Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss

Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Maze of Wonders-test of knowledge

As Seojun and Sui explored the Chamber of the Golden Guardian, an unexpected rumble shook the ground.

Far above, other participants of the entrance exam were caught in the tremor as the earth began to give way beneath them too. Each one fell, but unlike Seojun, they were scattered across different locations in the underground maze.

Participant #118 landed hard in a narrow tunnel. The ground was rough, and the air felt damp and cold. He groaned, rubbing his head as he sat up.

A notification appeared before him:

Location: The Dark Tunnel

Participants Remaining: 455 out of 800

"What the... 345 already gone?" he whispered, his voice echoing down the tunnel.

"I can't be next. I need to find a way out." He got to his feet, gripping his sword tightly, and began moving forward, staying alert for any danger.

Participant #237: The Crystal Cavern

#237 found herself in a shimmering cavern filled with glowing crystals of all colors. She was mesmerized by the beauty around her, the light from the crystals dancing on the walls.

Location: The Crystal Cavern

Participants Remaining: 455 out of 800

Participant #602 and #15: The Molten Chamber

#602 and #15 dropped onto a rocky ledge above a pool of molten lava. The heat was intense, and the glow from the lava bathed the chamber in an orange-red light.

A notification flickered before their eyes:

Location: The Molten Chamber

Participants Remaining: 455 out of 800

"Damn! That many people are already out?" he exclaimed, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Lower your voice, Andrew. " She spoke as she observe their sorrounding and began climbing along the ledge, hoping to find a safer path away from the burning heat.

"Hehee Roger that! Ma'am Lila!"

"I said shut up..."

In the Center sanctuary judges sat in front of a massive screen. The screen showed hundreds of faces with numbers above them, each representing a participant in the entrance exam. One by one, many faces were crossed out with red lines as the numbers of eliminated participants rose sharply.

The judges exchanged looks, shaking their heads as more participants disappeared from the screen.

"This batch has taken quite a hit," one judge murmured, leaning back in his chair.

"Indeed," another judge replied. "It seems the underground labyrinth is claiming more than expected."

Sir Thomas, a stern-looking judge with silver hair and a scar on his cheek, watched the screen with a frown.

"They're dropping like flies," he said, his voice filled with disappointment. "We're down to 455 now. Over 300 crossed out in just a few days."

The screen shifted, now displaying different participants as they struggled in various parts of the underground labyrinth. Some were fighting against monstrous creatures, while others were trying to escape from dangerous traps.

Sir Thomas stood up and faced the other judges. "It's time for the next test," he announced, his voice echoing in the room.

"In this part, their courage and problem-solving skills will be put to the test. The labyrinth will not only challenge their strength but also their ability to think quickly and make smart decisions."

The other judges nodded in agreement, and the screen changed again, showing the participants scattered throughout the labyrinth.

Watching the Participants

The judges observed each participant closely. Some were performing well, adapting to the challenges in their unique areas, while others struggled to keep up.

Participant #118 was seen running through the dark tunnel, his sword held tightly in his hand as strange creatures chased him. He was panting heavily, his eyes wide with fear, but he didn't slow down.

"He's pushing his limits," a judge commented. "But how long can he last?"

The screen then showed Participant #237 in the Crystal Cavern. She was carefully navigating through a maze of glowing crystals, using their light to avoid stepping into deep cracks in the ground. Her movements were cautious yet determined.

"She's using her surroundings to her advantage," another judge noted. "Good. She might make it through."

Meanwhile, #599 was seen crawling out of the Bone Pit, covered in dirt and sweat. His eyes were filled with exhaustion, but he kept moving forward, determined not to be among those who were crossed out.

"He's barely hanging on," Sir Thomas observed. "If he doesn't find a way to rest soon, he won't last much longer."

Participant #304 was shown in the Whispering Grove, looking uneasy as the voices around her grew louder. She gripped her dagger tightly, swinging it at shadows that seemed to move toward her. Her breaths came out in quick, panicked gasps.

"Fear is starting to get to her," a judge said. "Let's see if she can overcome it."

Lastly, Participant #602 and #15 was balancing on a narrow ledge in the Molten Chamber, the heat from the lava making them sweat buckets. They took one step at a time, their body tense as they fought to stay calm.

"She's brave, just like her sister" Sir Thomas said. "But bravery alone won't help her if she doesn't think carefully about each move."

Sir Thomas turned back to the screen, his eyes narrowing as he watched the faces of the remaining participants.

Sir Gideon sat quietly, his gaze fixed on Participant #601 Seojun, who had found himself in a place known as the Maze of Wonders. The maze was a confusing network of twisting paths, with walls made of colorful stones that glowed faintly. At the center of a narrow passage, a strange formation had appeared—a line of large rocks with words carved into their surfaces.

The rocks formed a bridge across a deep pit, but there was a catch. Each rock had a word written on it, and to cross safely, #601 would need to answer a question by stepping on the right rocks in the correct order. If he made a mistake, the rocks would crumble, and he would fall.

A booming voice echoed through the maze, reading the question aloud:

"What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?"

The rocks in front of him had words like

"Man,"

"Animal,"

"Child,"

"Night," and "Sun" carved into them,

He stared at the rocks.