The thirty minutes allotted by Lys FallenDawn ticked by with disconcerting speed.
As soon as the Stellar had left the Class Z room, a silence settled, quite different from the boredom that had reigned there an hour before.
Glances were exchanged, evaluating, weighing the implications of this "activity suggestion" that strongly resembled a baptism by fire.
Scott, the scarred third-year veteran, was the first to break the silence, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.
"The Labyrinth of Echoes, huh? And with the 'genius' Khan headlining. Professor FallenDawn doesn't lack humor, or audacity. Sending a first-year kid... it's either a test of his madness, or blind faith in his luck." He turned to Alden, his gaze piercing.
"So, Khan, are you really planning to go in headfirst?" Alden, arms crossed, responded with a calm that contrasted with the inner turmoil the prospect of the Labyrinth stirred in him.
"The Professor was clear. It's an opportunity. And I'm not in the habit of refusing challenges, especially when they promise to be… instructive."
His gaze swept over the others.
"The question is rather whether any of you intend to join this 'practical case study'." Nina Yvan, who had finally abandoned her terminal, regarded him with new intensity. Her grey eyes, usually cold and distant, shone with an analytical light.
"The Labyrinth is a unique source of data, but also an environment with high lethality. Entering it without adequate preparation, especially with a motley group like ours, borders on recklessness. However," she paused, "the opportunity to observe the reactions of an individual of your… profile, Mr. Khan, under such conditions, and to study the Labyrinth's anomalies in real time, is tempting. I will observe. From a distance, via sensors, if the connection allows. Participating actively without knowing your real abilities would be counterproductive."
She returned to her terminal, her fingers resuming their frantic dance.
Asaka Neptunia and Saturn, the two youngest, looked at each other with obvious apprehension.
The idea of facing "local specimens and mana shadows" was clearly not what they had expected for their first day in Class Z.
"I… I don't know," Asaka stammered, her large blue eyes fixed on Alden.
"It… it looks very dangerous. But the professor said we'd be evaluated even if we didn't participate…" Saturn, a dark-haired boy with a usually sullen expression, seemed even paler than usual.
"Manas… even low-level ones… I've never…"
"No one is forcing you," Scott intervened, his tone softer than Alden would have thought.
"If you're not ready, it's better to stay back. As for me…" He scratched his head, a smirk on his lips. "It's been a long time since I had the chance to stretch my legs in such a… stimulating place.
And seeing how the 'youngest of the Khan family' handles real trouble could be the highlight of the show. I'm in.
As an active observer, let's say. I'm not going to hold your hand, kid, but I won't let a bunch of rusty drones or a low-level Mana shadow spoil my entertainment too quickly.
" Alden nodded. An ally, even one as unreliable and self-interested as Scott, was better than nothing. Nina would observe from a distance, which could also be useful if she managed to analyze the Labyrinth's data.
Asaka and Saturn, obviously, would not be joining.
"Good," Alden said.
"Those who are coming, meet at Building Delta in…" he consulted his terminal, "twenty-five minutes. The rest of you, good luck with your 'autonomous studies'."
Without another word, he left the room, leaving the others to their decisions. He had no time to waste on persuasion. He had to prepare.
His apartment, though luxurious, contained no arsenal.
His father had been clear: he had to fend for himself at Xerx, without relying on the Khan family's resources.
The System was his main asset, but it didn't provide him with physical equipment. He changed quickly, opting for the dark, durable sportswear he had worn during his run with Azimus.
It offered good freedom of movement and relative discretion.
He checked the contents of the small bag he had prepared for that run: a few energy rations, a small first-aid kit, a sturdy cord, and a basic multi-tool knife. Derisory against the dangers of the Labyrinth, but it was all he had for now.
"System," he thought, attaching the bag to his belt.
"Analyze the potential rewards for the quest 'The Heart of the Labyrinth.' Is there a chance of obtaining equipment or a direct combat skill?"
[Potential rewards include a "possibility of unlocking a perception or orientation skill" and "information on low-level Manas." Equipment acquisition is not listed as a direct reward for this specific quest. However, the Labyrinth's environment (old research section) might contain salvageable artifacts or technologies, although this is not part of the main objective.] Alden sighed. He would have to rely mainly on his fists, agility, and intelligence.
Zhen and Lie were waiting for him in the living room, their faces expressing a contained worry.
They had been informed of Lys's "suggestion" through the academy's communication channels. "Master Alden," Zhen began, "Allow us to…"
"I know, Zhen," Alden cut her off gently.
"But the conditions are clear.
This is an evaluation of my abilities.
Your direct intervention would compromise the results. Besides, you have your own responsibilities in Class S.
" He knew they would disobey any order to protect him if they deemed it necessary, but he wanted them to understand that he had to do this alone, or at least, with those who chose to accompany him willingly. "Just monitor the academy's communications," he added.
"If things go terribly wrong, Lys FallenDawn will be informed. And I have no doubt she will know how to take appropriate action."
This was partly to reassure himself.
Lie stepped forward, handing him a small data module.
Zhen spoke.
"Master, I have compiled all public information and unconfirmed rumors about the Labyrinth of Echoes. Types of security drones reported, most frequent areas of matronic instability, testimonies from students who participated in advanced simulations in peripheral sections. It's not much, but it might give you a slight advantage."
Alden took the module, grateful.
"Thank you, Lie. That's more than I expected."
After a final brief exchange, he left his apartment.
The journey to Building Delta, located in an older, more industrial section of Xerx, was swift. He arrived at the entrance to the basements designated by Lys a few minutes early.
Lys FallenDawn was already there, leaning casually against a wall, a data terminal in her hand. To his surprise, Scott was also present, arms crossed, looking like someone waiting for a particularly bloody show to begin.
Nina Yvan, on the other hand, was visibly absent, having chosen to observe from a distance. Asaka and Saturn were not there either, which hardly surprised him.
"Punctual, Mr. Khan. And accompanied, I see," Lys said without looking up from her terminal, though Alden knew she was perfectly aware of Scott's presence.
"Mr. Scott, your reputation as a hothead precedes you. I hope you don't intend to turn this evaluation exercise into a mere hunting party."
Scott smirked. "I'm just here to make sure the kid doesn't get lost too quickly, Professor. I may not be very smart, but I know how to behave."
Lys finally looked up, her gaze sweeping over the two students.
"Good. The door is behind me. Once inside, you'll be on your own. The beacon emits on a specific frequency that your terminals should be able to pick up when you're close enough, if the Labyrinth's interference isn't too strong. Good luck, gentlemen. And remember: three hours."
She typed a few commands on her terminal, and a heavy, armored metal door, adorned with multiple warning symbols, creaked open ominously, revealing a dark, damp corridor from which emanated a smell of dust, ozone, and something else, a metallic and vaguely organic scent that made Alden shiver.
He cast a final glance at Lys, whose smile was more indecipherable than ever, then at Scott, who looked delighted.
"After you, 'genius'," Scott said with unconcealed irony.
Alden ignored the provocation and stepped into the darkness first.
The door slammed shut behind them, plunging them into an oppressive silence, soon broken by the distant hum of unknown machines and the dripping of water down the walls.
The Labyrinth of Echoes had swallowed them.