The elevator plunged into darkness before grinding to an abrupt halt. The deafening screech of metal reverberated through the cramped space, drawing cries from the group as everyone was flung to their knees.

“What was that!?” Sky gasped, clutching her cape tightly. “Furna? Can you give us some light?”

“…Furna?”

The elevator jolted, then shuddered back into motion, its descent slower this time.

At the next stop, the doors hissed open. Rows of torches flared to life, unmasking the next room. Unlike the previous ones, this room was noticeably smaller, with thick rock walls. At the far end, an imposing iron-banded door stood wide open, as if beckoning them in.

Terrain’s expression tightened. He ran his hands along the cold walls of the elevator, eyes darting as he spun in place, scanning the dark metal box.

"Where did Furna go?"

Sky strode forward, her footsteps echoing as she crossed to the doorway. She paused at a splintered wooden sign bolted to the rock wall.

"That explains it." She pointed to the words burned into the sign: Infiltration Maze – Proceed in pairs.

"In pairs?" Terrain frowned. "But…Pip’s not even here yet. What’s Furna supposed to do?"

Sky’s gaze dropped to a small heap of white, powdery stones. Without hesitation, she scooped them up, handed one to Terrain, and stuffed the rest in her pocket.

“She’ll have to wait, but I’m sure we’ll meet her at the end of the maze.”

Terrain nodded grimly. He pressed the stone against the nearest maze wall, marking it with a rough ‘1’ followed by an arrow.

“Let’s head this way.”

Sticking close together, they ventured forward into the maze, their shadows flickering behind them.