The Shadow Of Fate

Setting: The bustling town of Calvaria, nestled on the edge of the Minotaur's Labyrinth. Its streets are alive with adventurers preparing for their own challenges, while Alucard's party finds themselves in an emotional reunion with an old friend.
The warm glow of the tavern's hearth bathed the room in golden light, the crackling fire filling the air with a soothing hum. Alucard and Iglis stood face to face, years of distance erased in an instant as recognition lit up their expressions.
Without a word, they embraced tightly, their laughter carrying over the din of the crowded tavern. For a moment, it was as though no time had passed.
Eleanor, Aldous, and Amabel exchanged curious glances, intrigued by the reunion.
Eleanor: (smiling) "So, you two know each other?"
Alucard: (grinning) "Know each other? We've been friends since childhood. Iglis was my partner in crime growing up."
He gestured to his companions.
Alucard: "Iglis, meet my party: Aldous, our tank and muscle; Amabel, our stealth expert; and Eleanor, my lover."
Iglis gave a warm nod to each of them, his gaze lingering on Eleanor for a moment before shifting back to Alucard.
Iglis: "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Alucard's lucky to have you at his side."
Eleanor returned the nod, smiling softly.
Eleanor: "The pleasure's ours. You seem like someone we'll be grateful to have along."
Iglis: (chuckling) "Let's hope I live up to the expectations."
He turned to Alucard, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Iglis: "But what brings you to Calvaria, Alucard? It's not exactly a place for casual visits."
Alucard: "A bit of everything. Amabel needed treatment, and we're looking for work to keep us afloat. When we heard about your challenge to the labyrinth, we thought it might be a good opportunity to catch up and earn something worthwhile."
Iglis's brow furrowed for a moment in thought, then smoothed as he smiled.
Iglis: "I was about to head into the labyrinth myself. But seeing an old friend takes priority. Let's postpone the raid for a week. That'll give Amabel time to recover, and we can catch up in the meantime."
The following week was one of camaraderie and bonding. Iglis fit seamlessly into the group, sharing stories of his adventures while learning about Alucard's party. The bonds between them deepened with each passing day. Amabel's health improved steadily, the once-pale scout regaining her strength and sharp wit.
Late one evening, as the group gathered around a map spread out on the tavern table, Alucard's voice broke the comfortable silence.
Alucard: "Iglis, once Amabel's ready, we'd like to join you in your raid of the Minotaur's Labyrinth."
Iglis looked up from the map, a glint of approval in his eyes.
Iglis: "I wouldn't have it any other way. It'll be an honor to have you all by my side."
A week later, the group stood before the labyrinth's colossal stone doors. The carvings etched into the ancient surface seemed to shift under their gaze, as if alive with latent magic. Moss crept along the cracks, and the air was thick with the promise of danger.
Iglis: (confidently) "Are we ready?"
Alucard and Party: (in unison) "Ready!"
With a shared nod, they pushed the doors open. The cold, oppressive air of the labyrinth greeted them like an unwelcome host. The faint flicker of torches mounted on the walls cast eerie shadows, giving the space an almost living quality.
Alucard: (cautious) "Stay close. We don't know what's waiting for us."
Eleanor: (nodding) "I'll keep my magic ready. This place feels... off."
Aldous: (checking his gear) "Let's hope nothing nasty jumps out at us right away."
Amabel: (scouting ahead) "I'll take point. My senses might help us avoid traps."
For an hour, they moved cautiously through the twisting corridors, their footsteps echoing unnervingly. The labyrinth was silent—too silent.
Aldous: (gruffly) "This doesn't feel right. We should've seen something by now."
Amabel: (frowning) "I agree. It's like the monsters are avoiding us."
Amabel: (curious) "Iglis, if you don't mind me asking, what does the 'van' stand for in your name?"
Iglis (smiling) I don't mind at all. In the Xenon family, direct descendants are given the middle name 'van.' It's a tradition mostly for children born from noble women. Those born from commoners just get the surname Xenon." Description: Just as Iglis finishes explaining, they turn a corner and come face-to-face with a horde of young minotaurs guarding a massive door – the entrance to the boss room. 
Alucard: (grimly) "Well, that explains the quiet."
Iglis: (drawing Iradeus) "Looks like we've got a fight on our hands."
The battle was a chaotic storm of steel, magic, and blood. Alucard and Eleanor fought side by side, their movements synchronized as her ice magic froze and shattered their foes while his blade cut through the gaps. Aldous held the line, his sheer strength and resilience drawing the brunt of the horde's attacks. Amabel darted through the shadows, her daggers striking with lethal precision.
But Iglis was a spectacle unto himself. Wielding his massive greatsword "Iradeus" with one hand, he moved with deceptive speed and elegance, carving through the enemy ranks. His free hand cast spells, conjuring shimmering plum blossom leaves imbued with mana that slashed through the air like razors.
Eleanor: (awestruck) "I've never seen anything like that!"
Aldous: (grinning) "He's making us look bad!"
Amabel: (focused) "Less admiring, more fighting!"
The battle raged for hours. By the time the last minotaur fell, the group was battered and bruised, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Iglis, however, barely seemed winded.
Alucard: (panting) "You're not even tired, are you?"
Iglis: (grinning sheepishly) "Maybe just a little. Let's rest before tackling the boss."
They found a secluded alcove to rest, tending to their wounds and catching their breath. The exhaustion in their bodies was tempered by the satisfaction of their victory.
Eleanor: (smiling) "You're a terrible actor, Iglis."
Iglis: (laughing) "I'll work on it. Let's focus on getting ready for the real challenge."
When their strength was restored, they returned to the massive door leading to the boss chamber. The air grew heavier with each step, the oppressive weight of the labyrinth bearing down on them.
Iglis: (firmly) "I'll challenge the boss alone."
Alucard: (startled) "What? Why?"
Iglis: (resolute) "I need to test myself. Please, trust me."
Alucard hesitated, then nodded.
Alucard: (reluctantly) "We'll respect your decision. But if things go south, we're coming in."
Iglis offered a small smile.
Iglis: "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As Iglis stepped forward and pushed the door open, the room beyond was shrouded in darkness. The heavy door closed behind him with a thunderous boom, leaving the others waiting anxiously outside.
The test of strength and resolve had begun.