The calm after the core's stabilization was fleeting. The labyrinth had one last test, and its corridors shifted with renewed intensity, walls bending unnaturally as if the facility itself resented their survival.
Ash adjusted her grip on Ayin's hand. "Stay close. This isn't over yet. The labyrinth won't let us leave without a fight."
Ayin nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "I… I can guide us now. I can feel the safest path."
Haru's gaze swept the corridor ahead. "Then lead the way. But don't let your focus slip. Even a small misstep could trigger another defense wave."
The first of Seraph's automated sentries appeared—sleek, spider-like machines that scuttled across the floor, sensors glowing red.
Ash pressed herself and Ayin against the wall. "Low and slow. We don't give them a target."
Haru crouched beside them, his weapon poised. "I'll take the lead. Ash, cover Ayin. We move in sync."
A spider-sentry lunged forward, metallic legs clicking against the floor. Haru struck with precision, toppling it before it could react. Ash redirected sparks from damaged conduits to shield Ayin as another machine advanced.
Ayin's hands trembled slightly. "I… I can manipulate the core energy… maybe I can disable them from a distance."
Ash pressed a hand to her shoulder. "Be careful. Don't overextend. I trust you, but focus on the path."
Haru's eyes narrowed. "If it works, it could clear our way. But even then… we need speed."
Ayin concentrated, and faint pulses of energy radiated from her, causing the machines to falter and stumble. Sparks arced harmlessly across the corridor as the sentries short-circuited one by one.
"It's working!" Ash whispered, eyes wide. "Keep going, Ayin. You've got this!"
Haru blocked a fallen machine's thrashing arm. "Move! We can't linger!"
The corridor twisted suddenly, walls closing in like the labyrinth itself was trying to crush them. Ash grabbed Ayin, urging her forward. "Step carefully! Don't panic!"
Ayin's voice wavered but resolute. "I… I can do it… just… keep moving!"
Haru's strikes were precise, dismantling any remaining defenses in their path. "Almost there! Just a little further!"
The trio reached a junction that opened into a massive central chamber, the labyrinth's energy pulsating like a living heartbeat. Sparks danced across the walls, and the hum of Seraph's systems echoed around them.
Ash's eyes scanned the area. "This is the last stretch. We move together, no hesitation."
Ayin's hands glowed faintly, her control over the core energy steady. "I can clear the path, but it will drain me if I push too far. Ash… Haru… you'll have to help me finish it."
Ash nodded, determination hardening her features. "We'll carry you if we have to. Together."
Haru's hand brushed Ash's. "Always. We finish this as one."
They advanced, the labyrinth thrumming around them. Machines scuttled from hidden alcoves, energy fields flaring intermittently. Every step was a test of precision and nerve.
A sudden surge of power from the core shot through the chamber, knocking Ash and Ayin to the floor. "Hold on!" Ash shouted, bracing against the force.
Haru caught both of them, guiding them forward. "We're almost out! Don't stop now!"
Ayin's concentration wavered, sweat dampening her hair. "I… I need a moment… just one moment to stabilize!"
Ash pressed a hand to her sister's forehead. "You've got it. Focus. We're right here with you."
Haru struck a final sentry, sending sparks flying across the chamber. "That's the last of them! Move!"
Ayin exhaled, glowing faintly as she used the last of her controlled energy to neutralize the remaining hazards. "It's… done… path is clear…"
Ash helped her to her feet, voice soft but firm. "You did it. We did it. Together."
Haru's hand brushed theirs, a silent vow. "Together, always."
The trio navigated the final stretch, stepping over twisted metal and scorched circuitry. The labyrinth's pulse slowed, the walls returning to a semblance of stillness. They had survived its last trial.
Ash looked at Ayin and Haru, heart pounding, and smiled faintly. "We made it. The labyrinth… it's behind us… for now."
Ayin's eyes sparkled, exhausted but triumphant. "We… we really made it. I can… I can finally feel… free."
Haru's hand brushed Ash's shoulder, grounding her amidst the adrenaline. "We face the world together. Nothing can break us now."