"Brother?" Abel meekly called out, tugging on the back of his brother's shirt. Cain turned back, "Oh right, Did Loki explain to you how these houses work?" Ragnor shook his head, prompting the red-haired twin to begin his explanation, "We're the twin leaders of the house of Tartarus, so to meet your first condition: you need to beat both of us in separate games."

Cain took a seat by the fountain, his eyes narrowed on Ragnor, "Just so you know after you leave, we won't be accepting you back in." he warned. Ragnor smiled at them both, "Don't worry, I have no intention of returning anyways." Cain sighed and threw the coin to his brother. Abel shook off the remaining droplets of water, presenting the coin to Ragnor. "What do you think this game is going to be?" Abel asked, his confidence surprising Ragnor. He was caught off guard by an abrupt change but did well to suppress his outward expression. 'Was his usual demeanor an act or is it this one?'

He remained silent for a moment, taking in the situation. It was the first time he truly met Abel's gaze, and he found it difficult to resist getting lost in Abel's deep, abyssal eyes. Something felt off, but Ragnor couldn't quite put his finger on it. The way the blue contorted seamlessly gave them the appearance of bottomless pits. After a brief moment of silence, he shook his head once again.

Cain sighed, "It's a simple game of coin toss. We'll let you pick the number of rounds: 1,3 or 5?" Ragnor struggled to focus on anything other than Abel's mesmerizing gaze, even Cain's words sounded muffled. The more he fought to look away, the more agonizing the sinking feeling became. The only thing he could sense in his peripheral was the intensity of Cain's gaze. Ragnor prickled his finger with his nail, dragging it until the skin became tender, causing his eyes to wince shut. He kept them shut as he took a deep breath in, trying to hone in on the pain.

With a smile, Ragnor locked his eyes on the golden coin. "3." Ragnor calmly gestured, feeling his heartbeat return to normal. Abel extended his hand with the coin, "I'll give you the first toss." He gestured. Ragnor graciously accepted and played with it for a moment. He grew accustomed to the weight by tossing it a few times.

"So how do we do this? A toss and catch or let it fall to the ground?" Ragnor asked as he locked eyes with Abel once more. However, this time Ragnor did not dither, standing firm as he looked down at Abel. Cain answered on behalf of his brother, "Let it fall." Ragnor smirked, "Good, guess I'll start then."

Ragnor nonchalantly tossed the coin into the air, the polished surface catching the light and creating a radiant glow. At that moment it resembled a star, shining so brightly that its brilliance could be seen even in the daylight. Its glow could be seen from the rooftop where Loki stood. His suit swayed in the wind as he had his arms extended, absorbing the bliss in front of him. Adam sat next to him, looking at his companion who practically shook with excitement. The commencement of the game ignited a joyous dance within the heart of the god, causing him to spin and sing out his exhilaration.

Is the title of king one you can possess?

Are those with it truly deserving, or will they just cause distress?

Can one person truly handle all that stress?

Oh, it prompts me to digress:

Who among them is truly worthy of the crown?

Is it the leader who never wears a frown?

Or the one adorned in a regal gown?

Perhaps the kingship offers a life that's destined to drown.

Who among them is truly fit to be king?

Those who inspire, not sting?

A leader who commands respect, not just a mere fling.

For followers shouldn't question, "Is it worth suffering?"

As for myself, I do not aspire,

To plot for the benefit of others, I won't conspire.

But you, my delicate flower,

Bring bitterness to Cain and his power.

You defy Abel's deep, dark abyss,

Stirring remiss into his dithering bliss.

The beginning of the end draws near,

And I cannot let it pass, my dear.

The three of them as well as the two on the roof were at their wits end, their impatience palpable as they awaited the coin's descent. Abel's gaze remained fixed on the coin while Ragnor's eyes locked onto him, and Cain's sharp eyes scanned the entire scene. As the coin neared the floor, Abel confidently declared, "Tails."

With a light clink, the coin touched the ground, initiating a series of three playful bounces before finally settling into stillness. It was 'heads', giving Ragnor the first point. Cain's grin widened as he rose to his feet, "I'll leave the rest to you, brother." Abel turned, nervous but tried to show his brother that he was confident, "And where is more important than at your beloved's side?" Ragnor mocked. "I'm going to make sure that singing loon isn't interfering with our game. Don't worry, I'll go break his neck quickly and get back over here." Cain smiled at his brother and in one leap made it to the school rooftop.

"This game's already been decided, and you know it. Don't you?" Abel shuffled. Ragnor nodded, "But we need to finish it so that no one can say I didn't actually win." Abel picked up the coin and tossed it into the air. His words laden with a sense of wariness, "Let me give you some advice. No matter how trusting someone may seem here, whether human or God. Don't trust them. Everyone wants to be on the winning team and as soon as you lose. Everything you've worked for will be gone."

Abel gestured for an answer. Ragnor tapped his head, signaling his choice and respecting Abel's words, not wanting to interrupt the moment. Once again, he won. Even though the game had concluded, Ragnor wasn't done.

Ragnor picked up the coin and with a confident flick of his wrist, he launched the coin into the air, allowing it to soar even higher this time. "You trust your brother, don't you?" Abel objected, shaking his head, "That's different." Ragnor smiled as he walked towards him, "Let me be honest, it doesn't matter who they are or how long you've known them. If they earn my trust, they have it. However, there is a difference between trust and dependence, and a king cannot depend on anyone but himself."

His eyes widened as they loomed over the trembling boy, "That's why the two of you will never rise to the top." He shrugged and walked past him but stopped when the coin was almost to the ground, "And as for your other piece of advice, it's irrelevant once I keep winning."

As Abel turned to face Ragnor, a profound sense of darkness enveloped him, sending shivers down his spine. Their eyes locked once again, and at that moment, Abel was consumed by an overwhelming wave of dread. For the first time, he felt completely lost, unable to find an escape route from the abyss that now surrounded him. The terror he had inflicted upon others for years now plagued him, as he experienced firsthand the anguish of being trapped in an unfathomable void. Desperate to break free, he struggled in vain, his efforts proving futile.

Amidst the silence of the void, Ragnor's words echoed, penetrating the darkness, "The phrase 'when you look into the darkness the darkness looks back' always struck fear into me because of how accurate I thought it was. Though, it seems that you, for the first time, truly comprehend its meaning. Something unknown, something greater than yourself, is gazing back at you."

Abel dug his hands into his disheveled hair as his eyes leaked fear. The coin, forgotten for a moment, collided with the ground, emitting a resounding clang. The sound jolted Abel out of his trance, cold sweat beading down his face. Though unspoken, it was clear that the choice he had made did not match what now lay on the ground. Ragnor had completed half of his first test and strode onward with his head held high, resolute in his journey toward the next.

Later that night, Abel cautiously entered their shared room, still visibly shaken by the earlier encounter. "Brother, what's all this?" Cain engrossed in the books in from of him, glanced up at Abel before turning another page with his left arm. "Research my dearest, that bastard is something else entirely." His right arm, injured and bandaged, elicited a wince of pain when touched by Abel. He tried to rub his aching head gently.

"Seems like we both had a hard time today, huh?" Abel asked, gently wrapping his arms around his brother from behind, mindful of Cain's tender areas. "My other half, today's loss was just research so that we could win tomorrow." Cain smiled.

Cain continued to study the passage before him, his eyes scanning the words intently. "I've never been fond of puppeteers, which is why I had planned to take out Loki before he could further assist the first year," Cain explained. "But then I came to a realization." Abel interjected, finishing Cain's thought, "Yes, someone else is pulling the strings. Or rather, they are using each other. Loki plants suggestions in the boy's mind, but ultimately, the boy's actions are his own."

After hugging his brother, Abel calmed down. He no longer felt the effects of his battle. Abel walked over to his bed, adorned with an ocean pattern. The left pillow featured an embroidered sun, casting a warm and comforting glow. Settling onto the bed, Abel hugged his pillow closely. "So, what did you realize?"

Cain swiveled his chair around and began his deduction of the battle: "First off, he's unnaturally lucky and he knows it, so any stories that require even the slightest bit of luck can easily be tilted in his favor. Next, he likes carefully assessing the situation before making a move. That's why I'm choosing a fast-paced battle, where even the smallest mistake can prove fatal. Plus, he does not know how to use magic yet so," Cain stopped as he saw the look on his brother's face grow grim. "Does he already know magic?" Cain's voice trailed off as he noticed the grim expression on his brother's face. Concern etched itself onto his features, "I don't know. I think so, but I can't be certain."

Cain, forgetting about himself, grabbed his brother. Taking the pillow's place, he wrapped both his arms around him. Abel nuzzled his face deep into Cain's chest. The red-haired twin tried to hold his bloodlust in but could barely contain himself as he said to his brother, "My little martyr, you've done your part perfectly. Now sleep well while I bring us victory." Abel closed his eyes and dropped asleep in the arms of the one he trusted above all others.

As Ragnor walked down the hallway, Loki caught up to him, eager to hear about recent events. "My dear friend, how did it go?" Loki inquired, his curiosity evident in his voice. Ragnor playfully teased, "Oh, I thought you were keeping a close watch. I didn't realize you had scurried away to lick your wounds." Loki gasped, He struck a dramatic pose, attempting to appear unscathed. "Wounds? Me? Never!" he exclaimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"So, you're telling me if I unbutton your shirt, I won't see you riddled with blue-black spots?" Ragnor drew closer, his tone filled with playful skepticism. Loki met his advance, a smirk playing on his lips. "No, but you are welcome to check for yourself." Ragnor turned around and continued on his way, "I won't strip you in the hallway idiot." Loki laughed as he followed his friend, "Maybe not here, but somewhere else perhaps." He nudged. Ragnor winked at him and shrugged.

As the playful banter subsided, Loki's expression turned serious. "Putting jokes aside, I have a feeling that your battle against Cain won't be as simple as a coin toss. Do you have a plan to confront them?" he inquired. "Of course, they are the leaders of Tartarus, so they follow the personality test to a 'T'. Though I have some preparation to do."

Loki smirked, "A little bird told me that you tapped into magic during your previous match. Is that true?" Ragnor shrugged, "Who knows, but that is one of my preparations." Ragnor approached the God and took his hands in his own, "My dear friend, can you teach me magic or at least how to counter it please?"

Loki smiled, "And what would I gain in return?" Ragnor jested, "My eternal friendship of course." This elicited a laugh from Loki, "I already have that, how about you promise to not poach anyone from my house when you're recruiting?" Ragnor shook his head, "No good, and you know it. Why don't you say what you actually want?" Loki drew closer, "Oh, how are you so sure I want something else?" "Just a feeling. If you don't want to tell me now, how about I give you an IOU and you can call it in any time." Loki's face lit up and agreed instantly.

Loki contemplated their conversation for a moment before posing a question. "So, where would you prefer to have this conversation? My room or yours?" he asked. However, Ragnor quickly glanced around and noticed Athena, a fellow classmate, approaching them. "Let's reschedule," Ragnor suggested, "I have to start my first preparation." Sensing the urgency, Loki nodded in understanding but not without teasing him first, "Oh, the Goddess of War, you sure you can land that?"

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As Ragnor released his grip on Loki's hands, the god waved him off with a playful shout, "Remember to be careful! It's always better to be safe than stone!" With a wink, Loki bid Ragnor farewell, allowing him to chase after Athena.

Cain sat in his room, reading a book as Abel lay beside him. He delicately brushed his fingers through the slumbering Abel's hair. As he turned the pages of the ancient tome, he did so with the utmost care, ensuring that the soft rustle of paper did not awaken his brother. The book itself was hefty, its weight almost too burdensome for a single person to bear. Its yellowed pages spoke of age, carrying with them the distinct scent of the passage of time.

Yet, as Cain delved deeper into the book, he noticed a shift. The pages grew newer, their crispness suggesting that they were more recent. The Book of Legends held within its embrace the oracles and prophecies concerning the students, foretelling the remarkable feats they would achieve before their time at the school came to an end. These prophecies, though enigmatic and obscure, were never wrong. They would manifest themselves in the lives of the students, shaping their destinies.

With a sense of anticipation, Cain's eyes settled upon a particular passage, a story that aligned perfectly with his plans. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as in the depths of the Book of Legends, he had discovered a thread that would weave itself into his carefully crafted plans.

Cain's voice carried a hint of warning, "Are you absolutely certain you want to proceed? This is your last chance to run away." he cautioned; his gaze fixed on Ragnor. Without hesitation, Ragnor responded with a mix of determination and bravado, his voice laced with defiance. "Please, even if I wanted to back out, the fire in your eyes tells me that you'll push me in," he smirked, his attention shifting to the towering walls that loomed before them.

Giant walls stood sentinel-like, rising tall and formidable, their ancient stones weathered by the passage of time. Carved reliefs adorned their surfaces, depicting heroic deeds and mythical creatures, serving as a daunting depiction of the challenges that lie within. Through the partially open doors of the entrance, a thick fog spilled out, curling and weaving its way along the corridors of the labyrinth. Its ethereal presence created an eerie atmosphere, obscuring vision and lending an air of mystery to the path ahead.

"Good," Cain's eyes narrowed as he approached, "After what you did to my brother, you're lucky I don't kill you right here." The first year scoffed as he walked past him, "Even if you were capable of killing me, where's the fun in that? No, I'm sure you'd much rather see me suffer." he taunted, his steps leading him to his designated place at the entrance.

"Your objective is straightforward," he began, his tone laced with a touch of impatience. "You must reach the center of the maze within an hour and solve the puzzle. Failure to achieve this within the time limit or dying will result in an automatic loss."

"And what if I choose to forfeit?" Ragnor asked with a playful glint in his eyes. Cain, unamused, quickly dismissed the notion. "Quit your bull, we both know you'll sooner die than let that happen." Ragnor waved as he crossed into the labyrinth. As he stepped into the hazy realm, a fire burned in both of their eyes as in unison they announced, "Let the games begin." In a matter of seconds, Ragnor vanished from sight, swallowed. Cain turned on his heels, his expression a mix of confidence and an underlying flicker of uncertainty. He had chosen what he believed to be the perfect game yet doubt still lingered in his mind.

Hera called Ragnor's name for roll call, but the response was met with silence. Her gaze shifted to the vacant chair, a clear indication of his absence. "Perfect," she muttered under her breath, pressing her fingers against her temple. "It's only his first week, and he's already skipping classes." She closed her eyes, "Why do I always get the troubled class?"

Apollo turned to Vali, "Maybe he died." Vali laughed, "Took him long enough." Athena scoffed, "Or maybe he's doing what you two idiots should, you know. Making a name for yourself and standing out. Rather than being remembered for getting floored by a lesser creature."

Apollo's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his veins visibly pulsating as he fired back, "Oh, and I don't see you accomplishing anything noteworthy yourself, 'Miss Goddess of wisdom,'" he retorted, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "All you've done so far is hurl snarky remarks and associate yourself with that lesser creature. For someone hailed for their wisdom, you seem to be making rather poor life decisions." Hera, observing the scene unfold with a hidden satisfaction, leaned back in her chair, a subtle smile playing at her lips.

The tension in the classroom reached its peak as Athena and Apollo's tempers flared, confronting each other, "And for the God of Music, you sure do creature a lot of noise." Athena shot back. "Noise? Ah yes, like what you were making when you were locked in a room with the creature, right?" Gasps erupted from the class, and Athena's face tinged red with embarrassment and rage.

"You really need to know when to quit, you vile," She said as she grabbed his collar. "I dare you to repeat your foul words!" She warned as she balled her fist. "Why, did some get in your ear? Wh." Before he could get the word out of his mouth, she swung. Knocking him against the wall and lunging for another. But before she could unleash another attack, Hebe and Demeter swiftly intervened, gripping Athena's arms and restraining her. Apollo, blood trickling down his nose, struggled to regain his composure as his sister and Vali did the same to him.

Hera burst into a fit of unrestrained laughter as she held her stomach. Everyone except Apollo, Artemis, and Athena looked at her. Struggling to compose herself, Hera wiped away tears of mirth before speaking again. "Oh, my apologies. I couldn't contain my amusement any longer," she chuckled, her laughter gradually subsiding. At this point, even those three turned.

In a more composed tone, Hera addressed Apollo and Athena directly, "Do you realize how idiotic you both sound? A fool with a short temper that lets humans get the better of both him and his sibling. On the other hand, you help the humans in their competitions even though the only reason they're here is so we could enjoy watching them suffer. So, tell me? Which of the two of you is the bigger idiot?" Without missing a beat, Apollo pointed at Athena, "The human lover."

Athena clenched her teeth and tried to pull away but could not rid herself of the grip of the two goddesses. "Now the punishment for an outburst in class is 3 points, and a fight is 7. But seeing that neither of you has made any yet, what would you like your punishments to be?" At this point, Vali and Artemis had let go of Apollo. He wiped off the blood from his nose before pitching an idea. "Just being in the same room as this wh... imbecile is punishment."

Hera laughed, "Fine, I think you both need to get over your prejudices. So, Apollo, you will be spending all your free time from Monday to Friday next week with Elena." For the first time in this whole situation, Elena showed any sort of emotion. Her eyes widened as she stuttered, "What? why am I getting dragged into this?" Hera ignored her as she turned her attention to Athena, "As for you, I want you to play a game with the Ragnor and if you lose, you'll be reduced fifty points. Though if you set a condition that makes him suffer and you win, I'll give you fifty points." Before they could protest Hera closed her book and headed for the door, "Now your class is about to start so I expect you both to put this to bed and be productive and interactive students." She smiled as she left.

From in the maze, Ragnor's sneeze echoed, "Damn, I bet some cute girl is talking about me." He said, pausing to adjust his backpack. The once lavish and well-pronounced gift he received from his mothers had now aged, its shiny black now dulled and vibrant purple struggling to distinguish itself from the darkness. Though, even in its current condition, he couldn't bring himself to part with it.

From within the backpack, he retrieved two of the three items he had gathered. First, he carefully placed the helmet given to him by Athena upon his head, feeling its weight and the sense of protection it offered. He then secured a piece of sturdy thread to the vines that snaked along the maze walls. Tying it into a firm knot, he gently tugged on it to ensure its stability.

"This may not be the story of the Gorgon, but an invisibility helmet would sure help a lot. I really hope Athena doesn't mind that I had some changes made to it." He smiled worriedly as he realized he forgot to mention to her that he would be tinkering with it a bit. He removed the helmet, placing it back into its holder. Ragnor slung on the backpack ventured further into the labyrinth, his senses heightened and his heart pounding with anticipation. The cool, musty air enveloped him as he navigated the twisting corridors, the faint echoes of his own footsteps blending with the eerie silence that pervaded the maze.

With the string in his hands, Ragnor moved forward cautiously, allowing it to unravel behind him like a lifeline in the darkness. A low, menacing growl reverberated through the maze, causing Ragnor's heart to quicken its pace. The sound seemed to emanate from all directions, making it difficult to discern its origin. His first test had reached its climax.

As the fog began to thin, Ragnor's surroundings became slightly more visible, revealing the daunting figure that stood before him. It was a behemoth of a creature, its presence commanding attention and instilling a sense of primal fear. The creature possessed a menacing combination of human and animal features, with curved horns protruding from its head and a long, rusted sword clutched tightly in its hand. Its body was covered in a thick, coarse brown hide, while a golden ring adorned its nose. The head, however, bore the enraged visage of a bull, its eyes filled with fury.

The moment Ragnor laid eyes on the minotaur, the creature's attention was drawn to him in return. The air crackled with tension as the two adversaries locked gazes. "You want to dance, big boy?" Ragnor couldn't help but unleash a lighthearted taunt. The minotaur responded with a deep, rumbling growl, digging its hooved feet into the dirt.

"Maybe I should've worn red." Ragnor smiled looking down at his shirt. In an instant, the minotaur charged forward, its massive form thundering toward Ragnor. The ground trembled beneath its weight as it unleashed a powerful battle cry, filling the air with raw aggression. Undeterred, Ragnor met the beast's charge head-on, his own battle cry echoing through the maze. Closing the distance between them with determination, Ragnor felt the rush of adrenaline surging through his veins. The minotaur swung its sword with formidable strength, sending a gust of wind in its wake.

With swift reflexes, Ragnor dove, his body sliding effortlessly between the colossal legs of the minotaur. The beast's sword narrowly missed its mark, grazing through the air a mere second too late. Sensing an opportunity, Ragnor swiftly maneuvered around to the minotaur's left. Although dull and riddled with cracks, the weapon still possessed the potential to be lethal if Ragnor let his guard down.

"Come on, let's see if you fall for the same trick twice." Ragnor egged on the monster. In response, the minotaur exhaled a billowing cloud of smoke from its flared nostrils, the golden ring chiming ominously. The creature charged, this time faster than before. Ragnor's eyes widened as the beast's hand loomed in from of his face.

In the dimly lit auditorium, Cain and Abel sat side by side, their eyes fixed upon the large projector screen that displayed the intense battle unfolding in the maze. The vivid imagery projected across the wall captivated their attention. Meanwhile, Loki sauntered into the room, a bag of popcorn in hand, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "So, you went with the Minotaur in the Maze, I see," Loki remarked. Cain's expression turned dismissive, with a hint of disdain and sarcasm. "What do you want? I thought you would be too nervous to watch your precious toy be torn limb from limb. Or is it that you're into that?"

Loki approached the brothers, extending the bag of popcorn toward them. Cain's smirk widened, "Ah, it's the latter then," he chuckled, his amusement evident. Loki joined in the laughter. "Do you think if I chose a toy, he would be inferior to yours?" he mused, casting a sidelong glance at Cain. The Norse god swallowed before continuing, "The only reason I'm sharing my snack is because after this you'll feel too sick to eat dinner."

Loki smiled before taking his leave. "Hey, brother?" Abel asked, leaning his head against Cain's shoulder. "Why do you think Ragnor took off his helmet? Wouldn't it have been easier to get to the middle if the bull couldn't see him?" Cain contemplated the question, his brows furrowing as he pondered the possible reasons behind Ragnor's choice. "Perhaps," he mused, "But a Minotaur possesses a powerful sense of smell. Even without seeing him, it would likely have used that to track him down." Cain gently tapped his temple with his fingers, lost in his own thoughts. "So, why did he carry an invisibility helmet in the first place? There must be a reason." His gaze returned to the screen, "He's planning something," Cain muttered, his voice laced with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. "I just can't quite put my finger on it. But there's more to his strategy that we're seeing."

Ragnor dove, pulling on the string to form a tightly bound knot around the bull's foot. He jumped back out of the reach of the creature and took a deep breath. "We've had our dance, but this princess needs to make her way home before midnight." he quipped. Without wasting any more time Ragnor sprinted down the corridor, the enraged Minotaur storming behind him.

Ragnor rummaged through his backpack and retrieved his helmet. He disappeared as he put it on. The Minotaur paused for a moment, sniffing the air. Its eyes shimmered as it caught he scent, but there was something else that lingered in the air. Ragnor manifested behind the raging bull, uttering one word, "Gasoline."

He played with the string in his hand, a nervous laugh emerging from his voice, "Let's hope Hephaestus didn't lie to me." Ragnor pulled out the third item, an old dingy lighter. He flicked the roller and it ignited. The fire raced along its length, consuming the vines it touched and hardening the string. The beast unleashed a tortured howl of pain, collapsing as the string pulled its leg out from under it. It desperately clawed at its scorching foot, trying to rip away the hardened string.

Ragnor seized the opportunity to put back on his helmet and sprinted toward the center of the maze. As he reached the heart of the labyrinth, he stumbled upon an open room adorned with vines creeping along the walls and cracked cobblestone flooring. Positioned prominently in the center was an old book that carried the faint, earthy aroma of sheepskin, a tangible reminder of its ancient origins and enduring charm. Besides the book rested a short dagger, its silver blade glinting in the dim light, while its handle was wrapped in a leather reminiscent of the book's binding.

Ragnor picked up the book and began to read its ancient text, his fingers deftly exploring the worn pages. In his free hand, he fiddled with the dagger, small and raggedy movements to get the feel of the weapon. Amidst the crackling of the flames that grew louder, another sound caught his attention. Ragnor closed the book and stashed it safely inside his bag.

He turned as the distinct sound of a massive metal blade resonated through the air. "You're resilient, but in that shape, do you think you stand a chance?" Ragnor challenged, his invisible form taunting the minotaur. Gripping the dagger tightly, the worn leather handle vanished from sight. Ragnor could feel sweat trickling down his face. He wiped it away as he saw the fires growing closer. He chuckled, "And here I thought you were actually making me sweat."

With a mighty roar, the minotaur charged forward, driven by its distorted senses amidst the thickening smoke. Ragnor easily avoided and lunged forward, driving the blade into the beast's remaining unharmed leg. Twisting the blade with a swift motion, he withdrew it before leaping back, out of the minotaur's range.

Ragnor looked down, his eyes fixed on the crimson droplets that trickled down the knife's edge, becoming visible just before it hit the ground. However, he was not the only one to notice, the minotaur swung once more.

This time, Ragnor could not evade the minotaur's swing. He instinctively brought up the invisible blade to block, the clash of metals sending a resounding clang through the air. Regret washed over him as the immense strength of the minotaur overwhelmed him, and he was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the cobblestone walls. Pain surged through his body, and he coughed, feeling something inside him rupture. Struggling to catch his breath, Ragnor looked up to see the towering figure of the minotaur closing in, limping as it dragged its weapon along. Blood trickled from Ragnor's wounds, mingling with the sweat on his brow.

The beast's steps grew ragged as it dropped its weapon, grabbing at its own throat. It's eyes rolled back as it fell to its knees before falling over completely. Ragnor mustered a weary smile as he staggered to his feet. "You have some strong lungs on you," He remarked, his voice strained. "I wasn't expecting to have to fight you, but the smoke intoxication took longer than I thought to finish you off."

With a sense of satisfaction, Ragnor surveyed the scene before him. "The long sword is too cumbersome to keep as a trophy," he mused to himself, his gaze turning to the knife in his hand. "This will have to do." After a few moments, he stowed the precious souvenir in his backpack, mementos to taunt Cain with every chance he got. He let out an exasperated sigh as he made his way back through the maze, a grin on his face as he finished his first task.