Chapter LXVII

Summary

• The protagonist, in a vast room within a dome, declares his intention to take a test, interacting with a spectral character named Elia Veranius, a traitor condemned to guiding others in these trials.
• It's revealed that the test involves navigating a changing maze, controlled by a bracer in Elia's possession. Elia hands over the bracer to the protagonist, who uses it to manipulate the layout of the labyrinth, made visible by a smaller replica on the ground.
• Within the maze roam entities known as Remnants. Elia demonstrates their rapid, standardised movements within the labyrinth. Unable to intervene, the protagonist watches as Elia is "killed" by the Remnants.
• The protagonist then gets other spectral figures to repeat the test, observing their movements, improving his understanding of the maze, and developing potential ways through it.
• Despite fears and doubts, the protagonist decides to take the test himself. He enters the huge, ominous Labyrinth, effectively locking himself in, and begins navigating.
• In the maze, he finds the body of a schoolmate, Belli, which frightens and disorients him. Nonetheless, he continues, evading Remnants with quick thinking and adaptations on the bracer.
• Finally, he reaches the end of the Labyrinth, narrowly escaping a Remnant by hurtling through the exit just before it reaches him. After removing the bracer and dislodging the last traces of the Labyrinth, he is left in silence.