Read Eternal Labyrinth :: Room 1 {Yes, He appears.}

Lee Joon-ho, the charismatic and daring leader, sat at the head of a large table, his wild eyes glinting with mischief. His team, comprised of some of the most talented individuals in the Eternal Labyrinth, gathered around him.

"Alright, everyone," Lee Joon-ho began, leaning back in his chair with a cocky grin. "Let's talk about Floor 4. We don't know what's in store for us, but we can assume it's going to be tougher than anything we've faced so far."

Asako Nishimura, a Japanese beauty with long, flowing black hair, nodded in agreement. "I've heard rumors that it's going to be even more troublesome. So be prepared."

Joon-ho smirked. "Prepared? That's for the weak. We thrive on risk, remember?"

Takahiro Fujiwara, another Japanese team member, chuckled. "I knew you'd say that, Joon-ho. But seriously, we should at least gather some intel. The last thing we want is to be caught off guard."

Lee Mei, a fierce Chinese woman with a reputation for her combat skills, sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it, Fujiwara's right. We need to know what we're up against."

Lee Joon-ho rolled his eyes dramatically. "Fine, fine. We'll do some recon. But first, let's talk about those disgusting acts of our so-called opponents. Can you believe what they tried to pull last time?"

Zhang Wei, a reserved yet deadly Chinese fighter, spoke up. "The way they sabotaged our food supplies was despicable. It’s a good thing we caught them in time."

Lee Joon-ho leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Sabotage is the least of our worries. They tried to undermine our unity, and spread false rumors about us. Cowards. They don't have the guts to face us head-on."

Katsumi Tanaka, the third Japanese member of the team, nodded. "They fear us, Joon-ho. That's why they resort to such underhanded tactics."

Yoon Seok-jin, the Korean genius with a knack for strategy, added, "Their fear is justified. We are the strongest."

Lee Joon-ho smirked, his wild nature shining through. "Let them try. It’ll only make our victory sweeter."

After some chitchat, Asako, who had been harboring feelings for Joon-ho, mustered up the courage to speak. "Joon-ho, I... I've been meaning to tell you something."

She knows that it is the wrong time to speak but..she just can't see him with other girls, flirting so naturally.

Lee Joon-ho raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. "Oh? What is it, Asako? Don't tell me you're in love with me."

Asako blushed but nodded, her eyes filled with sincerity. "Yes, Joon-ho. I am."

The room fell silent, all eyes on Lee Joon-ho.

He chuckled, the sound both teasing and harsh. "Asako, you're a great fighter and a valuable member of our team. But my type is different. I like boys who are beautiful but not weak."

Asako's face fell, and she looked away, embarrassed. Lee Joon-ho reached out, lifting her chin gently. "Don't take it personally, Asako. You're strong and capable. But my heart... well, it's set on something else."

Lee Mei, trying to lighten the mood, laughed. "So, you have a type, Joon-ho? Care to elaborate?"

Lee Joon-ho leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "Beautiful boys, Mei. Strong, but with a certain... elegance. Not easy to find, you know."

Takahiro smirked. "Good luck with that, Joon-ho. You're setting your standards pretty high."

Joon-ho shrugged. "Why settle for anything less?"

Yoon Seok-jin, always the voice of reason, chimed in. "Let's get back to the topic at hand. We need to strategize for Floor 4."

Katsumi added, "And we need to keep an eye on our enemies. They've shown they're willing to play dirty. We can’t let our guard down."

Later that evening, as the team was winding down, Joon-ho found himself alone on the rooftop, gazing at the endless expanse of the labyrinth. The stars above seemed to mirror the complexity of their situation.

"Beautiful, but dangerous," he murmured to himself.

----

Room 20,000 was buzzing with excitement. The air was filled with laughter and the sound of playful bickering as the team gathered around a makeshift table in the common area. Tonight was a special night: the newly rested and recovered Liu Minji, Xiao Tianyu’s mother, had officially joined their team. To celebrate, they decided to play a game of truth and dare.

"Alright, everyone!" Li Yun clapped his hands, a grin spreading across his face. "Truth and dare, let’s get started!"

Alex rubbed his hands together. "Who’s first? I bet I can dare anyone to do something they can’t handle!"

Si Xing rolled his eyes, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Oh please, Alex. I’ll dare you right back. Let's see who breaks first."

Kim Jae-In, looking a bit apprehensive, raised his hand. "I’ll go first. I choose truth."

Li Yun picked up a piece of paper from a bowl filled with questions and dares. He read it out loud, barely holding back his laughter. "Kim Jae-In, if you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?"

Kim Jae-In blinked, then scratched his head thoughtfully. "I guess... a sloth. Because I like taking things slow and steady."

Alex burst out laughing. "A sloth? Seriously? You’re the least sloth-like person here!"

Hearing this, Kim Jae-In shrugged, a sheepish smile on his face. "Hey, slow and steady wins the race, right?"

Next up was Kim Woojin. He glanced around the room before speaking. "I’ll choose truth as well."

Ayesha immediately grabbed a question and read it. "Kim Woojin, do you think pineapple belongs on pizza?"

Others:...Is that a question?

Kim Woojin made a face. "Absolutely not! Pineapple on pizza is a crime against humanity."

Ayesha gasped, feigning shock. "How dare you! Pineapple on pizza is a culinary masterpiece!"

The two of them started a playful debate, with everyone else throwing in their opinions and laughing at their exaggerated reactions.

Lin Xueyin tried to go next. "I’ll choose truth—"

But the team interrupted him, shouting in unison, "Dare! Dare! Dare!"

Lin Xueyin sighed, knowing he couldn’t win. "Fine, dare it is."

Su Mingji grinned wickedly. "You have to cook dinner for all of us tonight."

Lin Xueyin accepted the challenge, rolling up his sleeves. "You’ll regret this. My cooking will make you beg for more. While Lin Xueyin got to work in the kitchen, Xie Zhili stepped up. "I’ll go with dare."

Alex smirked, rubbing his hands together. "Alright, Xie Zhili. I dare you to change Xiao Tianyu’s diaper."

Xie Zhili’s eyes widened, but he accepted the dare with a determined nod. "Fine, I’ll do it. But remember this moment, Alex."

As Xie Zhili headed to take care of the diaper, Alex confidently took his turn. "Dare, of course."

Xie Zhili returned just in time to smirk at Alex. "I dare you to sing a lullaby to Xiao Tianyu while hopping on one foot."

Alex groaned but got up, starting to hop and sing a terribly off-key rendition of a lullaby, much to everyone’s amusement. Xiao Tianyu, surprisingly, seemed to enjoy the performance, giggling happily.

Si Xing took his turn next, opting for truth. "Alright, hit me with your best shot."

Lisa giggled and read the question. "Si Xing, if you had to marry one person in this room, who would it be and why?"

Si Xing blushed, looking around at his friends. "Uh, well, if I had to choose... I’d say Alex. Because at least it would be entertaining."

Everyone burst into laughter, including Alex, who playfully punched Si Xing on the arm. "You wish!"

Su Mingji was up next. "Truth for me."

Lin Xueyin, having finished cooking, read the question with a smirk. "Su Mingji, have you ever had a crush on someone in this room?"

Su Mingji chuckled, "No one's my type."

Ayesha was next. "Truth for me too."

Kim Woojin read her question. "Ayesha, if you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?"

Ayesha thought for a moment before replying. "I’d want to be able to be invisible. So that I can spy in places easily."

Arial stepped up next. "Dare."

Si Xing grinned mischievously. "I dare you to wear your clothes backward for the rest of the game."

Arial laughed and immediately complied, went to her room, and returned turning her shirt and pants around. "How do I look?"

Everyone burst into laughter, clapping and cheering for her willingness to look silly.

Lisa took her turn next, choosing truth. "Go easy on me, guys."

Ayesha picked the question. "Lisa, what’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?"

Lisa blushed, hiding her face behind her hands. "Oh no, do I really have to answer that? Okay, fine. Once, I accidentally called my teacher ‘Mom’ in front of the whole class."

The room erupted in laughter, Lisa joining in despite her embarrassment.

Finally, it was Li Yun’s turn. He chose truth. "Alright, hit me with your best question."

Alex read the question, a sly grin on his face. "Li Yun, what’s your type? Describe your perfect partner."

Li Yun thought for a moment, his expression serious. "My perfect partner is someone who can make a place in my heart, someone who understands me and stands by me through thick and thin. I’m waiting for that special person."

The room fell silent for a moment, touched by his heartfelt answer, before erupting in applause and cheers.

After a while, Lin Xueyin announced that dinner was ready. The aroma of the delicious food filled the room, and everyone eagerly gathered around the table.

"Wow, Lin Xueyin, this smells amazing!" Su Mingji exclaimed, taking a deep breath.

Lin Xueyin grinned. "I told you, you’d regret daring me to cook. Now, dig in!"

As they enjoyed the meal, the conversation flowed freely. They teased each other about their truths and dares, sharing stories and laughter.

They continued to banter, the room filled with warmth and laughter. Even Liu Minji, who had been quietly observing, joined in the fun.

"You guys are something else," she said with a smile. "I’m glad to be part of this team."

Li Yun raised his glass. "To Liu Minji, and to all of us. May we continue to face the challenges ahead with courage."

Everyone raised their glasses, echoing the sentiment. "To us!"

"Why is light so bright? Oh it's my face~"

Si Xing-Eyes grey.

Loves music, Is a small detective.