The sun showers the land with its warm rays. It casts shadows on the sizzling rocks that follow the river along its banks.
The crashing waterfall splatters the excessive water that doesn't fit in the crystal clear lake.
Within the lake massive rocks that touch the bottom form peaks all the way to the surface, taking the full power of the water rushing down on them.
Crouching by the river, the silver-haired half-elf replenishes her thirst after filling the canteens with water.
Nox and Umbra circle around the lake, searching for entrance points.
The hound comes to a halt when it catches the scent of the change in the air.
It wiggles its tail behind the waterfall, letting out a proud howl.
Nox approaches the beast and pats it on the head. The force from its wiggling tail raises dust.
He jumps in the lake and swims behind the rocks, avoiding the crashing water. Umbra follows him from the shore.
There's what looks like a steep elevation from the water to the cave holding back his advance.
He gets closer and searches for ways to climb. The surface is slippery. Nox sees a couple of vines that drop from the side of the mountain. After trying to climb one, it snaps, throwing him back into the lake.
Discarding that idea, he looks around. An idea comes to mind when he notices the waterfall forms a shadow. He activates the spell and blends with it, following the path to the entrance of the cave.
Welcoming him are the high-pitched screeches of bats that rush out as soon as he emerges from the shadow.
The sudden stream of the flying mammals startles him, forcing him to dive out of the cave and onto the rocks.
Umbra, who's waiting outside, sees his master falling and jumps over the rocks.
It grabs him in time and lands on the other side of the lake.
The young man gets off the beast. His fast-beating heart leaves a vibration in his chest. He lets out a sigh of relief before uttering. "That was close"
He looks at Umbra and pats his head. "Thanks, buddy"
Ecstatic, the black-furred beast howls while wagging its tail.
Mirena takes notice of the dangerous situation Nox went through and rushes over to him with worry painted all over her face. "What happened? Are you ok?"
The young man nods and smiles at her, thanking her for her concern. "Just a little shaken"
The young man pats the beast. "Thankfully Umbra came to the rescue"
A warm smile escapes Mirena's mouth as she approaches the Hound and pats its head while it wiggles its black-coated tail "Good boy"
Nox looks at Mirena and his earlier anxiousness vanishes. "We found the cave behind the waterfall, but it's quite high. I entered by blending with the shadows, but the residents weren't happy about it"
Mirena ponders. "I guess we can't enter from the lake?"
Nox shakes his head. "Too high for that"
The sun already dives for its daily slumber. "How about we get some rest and try again tomorrow?"
The young man ponders for a while before agreeing. It's not something they can do during the night. Even with the daylight and he nearly lost his life.
The full moon rises. Its silver rays illuminate the land.
The crystal lake that reflects it brightens the surroundings like a natural flashlight.
The moon shares its light with the crashing waterfall. It's like a pillar of light, which brings back memories when Nox sees it. The droplets that fly out resemble sparks from fireworks.
The all too familiar bombardment causes him to shiver for a moment before regaining his composure.
The glistening rocks send out a blinding glare.
Nox lies on his back with his fingers intertwining behind his head. 'Grimmy, do you have any suggestions to enter the cave?'
{Loading…}
['You can use the Shadow spell']
Nox chuckles. 'I can do that, but what about Mirena'
{Loading…}
['For a limited amount of time, you can share the skill with a person who is in direct contact with you']
Nox gasps with surprise. 'For real?'
['Indeed']
In silence, the young man lies on his back, staring at the night sky. The soothing sounds of the running water relax his muscles and ease his tension.
The following morning in the singing jungle, Umbra stands guard next to Nox.
Mirena lets out a chuckle at the sight in front of her. She approaches the duo and gives the young man a light push. "Nox"
Nox murmurs as his eyelids flutter. Upon opening them, he sees the gigantic Mana Hound hovering over him.
His reflexes cause him to jump. His mind realizes moments later that Umbra is a loyal friend. "Morning buddy"
His attention then follows the dancing silver hair in Mirena's direction. He lets out a smile as his purple eyes remain on her. The sudden stare causes her to turn around and hide her blushing.
The early cool wind refreshes their faces. They accompany that feeling by splashing water on them.
After having their breakfast, they sit next to one another and discuss how to proceed.
The young man utters with hesitation in his voice. "So, I'd like to try something…"
Mirena looks at him, wondering what he's thinking. "You have an idea?"
He lets out a dry laugh, saying nothing.
The fact about Grimmy and his situation is not something he can discuss with Mirena. He tries to avoid this kind of conversation for as long as he can. He knows and understands that eventually there will be a time where he'll need to come out with it.
Even though he informed her by mistake regarding his role, he kept quiet about Scarab or that he's after the Heroes.
He secretly calls for his map and checks their location once again. He wants to make sure they are going the right way.
After confirming the blue Geo-Marker's location as well, he looks at the girl who's waiting, all fidgety. "Well… You see..."
The girl tilts her head, unable to gauge what he's thinking.
Nox lets out a sigh. "It's hard to explain. I don't know if it'll work either"
Mirena nods and gets up. She walks towards the lake. She takes a brief pause and looks at Nox, urging him to do the same. Likewise, the young man joins her.
Together, they dive into the lake and swim around the slippery rocks. Once they are behind them, and under the shadow of the waterfall, Nox glances at the girl.
A blush escapes her control with the sudden stare. "W-What is it?"
The young man closes his eyes and smiles. "Bear with me for a second"
Saying nothing further, Nox grabs the girl's hand and with a swift wave of his other hand, they both blend in the shadow.
In his head, the system echoes.
[5]
[4]
Wasting no time, he rushes to go into the cave.
[3]
He is a few meters away from the entrance and the cliff doesn't make it any easier.
[2]
In the last second, the shadow expels them. As if it is ejecting them, Nox and Mirena fly out in opposite directions.
{Loading…}
[Cooldown: 4 hours]
Hazy, the young man tries to shake off the blur in his eyes. '4 hours?'
{Loading…}
['Your level is too low']
The young man lets out a sigh and checks on Mirena. "How are you feeling?"
The girl stands up and dusts off her clothes. Light pink on her cheeks is visible even in the cave's darkness. Pouting, she ignores him.
"What is it?"
Mirena brushes her long silver hair and lets out a cheeky "Hmph"
Nox tries to explain, but every time she will turn her back at him.
Their bantering ends abruptly when a scuttling sound sends chills to their bones.
"First it was the bats. Now what...?!"
The girl's face disregards her earlier behavior and, more seriously, she looks around.
The sound still creeps in their ears. Whatever light enters through the cave's entrance is not enough. Visible sweat droplets run down their faces.
The chilling sound changes directions.
The constant movement has them looking all over the place in a panicky state. Unable to pinpoint the location of the creeper.
'Grimmy, what is this?'
{Scanning…}
[Centipede located]
['Above you']
Nox looks up and sees dozens of legs matching his height.
His eyes follow the long body all the way to its head.
Gasping for air, he utters. "That's a big bug"
['It looks like your earlier endeavor scattered its food source']
What surprises all of them is Umbra, when the cave shakes. He can't fit inside the cave, so he bashes his head on the mountain's side.
The vibrations are intense enough that raise dust inside the cave.
The last hit hurts Umbra, causing him to let out a pained cry before splashing into the lake.
Umbra gives the duo time to regroup while the centipede crawls to the ceiling of the cave.
Its massive fangs drip erosive poison.
It creates holes where it falls and purple smoke comes out while it gurgles.