[Scene 1 – The Wrong Path]

  The Crystal Brawlers continue their journey on Path 7, making their way toward the next destination. After hours of traveling, the group unknowingly veers off the main trail and finds themselves at the entrance of a strange, winding maze that stretches deep into the hills.

  Kouchu (confused):

  “Uh, guys… I think we’ve gone off track. This doesn’t look like the right path.”

  Sakuro (squinting at the map):

  “You’re right. This isn’t even on the map. We must’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere.”

  The brawlers look around at the twisting passages, their surroundings growing more and more disorienting with every step they take. They realize they’ve wandered into a puzzle maze, filled with complex pathways and dead ends.

  Shauna (nervously):

  “We’ve been walking for hours… There’s no way out of here. How are we going to find our way back?”

  Kouchu, ever the optimist, tries to reassure everyone.

  Kouchu (grinning nervously):

  “Don’t worry, we’ll find our way out. It’s just a maze, right? How hard can it be?”

  ?

  [Scene 2 – The Fossolors’ Help]

  As the group continues to wander, they encounter a group of Fossolors, small, creature-like beings known for their ability to navigate difficult terrains and mazes. They seem friendly, their faces glowing with a soft, blue light.

  Sakuro (approaching cautiously):

  “Hey, do you guys know how to get out of this maze? We’re a bit lost.”

  One of the Fossolors, a particularly chatty one, nods enthusiastically and steps forward.

  Fossolor 1 (grinning):

  “Of course! We know these mazes like the back of our hands. We can lead you out. But, there’s a small favor we need in return.”

  Shauna (relieved):

  “A favor? What kind of favor?”

  Fossolor 2 (mysteriously):

  “It’s nothing much. Just a small thing. We’re doing a favor for someone, and we’ll help you get through if you help us with it.”

  Kouchu, though slightly wary, decides to trust them, thinking the Fossolors have good intentions.

  Kouchu (smiling):

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Alright, we’ll help however we can. We really need to get out of here.”

  ?

  [Scene 3 – The Trap]

  The Fossolors begin guiding the brawlers through the maze, leading them down various paths. The deeper they go, the more unsettling it becomes. The paths feel narrower, the air heavier, and the brawlers start to feel like they’re being watched.

  Sakuro (glancing around):

  “This doesn’t feel right. Something’s off about this place.”

  Kouchu shakes his head, trying to stay positive.

  Kouchu:

  “Relax, we’re almost out. These Fossolors know what they’re doing.”

  But as they turn a corner, the brawlers suddenly find themselves standing in front of a familiar group: The Menace Five—Marcy, Hunter Grai, and their minions.

  Hunter Grai (smirking):

  “Well, well, if it isn’t Kouchu and his little friends. We were wondering when you’d show up.”

  Kouchu’s eyes widen in realization.

  Kouchu (shocked):

  “It was you… you set us up!”

  Marcy (laughing coldly):

  “Not us, Kouchu. The Fossolors. They’re working for us. You’ve been walking into our trap the entire time.”

  The Fossolors reveal their true nature, having been in league with the Menace Five the entire time. They had deliberately led the brawlers deeper into the maze to trap them. The whole “favor” was a lie, part of the Menace Five’s plan to use the maze to their advantage.

  Fossolor 1 (grinning wickedly):

  “You were easy to fool. Just like we promised, we’ll take care of you now.”

  The brawlers, now surrounded by the Menace Five and their Fossolor allies, know they have to act fast. The trap has been set, and the odds are against them. However, they refuse to give up.

  ?

  [Scene 4 – The Escape]

  Kouchu quickly assesses the situation. The brawlers are surrounded, but they still have their Crystal Monsters to help. He whispers a plan to Shauna and Sakuro, who nod in agreement.

  Kouchu (whispering):

  “We need to break out of here. Roaracryst, now’s our chance!”

  With a swift command, Roaracryst charges forward, using its powerful crystal energy to break through the surrounding traps. The menacing Fossolors falter for just a moment, giving the brawlers a chance to regroup.

  Sakuro (clenching his fists):

  “We’re not going down that easily!”

  Shauna (gritting her teeth):

  “Let’s show them what we’re made of!”

  The battle begins. The brawlers fight back fiercely, using their Crystal Monsters’ abilities to defend themselves. Roaracryst’s crystal energy is especially effective against the Fossolors, who start retreating in fear.

  Kouchu (yelling to his friends):

  “Stay focused! We can beat them!”

  With Roaracryst’s help, the brawlers manage to break free from the trap. They fight their way through the maze, escaping the clutches of the Menace Five and their allies. As they make their way to the exit, they can hear the Menace Five yelling in frustration behind them.

  ?

  [Scene 5 – The Aftermath]

  Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the brawlers emerge from the maze and back onto the main path. They breathe a collective sigh of relief, knowing that they’ve narrowly escaped the trap.

  Kouchu (panting):

  “That was too close. I can’t believe we got tricked by the Fossolors.”

  Shauna (shaking her head):

  “Yeah, I thought they were just helping us. I should’ve known it was too good to be true.”

  Sakuro (grinning):

  “Lesson learned: trust, but verify.”

  The group laughs, grateful to be out of danger. As they continue down the path, they know the journey ahead will be filled with even more challenges, but they’re more determined than ever to face them together.

  Kouchu (smiling confidently):

  “Let’s keep moving forward. We’ve got a medal to win.”

  ?

  TO BE CONTINUED…