Chapter Size: 2300 Words.]
Third Person POV
27 Floor, Dungeon.
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After the arduous and tense escape from the deep floors of the dungeon, Lucius and Lyd finally emerged in the tranquil Capital of Waters. Lyd continued to lead the winding way, full of hidden routes, ensuring they avoided any unwanted encounters with other dangers of the dungeon. The soft light of dusk bathed the waterfalls at that moment, providing a stark contrast to the shadows and dangers of the depths from which they had just escaped.
As they approached the meeting point, a familiar and energetic figure emerged in the distance from one of the currents. "LYD, LUCIUS!" exclaimed Marie, her voice filled with relief and joy. Despite the evident exhaustion on his face, Lucius made an effort to clean his clothes, trying to disguise the signs of the recent confrontation and of nearly losing his life. Yet, it was impossible to completely hide his fatigue, reflected in his slightly downcast appearance and his tired smile as he looked at Marie.
Marie ran towards them, her eyes shining with concern and happiness. She stopped in front of Lucius, examining him from head to toe as if looking for injuries. "Are you okay? What happened down there?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Before Lucius could answer, Lyd intervened with a reproachful tone. "Marie! I already told you that you can't wait for us outside the hideout!" Lyd looked around cautiously, making sure no suspicious person was watching. "It's dangerous. You know we must keep our location secret and always move in hiding."
Marie lowered her head, realizing her mistake. "Sorry, Lyd. I was just worried and wanted to make sure you were safe."
Lucius, observing the interaction, felt touched by Marie's concern. "We're fine, thanks to Lyd," he said, placing a hand on the Xenos' shoulder in a sign of gratitude. "Something terrible emerged down there, but we're here now."
Marie looked at Lucius, relieved, but still clearly eager to know more about what had happened. "Marie thinks it's better if we go somewhere safer, and Marie wants to know what happened," she suggested, looking around to ensure they were not being followed or observed.
The trio then discreetly headed to a place among the safe zones that Marie knew, finally stopping at a location on floor 26. Lucius, exhausted, helped himself to some quick ration food. Then, he used his magical abilities to create a comfortable bed, seeking a few hours of well-deserved rest.
Three hours of deep, restorative sleep allowed Lucius to begin recovering from the physical and mental exertion of the battle in the deep floors. Upon waking, still feeling the weight of fatigue but more refreshed, he joined Marie and Lyd, who were waiting patiently.
"What do we do now?" Lucius asked, rubbing his eyes and trying to organize his thoughts.
"I was planning to take you to Rivira," Lyd replied. The suggestion was logical but also risky, considering the presence of the Juggernaut in the lower floors.
"With that thing down there?" Lucius raised an eyebrow, the memory of the Juggernaut still vivid in his mind. The prospect of returning to the dungeon so soon, especially with the threat of the Juggernaut still lurking, was daunting, not to mention that the creature might develop a will of its own and start feeding on other monsters to evolve.
He had the war game right on his doorstep, which he planned to return to in order to prepare, yet Lucius pondered the situation with a grave expression. The threat of the Juggernaut in the deep floors was something he could not simply ignore. "This monster... it's a danger to everyone in the dungeon, including the Xenos," he said, looking directly at Lyd and the innocent Marie.
Lyd nodded, agreeing with the seriousness of the situation. "Fels will probably contact us soon, and then we'll act. But until then, we are all at risk."
"That thing will smell us at any moment and come to the upper floors. Even you, Xenos, will be in danger," Lucius argued, his voice clearly worried.
"We can't do much," Lyd admitted, with a worried look. "The Juggernaut is a force of the mother, a threat feared by everyone in the dungeon."
"We can fight that thing. There are more of you, aren't there?" Lucius asked, his voice carrying a tone of challenge. "We can't just sit and wait. We need to act."
Lyd looked at Lucius, surprised by his determination. "Yes, there are more of us, but... would you fight with us, Lucius? Would you join us in this battle?"
Lucius fixed his gaze on Lyd. "Yes, that thing was summoned because of me. I can't turn my back on it, can I? If I'm the reason for this threat, then I'll be part of the solution."
Lyd felt a wave of respect and gratitude for Lucius. "If we ask for help from all the other Xenos, we might stand a chance. Would you really fight alongside us? Would you be our friend in this battle?"
Lucius nodded firmly. "We're here, aren't we? I already said you saved my life, and I'm already a friend of Marie. I will fight by your side. If there's a chance of winning, then we need to seize it."
Lyd, visibly moved by Lucius's willingness, nodded in approval. "Your courage and willingness to fight alongside us mean a lot to us, Lucius. We'll talk to the other Xenos. Your help could be the turning point we need."
"But will they accept help from a human?" Lucius asked, aware of the complexities of the relationships between Xenos and adventurers.
Lyd offered Lucius a reassuring smile, an expression that conveyed understanding and trust. "The Xenos know how to assess intentions and character," he began, his gaze serene. "They will see in you what I see: a honorable warrior and a friend, just as Marie saw. You're not someone who fears us or calls us monsters. Besides, we already have some allies among the surface dwellers, like Fels. Your presence will only strengthen this bridge between our worlds."
Lucius, feeling the sincerity in Lyd's words, nodded with determination. "That's good. Then we should go," he said, his voice reflecting seriousness and a commitment to the cause.
Marie, who had been watching the interaction attentively, felt a mix of sadness in her. "So you're already leaving?" she asked, the concern evident in her voice.
Lyd turned to Marie, his expression softening. "Don't worry, Marie. We'll sort out one thing and then we'll be back here," he reassured her, trying to alleviate her concerns.
Marie sighed slightly, a sign of her resignation mixed with hope. "Okay..." she murmured, still worried, but confident in Lucius and Lyd's ability and determination.
Lucius observed Marie with a thoughtful look, pondering an idea that had come to his mind. "I think she can come with us," he said suddenly, breaking the silence. Before Marie or Lyd could respond, he continued, "Let me do one thing here."
Quickly, Lucius accessed the magical store and bought a grimoire. With intense concentration, he flipped through the pages, quickly absorbing the knowledge contained in them. Then, he burned the book, the flames consuming the paper quickly and disappearing without a trace.
Turning to Marie, Lucius extended his hands toward her. "Neutral Element, Soap Bubble!" he pronounced with conviction. A bubble began to form around Marie's waist, slowly expanding into a shimmering, ethereal ring.
"What is this?!" Marie exclaimed, surprised and fascinated by the magical bubble that enveloped her.
Lucius smiled, pleased with the success of the spell. "With this, you can float in the air. This is your access to live with the Xenos from now on and not be isolated anymore," he explained. His voice carried a tone of satisfaction, as he didn't like the idea of Marie being alone in the Water Capital.
Marie, moved and enchanted by the gift, threw herself into Lucius's arms, crying with joy. "This... THANK YOU, LUCIUS! THANK YOU!!" Tears streamed down her face, expressing gratitude and relief as she tried to fly with it.
Lyd, watching the scene, laughed joyfully. "Lucius! Do you have any idea how much this will help Marie!?" His expression was one of admiration and surprise, impressed by Lucius's skill and generosity.
Lucius, feeling warmth in his heart seeing Marie's joy, nodded. "Well, we're done here. Now that Marie can join us, shall we continue?" He looked at Lyd, ready to move forward.
"Yes, please follow me," said Lyd, still smiling. He led the way, with Lucius and the now floating Marie following.
Lyd, Lucius, and Marie, after the magical support that allowed Marie to float, set off toward the 23rd floor of the dungeon.
As they ascended the Water Capital, Lyd led with caution, continuing to avoid the inherent dangers of the dungeon. Marie, still marveling at her new ability to float, followed Lucius with a smile on her face, enchanted by the spectacular views of the Water Capital from above for the first time.
Upon reaching the 23rd floor, he skillfully guided them along the river that cut through the landscape, flowing with a constant murmur that accompanied each step of the trio. The clear and tranquil waters contrasted with the usual tension of the dungeon, offering a brief respite on their journey.
Lyd stopped in front of a seemingly ordinary rock formation, but a closer look revealed much more. With a subtle gesture, he moved a rock, revealing a narrow passage that opened into an underground corridor. "This is the way," he whispered, gesturing for Lucius and Marie to follow.
Descending through the corridor, the trio arrived at a spectacular cave. It was vast, with irregular walls that glimmered with the soft light emitted by embedded crystals. The light reflected in multiple colors, creating a visual spectacle that captured their attention. It was an underground sanctuary, a refuge of the Xenos.
"Here we are safe," Lyd stated with a tone of pride. "This is the heart of our community, a place where we are free from the dangers and curious eyes of adventurers."
Lucius examined the environment with admiration, impressed by the ingenuity and beauty of the hideout. Marie, still floating thanks to Lucius's spell, couldn't hide her fascination. "It's incredible, Lyd! Is this where you and the others live!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy.
Lyd smiled, pleased with their reaction. "Let's see the others. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you here, Marie!" he said, encouraging her.
Reaching a wider area of the cave, Lyd stopped. "Here, you will meet other members of our community," he announced.
The place was dark, but soon began to light up and all the eyes shining in the darkness began to take shape. As Lucius and Marie entered the main hall of the hideout, surprise and awe took over the expressions of the gathered Xenos. The creatures, accustomed to the presence of each other, had never seen a human walk freely among them, let alone accompanied by a floating mermaid.
The sight of Marie, serenely suspended within her magical bubble, drew looks of admiration and enchantment from many. Some of the Xenos creatures approached, their eyes glowing with gentle curiosity. One of them, a Xenos with translucent skin and aquatic features, tilted his head to the side, fascinated by the way Marie moved through the air.
"Marie! Can you fly now?!" He said in astonishment.
"Hello! I'm flying because of Lucius's magic!!!" She said excitedly.
"It's extraordinary magic," commented others, their voice a fluid murmur reminiscent of the sound of running water.
Inside the crystal-lit hall, the meeting of Xenos with Lucius and Marie was full of tensions and wonders. The feline Xenos, whose fur was soft to the touch and striped with shadows, approached Lucius, their curiosity evident. "And you, human, have an aura of strength," he said, a whisper almost inaudible amid the surrounding conversation. "How is it that you do not fear our presence? No one of your species dared to enter this place that is our home, and even less alongside Lyd."
Lyd looked at Lucius with a hint of pride. "Lucius is not just any warrior; he is a friend," he began, his voice resonating with conviction. "I heard him alone in the deep floors facing a terrible monster that the mother invoked to test him, saw his courage in facing that creature. His bravery proves that he is different."
The creatures around them murmured, their gazes fixed on Lucius oscillating between distrust and respect. The surprise was palpable, but there was also a glint of interest, especially when they noticed the mermaid Marie floating among them, as serene as the water itself.
Suddenly, a white gargoyle emerged from the crowd with the fury of a storm about to burst. "Lyd, what do you think you are doing?!" Gros exclaimed, his finger pointed as an accusation towards Lucius. "You revealed our refuge to a human. He might bring others to hunt us down!"
Lyd stood firm, facing Gros. "It's not like that, Gros. Lucius is different; he won't betray us and helped protect Marie. I trust him, just as I trust all of you," defended Lyd, his voice full of sincerity.
An ent-like creature, whose wooden branches seemed to whisper with the wind, stepped forward with slow but firm steps. "Consider the nature of this meeting," he spoke, his voice laden with the wisdom of the ages. "This moment signals a promising change, the possibility of an unprecedented union."
Lucius, noticing the distrust still present in some gazes, decided to intervene. "I understand the suspicion my presence causes," he said, with an imposed calm. "But we face a common danger in the floors below, a threat that requires the strongest among us to unite to confront it and forget our differences. It's an enemy too powerful to be left alone, and he might be getting stronger every moment that passes."
"An enemy? Is he strong?" A voice suddenly came from the entrance, and Lucius turned towards that voice.
"You are..." He couldn't believe what he was seeing; he couldn't imagine that thing had also become a Xenos.
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