Mahō no Dai-Konran: Yumi no Bōken

After defeating the jelly monster and following the magical blob of light, the group finally found something that could be the key to escaping the parallel dimension. The floating bubble took them to a gigantic enchanted labyrinth which, according to the drawings on the walls, contained a powerful magical artifact capable of reversing any spell.

As the group advanced along the path that the bubble of magical light illuminated, Yumi stared in fascination at the sparkling glow of the floating sphere.

— This bubble is so cute! — Yumi sighed. — Can she take us to the exit of this strange world?

Kenji, who was still a little suspicious of the bubble, replied:

— Well, as long as she doesn't turn into another jelly monster, that's fine with me.

Suddenly, the bubble stopped in front of a huge stone door covered in ancient runes. Upon lightly touching the surface of the portal, the bubble began to break apart into tiny points of light that rose into the sky like shooting stars.

— Hey, she's disappearing! — Yumi exclaimed, waving her hands in an attempt to "catch" the remaining sparkles.

— It looks like her work is done here — said Sakura, crossing her arms, analyzing the disappearance of the bubble. — She brought us to the maze. Now, we are on our own.

As soon as the last spark of light disappeared, the stone door slowly began to open, revealing the interior of the Labyrinth of Illusions. The heavy and mysterious air escaped from the entrance, making the group nervous and curious at the same time.

Sakura, the illusion expert, was more cautious. She knew that magical mazes were notoriously treacherous. Using her enchanted fan, she blew a light breeze around, trying to sense the magical energies around her.

— Don't underestimate this place. — Sakura said, seriously. — This maze can create illusions so real that you could end up trapped forever without knowing what is true and what is false.

The group entered the maze carefully, with Sakura in the lead. The walls of the labyrinth were high, made of stone covered in shiny moss. As they advanced, a mysterious mist began to rise from the ground, and the surrounding environment seemed to change.

Suddenly, they heard familiar voices. Voices that called them by name.

— Yumi! Yumi, come here! — a sweet and soft voice echoed.

Yumi stopped walking and looked around, confused. — Is that... is that my mother's voice? — he murmured, almost in a trance.

Kenji frowned and shook Yumi by the shoulder. — Yumi, this is an illusion! Stay focused! Yumi blinked a few times and shook her head, returning to reality. — Oh, right! Of course, of course. Illusions... — he said, laughing nervously.

Sakura continued walking ahead, with her fan in hand, cutting through the fog and illusions that appeared. They passed through several tempting sights: Yumi saw a table filled with magical sweets (which almost made her stop), Kenji saw an infinite magical library, and Ryo came across a field of flowers, his weakness.

— This is ridiculous! — Kenji complained, kicking a rock. — These illusions are so real that it is impossible not to be distracted.

Sakura looked back. — That's why you have me. Do not let these illusions deceive you. Take a deep breath and follow me.

Suddenly, they arrived at a circular room within the maze. In the center, there was a floating mirror, emitting a silvery light. Sakura stood in front of the mirror, observing it warily.

— That's a magic mirror, — Sakura said, frowning. — It shows you what you desire most... but if you touch it, you may be lost in the illusion forever.

Yumi, obviously fascinated by the shiny object, took a step forward. — Maybe we can see the right path in the mirror? Kenji grabbed Yumi by the shoulder before she could get too close. — I doubt it will be that easy. These mazes are designed to confuse, not help.

Sakura walked up to the mirror and, with a deft movement of her fan, sent a gust of magical wind at it. The mirror began to shine brightly, revealing various confusing images, until it finally showed an illuminated path between the illusions.

- And that! This is the way! — Sakura said, confidently.

They followed the direction shown by the mirror, advancing even deeper into the maze. But the maze didn't give up so easily.

As they advanced, the illusions became more elaborate. Kenji suddenly saw a version of himself in shining armor and a golden cloak, looking like a legendary hero.

— Is that… me? —he murmured, observing the figure reflected in a magical wall. The illusionary version of Kenji smiled at him. — Come on, Kenji! You were born to be a great hero. Leave this group and follow the path to glory!

Kenji almost took a step forward, seduced by the sight, but Sakura intervened.

— Kenji, this is an illusion! —she shouted, waving her fan and making the illusion disappear. Kenji blinked, coming back to reality. — This place is trying to play with our minds. — he grumbled, irritated.

Ryo, on the other hand, saw a giant version of himself, capable of controlling entire mountains with a simple gesture. He laughed loudly.

— Now I like that! Sakura had to dispel the illusion with another gust of magical wind. — Let's focus. We can't be distracted any longer!

After getting rid of the most tempting illusions, the group finally reached the center of the maze. There, on a stone pedestal, was the artifact they had been searching for: a small golden jewel that shined brightly.

— That's the magical artifact! — Yumi exclaimed, excited. — If we can use it, we can undo the spell and get out of here!

But as soon as Yumi reached out to pick up the jewel, the ground beneath her feet began to shake. The walls of the maze moved, revealing a gigantic creature made of mist and shadows, an embodiment of the illusions they had faced.

— Of course there would be a guardian! — said Kenji.

The creature roared and lunged at them. Yumi, however, was so distracted by watching the glowing jewel that she didn't notice the impending attack. As the creature charged, she hid behind a pile of rocks, her heart racing.

- What is that?! — Yumi shouted, as the fight began. - Help!

— Yumi, get out of there! — shouted Kenji, while dodging the monster's attacks.

But Yumi, hidden, could only see the scene with a terrified look. She wanted to help, but she was so scared she couldn't move.

Sakura, realizing that Yumi was panicking, decided to do something. — Yumi, listen! You are a sorceress! Use your powers! Help us! —Shouted Sakura, while trying to distract the creature.

Sakura's words penetrated Yumi's mind. Remembering her magic lessons, she took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline rush through her veins.

Yumi stood up, extending her wand to the creature. With a quick movement, she cast a light spell. The intense light dazzled the creature, making it hesitate.

Summoning all her courage, Yumi channeled her magical energy, and the light increased. The creature screamed and eventually dissipated into a cloud of mist, allowing the group to take the jewel.

With the artifact in hand, the maze began to slowly collapse, the walls falling like cards. Sakura, with her fan still glowing, led the group out before everything fell apart.

Upon leaving the maze, the group breathed a sigh of relief, Sakura's gaze returned to Yumi.

— And you, Yumi. Your bravery is what ended a creature. Yumi, still a little shaken, smiled shyly. — I just did what I needed to be done. But thank you for believing in me.