Each ladder step seemingly grew right out of the tree as there were no signs of cuts. I never knew that shapes like these could exist out in the world, this just goes to show much I didn't outside of Shiwick. I wonder just what we will find down there.
It was quite the climb, but I was making visible progress despite my weary arms. I haven't gotten much rest since Lucet had woken me up like that, not to mention the toll parkouring across the branches took.
The light shone brighter as I approached the bottom. A wave of heat splattered against my face as the burning torches danced on the small walls of this long corridor. Opposing me was a darkened door that led to what seemed to be tighter hallways.
If there are booby traps I'm running the hell out of here, this may be fun adventure material but it's not worth my life. Not after I just slipped away from that mad woman.
I scanned the room for anything that might be dangerous, normally it would be easy but my veins were taking their damn time to heal. Each step towards the door sent me into panic as the thought of spikes impaling me flooded my mind. Maybe we should turn back, becoming a skewer doesn't sound like something I would like to partake in.
(''There aren't any booby traps boy. It is amusing watching you panic though. But we must hurry, the quicker we explore this place, the quicker we leave.'')
You could have said that earlier…But you are right, let's get this over with quickly. Hopefully, there is plenty of treasures for all of us, who knows maybe there is even a legendary lost sword. Haha.
Standing in the doorframe, I couldn't tell much about the long corridor outside of what seemed to be opening at the very end which led to the right. If this is a maze I am walking right out, no way I'm getting lost underground, I'd rather have my chastity taken by Lucet.
(''Heh, alright boy.'')
Roots sprung out randomly from the walls, leaking with a clear, odourless liquid. Perhaps water, but this is still unusual. The walls are very cleanly cut with very few faults, so how could there be roots this thin sprouting through the wall?
I ran my hand across the wall trying to find any damp soil which could answer my question but all I was met with was the turn at the end of the hallway. Darkness. I gazed down and it gazed back. It was complete darkness, and it enveloped the ramp that reached farther than I could make out.
Only when way from here huh. No adventure is good without a way of getting your exit blocked. Might as well slide down and have some fun!
WOOOoooooooooo…
Thud.
Ouch. Pff. God I hate dust, why did so much get kicked up in my face? And why was the drop after the ramp so large? Why is this even here-
Woahh-
A place like this exists down here?
Before was a vast cave, filled with a whole new ecosystem different that what was above in the Greenwyrm Jungle. Immense mushrooms littered the expanse lighting everything with its blue radiance.
A chorus of familiar sounds flooded my ears…no this can't be…people? How are people living down here? Now, this is an adventure!
I ran as fast as my feet could carry me leaving no time wasted as I raced towards the closest mushroom. They only grew in size as I got closer, smaller details started becoming more apparent, like…windows? This is seriously awesome!!
The grass slowly changed and shifted into dark stone tiles expanding through the whole forest of shrooms. They meandered around every mushroom lit by smaller light posts.
Huff. Huff. Huff.
(''Catch your breath boy. Don't let your excitement get the better of you, we still haven't figured out whether the people here are hostile!'')
Shit. You're right. But where are all of the people? It was bustling before, there is no way I am hearing things. Wait..I feel it?
(''What do you feel boy?'')
Their gazes! Not malicious…but weary. That is understandable, I would be terrified if someone just came running around after never encountering an outsider. Should I try and look more hospitable? Maybe friendlier?
(''Boy, I've seen bunnies that look more threatening than you.'')
Alright, point taken, don't attack my self-esteem like that though. I can be threatening if I wanted to.
(''Mmmm. Sure. Anyway, how about you knock on one of the doors? Can't hurt to try something, maybe they even get a crush on your pretty face. Lucet did so I'm sure they might too. Hehehe~'')
Very funny. But fine, I'll knock. Which house, to my left or my right? Screw it I'll do the left one, doesn't really matter anyway.
My arm started shakily slightly as it approached the dark thick wooden door. Was it nerves? No. This must be an adventurer's excitement. The thrill of exploring something new, not to mention that this place hasn't been written on maps. The amount of money I could earn by selling this information to a map scribe. Hehehe
Knock. Knock.
The door creaked open, exposing the rusty hinges that barely supported the thick door. (''I'm coming in.'')
My foot slightly sank into the soft floor, each step completely muffled by the mushy walls of this peculiar house. A chandelier crafted to resemble a bundle of mushrooms hung from the ceiling. It was too dim to tell any minor details like carvings, it took a second for my eyes to adjust after being exposed to that amount of blue light.
A tear ran down my face, followed by another. I couldn't stop my hands from scratching at them, it's unbearable! Ugh. Please stop. No. It hurts. Please.
(''-Take this!'') A circular object hit my stomach with enough force to temporarily stop me from scratching. Only for the buzzing to immediately eat away at my eyes. I grabbed at both sides and dipped my burning eyes into the liquid. It was cool, spreading it root throughout my body, easing the burning sensation.
(''Thank you for the help-'')
(''No! Keep your eyes closed!'')
Huh. Alright, I guess. But this is good, at least now we are conversing like normal people.
(''Keep your eyes closed, turn around and kneel down.'')
I did just as she said and knelt down on the soft floor. It reminded me of a prayer mat from when we visited the church of Kronos a long time ago. Uhh.
Two small hands tied a small piece of cloth around my head, covering my eyes enough so the little light that radiated through my eyelids disappeared. I am going to take a wild guess and assume that the blue light was something poisonous.
(''Follow me.'')
I heard the door creak again.
(''Uhm. I can't see where to go.'')
A second voice giggled from the corner which was accompanied by a hand latching onto me to guide me outside. God, being blindfolded feels really scary. My equilibrium dissipates everytime I take a faulty step.
Stay strong Abby, don't squeal like a little girl in front of these two. You are a man, a strong man.
(''You are really adorable sometimes boy.'')
Don't say these things now, they might see my redness and misunderstand. We don't need a Lucet situation when I can't use my magic or even see. I trust you will tell me if there is anything dangerous going on. No screwing around from you.
(''Do you know who you are talking to boy? Whatever sure I'll tell you.'')
Thank you. But this feels like it's taking a little too long of a walk, where exactly are we going? I guess asking never hurts.
(''Uhm. I hate to bother you two after helping me already, but where are we going?'')
A silence hung in the air amplifying the clack of our shoes against the stone path. This is a serious cold shoulder, at least they could answer my questions when I'm in this state. I can't even fight back like this, let alone escape.
Until finally (''We are headed to the town hall where you will meet the mayor of our village. Don't worry though, you are in safe hands.'') With the last line the girl beside me squeezed my palm firmer, this makes me way more agitated. Why did she squeeze like that? Don't tell me that Void was right about a crush! No, no Abby. You've already used up all of your luck with Lucet.
(''You talk to yourself a lot boy. Cool it, it's getting cramped in here. All those words are flying overhead like birds migrating for mating season.'')
Shut up Void, it's my coping mechanism to try rationalising situations before they get out of hand.
(''Ah hello. Thank you for bringing him to me so quickly, follow me to the ballroom. Everyone is waiting.'')
A double door swung open ringing the same creaks as before followed by 4 sets of footsteps walking on the seemingly carpeted floor.
The walking quickly stopped as a pair of hands pulled me down to sit on a chair. My blindfold was still on though I could feel hundreds of gazes fixed on my body. Some grand event must be happening. Am I the guest of honour?
(''Welcome all. Thank you for coming so quickly. We will now take a vote on whether this boy gets to live!'')