The Minotaur’s eyes snapped open, glowing with fiery intensity as they locked onto Jaeden. Muscles rippling beneath scarred bronze hide, the beast rose slowly from his throne, his colossal double-headed axe scraping against the ground with a menacing clang. Steam rose from his flaring nostrils with each exhale, and his gaze fixed on Jaeden with a predatory hunger.

Jaeden’s heart pounded as he felt the weight of the Minotaur’s presence pressing down on him. Every survival instinct screamed for him to run, but he held his ground, tightening his grip on his rusty sword. His weapon felt laughably inadequate against this nightmare of muscle and rage, but he knew there was no turning back now. This was the ultimate test of the Labyrinth.

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As Asterius moved forward, Jaeden caught sight of a shimmering six-pointed star floating above the Minotaur’s head. The symbol’s shape—unequal points extending in various directions—seemed almost like a code, as though it held a clue to defeating this beast.

Summoning his courage, Jaeden called out, “Asterius!” The Minotaur paused, his head tilting in acknowledgment, though his fierce expression didn’t soften.

“Alright,” Jaeden whispered to himself. “Time to figure this out.”