[Phoenix Headquarters–Meeting Hall]

Ethan's gaze churned with a tempest of resentment and anger as he pointed an accusatory finger at Arther, who stood as an unwelcome presence amidst their gathering, a stark reminder of the past grievances that still lingered like shadows in the recesses of his mind.

"Why is he part of this meeting?" he demanded, his voice a cutting edge slicing through the palpable tension that hung heavy in the air, each word a testament to the turmoil that raged within him.

"We need his assistance for the next Labyrinth," Norman asserted, his tone a steadfast beacon amidst the turbulent emotion, his words a reminder of the practicalities that governed their decisions.

"But..." Ethan's protest faltered as a reassuring hand landed on his shoulder, its touch a gentle reassurance amidst the storm of his emotions, a silent reminder that he was not alone in his struggle.

"Son, I understand your feelings, but please try to see the bigger picture," Norman urged gently, his voice a soothing presence amidst the chaos that threatened to overwhelm them, his words a plea for understanding and reconciliation.

Reluctantly, Ethan nodded, the bitterness of his words lingering on his tongue like a bitter aftertaste.

"Fine. I'll allow him to join," he muttered, the tension draining from his stance like water receding from the shore, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision, yet tempered by a glimmer of hope for the future.

Gratitude flickered in Arther's eyes as he nodded in appreciation, his presence a steadfast force impossible to ignore, like a towering oak in the midst of a storm.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice a gentle rustle of leaves in a tranquil forest, a soft echo of his sincerity and gratitude.

"Very well. Let's commence the meeting," Norman declared, his voice ringing out with unwavering resolve, a beacon of leadership amidst the swirling currents of uncertainty and doubt.

As the meeting commenced, each member contributed their insights like tributaries converging into a mighty river of thought, their words flowing and intertwining in a symphony of intellect and strategy.

Yet, despite their collective wisdom, the enigma of the Labyrinth remained unsolved, a labyrinthine puzzle with no visible solution in sight, casting a shadow of frustration and despair over their efforts.

Norman's voice pierced through the fog of indecision like a beacon in the darkness.

"So there's no alternative?" he inquired, the weight of their predicament infusing his words with gravity, each syllable laden with the burden of their shared responsibility.

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"It seems not. This is our sole recourse," Hans confirmed, his voice resonating with the finality of a door closing on all other avenues of possibility, his expression grave as he faced the harsh reality of their situation.

The room held its collective breath as Norman turned to Ethan, the air thick with anticipation and tension, their fate hanging in the balance like a delicate thread.

"Ethan, how far have you progressed with Asura's annihilating arts?" he inquired, his voice a quiet plea for hope amidst the storm of uncertainty that threatened to engulf them all.

"Up to the third technique, though it's still unstable," Ethan replied, his tone reflecting a mixture of determination and frustration, his voice a symphony of conflicting emotions that mirrored the turbulent sea of his soul.

"The progress is commendable," Hans remarked, offering a nod of approval, his gaze a steady anchor amidst the storm of uncertainty that threatened to engulf them all.

"No, I must accelerate my training," Ethan asserted firmly, his resolve unwavering, a testament to his dedication as a warrior, his determination burning like a flame in the darkness, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows that loomed on the horizon.

"Take care not to overexert yourself. Before we conclude, let me to review the plan once more," Norman interjected, his voice a steady cadence that cut through the tension like a knife, ensuring clarity and cohesion before the meeting adjourned, his leadership a guiding light in the darkness that surrounded them.

Norman reiterated the plan, a roadmap of hope entangled with the peril that lay ahead, his words a solemn reminder of the dangers that awaited them in the labyrinth's depths, yet tinged with a glimmer of optimism for the future that lay beyond.

Hans issued a final warning, a sobering reminder of the lurking threat within—the enigmatic Sauron.

"If you encounter him, retreat immediately. Engaging in battle is not an option," he cautioned, his words a stern beacon of caution amidst the uncertainty of their quest, his voice a solemn reminder of the price of failure in the face of overwhelming odds.

Norman's gaze settled on Ethan, the linchpin of their aspirations, his eyes shining with pride and confidence.

"Ethan, our victory depends upon you, my son. Be prepared well," he intoned, his words carrying the weight of a solemn vow, a promise of hope and redemption in the face of adversity.

"I will be," Ethan affirmed, his voice resonating like the herald of a new day, his heart filled with determination and resolve, his spirit unyielding in the face of the challenges that lay ahead.

And as the meeting drew to a close, he knew that he carried the hopes and dreams of his comrades on his shoulders, their faith in him a guiding light that would illuminate his path through the darkness.

As the meeting drew to a close, the members dispersed like leaves swept by the autumn breeze, each burdened with the gravity of their mission and lost in contemplation of the challenges ahead.

In the days that followed, Ethan honed his skills under Arther's tutelage, the Asura's arts a delicate balance of destruction and discipline.

Meanwhile, the team leaders fortified their resolve, their spirits tempered in the crucible of anticipation.

Time marched forward, relentless and unforgiving, until finally, the day arrived to confront the labyrinth—a day destined to be inscribed in the annals of their saga, for better or for worse.

Before them loomed the dark portal, a gaping maw beckoning to the unknown depths of the labyrinth.

It stood as a silent arbiter, poised to pass judgment on their courage and determination.

"Are you prepared?" Norman inquired, concern etched into the lines of his face.

Ethan, standing steadfast with his resolve as his armor, locked eyes with his father.

"Yes, father," he affirmed, his voice unwavering, a beacon of certainty in the face of uncertainty.

"Good luch and be careful," Norman imparted, his words a heartfelt blessing, a shield of hope cast over his son as he embarked on his journey.

"Okay, father." Ethan said before turning to face his group, a legion of warriors, scholars, and mages.

His team, Arther, the other team leaders, and the many members of his allied guilds—they were a tapestry of courage, woven from the threads of countless stories and battles past.

Ethan's voice surged forth, a resounding call to arms that reverberated within every soul present.

"Are you all prepared?" he thundered, his words igniting the flame of their collective spirit.

"Yes!" Their unified response boomed like a thunderclap, a resounding testament to their unwavering resolve echoing across the threshold of worlds.

With a determined nod, Ethan led the charge, his strides purposeful as he approached the portal.

"Let's move," he declared, and with a collective breath, they stepped forward, one by one, crossing the event horizon, their forms swallowed by the mysterious embrace of the portal.

As they vanished into the labyrinth's depths, the air seemed to hold its breath, the world pausing for the briefest of moments in reverence for the bravery of souls embarking on a perilous journey from which they might never return.