After their successful venture in The Enchanted Garden, Mira inquired about Orion's next plans. Orion revealed his intention to train Auf in the Shadow Veil Dungeon, particularly to expose him to humanoid enemies.
Mira, considering the potential risks and benefits, offered to join them. "It's safer and faster with a team, right? And I could use a bit more action myself," she said with a smile.
Orion agreed, welcoming the idea of having Mira's support. With her healing skills and knowledge of dungeons, she would be a valuable asset to their team.
Orion, accompanied by Auf and Mira, set out for another training session in the Shadow Veil Dungeon, a place he had become quite familiar with from his solo runs. This time, the atmosphere was less tense, as Orion viewed this more as an opportunity for Auf to gain experience in a relatively known environment.
Orion, accompanied by Auf and Mira, set out for another training session in the Shadow Veil Dungeon, a place he had become quite familiar with from his solo runs. This time, the atmosphere was less tense, as Orion viewed this more as an opportunity for Auf to gain experience in a relatively known environment.
Upon entering the dungeon, the familiar sights and sounds of the Shadow Veil greeted them. Orion led the way with a relaxed demeanor, confident in his knowledge of the dungeon's layout and the habits of its inhabitants: the goblins.
Their first encounter with a group of goblin warriors was handled with ease. Orion demonstrated to Auf how to engage effectively while keeping an eye on his surroundings. Mira, while not needed for her healing abilities in these minor skirmishes, contributed by picking off stray goblins with her magic.
[ Companion Auf Experience Gained: 25 ]
As they delved deeper into the dungeon, they encountered a few goblin chiefs. These battles provided a bit more of a challenge, but Orion and Auf, now working in sync, managed them without much difficulty. Mira's presence was reassuring, but her intervention was rarely needed.
[ Companion Auf Experience Gained: 50 ]
The exploration of the dungeon was almost leisurely, with Orion using this opportunity to give Auf more practical combat experience. Mira occasionally shared tips and insights from her own experiences, adding to the casual yet educational atmosphere.
Eventually, they reached the lair of the Goblin King. The battle with the king was more a routine skirmish than a fierce fight. Orion and Auf, accustomed to the king's tactics, worked together to quickly bring down the boss. Mira's support, though minimal, was efficient and effective.
[ Companion Auf Experience Gained: 100 ]
[ Drop Acquired: Goblin King's Amulet ]
**********
As they left the Shadow Veil Dungeon, Orion reflected on the day's progress. It was satisfying to see Auf growing more confident and adept with each encounter. They had completed several runs, and on their fourth and final run, after defeating the Goblin King, Orion received notifications that brought a sense of accomplishment:
[ Companion Auf Experience Gained: 100 ]
[ Drop Acquired: Bag of Gold Coins ]
[ Companion Auf Level Up: Level 5 Achieved ]
Orion couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as Auf reached level 5, marking a significant milestone in the pup's development. He also noticed the completion of a personal quest:
[ Quest Completed: Strong Companion ]
[ Reward: Pet Evolution Pill E-Rank ]
He kept the quest completion to himself, but he couldn't hide his joy at Auf's achievement. "Auf has reached level 5," he shared with Mira, his voice carrying a hint of pride.
"That's fantastic!" Mira responded, genuinely happy for them. "He's growing up so fast."
Their collective efforts in the dungeon also yielded a substantial haul. The total drop from the goblins included 42 gold coins, 13 Small Mana Stones, 7 Mana Stones, 1100 Copper Coins, and a Goblin King's Amulet. The amulet, providing a bonus of 2 endurance, was promptly equipped by Orion, enhancing his resilience in battle. Mira, content with her small life essence and the experience gained, declined her share of the loot.
After a productive day in the Shadow Veil Dungeon, Orion, Mira, and Auf emerged into the fading light of the evening. The time spent in the dungeon had strengthened their camaraderie and provided valuable experience for Auf.
Mira turned to Orion, her expression a mix of gratitude and resolve. "Orion, thank you for today. Remember, if I need help again, you'll be the first person I call," she said earnestly.
Orion nodded, a sense of mutual respect evident in his response. "Of course, Mira. Don't hesitate to ask. We're in this together."
With a friendly wave, Mira departed, leaving Orion and Auf to continue their journey. Orion gazed at Auf, feeling a surge of pride for his companion's progress. It was time for the next step in Auf's evolution.
Orion's first task was to visit the Store System. He had been putting off a thorough review of the available items and skills, focusing instead on immediate needs and quests. Now, with a considerable amount of gold and mana stones in his possession, it was the perfect opportunity to explore the system's offerings.
He navigated through the system's interface, browsing through various categories. After careful consideration, Orion decided to purchase the Elemental Resistance skill. Costing him 25 gold coins, it was an investment he had long wanted to make, providing a crucial defense against elemental attacks. With the skill acquired, Orion felt a sense of fulfillment. It was a skill he had coveted since his early days as an awakener, and now it was finally his.
Orion made a mental note to spend more time exploring the Store System later. He had a growing curiosity about what other treasures and tools it might hold, especially now that he had the means to afford them.
With Auf having reached level 5, it was time for the next significant step in his journey. Orion knew that the Pet Evolution Pill he had acquired as a reward was a rare and powerful item, capable of unlocking new potential in his companion.
His next destination was the renowned Pet Center, a facility operated by Divine Beast Corp. The corporation was known for its specialization in companion-related services, catering to the needs of awakeners and their companions across Azure City and beyond.
The Pet Center was a well-known establishment, a place where awakeners could access a wide range of services for their companions, from training to evolution. For someone like Orion, who had a deep connection with his companion, the center offered invaluable resources.
Upon arriving, Orion proceeded to rent a special room designed for the use of evolution items like the Pet Evolution Pill. These rooms were equipped with everything necessary to ensure a safe and effective evolution process, providing an ideal environment for companions to undergo their transformation.
With everything in place, Orion prepared for what was to come. He knew that the evolution process would be a significant moment in Auf's development, possibly changing him in ways he couldn't yet predict. But he trusted in the bond they had built and the journey they had shared so far.
As Orion held the Pet Evolution Pill, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation for what was to come. The next step in Auf's evolution was about to begin.