Chapter 183 - 182. Finding Astrid
The labyrinth stretched endlessly before Lutz, a maze crafted by angels, filled with clouds and hidden paths. He knew that if anyone could find a way out, it would be Evergreen, who now possessed Astrid’s body. As a being with the bloodline of angels, she could sense the exit, and Lutz feared she was already trying to escape.
Having researched the labyrinth extensively, Lutz had studied the records left by Evergreen and knew its secrets. He had been the one to open the labyrinth, and he could also sense the path that led to its exit. Without wasting any time, he made his way to a section of the labyrinth filled with thick clouds. After crossing numerous fluffy cloud corridors and dead ends, Lutz finally arrived at a platform of clouds that appeared no different from any other part of the maze.
Lutz activated his prana, channeling it into the cloudy platform. An array hidden within the clouds responded to his power, and the platform transformed into an actual cloud, lifting him into the air. As he ascended, he felt the shift in atmosphere, rising above the labyrinth itself. At the top, the sky was an illusion, bright and endless. It felt like a new area entirely, one separated from the rest of the labyrinth’s confines.
As he landed atop the clouds, he saw the cloudy door that marked the exit of the labyrinth. This door, however, could only be opened by someone with the bloodline of an angel. For Astrid, a half-angel, this restriction wouldn’t pose a problem.
Lutz scanned the area and frowned. "She’s not here. Did she escape already?"
Just as the thought crossed his mind, he noticed a cloud drifting in the distance, and on it lay a golden-haired maiden, peacefully sleeping.
"Astrid," Lutz breathed in relief as he hurried toward her.
He reached Astrid, but something felt off. She was just lying there, unmoving, with no sign of trying to escape. Lutz approached quietly, his instincts warning him to be cautious. He gathered his magic, intending to cast a water prison around her to confine her safely. But before he could act, he sensed danger.
A sudden flash of light—a sword slash—cut through the air where he had stood moments earlier. Lutz narrowly dodged, rolling away just in time.
"Tsk... I thought I had you, my son," Evergreen’s voice hissed, coming from Astrid’s lips. Her tone was cold, devoid of any warmth or familial attachment.
"You tried to kill me?" Lutz stood, facing her. "I’m your son."