The new path leads me through a series of winding corridors that gradually shift from crystalline structures to something more organic. The walls pulse with a soft, reddish glow that reminds me uncomfortably of flesh, and a warm, humid air fills the space.

  I flex my fingers, still getting used to the feel of the gauntlets. They respond to my movements perfectly, the circuitry occasionally pulsing with energy that resonates with my telekinesis. I can feel the power enhancement already, my telekinetic field extends farther with less effort, and my molecular-level precision has improved noticeably.

  The corridor widens into a massive chamber unlike anything I've seen before. The floor appears to be a vast membrane stretched taut over some kind of liquid, giving slightly with each step. Thick, rope-like structures hang from the ceiling, swaying gently despite the absence of any breeze.

  At the center of this bizarre room hangs what looks like a sleek, black bodysuit, suspended within a pulsing energy field. Another prize, more valuable than the gauntlets based on its position and the complexity of this chamber.

  Before I can approach, the membrane floor begins to ripple, bulging upward in multiple places. The rope-like structures from the ceiling suddenly tense, their tips orienting toward me like sensing organs.

  "Whatever you are," I mutter, raising my gauntleted hands, "I'm not in the mood for games."

  The membrane tears as something erupts from beneath, a creature composed of what appears to be the same material as the chamber itself. It resembles a massive octopus, but with tentacles that end in sharp, bony protrusions. Its central mass contains multiple eyes that swivel independently, focusing on me from different angles.

  The rope structures from the ceiling suddenly detach, revealing themselves as part of the same organism, additional limbs that had been disguised as environmental features. The thing is enormous, and based on the way it moves, dangerously intelligent.

  "Definitely not on the basic path anymore," I observe, gathering telekinetic energy through my enhanced gauntlets.

  The creature strikes with surprising speed, multiple tentacles whipping toward me from different directions. I throw up a telekinetic barrier, feeling the difference immediately. Where before such a shield might have buckled under concentrated force, the gauntlets amplify my power enough to maintain a solid defense against the multi-pronged assault.

  The tentacles recoil, but the creature isn't deterred. It changes tactics, the central mass pulsating as it releases a cloud of spores into the air. My enhanced awareness lets me detect the danger before I inhale, these aren't just spores, they're some kind of paralytic agent.

  I use my telekinesis to create a swirling air current around myself, pushing the spores away while maintaining my shield against physical attacks. The gauntlets make this kind of multi-tasking significantly easier, allowing me to split my focus without losing effectiveness.

  The creature seems to recognize that standard attacks won't work. It sinks partially back into the membrane, only to reemerge with its central mass altered. Now it sports what looks like organic cannons, muscular tubes that contract violently, launching globs of corrosive fluid toward me.

  I dodge the first volley, but the second catches me by surprise, splashing against my telekinetic shield. To my shock, the fluid begins eating through my energy barrier, creating holes that widen rapidly.

  "Fuck!" I abandon the shield and leap sideways as tentacles thrust through the weakened barrier, nearly catching my leg.

  Time to go on the offensive! I focus through the gauntlets, feeling the 30% power boost as I grab three tentacles with telekinetic force and twist violently. The limbs resist, whatever this creature is made of, it's tough. But the enhanced strength of my telekinesis proves greater, the tentacles tear from the central mass, spewing a gelatinous fluid.

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  The creature emits a high-pitched shriek that vibrates the entire chamber. Its remaining tentacles whip about in what appears to be pain or rage. The fluid cannons reorient, preparing for another barrage.

  I decide to try something new, channeling telekinetic energy through the gauntlets in a different way. I've always wanted to try this, but my telekinetic control was never enough to make it practical. But now... I form a telekinetic construct, a massive blade of pure force, its edge refined to molecular thinness. This normally would have taken me several seconds to make, but thanks to my improved power and precision of the gauntlets, I construct it in under a second.

  As the creature launches another acid attack, I swing the telekinetic blade forward, cutting through the projectiles mid-air before continuing toward the central mass. The blade slices deep, and the creature convulses violently.

  It's not finished yet, though. With surprising tactical awareness, it uses its remaining tentacles to tear into the membrane floor, ripping open a large hole that continues widening by itself. The fluid beneath turns out to be some kind of digestive acid, with bones and various other detritus dropping into it with a searing sizzle.

  I anchor myself with telekinesis, clinging to what remains of solid ground as the chamber empties. The creature, now badly wounded, tries one final desperate attack, lunging its entire body toward me.

  With the gauntlets amplifying my power, I grab the creature telekinetically and hold it suspended above the draining acid pool. My powers strain from the effort, I've never tried to control something this large before, especially not when it's actively fighting my control! But the 30% boost makes the difference, and I successfully capture it in the air.

  "Let's see how you like your own trap," I growl, releasing my telekinetic grip and letting the creature fall into the acid pool below. It thrashes wildly as the liquid dissolves its flesh, eventually disappearing beneath the surface with one final, rattling shriek.

  The chamber stabilizes, the membrane floor regenerating as the acid drain seals itself.

  I approach the suspended bodysuit cautiously, still wary of additional traps. The energy field surrounding it dissipates as I near, allowing me to examine the prize more closely.

  A holographic description appears:

  ADAPTIVE PROTECTION BODYSUIT

  Protection: Moderate physical damage resistance

  Adaptation: Adjusts to environmental hazards

  Special: Self-repair functionality

  Rank: Uncommon

  Not spectacular, but combined with my enhanced telekinesis and the gauntlets, the additional protection will be valuable. The environmental adaptation feature could prove especially useful in Central Arena's variable combat zones.

  I take the bodysuit, and like the gauntlets, it responds to my touch. The material flows over my body, conforming perfectly to my physique before hardening into a flexible second skin. It feels remarkably light despite its protective capabilities, and seems to enhance rather than restrict my movement.

  "HOLY CRAP!" Zix'ilit sounds like he might be bouncing off walls. "You're way off the baby path already! That tentacle monster usually only shows up for people who've been here before!"

  I adjust the bodysuit, feeling it settle perfectly around my frame. "This thing tried to dissolve me in acid. Doesn't feel very 'basic' to me."

  "That's because you're too good for the basic stuff!" Zix'ilit squeaks excitedly. "The Labyrinth thinks you're ready for the harder challenges already! That's super rare for first-timers!"

  He makes some weird clicking sounds before continuing. "That sword thing you made with your mind? So cool! And now with those gloves making it stronger? Perfect combo! The bodysuit's gonna help keep you safe too!"

  His voice drops a little. "Just be careful going deeper, okay? It's gonna get way tougher from here. If things get too crazy, you can always head back out. No shame in that!"

  Standing in the regenerated chamber, equipped with both the amplifier gauntlets and protective bodysuit, I feel significantly more prepared for Central Arena's challenges than when I entered the Labyrinth. My telekinetic capabilities have improved not just through equipment but through the development of new techniques during combat.

  This is exactly what Team Exodus needs. I admire the circuitry patterns on the gauntlets that now extend seamlessly into similar patterns on the bodysuit. Not just equipment, but evolution.

  FIghting varied enemies that force me to creatively use my powers and come up with new tactics, I can see why assets in the Central Arena are so much stronger now.

  A new passage appears, leading deeper into the Labyrinth. With my enhanced capabilities, I'm curious to see what challenges, and rewards, await further in.