Rise of the White Dragon
chapter-428

With a determined look, Luan activated the Labyrinth of Disorder.

As the device's energy expanded, the surrounding scenery began to warp. It was as if reality itself was being sucked in, like water spiraling down a drain. Everything within a close radius seemed to be drawn into the center of this invisible force. Trees twisted as if in agony, rocks and soil were torn from the ground, and the wind swirled chaotically, carrying leaves and debris with it.

The skies briefly darkened, engulfed by this overwhelming force, and it seemed the world was turning upside down. What once was a peaceful landscape was now morphing before everyone's eyes, like malleable clay in a sculptor's hands.

The vortex's center, the core of this energy storm, began to solidify. The ground rose, forming rocky walls that extended and twisted, creating corridors and chambers. Imposing towers sprouted from the earth, and bridges formed over newly created abysses. The absorbed trees transformed into intricate designs on the ground and walls, while the energy from the earth and air converged to form barriers and traps. The Labyrinth of Disorder had taken shape, a majestic and fearsome dungeon that seemed to have emerged from the depths of an epic game.

And then, as if the dungeon itself had an insatiable hunger, it began to attract all frenzied beings nearby. These creatures, driven by their chaotic nature, were irresistibly drawn in, like moths to a flame. They ran, flew, and crawled towards the dungeon, being sucked into its shadowy corridors, where they'd be contained by Luan's intricate design.

The observers, both amazed and stunned, witnessed the formation of a wonder and a terror, all thanks to the genius and determination of one man: Luan. And as the dust settled and silence reigned, everyone knew Luan's creation had worked!

The wind still blew gently, carrying with it remnants of energy from the creation of the Labyrinth of Disorder. Luan, with his piercing gaze, evaluated the immense structure before him. His features bore a mix of pride and concern.

"Let's wait a bit," he began, his calm and firm voice echoing in the silence that followed the dungeon's formation. "I need to analyze if there are risks of collapse or any other issues. If everything's in order, we'll move on to the next location."

His companions, still immersed in the wonder and shock of what they had witnessed, turned their gazes to him. The gravity in his words brought them back to reality, reminding them that as majestic as the accomplishment was, potential dangers still existed. They had contributed a minuscule fraction of their Qi to the dungeon's formation, but in the end, it was Luan who bore the brunt of responsibility. Thus, with silent nods, they agreed.

Amanda, with wide, shimmering eyes, watched the dungeon draw frenzied creatures within. Wild animals, and even some people overtaken by disorder, were inexorably pulled into the labyrinth. "More and more animals, even frenzied people, are being drawn in...," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe.

Beside her, others shared her astonishment. The labyrinth's purpose was clear to all of them, but seeing Luan's plan in action was something entirely different. Even with the irrefutable evidence before their eyes, the magnitude of what they were witnessing left them speechless and, in many ways, in disbelief. It was as if they were witnessing a modern miracle, and the reality of this feat was just beginning to sink into their minds.

The sun had made almost a full journey across the sky. What began as minutes of anticipation soon turned into a span of three long hours. The tension in the air slowly gave way to a feeling of relief and accomplishment.

The Labyrinth of Disorder operated flawlessly. Every frenzied beast and out-of-control person nearby had been sucked inside, and any others that approached would meet the same fate. The dungeon's pulsating power only grew more formidable as it absorbed more and more energy.

Luan allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, a relieved and genuine smile on his face. He knew that, in time, the natural competitiveness between the frenzied beasts would lead them to fight among themselves, channeling their Qi to further sustain the labyrinth.

By his side, Ingrid, his observant and loving wife, picked up on the subtle change in his demeanor. "Are we leaving now?" She asked, a playful tone in her voice. Her deep understanding of her husband made her anticipate his intentions.

Luan turned to her, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "You really do know me well." He said, leaning in to give her a gentle kiss, an affectionate exchange that lit up their faces, completely disregarding the onlookers.

Ingrid, never one to shy away from a loving exchange, responded with a proud smile, "Whose wife am I?"

"Mine, of course!" Luan declared enthusiastically.

To the observers, the exchange between the two seemed coated with a sweet and fragrant aura, like the scent of fresh strawberries in the air. The scene was so unexpectedly romantic that even their closest kin, including both of their mothers, found themselves in a state of discomfort and surprise.

With a shared thought among the group, they remembered that the couple's honeymoon had been abruptly interrupted. Perhaps this little moment was merely an attempt to reclaim some of that lost magic.

Thus, despite the initial awkwardness, a wave of sympathy and understanding enveloped the onlookers. They understood: every couple deserved their moments under the sun.

The atmosphere was saturated with the weight of intensity and tension. The world's transformation into an apocalyptic landscape left visible marks on every face present, each bearing the grief and uncertainty of an unpredictable future. Yet, even in times like these, there was room for light-hearted moments of levity.

"Sister-in-law, brother," began Catharina, shooting a cheeky glance at Ingrid and Luan, "isn't it better to save these affections for when you get home? My candle is almost melting in my hand, and well, you know what that means," she said with a suggestive smile, teasing the situation.

Ingrid shot her a playful glance. One might expect her to blush or feel embarrassed, but after so many similar situations, she had become immune to her sister-in-law's taunts. In a playful tone, she retorted: "Oh, Catharina, why don't you just go change your candle, perhaps?"

With a feigned chuckle, Catharina replied, putting on a mock-indignant face, "Ah, you, always with a witty comeback!"

The playful banter between the two, while humorous and light, served as a momentary salve to the group's troubled hearts. Amidst the calamity and chaos of the apocalypse, it was easy to get lost in the darkness of despair.

However, small moments like these were valuable reminders that, against all odds, humanity, love, and humor would always find a way to shine through. And so, even if only for a brief moment, the heavy atmosphere lifted, making room for genuine smiles and laughter.

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