As they advanced, Caelum paused, examining the ground. His past life as Eclipse had honed his tracking skills, a talent that remained sharp even in this world. Though his skills from that time had not fully merged with his Gunslinger abilities, they were invaluable in situations like these. The tracks were faint, almost imperceptible, but to his trained eye, they were clear indicators that this path had remained undisturbed for some time. He breathed a sigh of relief; they were not walking into an ambush.
Simultaneously, he kept a cautious eye on the HUD map in the corner of his vision. It would alert him to any enemies within range, marked as red dots. For now, the map remained clear, a small comfort in the oppressive darkness of the sewers.
Elara, noticing his pause, whispered, "What is it?"
"Tracks," Caelum replied, his voice low. "Old and undisturbed. We're still alone down here."
Elara nodded, her grip on the dagger unyielding. She was alert, her eyes scanning the shadows, ready for any threat. Her trust in Caelum's judgment was absolute, yet she remained vigilant, aware of the dangers that lurked in the unseen corners of the sewer.
They continued their cautious advance, the silence of the sewer occasionally broken by distant, muffled sounds from above. As they navigated the dark corridors, Lily's voice broke the silence. "This part of the sewer leads to an old junction. It's a critical point, one that could give access to several parts of the town."
Caelum halted at the junction, his keen eyes surveying the dimly lit expanse of the sewer intersection. From his System's inventory, he drew an Enchanted Amulet – a piece enhanced for greater protection. Its aura shimmered faintly in the gloom. He approached Lily and gently fastened it around her neck. The proximity, the act of him giving her jewelry, stirred a blush on Lily's cheeks. In their culture, such a gesture often hinted at engagement, but recalling Caelum's previous words, her eyes dimmed slightly, a mix of hope and resignation in her gaze.
"This amulet will protect you," Caelum said, his voice firm yet not unkind. "But stay close. Elara you should select your new skills now."
Lily nodded, her eyes momentarily evading his, aware of the boundaries Caelum had set, boundaries she respected despite her feelings. Elara on the other hand got excited, and hesitant. The list was extensive, and all the skills were good.
Elara pondered deeply over the list of skills, her fingers tracing invisible lines in the air as she visualized each ability's potential. Caelum told him about skills she could choose, another unique ability of his class. She was still amazed by it. The choice was challenging; each skill offered unique advantages, and her heart yearned to master them all. But the reality of their situation demanded pragmatism. She could only choose two, at least for now. After a moment of contemplation, she exhaled a resigned sigh, her decision made.
"Seed Shot and Barkskin," she announced, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and a hint of regret for the skills left unchosen.
Caelum nodded in approval. "Good choices," he affirmed. "Seed Shot offers both offensive and defensive tactics, while Barkskin enhances your survivability."
He watched as Elara closed her eyes, focusing on the internal process of awakening her new skills as he chose them for her through system. A subtle glow emanated from her, indicative of the bond between her spirit and the natural world. Moments later, she opened her eyes, a new sense of confidence radiating from her.
"I can feel them," Elara said, a smile touching her lips. "The Seed Shot... it's like I can sense the life in each seed, waiting to burst forth." She held out her hand, and a small green shoot sprang to life, growing rapidly before wilting back into a seed. "Incredible," she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
"And the Barkskin," she continued, rolling up her sleeve to reveal her arm. As she focused, the skin on her forearm took on a rough, bark-like texture. She rapped her knuckles against it, the sound solid and reassuring. "This will be invaluable in a fight."
Caelum watched, impressed by her quick adaptation. "You're a natural," he complimented. "These skills will greatly aid us in the challenges ahead."
Watching from a distance, Lily was shocked. She had never seen anything like this, but she didn't want to intrude, so she stood quiet.
Turning back to the path leading deeper into the sewer, Caelum focused ahead, now opening towards the sea, Caelum's expression hardened with resolve. The HUD map showed a cluster of red dots converging ahead. "They're coming," he murmured.
Elara, standing by his side, tensed, readying her dagger. The silence of the sewer was abruptly shattered by the sound of scuttling and guttural growls echoing through the tunnels.
Emerging from the shadows, a horde of creatures appeared, grotesque and malformed. Their bodies were a blend of crustacean and reptilian features, covered in slimy scales and sharp, jagged shells. Their eyes, glowing with a malevolent light, fixed on the group with predatory intent.
Caelum raised his revolver, his Gunslinger instincts fully awakened. He activated his Observe skill, the system rapidly analyzing the approaching monsters.
[System Message: Observe: River Fiends
Class: Aquatic Aberrations (Level 4)
Abilities: Claw Strike, Acidic Spit, Enhanced Durability under Water]
"These are River Fiends," Caelum announced, his voice steady despite the encroaching danger. "Watch out for their spit—it's acidic."
Lily, standing slightly behind, clutched the amulet, drawing a small measure of comfort from its protective aura. Her eyes were wide, but she held her ground, her trust in Caelum evident.
Elara, her stance ready and alert, responded, "Got it. I'll aim for their underbelly. Seems softer."
Caelum held his revolver firmly in one hand and drew his knife with the other. "Elara, stay back and assist me. Protect Lily," he instructed, his voice calm yet commanding. Elara nodded, positioning herself strategically next to Lily, ready to unleash her newly acquired skills if needed.
The revolver in Caelum's hand was a significant upgrade from his makeshift gun. Though it too had a smoothbore barrel and was loaded with scatter shot, it felt more reliable, more substantial. A slight smile tugged at his lips, a rare show of excitement under such dire circumstances. "Let's do it," he said, a determined glint in his eyes.
As the River Fiends advanced, Caelum took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was his first time using a real gun in this world of swords and magic. His finger curled around the trigger, the familiar weight of the firearm a reassuring presence in his hand.
The fiends, sensing the threat, increased their pace, their grotesque forms moving with surprising agility. Their claws scraped against the stone, sending echoes through the sewer tunnels.
Elara, her eyes fixed on the creatures, whispered to Lily, "Stay close to me. If anything happens, I'll protect you." Her hand tightened around her dagger, the blade catching the dim light from the lantern.
Caelum took a step forward, the revolver firmly in his grip, and aimed at the closest creature. The sewer's damp air hung heavy around them, the tension palpable as the River Fiends closed in, their claws clicking against the stone.
Elara, standing protectively beside Lily, watched Caelum with a mix of awe and apprehension. Despite her experience in battle, the sight of a gun, an alien concept in this world, both intrigued and unnerved her.