Why... just why,... am I stupid?!

The Arena

The door behind me slammed shut with a heavy thud, sealing off the bloody room I'd just left behind. My heart was still pounding, the adrenaline wearing off and leaving nothing but a dull ache in my muscles. I forced myself to keep moving, one foot in front of the other.

The path ahead was narrow, the walls of the corridor closing in around me. It felt like the Labyrinth was trying to squeeze the life out of me, and for a moment, I wondered if it might actually succeed.

Great. 

Another tunnel. 

Because I haven't had enough of those lately.

The air grew damp and musty as I descended deeper into the underground system. The stone walls were slick with moisture, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the passage. It was colder down here, the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes you shiver uncontrollably.

After what felt like an eternity of walking—because of course, this place loves to drag things out—I finally spotted a faint light ahead. It was weak and flickering, but it was something. I quickened my pace, desperate to get out of this suffocating tunnel and into the open.

The light grew brighter as I approached, and soon enough, I emerged from the tunnel into a large, open space. The cold air hit me like a slap in the face, and I had to blink a few times to adjust to the sudden change in brightness.

Where the FUCKING HELL am I now?

As my vision cleared, I realized I was standing in what looked like an enormous underground arena. The stone walls curved up and around me, forming a massive circle that stretched high above. It was ancient, with crumbling pillars and faded carvings that hinted at a long-forgotten history. There were no seats, no spectators—just me, standing in the center of the cold, empty arena.

Me: An empty arena, huh? Guess I'm the main attraction.

I stepped forward, my footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. The ground beneath me was uneven, worn down by countless battles that had taken place here. I could almost feel the weight of those who had come before me, their struggles and victories etched into the very stone.

But why am I here?

There were no signs, no instructions, no hints about what I was supposed to do next. It felt like the Labyrinth was toying with me, dangling this empty arena in front of me just to mess with my head.

I spun around, scanning the walls for any clue, any exit. But there was nothing—just the endless expanse of cold, gray stone. No doors, no windows, no way out.

Great. 

Trapped in an ancient arena with no idea what's coming next. 

I wandered to the center of the arena, half-expecting something—anything—to happen. But the silence was deafening, the emptiness suffocating. The only sound was my own breathing, harsh and ragged in the cold air.

Me: Alright,..... What's the plan? You gonna send some monsters my way? Or are you just gonna let me freeze to death down here?

But there was no response. The arena remained still and silent, as if it was waiting for me to make the first move.

Fine. 

I'll play your game. 

But I'm not going down without a fight.

I took a deep breath and crouched down, scanning the ground for anything I could use as a weapon. But the arena floor was bare, offering no help. My fists clenched at my sides, the familiar frustration bubbling up inside me.

This is ridiculous. 

I'm stuck here, waiting for something to happen. .....

This better not be another one of those trials where I have to fight a giant bull or something.

But as I stood there, surrounded by the oppressive silence, a realization started to creep in. This arena wasn't just a place for battle—it was a test. A test of endurance, patience, and whatever twisted sense of humor the Labyrinth had.

So what's the catch?

I started pacing around the arena, searching for anything that could give me a hint. But the more I looked, the more I realized just how empty this place really was. It was almost as if the Labyrinth was challenging me, daring me to figure out its game on my own.

Well, if it's a challenge you want, it's a challenge you'll get.

I stopped in the center of the arena again, staring up at the high walls that loomed over me. The sky—or whatever passed for a sky in this underground chamber—was a dull, gray expanse that offered no comfort.

I'm not just gonna stand here and wait to die. 

If this arena's supposed to be some kind of final test, then bring it on. 

Because I've survived worse.

But as I waited, the silence continued to stretch on, unbroken and unnerving. And that's when the real horror of the situation started to sink in.

This wasn't just a test of strength or skill. It was a test of willpower—a psychological game designed to break me down from the inside out. The Labyrinth wasn't going to send monsters or traps my way. No, it was going to let me drive myself crazy with anticipation, with the fear of the unknown.

Fantastic. 

This is exactly what I needed right now.

I sank down to the ground, my back against the cold stone floor, and let out a long, frustrated sigh. I didn't know how long I'd been in this twisted maze, but it felt like an eternity. And now, it seemed, the Labyrinth had decided to mess with my mind instead of my body.

How long would I have to wait here? How long before the Labyrinth decided to move on to the next part of its twisted game?

I didn't have an answer. And that was the worst part.

So, I sat there in the center of the empty arena, waiting for whatever came next. The cold seeped into my bones, and the silence pressed down on me like a weight.