Sera, who was sipping her morning coffee, raised an eyebrow, "Sharpen our skills? Do you have some sort of secret training spot?"
"I suppose you could say that," I replied, a mysterious smile playing on my lips. "It's called Luha."
"I haven't heard of that city before." Kuroko slumped forward on the desk with one elbow folded and the other hand supporting her chin.
"Luha isn't really famous itself. But rather famous for the dungeon it is next to, known as 'The Abyss'."
"The Abyss?" Kuroko questioned, her interest piqued, "Sounds ominous."
"Well, you're not far off," I replied, looking towards the distant silhouette of a giant hole - The Abyss. "It's a dungeon unlike any other. Each floor, or 'layer', of The Abyss is a unique world of its own. As you delve deeper, each layer becomes more treacherous, more deadly."
Lila looked towards the ominous hole with a furrowed brow, "How many layers are there?"
"Nobody knows," I answered, my eyes never leaving the distant structure. "Adventurers have delved deep into The Abyss, but no one has ever reached the bottom. At least, not anyone who lived to tell about it."
Sera folded her arms, "And you want us to venture into this... Abyss?"
I turned to face her, a serious look on my face, "Not all the way. But I believe it's a perfect opportunity for us to hone our skills, face our fears, and grow stronger together."
Aurelia stared at the distant dungeon, a determined look in her eyes, "A worthy challenge indeed. When do we start?"
"Tomorrow," I answered, "For today, let's get ourselves settled and prepare for what's to come."
***
Our ship docked at the flying docks of Luha. After getting off from the ship, we made our way into the city. Luha was a city that sprawled in concentric rings around The Abyss, like a flower curving towards the sun. Despite its ominous centerpiece, the town was a thriving hotspot of activity. Buildings, ranging from homes to businesses, were stacked precariously on the cliff-side, each one a different color and size that gave the cityscape an intricate, mosaic-like appearance.
Closer to the rim of the Abyss, the cityscape transitioned into a makeshift market. A sea of stalls, tents, and carts vied for attention. These stalls were filled with all manner of things – weapons and armors, artifacts reputedly salvaged from the Abyss, potions and scrolls, and an incredible variety of food and drinks. The air buzzed with the chatter of vendors hawking their wares, the occasional clash of weapons from the blacksmith's anvil, and the general hum of a crowd.
The adventurers, a group as diverse as the city itself, added an air of vibrant energy to the atmosphere. Dressed in battle-hardened gear and displaying an array of unusual weapons, they moved in clusters, engaging in loud exchanges, negotiations, and sharing tales of their adventures in the Abyss.
Dotted amongst these were inns and taverns, their warm and inviting lights offering respite from the chilly air outside. The scent of hearty stews, grilled meats, and the undercurrent of strong ale wafted from these establishments, forming a tantalizing aroma that permeated the city.
All these elements together created a thriving city around the Abyss, a testament to human adaptability, entrepreneurship, and the tantalizing allure of the unknown. It was a vibrant, bustling town, one that thrummed with the promise of adventure and was thoroughly energized by the thrill of the challenge that lay in its center - The Abyss.
Q: Have you watched "Made in Abyss"?