Amukelo's eyes fluttered open, taking a moment to adjust to the bright sunlight that greeted him. The soft hum of a gentle breeze and the distant chirping of birds created a peaceful symphony around him. He stretched, his muscles stiff from the prolonged rest, and turned to see Eliss, who was busily organizing their belongings.
"How long have I been sleeping?" he croaked, his voice rusty from sleep.
Eliss looked up, her eyes showing a mixture of relief and amusement. "You've been out for over a day. I was beginning to think you'd hibernate through the entire journey!"
Amukelo chuckled softly, taking a moment to sit up and take in their surroundings. They were in the middle of vast, sweeping plains that stretched endlessly everywhere between the forest and the abyss. The grass danced in waves, a shimmering sea of green. Butterflies flitted about, and in the distance, he could see a herd of wild horses galloping freely. The beauty of this place was a stark contrast to the dark forest they had recently left behind. It was surreal – this was the space between the Whispering Forest of Elarth and the Abyss of Sorrow, a place void of life, but instead, it teemed with it.
Continuing their journey, the horizon started to give way to a more daunting view. The vast expanse of the Abyss of Sorrow loomed ahead. Eliss, pulling out a detailed map, began explaining the different layers of the abyss.
"The first layer," she began, pointing to the topmost section of the map, "is the Cliff Plains. That's where we are now. It's the most forgiving layer, with gentle slopes and plenty of flat grounds. The real challenge starts after this."
She continued, her finger tracing down to the next layer. "This is the Mushroom Valley. It's a maze of towering, luminescent mushrooms, each emitting a soft glow. However, many of these mushrooms release spores that are highly toxic. We'll need to be extremely cautiousl."
Amukelo nodded, appreciating the detailed briefing. Eliss moved on, "The third layer is the Limitless Cliff. And the name says it all. It's a vertical drop, so steep that it seems to go on forever. We'll need to figure out how to cross it."
She then pointed to the next layer, "The Lava Lake. It's a vast expanse of bubbling and spewing lava. The heat is unbearable, and the ground unstable. We'll need to find ways to cross without getting too close to the molten rock."
Finally, she paused before explaining the last layer, "The Dark of Forgiveness. Very few have ventured here and returned. It's shrouded in a darkness so thick, even the strongest of torches can't penetrate it. It's said to challenge not just one's physical prowess but also one's very soul."
After reading that a spark of doubt sparked within Eliss. She was far from being able to overcome mental challenges. But she decided that if her presence could in any way help Amukelo it would be worth it.
Amukelo looked deep into Eliss's eyes, sensing the underlying worry she felt about the adventure ahead. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll go through this. As a team. As always."
Her eyes widened and her cheeks turned a little bit red. She smiled, the fire of determination illuminated her doubt. With their spirits high and their resolve unshakeable, the two adventurers began their descent into the Abyss of Sorrow, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Amukelo and Eliss traversed the Cliff Plains, the gentle roll of the terrain created a serene environment. The expansive grasslands, dotted with occasional trees and bushes, echoed the soft chirps of distant birds. Herds of animals grazed lazily, basking in the sun's warmth, and a few curious creatures approached them, sniffing the air for scents before bounding off into the distance. This layer of the Abyss was deceptive in its tranquility.
However, the peace was shattered by a harrowing scream that echoed through the plains, making the hair on the back of their necks stand on end. It sounded like a plea for help, and both adventurers instinctively began sprinting in the direction of the scream.
As they neared the source, a gruesome sight met their eyes. A man lay on the ground, his face contorted in agony, with a gaping wound in his abdomen. Surrounding him were scavenging creatures, tearing into his lifeless body. But what caught Amukelo's attention was a monstrous bird, unlike any he had seen before. Its massive wingspan created a dark canopy over the body, and its beady eyes glistened with malevolence. Its sharp beak, dripping with blood, moved in a synchronized rhythm with the distressing screams, creating an illusion that the cries were emanating from the fallen man.
Eliss gasped, taking a step back, her face pale. Amukelo, sensing the imminent danger, drew his swords just in time as the monstrous bird, feeling threatened, lunged at them with a terrifying screech.
The bird was incredibly swift, its razor-sharp talons aimed straight for Amukelo's face. But Amukelo, using his honed reflexes, managed to duck, the bird narrowly missing him. It swiftly circled back, ready for another assault. The sun glinted off its iridescent feathers, casting fleeting rainbows across the plains.
Eliss chanted quickly, summoning a protective barrier around them. But the bird, with a piercing shriek, shattered the magical shield, sending shockwaves that knocked her off her feet.
Amukelo, seizing the momentary distraction the bird had given him, lunged forward, slashing one of its wings. The bird retaliated, its beak snapping inches from his face. The battle was intense, the plains resonating with the sound of clashing metal and the bird's enraged cries.
After a tense back-and-forth, with both Amukelo and the bird bearing scars of the battle, Amukelo saw an opening. With a determined yell, he delivered a precise strike, piercing the bird's heart. It let out one final, ear-piercing cry before collapsing onto the grass, lifeless.
Amukelo, panting heavily, rushed over to Eliss, helping her to her feet. They shared a brief moment of relief, their eyes reflecting the shared horror of the scene before them. The tranquility of the Cliff Plains had hidden a deadly secret, and the duo realized they needed to be on their guard every step of the way into the Abyss.