companion. "Is there a ninja who stole my skill of doppelganger?" he said pointing Hanzo. "And my name is Sun, the great monkey King! Ha-ha!" he added and quickly sends out his clones. The monkey king kept on sending his clones making it harder for dark allies to have the upper hand. In the end Hanzo and the rest used the shadow bringer to retreat again. 25 ENDLESS BATTLE Freya raised her shield against the incoming spear of quiescence. Zilong dashed and attacked Moskov. He was so furious after Moskov aimed to attack Freya in an ambush. Even his wounded arms became numb just as long he could shot vengeance onto Moskov. Freya activated her shield and takes an aim of her sword to the opponents. Zhask kept on summoning beastly creatures that also distracted Freya for it almost suppressed Natalia, now was wounded. It seems Rafaela and Estes in Nost Gal, their powers were not enough together to bring protection and healing to all their allies because darkness had overpowered them. But the two was resilient and continued to combine their powers to protect their allies as the least they can do. The encounter between Tigreal''s team and their enemies was getting even grave. Tigreal could not help his team because Leomord and him was one on one on the river. Leomord had an advantage riding his horse Barbiel. But also, since he was once dead. Tigreal still trying to find for weakness in every time he wield or struck his sword against the dark knight. Meanwhile, Selena enjoyed her hunting after again succeeded in turning Eudora, Bane and Franco as new allies of the dark. However, Argus was not interested in hunting for he had given the job to his well trusted allies. But moreover, he and Thamuz was busy searching for clues in the whereabouts of the twilight orb inside the great maze. Apparently, someone was so lucky to have the advantage from everyone including Argus. Long ago, the ancient Minos had preserved a relic map about the Minoan Maze. It was created to secure knowledge and a duty to be passed on to next generations. However, it was lost after the first wrath. Minotaur, the last son of Minos was after such map to advance the maze against Aldous. But both of them did not know it was already in the hands of someone whom was already in the maze too. Conflicts continue to rise as armies against armies and some travelers against travelers. One by one, each of their selfish desires starting to resurface and beginning to consume them to take advantage of each other. Either a fight for their beloved country, people, or selfish, cunning desires, to whoever and whatsoever side they choose to fight for, the twilight orb was quietly testing the waters. Until, one lucky man was guided by the twilight orb because only he was the one who seemed to do not bother choosing a side and the orb was so pleased with him. Returning to Tigreal, his teammates had succeeded in suppressing their enemies. It was already dawn, few light started to tweak across the skies in the Land of Dawn. Zilong had killed Moskov by piercing the spear of quiescence deep into his chest. And Freya also ended Zhask and his creatures. Thus, Zilong giving way to handle Leomord while Freya and Tigreal to advance the next stage. Natalia volunteered to assist Zilong and bid Tigreal warm good luck after planting a soft sweet kiss, sealed with their lips. The two knew how important for the army of the light to succeed the stages in the maze and to win the orb against the dark army, so sending out the strongest and more capable heroes to advance the maze whom were emperor Tigreal and war goddess Freya was the choice. Freya was moved by Zilong''s heroic and bravery. So she gave him a tight hug and for the last time their hands where in each other''s. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "I''ll see you soon", the goddess whispered. "And I will wait for you", Zilong said his last words and withdraw his hands. Without turning their backs, Tigreal and Freya proceeded in advancing the second stage. 26 LEGENDARY KING OF THIEVES Thievery was an art aside of ownership for Claude. He was just an ordinary human, not a mage nor even powerful. But he was so skilled that he mastered the art of stealing. He had done so many stealing of rare relicts and treasures in his greatest quests. Together with his assistant Dexter his little monkey has helped him in so many ways most about escaping death. The news about the twilight orb excites him that he considers it as his greatest adventure and victory if he would outsmart everyone once he had it. So, he traveled to the Land of Dawn. And since luck always resides him, upon one of his greatest steal so far was the lost map of Minoan Maze. Claude entered the gate a little late than most would not do. He was so clever to only decide to take the trail once somebody had already snapped, released or destroyed the traps. He knew that for every treasure lays so many traps and obstacles. Claude simply knew the methods since he had always survived those for a long time. He took the trail after the ninjas, Hanabi, Hayabusa, and Kagura. It was almost dawn, when he departed trailing the ninjas and started to set out his own trail. He memorized few sections of the maze earlier and now applies his photographic memories. Remembering every secret clues and passages carefully that until he succeeded becoming unknown even to Aldous. On the other hand, Minotaur was obviously lost after returning to the maze with a little readjustment. Unless he had the map because secret passages remained well preserved. Instead, Helcurt found him wondering. In all of the heroes, travelers and dark army, only Claude was the only one among them, that the spirits guided by the twilight orb was pleased with his surprising neutrality. Even if he wanted it for his selfish desires to outsmart everyone but his heart was not set to choose a side. The great spirits Kaja and Uranus, the guardians of the twilight orb, thought his equal amount of valiant and mischief match perfectly with Lunox''s balance of order and chaos. Thus, the spirits guided him so. And the luckiest of them all as morning came, though still murky, Claude had finally reached the last stage by taking what was seemingly the express lane. Apparently, he seemed so tired after surviving the secret passages which was not so easy to survive as well. So, Claude decided to take a short nap while the surrounding was still peaceful. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "I am so tired of farming and running little guy. I need some rest", he yawned and climbed up a tree to sleep. "Wake me up if someone''s coming okay", he said to his monkey Dexter. And while the rest of the world was fighting against each, the legendary king of thieves was snoring in his sleep to find himself tired after advancing the stage where the powerful twilight orb was kept. Yet, together with the maiden whom was the keeper was as well sleeping and was long way trapped with her twisted dreams. And the twilight orb knew he was the one she''s been waiting to save her. 27 MYTHICAL GUARDIANS OF THE ORB The light surrounding the place was different from the normal daylight down the labyrinth. And Claude was still less energized after he accidentally fell on the tree while sleeping. His head was still heavy but he refused to resume sleeping and instead decided to examine the place. Dexter was a little scared which was not normal of him because he used to be so energetic in all of their dangerous quests. High above the maze and the ruined Minoan Castle, surrounded by fogs an oasis was in the heart of a crystal clear purple lake. The turf was greener than in the magical forest. The cliffs were laced with white clouds and glimmering in scattered golden dust. Claude set his foot and carefully walks closer to the lake. Dexter was obviously scared and clings tighter to him. In a distance, misty clouds swirled around the oasis creating a glimmering gold and purple light. A peculiar collision of warm and cold air was submerging and emerging simultaneously as he gets near the lake. Thus, Claude could feel the clashing of bliss and despair inside his chest. He saw his reflection vividly on the surface of the water. However, there was no sign of boat to cross the lake. He searched around but was only disappointed to find nothing but just old fortress lying sturdy in the edge. As he was left with no option, so he decided to swim the lake. He entrusted Dexter with his things most especially his weapon. Claude quickly submerges into the water that was not that high. First it was cold then shifted to warm until both temperatures escalate as it shifted drastically. Cold gets deadly cold and warm turns molten hot. Claude immediately swims back to the edge before it would be his end. He was breathing heavily, lay on the soft turf and catching his breath. Dexter feeling so worried and was crying beside him. And suddenly, it made one of the guardians appeared. A white centaur clothed in gold and silver armor was named Hylos, approach the two. Claude immediately got on his feet and grabbed his things. Yet, the centaur spoke in its soft deep voice, "I couldn''t remember a battle in the last stage. Yet, you succeeded and made it here human". Claude was baffled and also relieved that the centaur did not attack him. So Claude decided not to anger the guardian instead behaved while trying to look for a clue to reach the oasis. Hylos kept on explaining and wondering for he was puzzled as well. He was sure it was not how the Gods secured the place. But he also believed it was another twisted dreams of Lunox. Suddenly, the stones trembles and the lifeless fortress became a giant talking stone. And he was named Groc. It seemed his sleep was disturbed. Groc saw Claude and roared. The ground trembles. The stone was about to smashed them with his solid fortress when Kaja stopped him. The golden winged man in a peculiar bird head helmet. His golden lasso was able to control the smashing stone from Groc against Claude and Dexter. Kaja and Uranus believed that the God''s chose Claude to wake up Lunox from her deep slumber. Then Groc was later convinced after his fellow guardians made explanation. The guardians were then settled to help Claude to reach the oasis. Hylos healed his wounds. Then Groc submerged into the lake and had created a path towards the oasis. "Help Lunox get away from her twisted dreams human", Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. said eagerly by Uranus, another guardian who shines brightly in its golden armor. Claude nodded without disagreement and made his careful walk to the path but leaving Dexter with the mythical guardians of the orb. The centaur smiled and gestured him to continue walking. Groc, Hylos, Kaja, Uranus and Dexter became murky figures from his sight until he completely submerged through the thick clouds surrounding the oasis. And he continued turning unrecognizable as he went more into the fogs. 28 TWISTED DREAMS In the middle was an enormous ancient mystical tree. And in the center of it was a beautiful elf sleeping. Her hair was pale gold and half black. Claude remembered what Uranus was explaining about waking up Lunox. So he later concluded she was Lunox. But before he bothered to wake her, he was searching for the twilight orb. However, due to the murky surrounding, all he could find was Lunox sleeping. Claude went to Lunox to wake her because he thought she knew the whereabouts of the missing orb. "This is rather odd", he started as he drew closer to Lunox and watch her sleeping. "Why they let me pass. And why can''t they wake you up and instead just wait for someone to wake you?" he added amusingly and leaned closer to her. He settled himself beside her just so he can take his observation on the twilight goddess still in her deep deep sleep. He was having doubts in what seemed to be easy but tricky quest. Even though unsure of the results, one thing he enjoyed was looking at Lunox''s pretty face. "They say to help you get away with your dreams. So in what way it could be?" he smirked mischievously as he was plotting a breezy move. "Hmm, a kiss maybe?" he smirked and leaned much closer to her face thus leaving only few inches away from her lips. "Allow me milady Lunox", he whispered and planted a kiss. But, just after he kissed her, the clouds quickly dissolves and a sudden change of view appeared before him. And Claude felt his stomach was turning upside down with the swirling view of everything before him. All he could remember was his head feeling so dizzy. He opened his eyes and was amazed of the view before him. Warm breezy air and a beautiful sunrays peeking between old mystical trees deep in the heart of magical forest as Lunox and Claude appeared. Claude was bemused and baffled again. He was standing behind Lunox whom was humming with a tree giant that stood next to her. The tree giant turned to Claude and take careful observation. "What is it Belerick?" Lunox soft voice spoke. She turned and finally faced Claude. His heart was quickly stunned by how beautiful the maiden elf now was already awake before him. He started blurting things like "Where are we? Finally youre awake---" and some more rants from the bewildered Claude. She giggled and calms Belerick. The tree giant obeyed and walked side Lunox that were walking towards him. Suddenly, Claude could feel his knees becoming jelly for a reason he don''t know. Her eyes were deep as the mystic lake he thought. I think Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Ive met you in one of my dreams", she said. "Come and join me in my dream world", she added. "What?! A dream!" Claude blurted without second thought. "Who knows if this is actually just a dream?" she comforted and continued walking passed him. But Claude reaches and grabbed her hand in time when the same thing happened to them, the view changes again. Thus, Lunox take him on the first war between the Light and Dark. Clamoring armors and crying soldiers disturbed the surroundings in the second view before them. Her crying was echoing. Tears dripping from her cheeks and Belerick protected her from the sight of war. "Why does the violence never end?" she cried continuously. Claude then finally understands that she was indeed trapped in her dreams. So he intentionally touches her this time and the view in front them changes again back into the Land of Dawn. Peace succumbs in the entire land. Claude sidled with Lunox and started unraveling the mystery surrounding her. "Who are you?" he started. "I don''t know. I don''t even know how to get away from this never ending collision between order and chaos", she cried while he traces sadness across her expression. 29 THE TWILIGHT GODDESS Lunox was bestowed to see both Order and Chaos in her dreams. And she repeatedly kept coming back to her dreams that she keeps on forgetting how to escape after. Claude urges her to escape from her dream world and join him back to reality. "I am willing to sacrifice myself, for this world I love", Lunox cried and cried. Claude reaches her hands and clasped them tightly with his. His eyes intentionally locked onto her purple eyes "You are the key to bring balance in the Land of Dawn, so you need to wake up Lunox", he said and fondly placed a kissed on her hands. Suddenly, two forces emerge and surround her. One was warm like Order and the other one was cold like Chaos. "You can''t have order without chaos. Balance is the only truth". Lunox rose above the Land of Dawn and the two forces collided and revealed the twilight orb in her hand. Lunox smiled at Claude and said Thank You. And once more the view changes and turned to complete blank. He opened his eyes and found himself lying underneath the giant mystic tree, which was Belerick with Dexter whom was waiting for him. Claude sat up and searched for Lunox beside him but there was no sign of her. Instead he saw the shining twilight orb beside him. Claude got on his feet then quickly searched for her and only to find Lunox on the other side of Belerick. "I think I met you in one of my dreams", Lunox spoke in her meek voice. She raised her head from the soft turf and sat up primly. Then, Claude kneeled and leaned closer to her, almost like kissing her forehead. "Here milady, I am giving it back for your safekeeping", he spoke with a sweet brimming smile on his expression. And Dexter''s small little hands handed over the magical twilight orb into the hands of the Twilight Goddess. As soon as the orb sits on her palm, it shines brightly with an overwhelming power that immersed with the goddess. Lunox finally felt renewed and restored with the powers of the orb flowing back to her very core holistically. She planted a hand on the turf and her power surge towards every inch of the magical garden. Surroundings became clear as the unbalanced atmosphere disappears in view. Claude was amused with her capability with the orb. "Um, how come you were just staying up here this entire time milady?" Her purple eyes opened full of radiance like a precious gem. But in contrast her eyes speak of a sad monotone song. "I''ve been away for too long and forgotten who I was", she looked at him and tears slid on the side of her cheeks. "Oh no, I never meant to made you feel bad", Claude reach across her face and wiped away her tears. "Because you milady, is meant to bring balanced to my---", he brushes her cheeks softly with his thin fingers, and both of their eyes met. "I mean, to the land. Balanced to the Land of Dawn", he quickly added. She paved away his nervous with her gentle smile. "I am. Balanced is the only truth". And once again Lunox unleashes the full potential of the twilight orb. It releases the powers of both order and chaos, now then, bringing equal balance back to the entire Land of Dawn. The thick clouds surrounding the oasis have diminished. Thus, revealing a paradise like heaven above Land of Dawn. Until, a soft giggle was heard. She found him astonished and smiled back to Claude whose heart just skipped a beat. "What just happened?" he asked. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Lunox reach his hand and made him sat next to her. "Thanks to you, balanced have returned in the land of dawn. The heroes of Light succeeded to find a ruler that would protect them while, the allies of Dark was returned back in the dark abyss. The Lord of light and dark swear to settle the balance after I have found the twilight orb. I, Lunox the Twilight Goddess now honor you my deepest gratitude", she said and planted a quick kiss on Claude''s cheek. Dexter was foolishly in love in their sight and couldn''t stop giggling. "Oh just in the cheeks", he said dismayed and smirked mischievously at Belerick whom was so serious. Thus somehow, Claude truly found his greatest adventure and victory which settled the conflicts throughout the Land of Dawn. 30 THE END Dexter picked up the dainty flowers he found in the garden and handed it to Claude. And Claude slowly leaned closer to Lunox as he tucked several hairs behind her ears. And smoothly as he placed the wild pretty flower behind her ears without looking away from her purple eyes. And since he was the legendary king of thieves, sure, he first whispered gently saying "My apologies, but May I?" and quickly steal a romantic kiss from her dainty lips. Lunox''s cheeks turned tainted with red. Claude happily smiled but was running all around the oasis after Belerick was chasing him. Dexter was fallen on the turf and enjoyed fangirling forgetting Claude. "Hey little guy, a little help!"