Maze

When I opened my eyes, I saw a white wolf sitting in front of me. I was startled at first, but then I recognized him. It was the wolf that had accompanied me when I first entered Tartarus. His wounds had healed, and he was twice as big as before.

From his facial expressions, I could tell that he wanted to accompany me once again. I didn't particularly want the company, but I didn't have the heart to shoo him away. So, I simply nodded and continued on my journey, the wolf trailing behind me.

The walls of the maze continued to pass me by, and I quickened my pace. I encountered more earth spirits, but they were no match for me and my spear. I fought them off with ease, clearing my path forward.

After what felt like hours of walking, I saw a goal in front of me. But in front of it was the most annoying creature you could ever wish for - a sphinx. The creature was as large as a house and had the body of a lion and the head of a human. It stared at me with its sharp eyes, its wings flapping restlessly.

I knew what I had to do. The sphinx was known to be a riddle-master, and if I could answer its riddles, it would let me pass. But if I failed, it would kill me on the spot. I gripped my spear tightly, ready for whatever was to come.

I hated riddles, but what could I do. I needed to get out of this maze and this was the only way

As I approached the sphinx, she blocked my path and spoke with a voice that sounded like thunder.

"Answer my riddle and I will let you pass. Fail, and you will be doomed to wander this maze forever. Here it is: I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?"

I wracked my brain, but couldn't come up with an answer. The sphinx's expression turned from one of amusement to one of annoyance.

"You disappoint me," she said. "But perhaps this one will be more to your liking. I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost every person. What am I?"

I thought for a moment and then replied confidently, "The answer to your second riddle is a pencil."

The sphinx seemed impressed and stepped aside to allow me to pass. But before I could move, she spoke again.

"You seek revenge against the gods, but have you considered the consequences of your actions? You could bring chaos and destruction to the world. Are you willing to bear that burden?"

I glared at the sphinx and replied, "I will do what I must to avenge my father's banishment. I will not let anyone stand in my way."

The sphinx nodded solemnly and let me pass through the gate. As I walked through the maze,

I couldn't shake the feeling that the sphinx's words had struck a nerve within me. But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on my goal.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the end of the maze. Before me stood the gateway to the human world. As I approached, I could feel the power emanating from the gate.

As I approached the gateway to the human world, I could feel the power emanating from the gate. But before I could step through it, a mighty roar echoed through the chamber.

I turned to see the three-headed hound of Hades, Cerberus, standing before me. Its eyes glinted in the dim light, and its massive jaws dripped with saliva.

"You shall not pass," Cerberus growled.

I gripped my spear tightly, ready to do battle. But then I remembered a tale my father had once told me about Cerberus.

"Cerberus," I said, "did you know that your brother Orthrus was once tamed by the hero Heracles?"

Cerberus snarled, "And what of it?"

"Well," I said, "if Heracles could tame Orthrus, then surely I can tame you."

Cerberus scoffed, "You are no Heracles."

"But I have something that Heracles did not," I replied. "The blood of the gods runs through my veins."

As I held out my hand and let a drop of my blood fall to the ground, Cerberus sniffed at it and then licked it up. But instead of becoming friendly, Cerberus began to growl and bare its teeth.

"I see you are trying to trick me," Cerberus said. "But I am no fool. You shall not pass."

I realized my mistake too late. Cerberus was no ordinary beast. It was a creature of Hades himself, and I had underestimated its intelligence.

"Very well," I said, "I don't intend to fight you. But can you at least tell me how I can pass?"

Cerberus thought for a moment, and then spoke in riddles:

"I guard the way to the human world,

But knowledge can make me unfurl.

Tell me, mortal, answer true,

What can you not see, but still pursue?"

I racked my brain, but the answer eluded me. I asked Cerberus for another riddle.

"Very well," Cerberus said, "try this one on for size:

"I am light as a feather, yet the strongest man cannot hold me for much more than a minute. What am I?"

I thought for a moment, and then it hit me.

"The answer to your first riddle is destiny," I said. "And the answer to your second riddle is breath."

Cerberus growled in frustration. "You are correct," it said. "You may pass. But beware, mortal. The gods have not forgotten your father's deeds. They will not let you go unpunished."

With those words ringing in my ears, I stepped through the gateway and into the underworld.

Finally, I made it out of Tartarus and into the underworld. I was grateful for a change of scenery, but I knew the dangers of the underworld were not to be underestimated. The kingdom of Hades was vast and full of creatures that were not to be trifled with. My goal was to reach the portals to the human world without being detected by anyone.

I heard the undead talking about Hades arrival in Olympus for a crisis meeting. I was very Lucky. This meant that I had a better chance of making it to the portals without being caught. I snuck around, taking care to avoid the patrolling demons and ghouls. My spear was at the ready, but I tried to keep it hidden as much as possible. The last thing I wanted was to draw attention to myself.

As I made my way through the underworld, I encountered various creatures. Some of them were small and harmless, but others were larger and more dangerous. I had to be careful not to alert them to my presence. I tried to stay in the shadows as much as possible and only moved when it was safe to do so.

At one point, I stumbled upon a group of Furies. They were terrifying creatures, with their snarling faces and razor-sharp claws. I knew I had to be careful not to attract their attention. I moved slowly and quietly, keeping my spear close at hand. As I passed by them, one of the Furies turned its head and caught sight of me. I froze, fearing the worst. But to my surprise, the Fury simply turned away and went back to its business.

I continued on my way, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew that luck wouldn't be on my side forever. Sooner or later, I would be discovered. But I couldn't let that stop me. I had to keep going. I had to reach the portals to the human world.

Eventually, I came to a large chamber. The walls were covered in glowing crystals, and the air was thick with the stench of sulfur. I knew that I was getting close. I could feel the portals calling out to me.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps.