The Devil's Scheme

Kalinda felt that things were taking an unusual turn.

The Ash Beasts they encountered earlier weren’t weakening in strength—instead, they were growing increasingly formidable.

Delyan and the other students were already struggling to keep up, forcing Kalinda to step in directly.

With a flick of her wrist, emerald wind blades spread through the corridor, cleanly slicing a ten-meter-tall Ash Beast that suddenly lunged at them into countless fragments.

"What’s going on, Teacher Kalinda…? Why are these Ash Beasts getting stronger?" Delyan asked uneasily. "Did we take the wrong path?"

"Don’t worry, I can handle them," Kalinda replied calmly, though a faint unease prickled in her heart.

The rules of the labyrinth had failed… This was the first time she’d encountered such a situation.

"Xia Lun, Aina, stay close to me," Kalinda said, glancing back at them.

Neither had taken action so far, and in Kalinda’s memory, they were Wolund’s children—new students at Oliphond. She didn’t expect them to contribute much in battle.

"Come on, Xia Lun," Aina said, taking his hand and sticking close behind Kalinda.

Liyana had already drawn her longbow, providing support. Every time an Ash Beast appeared, an arrow would pierce its eye, drastically reducing its threat.

Liyana was holding back—if she went all out, she could easily blast an Ash Beast’s head apart.

"Delyan, your girlfriend is amazing," Liss remarked in awe. "She must be a famous adventurer outside, right? Why did she suddenly come to Oliphond to study?"

"How should I know? She’s always been mysterious," Delyan muttered.

"So how did you two meet?" Liss pressed curiously.

"She started by saying all these embarrassing things, then bought me a drink… Next thing I knew, I somehow agreed to be with her."

Liss narrowed her eyes. "Well, Liyana is both beautiful and dashing—it’s only natural you couldn’t refuse."

"Hey! Don’t you dare get any ideas about her!" Delyan suddenly flustered.

"Relax, my tastes are perfectly normal," Liss said, then gave Delyan a mischievous look. "Though… maybe I should keep my distance from you?"

"Hey! We’re friends, aren’t we?"

Up ahead, another fork in the path appeared, halting their conversation.

"Teacher Kalinda… which way should we go?" Goth asked uncertainly.

They had been sticking to the rightmost path, trying to escape, yet the Ash Beasts in the corridor only grew stronger.

Kalinda hesitated.

This was a labyrinth—anything unexpected could happen.

Xia Lun glanced at Aina beside him.

"What is it?" Aina smiled softly.

"Nothing. I was just thinking… maybe I should use the Eye of Insight to see what’s going on."

Aina shook her head. "No, you can’t."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so," Aina replied, clinging to his arm playfully.

Xia Lun nodded.

If Aina disagreed, he wouldn’t push further.

"Let’s keep going right," Kalinda finally decided. Staying put wasn’t an option.

Yet as they ventured down the path, an unsettling feeling crept over them.

"Stay alert… the Ash Beasts should appear soon," Kalinda warned, bracing herself. She couldn’t afford carelessness, not knowing what level of enemy they might face.

But the surroundings were eerily silent, devoid of any signs of life.

Before long, they spotted a pile of ash on the ground ahead.

"Did another adventurer take it down?" Kalinda relaxed slightly.

This entire expedition had been bizarre, filled with inexplicable occurrences.

The Ash Beast must have been defeated recently—otherwise, a new one would have already spawned in the labyrinth.

Goth rummaged through the ashes without much hope, but to his surprise, he found a fist-sized crystal.

Crystals were rare and valuable materials. Who would just leave such wealth behind?

Goth couldn’t fathom why anyone would ignore hundreds of gold coins lying on the ground.

"Xia Lun, come with me over there," Aina said, pulling him toward a particular spot.

Xia Lun sighed—Aina’s actions were a little too deliberate.

Since only one Ash Beast spawned per area, this place should be safe. Kalinda didn’t interfere.

But suddenly, a surge of spatial energy made Kalinda’s expression change.

"What’s happening?!" she exclaimed.

The other students looked around in confusion.

Kalinda turned toward where Xia Lun and Aina had gone—but they were gone.

In their place was an activated magic circle, its surface shimmering with crimson light.

Without hesitation, Kalinda stepped into it—only to be forcefully repelled.

"It’s a restricted spatial array… only two people can pass at a time," Liyana explained.

"Why is this here? Where does it lead?" Kalinda demanded urgently.

Liyana shook her head lightly. "I don’t know… but all we can do now is wait for them to return."

Kalinda took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

Liyana had already realized—this array was Aina’s doing.

Even if it wasn’t, given their strength, there was nothing to worry about.

Still…

Liyana gave the magic circle a knowing look.

Were they really that desperate?

——

"Aina!"

Xia Lun reached out and lightly tapped her forehead. "Why would you do this? The others will worry."

"What are you talking about, Xia Lun? That’s such a strange thing to say—I don’t understand." Aina stuck out her tongue, feigning innocence. "We just accidentally triggered a spatial array and ended up in a hidden part of the labyrinth."

"Really?" Xia Lun blinked.

"Really. I’ve been right beside you the whole time… Even I can’t just create a spatial array out of nowhere in an unfamiliar place," Aina sighed. "Are you doubting me?"

"Uh… no, not really."

The Hero was as pure and gullible as ever.

The Demon King’s eyes sparkled with mischief and affection.

"Either way, now’s your chance to shine."

Xia Lun slowly looked up. They now stood in what seemed like a nest—countless cocoons floated in the void around them, each exuding an aura of terrifying power.

Aina smiled softly. "Go on, my Hero."