The men continue their journey into the dungeon.

The group keeps running, wanting to be as far away as possible from the evil Warlock who now wanted their head.

"Now before we continue… MAZE TIME!"

The group collectively groan in frustration, Killua now asking "I guess I should be worried…"

"Yeah, because we always fail! We always end up in a dead end, nowhere near the exit."

"Why don't you use a map?" Killua raised an eyebrow, curious at how exactly everyone keeps getting lost. Surely, Iason at least shows them the path to take. There's no way a guy who methodically thinks about his puzzles, suddenly chooses to say you arrive at the entrance of a maze… good luck getting out.

"The thing is..." Knuckle loosely pointed at Iason, frowning at his friend, "He lets us look alright. But the way he designs them requires you to learn... EVERY... SINGLE... STEP. There's usually about forty to fifty steps, per maze."

"It's easier because Killua's here. There's about thirty-five."

"You're pulling our leg now..." Meleoron complained.

"Thirty-five steps should be easy..." Killua remarked.

Iason grinned widely, "Then it shouldn't be a problem." The main showed the maze to the group, "You have two minutes to figure out the path and memorise it. Good luck!"

Killua looked over the maze, eyes glancing over every spot. They worked their way through the blocks, remembering all thirty-five steps. Now it was a matter of relaying it to the group, to get them to listen. It seems like everyone was trying to remember it, rather than help make sure they were going the right way. So, there must be another reason why they fail...

Iason flipped the page, placing it face down on the table. He then handed each person a small whiteboard, along with a marker so they can cast their vote, "Here's your whiteboard to cast your vote. When I ask you to flip, you'll show everyone your vote. No discussion per round. Since everyone, but Killua knows the rules, I'll explain the method to puzzle to them first. Every step you take, it's required that everyone votes toward that move. So, if you vote left, but everyone else votes right. The group moves right."

"Understood..." That's why they failed a lot... probably.

"Also, you can't vote to go backwards. Once you move a block, I'll roll the 1d6; six will be considered extremely lucky, resulting in an item, or gold. I'll roll again to decide which one it is. One, basically you'll fight the minotaur. He's a forty-hit point mob that can do devastating hits. One to three, he misses his attack. Four to six, he lands a hit. If he gets a successful attack, everyone is forced to roll whether he misses the round or not. This means if he misses the round, if you manage to roll under my number, your character act as though you were feared by an imposing force that round. That means you don't get to attack."

Iason taps against the table with a sinister grin, "Now the dodging mechanic is a little different while in the maze. Each round, you roll your 1d20 against my 1d10. If you get above my rolled number, for normal mobs you dodge the attacks. However, for the minotaur, it is a little different…"

Iason stuck up a single finger, "First, the number of times I roll for damage depends on the number of people who fails their roll against mine. If four people fail, I get to roll four times."

The man stuck up a second finger, "Second, the total damage the creature deals, works the same as cleave, it gets split across everyone, regardless if they fail or not. To explain the cleave total damage, let's say… I roll a total of ten, the damage will be split evenly into two damage, per person. However, if it's an odd number as… six, the lowest rolled number will suffer two damage, while everyone else will suffer one damage. Hence, the devastating attack. To add to the damage calculations, if I roll a number lower than the number of people, the people with the lowest damage suffer first. So, if I do a total of four damage and Knuckle is the one with the highest roll, he gets away without suffering any damage taken. Fair?"

"It sounds fair…"

"Third…" The man stuck up a third finger, "People who fail their rolls don't get to attack… The ones who pass the roll, get to attack."

Iason stuck up a fourth finger "And finally, fourth, during the damage phase, you'd roll as many dice as you'd normally do during the damage calculation."

"Also, there's a chance you can run into multiple minotaurs throughout the maze. It depends on how unlucky you are… Although, you'll never fight more than one at a time." Shifting his gaze, he put his fingers down, now adding a stipulation to the mechanics "This, however, is different for normal mobs. You pass the roll, you don't get hit. The damage will be split among those who fail the dodge mechanic. Understood?"

"Yeah…"

"Good. If I roll a two or three, that results in a mob. Two, are Kobolds. Three, are Goblins. Four is money found. I roll a 1d3. One is for copper pieces. Two, are for silver pieces. Three, are for gold pieces. For copper, you roll a 1d20. For silver, you roll the 1d10. Gold, you roll the 1d6 dice. That rule also applies to the six, but what you roll, it is multiplied by four, three, and two in their respective section of copper, silver, and gold. Five is a basic item found. I have a list of items you can randomly win… but only one person gets the item, the highest roller. When it comes to getting a six, three people get a random item. Also, you can't steal any items won by other players. So, sleight of hand won't work on those items… Everyone got it?"

"Yes!"

"Then let's go!"

Entering the maze, you reach a fork. You can go left, right or straight ahead.

"We go by the angle you're facing, so try not to get lost."

Everyone chooses right… they run into a small group of goblins.

"So, for goblins, they'll roll low damage and it depends on the number of mobs, not everyone who fails to dodge. Goblins are 1d2, kobolds are 1d4. This round, there are…" Iason rolled, "A set of three goblins, which means… eighteen hit points total. As a group, you must exceed the hit points in damage. If they have hit points remaining after the round, we'd do another round of attacks. Even if your damage exceeds enough to kill, we'll say two of the three goblins, they'll still attack you for three hits. They work as a group much like, you get to do. Easy to understand?"

Killua gave a thumbs up, "Easy."

Having dispatched the goblins, only Meiphanis suffers four damage. You can go left or right. Which part do you choose?

Everyone showed their pick, Killua carefully looking at each vote. The majority had voted the right way. Had the direction gone in Ikalgo's favour, they would've gone into a dead end within four moves. Maybe he's just bad with directions… no, it might have not even been that.

It could be that Ikalgo might not even be able to remember that many moves in a row.

Shoot was similar, although went he made the wrong move, there were signs of him panicking. Even a stern somewhat expressionless face, otherwise betraying his inner turmoil. He made a mistake, a deadly one had it gone his way.

Meleoron was a little different. When he made a mistake, he'd shrug it off. Killua could surmise that the man was probably thinking as long as the group moves in the right direction, they were in no immediate danger.

Then there was Knuckle… he was no himbo, that was for certain. He may have muscles for days… but he certainly knew how to punch numbers. It must be a part of his daily job… that, or he's just good when it comes to those certain parts of mathematics.

That, and his good memory…

The group continued on their path, earning a few piles of coppers, silvers and a few goblins and kobolds, more goblins than kobolds, which was lucky. That was until, about twenty moves in, Iason rolled that unfortunate 'one'.

A roar echoed down the corridor, heavy steps moving in front of you. You're blocked off by a large minotaur, a deadly breath causing you to hold your positions. With a roar, the beast swings its mighty axe downward.

Iason rolled a few times.

While the beast misses, its deadly gaze holds Kairakas, Meiphanis, Irilrig and Korarall in their place. Sarmenor deals eight damage.

The beast swings once more dealing a total of ten damage. Everyone suffers two damage. Sarmenor and Meiphanis deal a total damage of twelve.

The beast is now heavily wounded, but not ready to give up. It was a lord of this maze, and he wasn't willing to go down without a fight.

The beast swings down, the impact of the attack putting fear into Sarmenor's and Irilrig's souls. Combined, Korarall, Kairakas and Meiphanis were able to deal nineteen damage. It was almost dead.

In a fit of rage during the peak of its demise, the creature swings at the group once more. The group suffers a total of eight damage. Korarall, Irilrig and Meiphanis take two damage each; Kairakas and Sarmenor take one damage.

The last of the attacks send the beast into a crumpled pile of gore.

While the Lord of the maze reigns no more, it doesn't mean they're out of danger… there was the possibility, of another scratching at the walls, waiting to dig its claws into your flesh.

The group continues on their path, with two choices to go through. The group choose to go right.

As the group progressed through the dungeon, they made small talk along the way. Knuckle broached a question about Kaikaras' backstory, "So, why are you exploring through this cesspit dungeon, Kairakas."

Killua looked at Iason, "Can I give whatever reason to exploring the dungeon?"

"As long as it's within the bounds of your character, certainly. You can use the explanation at the beginning or make it up, by using your flaws and personality."

"I'm seeking the treasure, specifically… what I was told it can do."

"Which is…?"

"Not something I wish to discuss aloud." Killua smirked at the muscular man, "Although, I highly doubt it can give me what I seek… seeing as what I've heard about what it can do, is hazy at best."

"Bringing the dead back to life… Infinite riches… Unlimited power… Immortality, excreta, excreta…" Knuckle returned with a rivalling smirk, "Only one way to find out… and that's to hope it's not cursed."

"Aren't the most powerful artifacts, considered cursed?" Killua was quick to bring up, reminiscing on even terrible weapons and technology his species had stolen or dug up.

"How so…?"

"With great power comes great reasonability, yadda, yadda and all that serious fun vibe killers." Meleoron pointed out on Killua's behalf. He could kind of see the point the person was trying to make, given that even the most powerful artifacts have a drawback of some kind… otherwise, they'd be too overpowered.

Sure, some plus four gear is considered overpowered in some capacity, but some of the worse cursed gears, have always been plus three gear and up. For example, a plus three backbiter is powerful, but the curse attached to said gear means you'll suffer three piercing damage every successful hit, "Backbiter is a great example. An eye for an eye… you suffer three damage on every successful hit."

"I suppose you're correct…" Ikalgo butted into the conversation, "Although not all-powerful artifact carries curses. You could be cursed to be the prettiest man on the planet."

"Good looks can only go far…" Killua pointed out casually, "What if you're the prettiest, but you get cursed to have low intelligence… or feeble strength."

"Damsels in distress have that trait… although, I supposed it could be applied to men as well. I like a good lazy pampering here and there… but I could never imagine being dumb and pretty for the rest of my life." Knuckle rebutted, "It wouldn't be fun being dependant on someone because all you are, is a trophy husband, wife or spouse."

"I wouldn't want to be that… I will rather be useful, than useless." Killua rebuffed, their smile growing fonder from the prospect "Like I might not know much right now, given that this is practically my first time playing DnD. But I think I'm holding my own, quite well."

"Wait till you roll a one… let's see if you're the one laughing."

"Completely missing the eye and having your arrow bounce off a metal pole before dropping into the pit below was pretty funny." Knuckle shifted the conversation to Meleoron's poor luck so far.

"Yeah, ha… ha… very funny." Meleoron playful smacked the table, "At least I didn't miss multiple times on the minotaur… You're lucky you only got hit once out of two times…"

"What are you on about…? We all got hit for damage… plus, you attack them just as many times as I did."

"But the difference between you and I… is you missed against the minotaur's five."

"Sure, I did…" Knuckle frowned, "I rolled an even lower number than Iason… but at least I haven't rolled a one."

Meleoron's eye twitched, "Rude…"

Killua perked up, "Has Daniel ever rolled a one?"

"He has…" Iason smirked.

"On what?"

"Charm person on an Incubus… His immediate response was: I guess I'm a Demon's slut from now on."

"A slut…?"

"A person considered to be sexually promiscuous…" Knuckled responded calmly, "I just have to ask… or in my case, pry, which of course you don't have to answer. But have you and Daniel… by chance… had spent some time aggressively cuddling?"

Shoot shoved his partner, "You don't casually ask that… especially when one of them isn't in the room to shut down the conversation. Unless both are willing to talk about it at the same time… we shouldn't pry."

Killua held their chin, thinking loudly on the matter "There are some certainly… creative euphemisms for what I assume, give Shoot's reaction… another saying sex. If so, no." However, another thing occurred to them. Given that these are Daniel's friends, they might know something about a certain situation involving them. They might be able to shed some light on their circumstances "But he did… come close to kissing me…"

The group collectively gasped in shock, Iason's head perking up at the revelation "Actually, he did kiss me…" Killua tried to clarify.

Iason stopped the conversation dead in its track before any of the others started probing Killua for extra details. If Daniel indeed kissed Killua on the forehead, this changes everything "Wait, wait, wait… don't say anything else. Can I speak to you, in private… Killua."

Something was going on… considering Daniel said they weren't in a relationship. Was one of them lying… or was it purely accidental? He needed to ask questions if he was going to find the answer to that.

The other problem was if this news spread to Gon, or worst-case scenario, Killua was miss guessing what transpired, he'd rather get the full story before anything else happens

"Did I say something wrong…?"

"No, at least not right now… but it does sound concerning, considering who's involved."

As Killua tilted their head, confused about what they said to the group, Iason pointed them to the door, "First door to your left after this one… we'll talk in there." The man then pointed at the others, "Don't say anything to anyone about this. I don't want any unnecessary rumours spreading about Daniel, considering what he went through. Also…" He swiped the map off the table, "I'll take this with me just in case."

Leaving the room, Shoot frowned at his partner "You made it awkward…"

"Hey, I was curious… we're all worried about him, given that we all know the kind of emotional roller coaster he went through. But a kiss… wait, was it a kiss on the cheek? Because I think that's normal for him. Wait… no… I think he only does that with his family… or really close friends…"

"I don't know… Iason might be able to at least have a proper conversation with them."

"Yeah, you're right… hopefully, it's just one big misunderstanding."

"~"

Killua sat down on one of the seats in what looked like an office. There were a few small potted plants on the table, and a shelf filled with a small number of books. Before they could read any of the titles, Iason came into the room, closing the door behind him before resting his back on the door "Okay, spill the beans…"

"Where should I start…"

"I would say at when you met, but the kiss sounds more pressing. When did this happen?"

"Tonight… actually."

"And you've known him for how long."

"Technically, about a few weeks. But we did go to school together a while back."

"Are you aware of what happened with him and his Ex?"

"Not per se… But his Ex did open his door one day while I was there. Turns out he was there to set up this sort of… shrine of apology of some sort."

"Shit… I assume the guy saw you and assumed the worst?"

"He did think Daniel was cheating on him with me, which I assume is the worst-case scenario. At least from both of your points of view."

"Daniel and I? Or myself and his Ex…"

"Daniel and yourself…"

"What about yourself… do you have feelings for Daniel?"

"I, uh…"

"Sorry… that question was too direct of me. I shouldn't be asking that of you… but I am concerned about Daniel… and what happened tonight. Not to reveal too much, but his Ex played with his feelings… and if he's catching feelings for you for one reason or another, I want to know… or more preferably, I rather find out if you're going to lead him on."

"Lead him on…?"

"Abuse his lowest point for a pity fuck… as Gon would so aptly put it."

"Listen, I'm as sexual as the next fellow… but so far Daniel has been a very good friend to me, given the circumstances. With that Ex of his, I mean…" Almost accidentally let that slip, "I'm not staying with Daniel for a… what did you call it again?"

"A pity fuck…? I guess…"

"Yeah, one of those… he's attractive, but he's made it clear that his not ready to explore anything with anyone else… let alone me, for that matter. At least, that's what he keeps telling me…"

"Then… why did he kiss? Actually, where did he kiss you?"

"Oh, on the forehead… does it make a difference?"

"Yes… did he explain why he kissed you?"

Killua shrugged, "No. Your guess would be far better than mine… he did apologise for doing it though. Don't know why he was apologising for…" It did feel nice to be kissed on the forehead…

"You're not a… virgin… by chance. Sorry if it's an invasive question."

"It's not… and no. I have been with others…"

"Others?"

"As in, other people. I rather not delve into that…"

"My apology…" Iason bit his lip, a little frustrated with the situation. He knows more, but not enough to help either of them understand… maybe getting Gon involved would be far more productive. At least, he could get his partner to prob Daniel, to find out what's going on from his side.

Given the man and the current situation… Gon would have a far easier time getting some answers from Daniel… especially if he's holding back. Because if he did indeed kiss Killua, but is also telling them that he doesn't want to explore anything new, it's not good "Then… have you been kissed before? At least like that…"

"No…"

"So, you don't know the meaning behind a forehead kiss…?"

"No… Should I be concerned?"

Daniel kissed Killua; they were being genuine about the situation. But not knowing the meaning behind the type of kiss has him concerned for both of them. There's some sort of chemistry there…

Whether it's a potential friend with benefits kind of situation… or something more, he doesn't know. But something was definitely off about Daniel "No… Well, yes. But this is something I can't really, explain away. Not because I don't want to… it's because I don't have all the information, Daniel's side… his reasoning behind his actions. Is it okay if I bring this up with Gon? He might be able to probe something from Daniel's side of the story. You seem to be… comfortable around Daniel. But Daniel might be… how should I put this… slamming his head against the wall in defiance?"

"Why would he be doing that…?"

"Because his struggling internally about his predicament. How about this… I want to leave you with a question. One, you don't have to answer… but I'd rather think about it… If the chance arose, would you explore a sort of relationship with Daniel?"

"I-"

"Don't answer… just think about it. We'll return to the game, but I want you to think about what type of relationship you want to have with Daniel… what you're expecting out of him. If you become uncomfortable about the question… or staying here, you're welcome to call him to, come pick you up. Sometimes finishing a campaign in one night is impossible… but I can guarantee, I'll try to make the rest of the night fun for you."

"That sounds fair… but your question is… somewhat confusing, but intriguing, nonetheless."

"Cool, I'll head back first… if you want to stay and think about the question on your own, you're welcome to do so, otherwise… you know where the game room is."

"Sure…"

As Iason left, Killua sat in silence, pondering the question out loud "What sort of relationship do I want with Daniel… huh?" I suppose it's something I now need to think about.

A\N: Honestly, I liked how one minute my brain is like I don't know what to write… but one day, the Maze idea hit me like a pillow filled with bricks.

Especially the minotaur fight process. Like if you fail, it's like oh shit I'm gonna suffer. But as more people fail their saving roll, the more damage you'd ultimately take. Unless, you're really unlucky and they roll a twelve when you're the only one that fails.