> "Power seeks the brave. But the Codex? It listens to the quiet madness hidden in the brave." — Eon-Archivist of the Seventh Circuit
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[Location: Outer Reach – Threshold to the Labyrinth of Hollow Tones]
Twelve minutes.
That's how long the coordinates remained visible in the Codex Network. In those minutes, hundreds—no, thousands—of contenders were already en route. The Labyrinth was a living anomaly, whispered about only in corrupted scrolls and erased system records.
Aric hovered over the convergence point, riding the celestial glider crafted by Clone #4, Runeweaver Kez. His interface updated in real-time:
> Fragment 6: Verified Territory Access Bonus: Active Required Clearance: S+ or Faction-Bound
Behind him, a fleet of summoned guardians waited—his elite units.
Clone Strategos Vynn, still processing tactical data, approached. "Scout projections estimate over 340 high-tier units from thirty-seven factions inbound. Codex Surge will collapse the Labyrinth's exits in 2 hours."
Aric nodded. "Then we don't just enter. We anchor the entry."
> System Upgrade Detected: Spatial Lock Sigil Function: Temporarily restrict entry to faction-approved entities Authority Requirement: Minimum 'City' Class Establishment + A-Rank Talent or higher
With Nexus Core amplification, Aric activated the sigil—just as the first enemy squad warped in.
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[Inside the Labyrinth – Hall of Misaligned Echoes]
The inside of the Labyrinth did not obey physics. Or logic. Staircases led upward and then vanished. Doors opened to forgotten wars. Echoes whispered names no one remembered ever being theirs.
> Event Status: Codex Fragment Stabilization Phase 1 – 00:12:14 Remaining
Kaelis, walking beside Aric, frowned. "The Labyrinth feels like a soul made of broken reflections."
"Or a test made by something watching from beyond," Aric said.
They encountered a shrine. Its surface rippled with phrases from dead languages. One began to glow:
> "One who sees through silence… may grasp the sixth truth."
Aric placed his palm on it.
> Unique Trait Unlocked: Silent Comprehension – Deciphers Codex-level riddles and illusions.
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[Other Entrants – The Race Begins]
Zephyrion of the Floating Empire – EX-rank Talent
Riding on a cloud serpent, Zephyrion sneered as the Labyrinth shifted to allow him entrance. "Time to collect what's mine."
The Crimson Guild (20 Elite Members, including 3 SS-rank holders)
Leader: Virellia, The Crimson Flame. "The first to bleed will not be us."
The Phantom Covenant – Shadowbound Alliance of Assassins
Already inside. Unseen. Waiting.
> Codex Fragment 6 Entry Count: 281 Confirmed Total Survivable Capacity: Unknown Last Recorded Message by Internal Echo: "It watches those who rush."
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[Back with Aric – Chamber of Riddleglass]
A wall of shifting mirrors loomed. Each one showed a version of himself—but older, darker, monstrous… or broken.
> Puzzle Detected: Choose the True Self Reward: Codex Fragment Ownership + Hidden System Expansion
Aric stared at them, and whispered. "I am the one who builds. Not the one who breaks."
He stepped through the reflection that held no eyes—just a horizon of endless possibility.
> Puzzle Cleared. Codex Fragment 6: Claimed. World Builder Title: Upgraded to 'Reality Shaper – Tier C' Personal Territory Upgrade: Auto-Level to City-Class. Clone Cap Increased. Summon Slots +3
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[Outside – The Black Veil Reacts]
Xevra snapped her gauntlet.
> "He wasn't supposed to win it so quickly."
Oracle Nine's eyes glowed. "He found the true door. He's reading the Codex. That means… he's becoming compatible with the final fragment."
> Warning Added to Black Veil Codex: Threat Level 'Irregular Omega' confirmed.
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[End of Chapter 19]