[Completed] Amaryllis And The Labyrinth Of Magic

Chapter 2

I found myself outside the mansion, standing in contemplation. The dilemma of causing a commotion by staying out for too long versus the trouble awaiting me if I returned immediately clouded my thoughts. Deciding to wait for my brother to diffuse the situation, I ventured down the road, fueled by curiosity about the world beyond the mansion.

The path led me to a bustling marketplace, a vibrant and enchanting scene. Various stalls offered delectable snacks, while animals showcased tricks, creating an atmosphere of wonder. As I immersed myself in this new world, my gaze caught sight of a nearby tavern. With some money in my pocket, I entertained the idea of entering this mysterious establishment, unaware that the afternoon had slipped away. Would everything be settled by now? I hesitated to return.

The tavern proved to be a realm of its own, featuring people engaged in lively activities—fighting, cheering, gambling, eating, and drinking. Dancers swayed to the rhythm of songs. Amidst the revelry, two magicians discussed the forbidden Labyrinth of Magic. Its perilous reputation intrigued me. Should I dare to venture inside? The notion of facing its challenges exhilarated me.

The Labyrinth lay nestled in a secluded section of the forest, shrouded in mystery and danger. Magicians from various corners of the world flocked to its gates, drawn by the allure of a formidable challenge. However, the tales of those who successfully navigated its treacherous depths were scarce, and no soul had ever reached the pinnacle of its highest floor. The looming fear of death deterred many from daring to enter.

For me, the prospect of triumph over the Labyrinth held a promise—freedom from the oppressive environment of my uncle's home. The age restriction, prohibiting entry for the underage, was a rule easily skirted, as no vigilant guardian enforced it. Navigating the forest and delving deeper into its heart to discover the Labyrinth became a relatively straightforward endeavour, aided by informative signboards strategically placed along the way. This path, laden with both excitement and peril, beckoned me with the possibility of liberation and adventure.

Upon entering the market, I seamlessly altered my appearance—my hair turned to a rich shade of brown, and my eyes adopted a vibrant green hue. It was a fundamental magical transformation that I could effortlessly maintain for as long as I desired. The subtle change ensured that no one in the bustling market batted an eye at my presence; to them, I appeared as just another ordinary girl.

Adorned in mourning clothes, adhering to the age-old tradition of Diamanto, I wore a black robe-like dress and a somber black cardinal cloak. This attire signified my mourning for my parents, a custom observed for a year. During this period, those in mourning were prohibited from leaving their homes or participating in any festive activities.

Despite the solemnity of my appearance, the people in the market exuded friendliness and kindness. The tavern lady, observing my mourning attire, offered a free meal in a gesture of sympathy. However, I declined the offer, expressing my intent to pay, and mentioning that I would soon be shedding the mourning attire, as nearly a year had passed since the loss of my parents. The interaction highlighted the compassionate nature of the people in this unfamiliar yet welcoming place.

Lost in thought, I found myself near the entrance to the Labyrinth. A surge of adrenaline fueled my curiosity and desire for success. As I neared the entrance, a shocking sight awaited—a boy around my age, slumped against the entrance, his stomach pierced and bleeding. The gravity of the situation hit me; he seemed on the brink of death. Instinctively, I rushed to his side, uncovering his face to find it covered by a veil. With his eyes closing, I couldn't bear to witness another life slipping away.

Despite the proximity to my long-sought success, I couldn't stand idly by. Tying my scarf around his wound, I lamented my lack of healing magic.

If only I possessed the knowledge of healing magic. Uncle had emphasised that it must come from within, and I began to recite the spell slowly. Initially, I had memorised the entire spell under the assumption that spellcasting required rote learning. However, I soon realised that the key to successful magic lay in the emotions tied to it.