Spoiler:
The Enchanted Maze - SWC 2023
A young man, who goes by the name Oliver, seemingly in his early twenties stood in front of a mysterious portal hidden deep in the forest with a fiery passion and determination in his green eyes. The portal shimmers with hues of iridescent blues, purples, and golds, swirling and pulsating like a living tapestry. Oliver did one more look through to check if he had everything he needed for this adventure. He took one last look at the pendant he had around his neck, opening the pendant there was a photo of a young girl, around her early teenage years with long flowing dark brown hair and shimmering silver-gray eyes. There was a bright smile on her delicate and elegant facial features. For a split second Oliver's face turned into a longing and sorrowful expression before going back to his determined look as he took one last deep breath, now stepping into the mysterious portal. After one minute of severe dizziness Oliver was able to adjust to his surroundings, he looked around the room. The room seemed to belong to a Maze. There was an imposing gateway, with intricately carved stone arches and massive wooden doors adorned with weathered symbols. Suddenly he heard a sound from behind him and quickly turned around to see the Portal he came through turn off, only leaving the frame of it behind, sealing his fate for now. Oliver felt a surge of panic strike him, knowing he will have to find the exit of the Maze or he will have to stay there forever. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes before opening them and looking at the photo in his pendant again, determination shining in his green eyes as he tied back his shoulder-length tousled dark brown hair. He now started looking around the huge room and tried finding clues about what to do from here. For some reason there were no visible ways to go from this room. After around twelve minutes he only found an old but still readable notebook. He opened the notebook and realized that it was notices of the ancient symbols that were carved in on the walls, the carved stone arches and the weathered symbols carved on the wooden doors. It seems like he wasn't the only one that went into the Maze and this notebook must have belonged to someone else that was here way before he was. To his demise he couldn't make out what the ancient symbols read but still decided to keep the notebook, since he might find something to decipher these symbols later on. At the 15 minute mark, a sudden wave of nausea hit Oliver and he had to close his eyes from the sensation. After the feeling faded away and he was able to open his eyes again, he found himself in an open space underground. As he looked around he could tell that he seemed to be in a Forgotten Courtyard, where remnants of statues, fountains, and crumbling arches stand as echoes of a lost grandeur. They seemed to be overgrown by wild ivy and adorned with intricate carvings. Oliver felt a sense of melancholic and nostalgic beauty in this space, since it reminded him of old memories. He walked around the courtyard for a few minutes before a blinding silvery-blue light suddenly appeared and he decided to walk towards that light, only to find a young woman in her teenage years with long flowing silver hair and piercing silver eyes. The young woman seemed to be gliding above the ground, each step barely making a sound. "Hm, how curious… Yet another human that foolishly decided to enter this cursed maze~ I wonder, will you be the one to make it out or end up just like the rest of us, forever trapped as a wandering soul in this place… I guess it could be fun to play with you a bit~" A sudden voice spoke, sounding like a haunting melody that echoes with a mix of sadness and an otherworldly allure, yet it also carried a sense of playfulness. Oliver suddenly felt a huge wave of despair and hopelessness hit him and he felt like he should give up on finding a way out. Yet he shook those feelings off with a mix of stubbornness, determination and resilience. "I see… You are a rather stubborn human to be able to resist my abilities~ Well, that was just a small taste of what I can do… Prepare to face my powers in the future of your adventure~ Also you can just call me the Wandering Specter for now~" Oliver reached out a hand towards the young woman but she disappeared into a mist of blue before he could reach her, he now had his hand on the fountain instead and suddenly a splitting headache came over him. He heard a whispering voice speaking:
"Amidst the misty moonlit meadows, fate's fickle fingers forge an unforeseen fusion, as the Wandering Specter, a specter of secrets, and Oliver, an orphan of old, find themselves entwined in a tapestry of tangled ties that transcends time."
Oliver quickly retracted his hand and the headache went away shortly after as he recalled the words the voice spoke. Did that mean his fate is entwined with that young woman? But in which way? He wondered as he touched the fountain again, trying to hear that voice again, but there was only a deafening silence. He kept his hand there for a while, hoping that it would only take some time to hear the voice again. But there was still only silence, he sighed as he took away his hand and soon after at the 20 minute mark there was that feeling of nausea again and he got transported into a new room. After he adjusted to his surroundings he observed the new room. It was a long corridor with only mirrors adorning the walls. Oliver felt a bit creeped out seeing his own image on the mirrors in distorted versions of himself. He then decided to walk closer to one mirror and looked inside of it, seeing an old memory of his family from years ago. He backed away slightly as he went to nearly every mirror and some showed his past experiences, while others showed his time in the first two parts of the Maze. After some time, he saw a vision of himself that was fairly roughed up and standing in front of a portal that looked identical to the one he originally came through. Is that the exit? Am I going to find my way out of this maze, I need to know… He wanted to take a closer look at that mirror but got stopped by a sudden voice. "I wouldn't do that if I were you… Looking at a future outcome might change that course of action and you will end up in a worst ending… I made that mistake in the past… But I prefer to keep my past a secret." The voice echoes softly, carrying a hint of sorrow and a touch of hope. When the voice spoke, it was as if a gentle breeze whispered through the air. Oliver turned towards the voice and saw a shimmering figure, their form translucent and ever-changing. Their appearance is reminiscent of a misty haze that floats gently in the air. They have no discernible gender or age, existing as a timeless entity trapped within the maze. Their facial features, though indistinct, convey a sense of melancholy and longing. Their eyes, like orbs of soft, glowing light, hold a deep sadness and wisdom gained from their endless wandering. "The names Seraphim, nice to meet you…" The voice spoke again. Oliver blinked slightly in confusion but nodded softly after fully processing the words. "My name is Oliver, it's nice to meet you too, Seraphim." he said and backed away from the mirror, taking Seraphim's warning seriously. I might be reckless, but I'm not that reckless. "So what brings you here, Seraphim?" Oliver questioned. They answered that they are a soul trapped in this maze and they had hoped that Oliver would be able to free them from the entrapment, so they wanted to offer their help. "I'm grateful for any help I can get, especially with that Wandering Specter having it out for me… So what are your strengths, Seraphim?" Oliver smiled at them. "Oh yeah, she likes messing with all of the humans that came here… As for my strengths… I guess you could say I'm very resourceful and have a keen sense of observation… Say you didn't happen to find an old notebook with ancient writings, did you?" Oliver quickly answered that he actually did find an old notebook with ancient symbols and took it out of my bag to show them. Seraphim looked over it and began reading some of the phrases out loud.
"In silence, the truth shall be found,
When echoes fade and silence resounds.
A clash of sounds shall unveil the way,
To weaken the Guardian and make it sway.
Speak the frequency that shatters its might,
And pierce the darkness with a sound so bright."
"Within the echoes, secrets reside,
Unveiling the Guardian's weakened side.
Seek the place where echoes collide,
Where silence reveals what it tries to hide.
Find the source of the distorted sound,
And the Guardian's defenses shall be unbound."
"In darkness, the Guardian thrives,
But light reveals where weakness lies.
Seek the prism that breaks the night,
And the Guardian's strength shall take flight.
Reflect its fears in colors bright,
To banish the Guardian from sight."
Oliver furrowed his eyebrows in question as he thought about the sentences and wrote them down next to the ancient symbols. "Do you have a clue to what these might mean, Seraphim? I can't seem to put my head around what they could mean…" Seraphim shakes his head, signaling he also doesn't know. "Sadly I also don't know, but I'm guessing that there will be a formidable foe at the end of this adventure and these could indicate their weaknesses…" Oliver nodded his head in agreement. "That would make sense, yes. But for now let's just see what el-..." Oliver got cut off as the feeling of nausea came back after around 20 minutes and both he and Seraphim found themselves in a new room. After adjusting to their surroundings they looked around the new area. All they could see were lush vegetation, vibrant flowers, and twisting vines creating a stark contrast against the stone walls. Soft, ethereal glows emanate from delicate bioluminescent plants, casting a surreal and mystical ambiance. Oliver sighed softly as he spoke again. "I think we only have around 15 to 20 minutes per area, Seraphim. In the first area I got transported to a new one after around 15 minutes and in the second and third area we had 20 minutes." Seraphim nodded. "I see… Then we better start the search while we have the time…" Oliver nodded and walked towards one corner of the area to look for clues. Suddenly he saw the bright blue light appear out of nowhere and he immediately knew who it was. "Fancy meeting you here~ How's your adventure going so far?" She spoke in her usual tone of voice and looked around before seeing Seraphim. She smirked. "Aww~ How cute, you found a little friend to accompany you on your adventures~" Oliver sighed as he faced the young woman. "What is it you want this time, Wandering Specter? Do I really have to call you that, it's a bit awkward to say it every time…" The woman chuckled slightly as she looked at Oliver with amusement. "Well, I guess it is true… It's a bit awkward to say every time… So how about you call me 'Lia' in that case? Is that better, Dear~" Oliver sighed softly as he just nodded. "Yes, that is better… Well then Lia… What do you want from me now? I don't have much time to entertain you." Lia laughed softly as she smirked at him. "Hm~ Well, that's no fun… I was so excited to play with you again~" Oliver zoned out as he heard that whispering voice from the fountain again. The voice spoke:
"In the hushed hollows of the haunted haze, a spectral shadow silently stirs, seeking solace and a serendipitous reunion with the wandering wayfarer, whispering of kinship and a cosmic bond."
"In the depths of this labyrinth, echoes of a forgotten bond reverberate."
"As Oliver walks the path of his fate, specters of the past dance on the edges of his consciousness."
"A haunting melody drifts through the maze, stirring memories long thought lost."
"A tattered journal lies abandoned, its pages holding secrets that connect two souls."
This time Oliver heard more than just one phrase from that voice. But he couldn't piece everything together just yet. I got snapped out of my thoughts as Lia snapped her ghostly fingers in front of my face. I blinked in confusion as I looked into her piercing silver eyes. "Finally out of your little dreamworld? What were you thinking about so thoroughly~?" She asked. "Huh, it's just very weird, ever since I stepped foot into this maze and met you at the fountain I've heard some whispering voices and they kept speaking in riddles or prophecies… Why am I even telling you this, you're not exactly my friend or ally..?" Lia shrugged softly, not really caring much about it even if it was definitely weird. "None of us ever experienced something like that, so I don't really know or care." Oliver just sighed as he kept quiet, not even telling her what he heard the very first time about hers and his connection. At the corner of my eyes I saw a book wrapped in leather, then I remembered one of the phrases of the voice. A tattered journal lies abandoned, its pages holding secrets that connect two souls. I quickly walked toward the book and picked it up, then put it in my bag for later usage since the time was almost over. As soon as that thought came to end the same feeling of nausea hit and we got transported back to the Entrance Chamber. I was a bit confused on why I was back here, but just decided to sit down on the ground to try and figure out what the texts about the Guardian meant, while Seraphim went to investigate the area. I looked at the texts again and wrote down the clue or clues I got from analyzing the text.
"In silence, the truth shall be found,
When echoes fade and silence resounds.
A clash of sounds shall unveil the way,
To weaken the Guardian and make it sway.
Speak the frequency that shatters its might,
And pierce the darkness with a sound so bright."
Clue: The riddle suggests that the Guardian can be weakened by a specific frequency or sound that disrupts its power. We must search for clues or hints within the maze that lead us to the correct frequency or sound to use against the Guardian.
"Within the echoes, secrets reside,
Unveiling the Guardian's weakened side.
Seek the place where echoes collide,
Where silence reveals what it tries to hide.
Find the source of the distorted sound,
And the Guardian's defenses shall be unbound."
Clue: This riddle implies that the Guardian's weakness lies in a specific location or object within the maze where echoes converge. We must explore and listen for distorted sounds or echoes to guide us towards the source, which holds the key to overcoming the Guardian.
"In darkness, the Guardian thrives,
But light reveals where weakness lies.
Seek the prism that breaks the night,
And the Guardian's strength shall take flight.
Reflect its fears in colors bright,
To banish the Guardian from sight."
Clue: This riddle indicates that the Guardian's vulnerability is associated with light. We must search for a prism or a way to manipulate light within the maze, using it to create a spectrum of colors that reflects the Guardian's fears or weaknesses, ultimately neutralizing its power.
After some time we gathered enough clues and even found some weapons to use in case of having to actually fight the Guardian, Lia of course kept on trying to drive Seraphim and me apart, as well as trying to control our emotions. We've overcome a lot of challenges. Currently we were in the so-called Chamber of Whispers, like the name implies those whispering voices were all around and I had a hard time trying to figure out everything they said. Overall I managed to understand some of them and realized that I was getting closer to finding the person I was searching for.
"Within the shifting shadows, a whispered name echoes through the corridors of time."
"The forgotten bond between siblings lingers in the air, waiting to be remembered."
"A haunting presence weaves through Oliver's thoughts, a spectral link to a sibling's fate."
"As Oliver walks the path of remembrance, the ghostly whispers grow stronger, guiding him towards the truth."
"In the heart of the labyrinth, a fragmented memory stirs, bridging the divide between siblings."
"Amidst the maze's enigmatic engravings, a hidden message reveals the ties that bind."
"Within the haunted depths, the echoes of sibling souls entwined paint a portrait of shared destiny."
"Amidst the whispers of the maze, a familiar voice calls out, longing for reunion."
"In the flickering candlelight, shadows intertwine, revealing fragments of a shared history."
"Within the maze's cryptic riddles, a hidden message reveals a name long forgotten but deeply cherished."
"A single, worn locket holds the key to a family's shattered bond, waiting to be unlocked."
"Through the threads of time, a spectral figure emerges, beckoning Oliver towards a long-lost kin."
"Within the winding whispers of the weary walls, a whispered wonder weaves a tale of two, of Oliver and his luminous little sister, lost in the labyrinth of longing."
As Oliver and his companions reach the Exit of the Maze, the atmosphere undergoes a transformative shift. The air feels charged with ancient energy, crackling with a sense of anticipation. The walls of the corridor, now adorned with intricate carvings, depict scenes of profound wisdom and celestial beings.
At the end of the corridor, the path opens up into a grand chamber. The chamber is bathed in a soft, ethereal glow emanating from a mesmerizing source—a radiant, otherworldly portal. The portal shimmers with hues of iridescent blues, purples, and golds, swirling and pulsating like a living tapestry.
The chamber itself is adorned with ornate symbols and engravings, representing the interconnectedness of time, memory, and the ethereal realm. Delicate strands of luminescent energy dance throughout the space, casting a gentle illumination on the surroundings.
In the center of the chamber, the Echoing Guardian awaits, surrounded by a halo of shimmering light. Their form, still and serene, exudes a sense of ancient wisdom and profound calmness. Their gaze, filled with compassion and understanding, meets Oliver's with a knowing smile.
As Oliver approaches, the Guardian's presence seems to amplify the echoes of memories and emotions within the chamber, creating a symphony of whispered echoes that reverberate through the air. The echoes carry fragments of forgotten stories, lost hopes, and the yearning for reunion.
The Exit, with its radiant portal, intricate symbols, and the presence of the Echoing Guardian, signifies a gateway between realms. It is a place where the threads of Oliver's journey converge, offering the possibility of reconnection, closure, and a deeper understanding of his own story.
The Guardian manifests as a luminous figure, neither distinctly male nor female, adorned in flowing robes that seem to shift and change like wisps of mist. Their form is fluid, with a translucent quality that allows glimpses of the surrounding echoes to pass through. Their eyes, perhaps glowing with a soft, pulsating light, hold the wisdom of centuries and a profound sense of empathy. The Guardian began to speak.
"So you have made it this far… I have to congratulate you for being able to make it until now. But… Are you ready to face the final challenge, are you confident that you can win against me, a powerful Guardian with magic and an impregnable defense? If so then step forward and the trial will begin shortly."
Oliver took a deep breath and looked at his companions, Seraphim und Lia. With a nod of confirmation and a silent understanding of our plan, I stepped forward and the trial began. It took a while of Oliver just dodging the Guardian's attacks to the best of his ability, keeping them distracted, while his companions set up their chance at winning. After having successfully used the Guardian's weaknesses against them, Oliver and his companions won the trial.
The Guardian looked pleased despite losing the trial and introduced themselves with the name Aurelius. Aurelius praised their abilities and Teamwork, before telling Oliver the truth about Lia, whose actual name is Ophelia. They revealed that Ophelia was actually Oliver's long lost little sister and both Opelia and Oliver were shocked at the revelation, but they did always feel a sense of familiarity and longing towards the other. Seraphim and Aurelius left the two siblings to themselves for the moment to reconcile and say their last goodbyes.
As Oliver and Ophelia stand before each other, their eyes filled with a mix of longing, joy, and sorrow, the moment of reconciliation finally arrives. The air is thick with emotions, and the weight of their shared history hangs palpably in the air.
Oliver's voice trembles with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability as he reaches out to Ophelia, his voice choked with emotion. "Ophelia, is it truly you? After all this time… I never stopped searching for you."
Ophelia's gaze meets Oliver's, her eyes brimming with tears. Her voice, soft and filled with a lifetime of longing, responds, "Oliver, my dear brother, I never thought I would see you again. The Maze… it separated us, but it couldn't extinguish the love that bound us."
As they embrace, their hearts find solace in the warmth of the connection they thought was lost forever. The weight of their shared journey and the pain of separation slowly melts away, replaced by a profound sense of belonging and reunion.
In that moment, they share stories of their experiences, the trials they faced, and the strength they discovered within themselves. Their laughter and tears intertwine, echoing through the chambers of the Maze, as they rediscover the bond that time and the labyrinth could not extinguish.
However, as the time for Oliver to free the trapped souls in the Maze draws near, a bittersweet realization settles upon them. Their embrace lingers, but they both know that their time together is limited.
Oliver's voice quivers with determination as he looks into Ophelia's eyes. "Ophelia, my sister, we have found each other again, but I cannot allow you to remain trapped here. The souls of the Maze deserve their freedom, and I must set them free, including you, Seraphim, and Aurelius."
Ophelia's voice, filled with a mix of love and understanding, responds, "Oliver, you have grown into a remarkable person. I am proud of you. Set us free, and know that we will always be with you, even if not in physical form. Our love will transcend the confines of this labyrinth."
They share one final embrace, holding on to the love and memories they have rekindled. With a heavy heart, Oliver steps back, his resolve firm as he prepares to face the final challenge of freeing the trapped souls.
A young man, who goes by the name Oliver, seemingly in his early twenties stood in front of a mysterious portal hidden deep in the forest with a fiery passion and determination in his green eyes. The portal shimmers with hues of iridescent blues, purples, and golds, swirling and pulsating like a living tapestry. Oliver did one more look through to check if he had everything he needed for this adventure. He took one last look at the pendant he had around his neck, opening the pendant there was a photo of a young girl, around her early teenage years with long flowing dark brown hair and shimmering silver-gray eyes. There was a bright smile on her delicate and elegant facial features. For a split second Oliver's face turned into a longing and sorrowful expression before going back to his determined look as he took one last deep breath, now stepping into the mysterious portal. After one minute of severe dizziness Oliver was able to adjust to his surroundings, he looked around the room. The room seemed to belong to a Maze. There was an imposing gateway, with intricately carved stone arches and massive wooden doors adorned with weathered symbols. Suddenly he heard a sound from behind him and quickly turned around to see the Portal he came through turn off, only leaving the frame of it behind, sealing his fate for now. Oliver felt a surge of panic strike him, knowing he will have to find the exit of the Maze or he will have to stay there forever. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes before opening them and looking at the photo in his pendant again, determination shining in his green eyes as he tied back his shoulder-length tousled dark brown hair. He now started looking around the huge room and tried finding clues about what to do from here. For some reason there were no visible ways to go from this room. After around twelve minutes he only found an old but still readable notebook. He opened the notebook and realized that it was notices of the ancient symbols that were carved in on the walls, the carved stone arches and the weathered symbols carved on the wooden doors. It seems like he wasn't the only one that went into the Maze and this notebook must have belonged to someone else that was here way before he was. To his demise he couldn't make out what the ancient symbols read but still decided to keep the notebook, since he might find something to decipher these symbols later on. At the 15 minute mark, a sudden wave of nausea hit Oliver and he had to close his eyes from the sensation. After the feeling faded away and he was able to open his eyes again, he found himself in an open space underground. As he looked around he could tell that he seemed to be in a Forgotten Courtyard, where remnants of statues, fountains, and crumbling arches stand as echoes of a lost grandeur. They seemed to be overgrown by wild ivy and adorned with intricate carvings. Oliver felt a sense of melancholic and nostalgic beauty in this space, since it reminded him of old memories. He walked around the courtyard for a few minutes before a blinding silvery-blue light suddenly appeared and he decided to walk towards that light, only to find a young woman in her teenage years with long flowing silver hair and piercing silver eyes. The young woman seemed to be gliding above the ground, each step barely making a sound. "Hm, how curious… Yet another human that foolishly decided to enter this cursed maze~ I wonder, will you be the one to make it out or end up just like the rest of us, forever trapped as a wandering soul in this place… I guess it could be fun to play with you a bit~" A sudden voice spoke, sounding like a haunting melody that echoes with a mix of sadness and an otherworldly allure, yet it also carried a sense of playfulness. Oliver suddenly felt a huge wave of despair and hopelessness hit him and he felt like he should give up on finding a way out. Yet he shook those feelings off with a mix of stubbornness, determination and resilience. "I see… You are a rather stubborn human to be able to resist my abilities~ Well, that was just a small taste of what I can do… Prepare to face my powers in the future of your adventure~ Also you can just call me the Wandering Specter for now~" Oliver reached out a hand towards the young woman but she disappeared into a mist of blue before he could reach her, he now had his hand on the fountain instead and suddenly a splitting headache came over him. He heard a whispering voice speaking:
"Amidst the misty moonlit meadows, fate's fickle fingers forge an unforeseen fusion, as the Wandering Specter, a specter of secrets, and Oliver, an orphan of old, find themselves entwined in a tapestry of tangled ties that transcends time."
Oliver quickly retracted his hand and the headache went away shortly after as he recalled the words the voice spoke. Did that mean his fate is entwined with that young woman? But in which way? He wondered as he touched the fountain again, trying to hear that voice again, but there was only a deafening silence. He kept his hand there for a while, hoping that it would only take some time to hear the voice again. But there was still only silence, he sighed as he took away his hand and soon after at the 20 minute mark there was that feeling of nausea again and he got transported into a new room. After he adjusted to his surroundings he observed the new room. It was a long corridor with only mirrors adorning the walls. Oliver felt a bit creeped out seeing his own image on the mirrors in distorted versions of himself. He then decided to walk closer to one mirror and looked inside of it, seeing an old memory of his family from years ago. He backed away slightly as he went to nearly every mirror and some showed his past experiences, while others showed his time in the first two parts of the Maze. After some time, he saw a vision of himself that was fairly roughed up and standing in front of a portal that looked identical to the one he originally came through. Is that the exit? Am I going to find my way out of this maze, I need to know… He wanted to take a closer look at that mirror but got stopped by a sudden voice. "I wouldn't do that if I were you… Looking at a future outcome might change that course of action and you will end up in a worst ending… I made that mistake in the past… But I prefer to keep my past a secret." The voice echoes softly, carrying a hint of sorrow and a touch of hope. When the voice spoke, it was as if a gentle breeze whispered through the air. Oliver turned towards the voice and saw a shimmering figure, their form translucent and ever-changing. Their appearance is reminiscent of a misty haze that floats gently in the air. They have no discernible gender or age, existing as a timeless entity trapped within the maze. Their facial features, though indistinct, convey a sense of melancholy and longing. Their eyes, like orbs of soft, glowing light, hold a deep sadness and wisdom gained from their endless wandering. "The names Seraphim, nice to meet you…" The voice spoke again. Oliver blinked slightly in confusion but nodded softly after fully processing the words. "My name is Oliver, it's nice to meet you too, Seraphim." he said and backed away from the mirror, taking Seraphim's warning seriously. I might be reckless, but I'm not that reckless. "So what brings you here, Seraphim?" Oliver questioned. They answered that they are a soul trapped in this maze and they had hoped that Oliver would be able to free them from the entrapment, so they wanted to offer their help. "I'm grateful for any help I can get, especially with that Wandering Specter having it out for me… So what are your strengths, Seraphim?" Oliver smiled at them. "Oh yeah, she likes messing with all of the humans that came here… As for my strengths… I guess you could say I'm very resourceful and have a keen sense of observation… Say you didn't happen to find an old notebook with ancient writings, did you?" Oliver quickly answered that he actually did find an old notebook with ancient symbols and took it out of my bag to show them. Seraphim looked over it and began reading some of the phrases out loud.
"In silence, the truth shall be found,
When echoes fade and silence resounds.
A clash of sounds shall unveil the way,
To weaken the Guardian and make it sway.
Speak the frequency that shatters its might,
And pierce the darkness with a sound so bright."
"Within the echoes, secrets reside,
Unveiling the Guardian's weakened side.
Seek the place where echoes collide,
Where silence reveals what it tries to hide.
Find the source of the distorted sound,
And the Guardian's defenses shall be unbound."
"In darkness, the Guardian thrives,
But light reveals where weakness lies.
Seek the prism that breaks the night,
And the Guardian's strength shall take flight.
Reflect its fears in colors bright,
To banish the Guardian from sight."
Oliver furrowed his eyebrows in question as he thought about the sentences and wrote them down next to the ancient symbols. "Do you have a clue to what these might mean, Seraphim? I can't seem to put my head around what they could mean…" Seraphim shakes his head, signaling he also doesn't know. "Sadly I also don't know, but I'm guessing that there will be a formidable foe at the end of this adventure and these could indicate their weaknesses…" Oliver nodded his head in agreement. "That would make sense, yes. But for now let's just see what el-..." Oliver got cut off as the feeling of nausea came back after around 20 minutes and both he and Seraphim found themselves in a new room. After adjusting to their surroundings they looked around the new area. All they could see were lush vegetation, vibrant flowers, and twisting vines creating a stark contrast against the stone walls. Soft, ethereal glows emanate from delicate bioluminescent plants, casting a surreal and mystical ambiance. Oliver sighed softly as he spoke again. "I think we only have around 15 to 20 minutes per area, Seraphim. In the first area I got transported to a new one after around 15 minutes and in the second and third area we had 20 minutes." Seraphim nodded. "I see… Then we better start the search while we have the time…" Oliver nodded and walked towards one corner of the area to look for clues. Suddenly he saw the bright blue light appear out of nowhere and he immediately knew who it was. "Fancy meeting you here~ How's your adventure going so far?" She spoke in her usual tone of voice and looked around before seeing Seraphim. She smirked. "Aww~ How cute, you found a little friend to accompany you on your adventures~" Oliver sighed as he faced the young woman. "What is it you want this time, Wandering Specter? Do I really have to call you that, it's a bit awkward to say it every time…" The woman chuckled slightly as she looked at Oliver with amusement. "Well, I guess it is true… It's a bit awkward to say every time… So how about you call me 'Lia' in that case? Is that better, Dear~" Oliver sighed softly as he just nodded. "Yes, that is better… Well then Lia… What do you want from me now? I don't have much time to entertain you." Lia laughed softly as she smirked at him. "Hm~ Well, that's no fun… I was so excited to play with you again~" Oliver zoned out as he heard that whispering voice from the fountain again. The voice spoke:
"In the hushed hollows of the haunted haze, a spectral shadow silently stirs, seeking solace and a serendipitous reunion with the wandering wayfarer, whispering of kinship and a cosmic bond."
"In the depths of this labyrinth, echoes of a forgotten bond reverberate."
"As Oliver walks the path of his fate, specters of the past dance on the edges of his consciousness."
"A haunting melody drifts through the maze, stirring memories long thought lost."
"A tattered journal lies abandoned, its pages holding secrets that connect two souls."
This time Oliver heard more than just one phrase from that voice. But he couldn't piece everything together just yet. I got snapped out of my thoughts as Lia snapped her ghostly fingers in front of my face. I blinked in confusion as I looked into her piercing silver eyes. "Finally out of your little dreamworld? What were you thinking about so thoroughly~?" She asked. "Huh, it's just very weird, ever since I stepped foot into this maze and met you at the fountain I've heard some whispering voices and they kept speaking in riddles or prophecies… Why am I even telling you this, you're not exactly my friend or ally..?" Lia shrugged softly, not really caring much about it even if it was definitely weird. "None of us ever experienced something like that, so I don't really know or care." Oliver just sighed as he kept quiet, not even telling her what he heard the very first time about hers and his connection. At the corner of my eyes I saw a book wrapped in leather, then I remembered one of the phrases of the voice. A tattered journal lies abandoned, its pages holding secrets that connect two souls. I quickly walked toward the book and picked it up, then put it in my bag for later usage since the time was almost over. As soon as that thought came to end the same feeling of nausea hit and we got transported back to the Entrance Chamber. I was a bit confused on why I was back here, but just decided to sit down on the ground to try and figure out what the texts about the Guardian meant, while Seraphim went to investigate the area. I looked at the texts again and wrote down the clue or clues I got from analyzing the text.
"In silence, the truth shall be found,
When echoes fade and silence resounds.
A clash of sounds shall unveil the way,
To weaken the Guardian and make it sway.
Speak the frequency that shatters its might,
And pierce the darkness with a sound so bright."
Clue: The riddle suggests that the Guardian can be weakened by a specific frequency or sound that disrupts its power. We must search for clues or hints within the maze that lead us to the correct frequency or sound to use against the Guardian.
"Within the echoes, secrets reside,
Unveiling the Guardian's weakened side.
Seek the place where echoes collide,
Where silence reveals what it tries to hide.
Find the source of the distorted sound,
And the Guardian's defenses shall be unbound."
Clue: This riddle implies that the Guardian's weakness lies in a specific location or object within the maze where echoes converge. We must explore and listen for distorted sounds or echoes to guide us towards the source, which holds the key to overcoming the Guardian.
"In darkness, the Guardian thrives,
But light reveals where weakness lies.
Seek the prism that breaks the night,
And the Guardian's strength shall take flight.
Reflect its fears in colors bright,
To banish the Guardian from sight."
Clue: This riddle indicates that the Guardian's vulnerability is associated with light. We must search for a prism or a way to manipulate light within the maze, using it to create a spectrum of colors that reflects the Guardian's fears or weaknesses, ultimately neutralizing its power.
After some time we gathered enough clues and even found some weapons to use in case of having to actually fight the Guardian, Lia of course kept on trying to drive Seraphim and me apart, as well as trying to control our emotions. We've overcome a lot of challenges. Currently we were in the so-called Chamber of Whispers, like the name implies those whispering voices were all around and I had a hard time trying to figure out everything they said. Overall I managed to understand some of them and realized that I was getting closer to finding the person I was searching for.
"Within the shifting shadows, a whispered name echoes through the corridors of time."
"The forgotten bond between siblings lingers in the air, waiting to be remembered."
"A haunting presence weaves through Oliver's thoughts, a spectral link to a sibling's fate."
"As Oliver walks the path of remembrance, the ghostly whispers grow stronger, guiding him towards the truth."
"In the heart of the labyrinth, a fragmented memory stirs, bridging the divide between siblings."
"Amidst the maze's enigmatic engravings, a hidden message reveals the ties that bind."
"Within the haunted depths, the echoes of sibling souls entwined paint a portrait of shared destiny."
"Amidst the whispers of the maze, a familiar voice calls out, longing for reunion."
"In the flickering candlelight, shadows intertwine, revealing fragments of a shared history."
"Within the maze's cryptic riddles, a hidden message reveals a name long forgotten but deeply cherished."
"A single, worn locket holds the key to a family's shattered bond, waiting to be unlocked."
"Through the threads of time, a spectral figure emerges, beckoning Oliver towards a long-lost kin."
"Within the winding whispers of the weary walls, a whispered wonder weaves a tale of two, of Oliver and his luminous little sister, lost in the labyrinth of longing."
As Oliver and his companions reach the Exit of the Maze, the atmosphere undergoes a transformative shift. The air feels charged with ancient energy, crackling with a sense of anticipation. The walls of the corridor, now adorned with intricate carvings, depict scenes of profound wisdom and celestial beings.
At the end of the corridor, the path opens up into a grand chamber. The chamber is bathed in a soft, ethereal glow emanating from a mesmerizing source—a radiant, otherworldly portal. The portal shimmers with hues of iridescent blues, purples, and golds, swirling and pulsating like a living tapestry.
The chamber itself is adorned with ornate symbols and engravings, representing the interconnectedness of time, memory, and the ethereal realm. Delicate strands of luminescent energy dance throughout the space, casting a gentle illumination on the surroundings.
In the center of the chamber, the Echoing Guardian awaits, surrounded by a halo of shimmering light. Their form, still and serene, exudes a sense of ancient wisdom and profound calmness. Their gaze, filled with compassion and understanding, meets Oliver's with a knowing smile.
As Oliver approaches, the Guardian's presence seems to amplify the echoes of memories and emotions within the chamber, creating a symphony of whispered echoes that reverberate through the air. The echoes carry fragments of forgotten stories, lost hopes, and the yearning for reunion.
The Exit, with its radiant portal, intricate symbols, and the presence of the Echoing Guardian, signifies a gateway between realms. It is a place where the threads of Oliver's journey converge, offering the possibility of reconnection, closure, and a deeper understanding of his own story.
The Guardian manifests as a luminous figure, neither distinctly male nor female, adorned in flowing robes that seem to shift and change like wisps of mist. Their form is fluid, with a translucent quality that allows glimpses of the surrounding echoes to pass through. Their eyes, perhaps glowing with a soft, pulsating light, hold the wisdom of centuries and a profound sense of empathy. The Guardian began to speak.
"So you have made it this far… I have to congratulate you for being able to make it until now. But… Are you ready to face the final challenge, are you confident that you can win against me, a powerful Guardian with magic and an impregnable defense? If so then step forward and the trial will begin shortly."
Oliver took a deep breath and looked at his companions, Seraphim und Lia. With a nod of confirmation and a silent understanding of our plan, I stepped forward and the trial began. It took a while of Oliver just dodging the Guardian's attacks to the best of his ability, keeping them distracted, while his companions set up their chance at winning. After having successfully used the Guardian's weaknesses against them, Oliver and his companions won the trial.
The Guardian looked pleased despite losing the trial and introduced themselves with the name Aurelius. Aurelius praised their abilities and Teamwork, before telling Oliver the truth about Lia, whose actual name is Ophelia. They revealed that Ophelia was actually Oliver's long lost little sister and both Opelia and Oliver were shocked at the revelation, but they did always feel a sense of familiarity and longing towards the other. Seraphim and Aurelius left the two siblings to themselves for the moment to reconcile and say their last goodbyes.
As Oliver and Ophelia stand before each other, their eyes filled with a mix of longing, joy, and sorrow, the moment of reconciliation finally arrives. The air is thick with emotions, and the weight of their shared history hangs palpably in the air.
Oliver's voice trembles with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability as he reaches out to Ophelia, his voice choked with emotion. "Ophelia, is it truly you? After all this time… I never stopped searching for you."
Ophelia's gaze meets Oliver's, her eyes brimming with tears. Her voice, soft and filled with a lifetime of longing, responds, "Oliver, my dear brother, I never thought I would see you again. The Maze… it separated us, but it couldn't extinguish the love that bound us."
As they embrace, their hearts find solace in the warmth of the connection they thought was lost forever. The weight of their shared journey and the pain of separation slowly melts away, replaced by a profound sense of belonging and reunion.
In that moment, they share stories of their experiences, the trials they faced, and the strength they discovered within themselves. Their laughter and tears intertwine, echoing through the chambers of the Maze, as they rediscover the bond that time and the labyrinth could not extinguish.
However, as the time for Oliver to free the trapped souls in the Maze draws near, a bittersweet realization settles upon them. Their embrace lingers, but they both know that their time together is limited.
Oliver's voice quivers with determination as he looks into Ophelia's eyes. "Ophelia, my sister, we have found each other again, but I cannot allow you to remain trapped here. The souls of the Maze deserve their freedom, and I must set them free, including you, Seraphim, and Aurelius."
Ophelia's voice, filled with a mix of love and understanding, responds, "Oliver, you have grown into a remarkable person. I am proud of you. Set us free, and know that we will always be with you, even if not in physical form. Our love will transcend the confines of this labyrinth."
They share one final embrace, holding on to the love and memories they have rekindled. With a heavy heart, Oliver steps back, his resolve firm as he prepares to face the final challenge of freeing the trapped souls.
This is my SWC Entry for the GT - 2023. It's a bit rushed, because I was too busy and tired all the days before to start writing. I had to make a whole new idea, because my old one would have been even harder to write with the limited amount of time I had. At the last day I began writing this piece all night whilst I was tired and my head hurt, but I didn't let that stop me to finish this piece for my team. I also went to work the next day with only one and a half hours of sleep. So just a heads-up, it's rushed and my first language isn't english but german. The story has a total of 4022 words. I'm also thinking about actually making this story chaptered later on with time, so my whole planning process could be understood better. I still hope you will enjoy this piece despite all of it's flaws.
