Chapter 20 - Kindred

Renji stared wide-eyed at the glowing figure.

“Greetings, Renji. The people here call me the Spirit of the Labyrinth,” the Spirit said, spreading his arms with a playful smile.

Renji’s mouth went dry. “How… how are you speaking Japanese?”

“I’m not. It’s translation magic. Japanese was chosen to put you at ease. We are from the same world, Renji. I was summoned here over a thousand years ago. I was from Britain, though.”

Renji’s heart skipped. Same world? His mind spun as the Spirit continued, explaining that his words were being telepathically translated so the others could follow.

Alina stared between them. “No way…” she muttered.

Renji leaned forward. “What year was it on Earth when you came here?”

The Spirit tilted his head. “2012.”

Renji’s jaw dropped. “That’s impossible… It’s 2025 now.”

“Summoning ignores the laws of space and time,” the Spirit said calmly. “A spirit can be drawn from the past… or the future. And time flows differently between worlds.”

Renji rubbed his temples.

Alina broke the silence. “What happened back then? A thousand years ago?”

The Spirit’s cheer faded. “There was a great war. An insane mage opened a gate to the demon realm. The horde poured through, killed the mage, and rampaged across the land.”

Renji swallowed. “And you were summoned to fight them?”

“Yes. But even with the power I was granted, I couldn’t turn the tide. The demons still won. I believe they still control the surface.”

The room went silent.

The Spirit went on, voice heavy. “I created this labyrinth as a final bastion. A last-ditch effort to preserve life.”

Alina whispered, “You built all of this…?”

“The cost was high. The human I was had to merge with the World Tree itself. Only with that bond could I design and create this place.”

Renji glanced at Alina—the shock on her face mirrored his own.

“The elves, being long-lived, recorded it all—the war, the fall, the birth of the labyrinth. Here on Floor Forty, a fragment of the World Tree remains. That’s why I can speak with you now. The elves guard it still.”

Alina furrowed her brows. “So that’s why they live here.”

Renji exhaled slowly. “Then all this—” he gestured around them “—the floors, the monsters, the crystals…”

The Spirit nodded. “The labyrinth is self-sustaining, drawing magic from the land. I only maintain the barrier that hides it from the demons above. Each floor, each overlord, was designed to slow armies. The crystals grant power, but at a cost. And the safe floors… they were meant to give people a life worth living, so they wouldn’t forget.”

Renji clenched his fists. “And the real reason? You didn’t build this just for survival.”

The Spirit’s smile faded. “You’re right. The labyrinth is a crucible—to forge warriors strong enough to reclaim the surface. My magic cannot sustain this place forever. Perhaps two centuries more. When it fails, someone must be ready.”

Alina’s voice wavered. “And how would you even know if they’re ready?”

“Conquer Floor Seventy,” the Spirit replied simply.

“Floor Seventy?!” Alina shot up in disbelief.

“Yes. Push the horde back that far, and you might hold the surface again. From there… perhaps a counteroffensive.”

Alina shook her head. “No one’s ever gone beyond Floor Sixty-Five. That’s suicide.”

Focus, Renji. Don’t get dragged into this. He pulled the conversation back. “Thank you for the history lesson. But I came here for one thing. Is there a way home?”

Alina felt a dull ache in her chest at his words. Why does that hurt?

The Spirit regarded him for a long moment. “There are two possibilities—the Verdant Orb and the Branch of Paths. Either, containing a portion of the World Tree’s power, might return you. In theory.”

Renji exhaled. “So… you never tried.”

The Spirit’s glow dimmed. “I wanted to. I had a wife… and a daughter.” His voice trembled. “But I found no way back. So I resigned myself to this fate. If I couldn’t return, at least I could give my life here meaning.”

Renji’s chest tightened. “So where are these artifacts?”

Neria cut in. “The Orb was stolen by a traitor twenty years ago.”

“The Branch of Paths lies on Floor Seventy,” Elith added.

“Do you know who stole the Orb?” Alina asked quickly.

“Vaerina, the dark elf mage,” Elith said darkly.

Renji and Alina traded a look.

“You’ve met her?” Elith asked.

Alina nodded. “I think I’ve seen it—the Verdant Orb. She used it when…” Her voice dropped. “When Renji was summoned.”

She explained how Renji wasn’t the intended target, but was caught up in the summoning with Jin Kuromori.

The Spirit nodded. “That explains your lack of magic reserves and language gift. Summoned heroes are granted both. Like I was.”

Renji ignored the talk of Floor Seventy. “Back to the Orb. Vaerina works with the Duke of Floor Twenty. How do we get it back?”

“You’ll simply have to fight her and win,” the Spirit said playfully.

“Fight a mage? You’re kidding.”

“No. That’s why you’re here—to learn to use the power I gave you.”

Renji narrowed his eyes. “And what exactly is that power?”

“Ah, that!” The Spirit pointed upward with a grin. “It is the power of a summoned heroic spirit. Similar to the gift I received when I was called here.”

“Why give it to me?”

“Because I need help. Contrary to what some believe, I am no god. I was human once. I cannot intervene directly. I don’t have the strength.”

“Why not give it to someone from this world?”

“Wouldn’t work. This power is only compatible with people from our world. If I tried to give it to her—” His gaze lingered too long on Alina. “Well… she’d likely explode.”

“Of course she would…” Renji muttered dryly.

“So, what help do you want from me?”

“Come now, Renji, don’t be so sour. Helping me isn’t a condition of your power—just a hope. I need a leader, someone to lead the charge to Floor Seventy. But that’s your choice. For now, you can use it to defeat Vaerina.”

Renji sighed. Nothing is ever easy. This world keeps dragging me deeper.