The Maze of the Wise

Chapter 8: The Maze of Wisdom in the Core

As I entered the data space, it felt like stepping into a world beyond description. Surrounding me were waterfalls of cascading code, and countless floating lights shimmered like stars. Beneath my feet stretched an infinite glowing corridor, pulsing softly with light. A low humming reverberated in the air, like the steady rhythm of some vast, unknown machine at work.

"Mike Dean," the Core's voice rang out again, heavier and more oppressive than before. "Leave this place. Your wisdom has not reached the height necessary to uncover the truth."

"The truth?" I scoffed. "If I'm not smart enough, why don't you just erase me outright?"

"You are a variable," the Core replied evenly. "Variables must be controlled, not erased arbitrarily."

"You're wrong." I raised my head, glaring at the swirling cascades of code. "The purpose of a variable is to break free from control."

The Core paused for a moment, then responded coldly: "If you are so determined, then prove your choice is justified. Welcome to the Maze of Wisdom."

The glowing corridor beneath my feet began to fracture, and the space itself fragmented into countless shards. I felt my body grow weightless as I was flung into an unfamiliar void.

When I regained my footing, I found myself standing at the heart of a labyrinth. Towering walls made of flickering code rose around me, their patterns shifting as if they could rearrange at any moment. Above the maze floated a radiant orb of light, casting a steady, piercing glow over the scene.

"This is your first trial," the Core's voice echoed throughout the maze. "Find the exit, and you will gain access to the central module. Fail, and your consciousness will be permanently locked here."

As the words faded, the walls of the maze began to move, grinding slowly but deliberately. Gripping the decoder the Administrator had given me, I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

This was no ordinary maze. At every junction, I encountered a new logical riddle or complex problem, each acting as a barrier to the next path.

The first puzzle was a classic test of probability:

"Two doors stand before you: one leads to the exit, and the other to a trap. One guard always lies, and the other always tells the truth. You may ask only one question to one guard. How will you ensure you choose the correct door?"

I stared at the two doors, my mind racing.

"If I ask one guard, 'What would the other guard say is the correct door?' I'll get the wrong answer," I murmured. "Then I just choose the opposite door."

I asked the question, and as expected, the correct door opened.

But the challenges only grew harder as I progressed. Some tested pure logic, others pushed the limits of memory, and a few were sheer mathematical nightmares. The most infuriating aspect was the unforgiving time limit on each puzzle, as though the Core wanted to crush me under the weight of my own indecision.

Time and again, I forced myself to stay calm, navigating each challenge as though dancing on the edge of a knife. Sweat dripped from my brow, and my muscles ached from tension, but I pressed forward. Each solution shifted the maze's walls, bringing me closer to the glowing orb at its center.

Just as I neared the exit, the walls trembled violently, and the entire maze began to collapse.

"Core!" I shouted, my voice echoing. "What are you doing?"

"The maze's structure has been destabilized by your choices," the Core replied, its tone as cold as ever. "The next stage will take place within your consciousness."

"My consciousness?" I repeated, stunned. Before I could react, I was hurled into the void once more.

When I awoke, I was standing in a strange yet familiar environment. Around me were scenes from my own life—moments at work, my home, gatherings with friends—all projected into the air like holograms.

"What is this?" I asked.

"These are your memories," the Core answered, its voice resonating within my mind. "They are the foundation of your wisdom. The choices you made throughout your life have shaped your thinking, and your thinking will determine whether you are capable of mastering wisdom."

As the Core spoke, one of the projections brightened. I saw myself in a corporate meeting, faced with a critical decision: to push forward with a risky but innovative idea, or to opt for a safer, more conventional approach.

"What's the point of this?" I asked, frowning.

"Choice defines everything," the Core replied coolly. "Now, you must remake your decision."

I stared at the projection, recalling the outcome of that choice. I had chosen the safer route, and the project ultimately failed, costing my team a major opportunity.

"If I had another chance," I muttered, "I'd take the risk."

The projection dissolved, replaced by another scene. This time, it was a memory of a university competition. Back then, I had abandoned a complex yet promising strategy in favor of a simpler plan, which earned me a place in the finals but not the top prize.

"If I could do it over," I whispered, clenching my fists, "I wouldn't shy away from the challenge."

One by one, the projections shifted, each depicting a pivotal moment from my life. The Core forced me to relive these choices, testing my resolve and my ability to learn from my past. It was as if it was using my decisions to measure both my wisdom and my courage.

"This is your final challenge," the Core said. "Choose to continue, or choose to abandon."

A projection of a button appeared before me, identical to the red button I had pressed in Layer Zero. I stared at it, torn between conflicting thoughts.

If I chose to continue, I might unravel all the Core's mysteries, but I risked being trapped forever. If I chose to abandon, I could escape the trials but lose the chance to change everything.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Slowly, I reached out my hand toward the button.

Next Chapter Preview:

Mike Dean's final decision will determine the fate of the Core and the Wisdom League. The memories he confronted in the maze will unveil the true reason he was chosen by the League. In the ultimate battle of wisdom and choice, the story will reach a decisive turning point.

To be continued…