Labyrinth of Wonders

In a dimly lit room, a young man sat at a desk, his hands pressed against his head. His brown hair was unkempt, and his clothes were hung loosely on his shoulders.

"What am I going to do now?"

His eyes lingered on the letter in front of him, the bold text of the administrative office standing out like a death sentence. His heart raced as he read the contents.

[Nova, you only have two months before the deadline, please don't forget to pay your tax.]

A wave of panic washed over him, but it was swiftly overshadowed by an overwhelming feeling of powerlessness. His mind raced with various thoughts, but none offered a way forward. Only the deadline was all over his mind, and that he might not be able to make it.

Nova dug his nails into his thighs, gritting his teeth, while clutching the letter in his hand. "Why are you reminding me of this now?"

Frustration boiled over. He slammed his fist on the table, the sharp crack of his knuckles breaking the silence. The lamp on the desk tipped over and crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces. Nova didn't even notice. His hands were shaking too much to care about the mess.

The room, already a chaotic blend of disheveled pillows and spider-webbed windows, now felt even more suffocating. He stood up abruptly, eyes wild, staring at the door. "Can I run away?"

He hesitated, but thinking about the consequences, he collapsed back in the chair.

"I have to do something," he whispered, almost to himself. "Before the deadline, or else I'll die."

In the Arkon Kingdom, every adult citizen must pay a tax amount of 100,000 rubies and they also have to pay every year. Those who fail to pay will be sentenced to death.

One may think that the punishment was very cruel, but nobody dares to resist or raise their voice against this, because this was the rule set by the rulers of the kingdom —Royalties.

Escaping or migrating to other places was also impossible, there is no safe land outside the Kingdom. The entire world was ruled by monsters and an ordinary person cannot live past a day.

Nova, being an orphan, did not have anyone's support. His salary was just enough for him to barely live a life, without worrying about food or clothing.

In this situation, how could he pay the tax money?

Nova walked around the room, his hands tightly gripping his thighs, as though trying to steady himself.

'What should I do?'

His mind frantically searched for a solution. Could he make enough money with an additional job? Could he beg someone for help? Maybe... maybe he could find a way to survive this, but the options were scarce.

His footsteps slowed. 'Do I have to become an explorer?'

The thought terrified him. He'd heard the stories—explorers who entered the labyrinth, never to return. It was a dangerous life, one where survival was never guaranteed. But if he stayed in the kingdom and didn't pay the tax... death would come just the same.

Nova closed his eyes, breathing heavily. But it was his only chance to escape from the knife hanging above his head.

His savings, a meager twenty thousand rubies, wouldn't even cover half of what he had to pay. Borrowing money wouldn't work; the interest alone would crush him. No, there was only one option left—becoming an explorer.

"There's no need to panic, it'll only worsen the situation."

Nova calmed himself down and left his messy room in a hurry towards the Holy Church.

—

Nova soon arrived at the prayer hall of the Holy Church. The cool marble floors shimmered faintly under the light of a massive white crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling. The faint glow from several candles illuminated the statue of the Holy Lord, casting soft shadows along the walls.

Only an old woman in priestess robes, who knelt before the statue in prayer, occupied the hall. Nova paused for a moment, taking in the serenity of the space.

He closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing thoughts. The sacred aura of the church, combined with its peaceful atmosphere, helped slow his racing mind. Still, his heart ached with worry, and his mind spun.

It didn't take long before the priestess finished her prayer. She rose slowly, her soft, weathered face turning toward Nova. Her warm eyes studied him with concern.

"What's wrong, Nova? You're not usually in such a hurry to meet me at the prayer hall."

Nova exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his words. "It's an urgent situation, priestess. I had no choice but to come. Forgive me for disturbing you."

The priestess smiled gently. "There's no need to apologize. What's troubling you?"

Nova swallowed and began explaining the letter, his voice thick with frustration. As he spoke, the priestess's expression grew more serious.

"So, you've received a letter from the administrative office," she said softly, her eyes darkening with concern. "That means the deadline is near." She paused, considering the implications. "Do you really have to become an explorer?"

Nova lowered his gaze. "I don't see any other option," he admitted. "I came here to inform you."

The priestess studied him for a long moment, her gaze kind but firm. "I could recommend a position within the church... We have a few open spots. Although I'm old, my voice still carries weight here."

Nova shook his head. "I appreciate your kindness, but that would only be a temporary solution. I need something permanent—something that ensures I won't be back in this same situation next year."

The priestess sighed, her face lined with regret. "You're right, of course. But the life of an explorer..." Her voice trailed off. "It's dangerous. It's not a path to take lightly."

"I understand, it's something I have to do at one point in my life," Nova said, bowing his head in respect. "Thank you for your kindness. I won't forget it."

The priestess placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but filled with a quiet power. "Be safe, Nova. And never trust anyone in the labyrinth, no matter the situation. It's not a place for trusting souls."

Nova nodded and left the hall heavy hearted.

---

As Nova stepped outside, his mind was filled with a storm of thoughts. But before he could make it far, a voice called out to him.

"Nova, are you really going to become an explorer?"

He turned to see Ryan approaching, his face drawn with concern.

Ryan was one of the few people who truly understood Nova. They had grown up together in the orphanage run by the Holy Church. Both of them had been abandoned at birth, and that bond had created a friendship that had lasted through the years.

"Yeah," Nova replied, forcing a smile. "How's everything with you?"

Ryan frowned, looking at Nova with worry. "Did you get a letter from the administrative office?"

Nova didn't answer immediately. His silence said enough.

Ryan sighed heavily. "I thought as much. Nova, why don't you join our team? Me, Mark, Larry, and Ken—we've all decided to team up. You can join us."

Nova hesitated. 'They were younger than me. They still have time and can take things slowly, but I don't have that luxury'

"I can't, Ryan," Nova said, smiling weakly. "You know my situation. I can't take that risk right now." His voice faltered. "Maybe next time."

Ryan didn't push. He knew better. The two of them had always been like this—mutually understanding their situation. He nodded. "I get it. But you don't have to do this alone, okay? You can come and visit us, we're here for you."

Having a friend backing him up made Nova smile gratefully. After a small talk with Ryan, Nova left church and buy necessary supplies for exploration.