The group had finally reached the area where the ruins of the ancient temple were supposed to be, yet they found no presence or trace of it. Gradually, the advance groups began giving their reports, creating a map of the area. However, subsequent explorations brought back contradictory information. Different locations were reported, overlapping sectors, even changes in climate within the same area, and some landmarks in the terrain were shifting.

The conflicting reports started to stir tension among the explorers, as each individual saw different things in the others' sectors. "Torel, any idea of what's happening?" Alex asked, confused. "Just one thing, the temple must have had some defense mechanisms that have been activated," the elf responded. "Has this happened before, Athena?" Alex inquired. "I have no record of this ever happening to the forest inhabitants," the owl replied.

"And then? What exactly are these mechanisms?" Alex asked. "I can sense a field of discrepancies for some time; I believe we entered some kind of magical maze," Athena replied.

Perplexed by the situation, the group decided to venture further into the strange area. As they advanced, the vegetation became denser, and the paths intertwined confusingly. Soon, they realized they were trapped in a magical maze that distorted reality around them.

The first phase of the maze led them to a region covered by iridescent mist. As they walked, the colors of the mist constantly changed, creating an ethereal and perplexing atmosphere. The map they had created became useless, as the coordinates and reference points did not match the reality of this strange place.

"We're walking in circles," Alex said. Although his perception of the surroundings was quite high, it was his strong connection with the forest that allowed him to realize they were back at the starting point. "Indeed, I think we've been walking in circles for a couple of hours," Torel replied.

"Athena, is there any chance you can break the maze with your power?" Alex asked. "It's possible but difficult. However, I won't do it because I'm not even sure if I can escape alive by doing so, let alone all of you," the owl replied, her eyes shining in a bright white color as if burning magnesium.

"Do you have any other ideas on what we should do?" Alex asked, confused. "If my memory serves me right, these ruins were identified as belonging to the Fritas, from the Trin period. This involves three challenges corresponding to specific areas, but I have no idea what each of these challenges might be," Athena responded.

"Fritas, Trin," murmured Kragash, confused by the sudden information. "From what I can tell, this challenge is intent on confusing our senses, trying to bewilder us to the point of forgetting who we are. Several of our soldiers are beginning to have trouble recognizing others and even themselves," added Torel.

"Understood. We'll advance slowly. Try to identify any significant changes," Alex responded and ordered the troops.

The march resumed, but this time everyone had their senses in full swing, trying to identify any changes in their surroundings. However, despite their efforts, they once again arrived at the same point.

"It's impossible. We'll die here," some weaker-willed soldiers began to murmur.

"What are those shadows?"

"Mom, is that you?"

"Forgive me, Dad. It was either us or you."

Many Gnolls shouted incoherent things, looking in directions where there was nothing. As time passed, delusions became more common, and some began to show signs of not wanting to move forward.

Alex himself had started to feel unwell. From the shadows where others saw their loved ones, he also saw his parents. Although he tried his best to ignore them, it became increasingly difficult for Alex to stop seeing the image of his parents on a picnic, both making space for a third person, an extra plate waiting for someone to join them.

Alex gave the order to keep marching without stopping, and the troops began to walk again, reluctantly. No one knew exactly what to do to resolve the situation. Alex himself was tempted to just sit down and rest with his parents, but he knew he had to resist those urges.

Hoping that something would change, Alex gave the order to keep marching, even when a few started falling behind. There was nothing he could do to save them, as going back himself could mean he wouldn't be able to keep marching.

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The path, though always the same, slowly began to change. It became greener, more beautiful, and welcoming. The iridescent mist gradually turned into the place where everyone wanted to be.

Little by little, the maze started to deceive even the strongest of the expedition. "My love," Torel suddenly exclaimed. The elf looked into the shadows rising behind the mist and saw the wonderful vision that everyone else saw. "My little ones, I am a grandmother! I am finally a grandmother!" Athena exclaimed with joy. The visions greatly disturbed the owl, and she began to twist in her position; undoubtedly, what she saw was a long-awaited desire on her part, one that the maze had capitalized on.

"I must protect the offspring; they need me," Athena said suddenly, ready to fly towards the mist. Alex, however, launched himself in her path, forcefully grabbing the owl. "What are you doing, human? The offspring needs me; they must have the protection of their grandmother!" Athena shouted. "It's not real, Athena. Calm down and focus," Alex shouted.

The bird, however, was far from calming down. In her agitated mind, predators began to circle the young offspring, and her children would not be enough to deter their advances. The Triznado Owl species, to which Athena belonged, had very low fertility, barely exceeding the renewal line, so each new offspring was protected by the flock as if it were the most precious treasure. Usually, the young were kept with the clan's elders, the most powerful members, for protection, and the parents would enjoy great approval from the rest of the senior members.

"Human, how dare you?" Athena said in a spectral voice. This time, it wasn't her usual slightly feminine voice; rather, it seemed to come from the very underworld.

"Calm down. If you go, you'll get lost in that illusion," Alex responded, trying to make her understand. "Don't stand in my way," Athena simply replied, forcing her way.

Alex was defenseless against the owl's power, so in the end, he had no choice but to step aside. A casual movement of her power, and he could disappear forever.

When Athena entered the iridescent mist, nothing happened at first, and somehow, Alex could still see her as if the space they were in was no more than 50 meters. However, the mist soon began to envelop her figure slowly, and finally, the mist began to change.

Little by little, it changed from iridescent to a white similar to the owl's eyes, that intense color resembling burning magnesium. During this period, for a brief moment, no longer than a blink, the illusion was shattered.

What those present didn't know was that this type of magical maze could feed on the magical power of beings lost in its illusion. Due to this, when Athena entered, the illusion suddenly overloaded with power, producing the small cut in the illusion.

Although it wasn't much, both Alex and Torel were able to catch it. However, Alex was the one who could better understand the phenomenon that was really happening because, in that brief moment of the cut, the forest was able to communicate with him again and reinforce his senses.

Now Alex could feel his surroundings more distinctly and soon understood what he had to do. During the short moment the illusion broke, the entire environment had lost color, except for a tree that had acquired a strong golden color.

Although everything was now in normal color, Alex knew he had to constantly scan his surroundings for anything different. That was the test and the solution to the first riddle; the magical maze affected your perception, and you had to overcome its tricks.

"My people, do not be discouraged. I have seen through the maze; we just need to persevere. We must keep fighting with courage, and soon we can get out of here," Alex tried to encourage his followers. Many were beginning to lose hope, and Alex knew his words wouldn't be enough to change this.

With a decisive move, Alex drew his bow and positioned an arrow. He closed his eyes and breathed slowly.

Inhale. Exhale.

When he opened his eyes, there was a stone in a corner of his view that didn't escape him, the only stone amidst the entire forest. Imperceptible to normal vision, the stone was slowly retreating, trying to leave the field of vision. However, Alex quickly caught its intentions, pulled the bowstring, and aimed further ahead in the trajectory where the stone was moving.

When he finally released the bowstring, the stone abandoned all decorum and jumped, trying to escape. However, Alex had Olympically guessed its trajectory, and the arrow hit the stone, shattering it.

The maze began making strange noises, similar to machinery and gears moving, and stones being dragged and colliding, while the mist momentarily became denser.

The troops had witnessed Alex's wonderful ability and had regained their faith in their leader. The human once again showed why he led them, and the troops seemed to finally shake off the maze's illusions and its nefarious intentions.

"We can do it," said a Gnoll, although it seemed like he was trying to convince himself more than the rest. Soon, this attitude spread throughout the troops. "Stay alert; the transformation will end soon," Alex exclaimed. With their renewed minds, the soldiers were able to reform their formation and await the next phase with better spirits. They had overcome the first challenge, and even if it was barely and unknowingly, their mental strength was much greater than before. Somehow, the maze had helped them increase their own resolve.

Suddenly, Torel shouted, "Incoming!" Somehow, the troops understood the danger looming over them and raised their shields. Almost instantly, some arrows embedded themselves in the shields. Alex, though surprised by the ambush, directed his gaze toward the source of the shot, where he could distinguish vague shadows in the now opaque mist.

"Ready to fight!" the human roared. The soldiers closed formation, protecting each other with their shields, and waited for their leader's order. However, the order was delayed, confusion apparent on their leader's face.