Chapter 22 : Just tell us the truth - Part 2

The atmosphere was thick with tension, the glow of the magical herbs barely illuminating the mistrust in the party’s eyes. Josh’s glare burned into Lancy, and Nancy crossed her arms tightly, her jaw set in frustration.

“This isn’t working,” Josh muttered, his voice low but sharp. “We can’t keep going like this if you’re going to keep secrets, Lancy.”

Nancy nodded. “We trusted you. We’re risking our lives in this dungeon, and you’re hiding something that could get us all killed.”

Lancy exhaled slowly, her hands gripping her swords. “You think I’m hiding something because I want to? You think this is easy for me?”

“Then tell us!” Josh snapped. “What level are you? What are you? Why are you even here?”

Lancy’s jaw tightened. For a moment, it looked as though she might lash out, but then she relaxed, her expression cold and distant. “If you’re so unhappy with me, then leave. Go on. Try making it through this dungeon without me.”

Josh flinched, the anger in his eyes faltering. Nancy hesitated as well, her stance shifting uncertainly.

“Fine,” Josh muttered after a long silence. “Maybe we will.”

Nancy didn’t speak, but the way she glanced between Josh and Lancy made it clear she wasn’t sure she wanted to take that step.

Miles, who had been quiet up until now, realized the team was seconds away from falling apart. He didn’t know everything about Lancy or her past, but he couldn’t afford to let the group disband, not when they were deep in a dangerous dungeon.

He clenched his fists and mentally called for a roll.

“Roll for Diplomacy.”

The dice appeared in his mind’s eye, tumbling across the virtual plane. It landed on a high number, and the system chimed:

“Success: Your diplomatic efforts will be effective.”

Miles cleared his throat, stepping forward to draw attention to himself.

“Look,” he began, his voice steady but firm. “I get that there’s tension right now. And yeah, maybe Lancy isn’t telling us everything. But think about where we are. This is the Labyrinth of Shadows. We’ve already been ambushed by spiders stronger than any of us expected. Do you really think splitting up is a good idea?”

Josh scowled but didn’t respond. Nancy looked down at her feet, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Miles pressed on. “We’re in this together, whether we like it or not. If we can’t trust each other right now, then let’s at least agree to work together long enough to get out of here alive.”

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He glanced at Lancy, who was watching him with a guarded expression. “And that includes you, Lancy. If you want this party to work, you’ve got to meet us halfway. Even if you can’t tell us everything, show us that we can trust you through your actions.”

There was a long pause, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.

Josh sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. You’ve got a point. I don’t want to die in here, and I’m not stupid enough to think I can handle this place alone.”

Nancy nodded reluctantly. “I’ll stay. But I’m keeping my guard up.”

Lancy’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though her expression remained unreadable. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “But don’t think for a second that I owe you my life story. You want to know who I am? Watch what I do.”

Miles nodded, grateful the situation hadn’t devolved into chaos. “That’s all I’m asking. Let’s just focus on surviving this dungeon for now. We can figure the rest out later.”

The group fell silent, the tension still lingering but no longer on the verge of exploding. Josh and Nancy moved to examine the Strong Spider String, their curiosity momentarily distracting them from their frustrations.

Miles felt a wave of relief wash over him. The truce was fragile, but it was enough to keep them moving forward.

After a brief rest, the group regrouped and prepared to continue deeper into the labyrinth. The magical herbs in the clearing had been collected and stored by Nancy, who noted their potential use in crafting potions and antidotes.

Lancy led the way, her twin swords at the ready. Josh walked beside Nancy, still throwing occasional glances at Lancy but keeping his thoughts to himself. Miles stayed near the back, his thoughts racing.

Lancy’s strong—stronger than she’s letting on. But why is she hiding it? What’s her real goal here?

The group entered a narrow corridor lined with glowing glyphs. The oppressive darkness of the labyrinth seemed to close in around them, the air growing colder with every step.

“Stay alert,” Lancy said, her voice low but commanding. “We don’t know what’s waiting for us up ahead.”

Miles tightened his grip on his dagger, silently praying that they wouldn’t encounter anything worse than the spiders.

For now, they were a team again. But Miles couldn’t shake the feeling that the dungeon wasn’t the only challenge they’d face before this was over.

The corridor ahead was narrow and dark, lit only by faint glyphs glowing with a pale, unsettling light. Lancy’s voice broke the silence, firm and urgent.

“There’s a trap ahead,” she warned, raising a hand to stop the group. “Be careful where you step.”

Josh scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Another one of your secrets, Lancy? Or are you just making things up to look important?”

Nancy frowned but didn’t stop walking. “We can’t keep second-guessing every step, or we’ll be here forever. Let’s just keep moving.”

Miles hesitated. His gut told him to trust Lancy, even if the others were skeptical. He slowed his pace and fell in line behind her, avoiding the path Josh and Nancy took.

“Lancy knows what she’s talking about,” Miles said cautiously. “We should listen to her.”

Josh waved him off. “We’ll be fine. You’re just too scared to take a risk.”

Nancy nodded in agreement. “Let’s just—”

Her words were cut off by a loud click followed by a deep rumble. The floor beneath Josh and Nancy gave way, and they both cried out as they plummeted into a dark pit.

Miles stared in shock, his heart racing. “Josh! Nancy!”

Lancy cursed under her breath and sprinted to the edge of the pit. The glow of her twin swords illuminated a writhing mass of spiders, their legs clicking and skittering as they swarmed around the trapped party members.