My head was still spinning after the brutal back-to-back boss battles against the reality-hopping Komododon as I limped through a shadowy stone passage back towards Relnor Ruins' entrance. Who knew what I had assumed was a simple dungeon mini-boss would turn out to be an infinite army of space-tearing lizards? So much for swaggering out of my first solo raid laden with treasures while laughing over a hard-won victory.
At least I managed to escape in one piece with some fancy jeweled daggers and a self-refilling coin purse for my troubles. Any sane person would call that a win after facing the same regenerating foe over and over. There was no shame in a tactical retreat when necessary - that was the lesson from my magically gifted future self.
Still, thinking back on how I had to use my absolute strongest move just to temporarily down a single Komododon copy frustrated me to no end. So much for rising to mythical glory on my SSS-Rank spatial powers right out the gate! Clearly I needed way more combat experience and technique refinement before conquering dungeon bosses solo.
As I shuffled towards the last chamber before Relnor Ruins' exit, the familiar sight of the frozen Komododon specimen I had trapped earlier with my inaugural Spatial Lockdown came into view. Gazing at its immobilized form, snout still stretched open in a soundless roar behind the dimensional prison's glimmering walls, gave me an odd sense of comfort. At least this version I could safely lock away to always reassure myself my abilities had some effect on the beast.
Just then, my pity party was interrupted by the heavy clomping of boots on stone from one of the unexplored side tunnels I was passing by. Whirling with fists raised, I scanned the darkness anxiously for another lizard ambush or pitfall trap triggering. The lessons in vigilance from this harrowing first dungeon crawl would not be soon forgotten.
But instead of scales and claws, the newcomer turned out to be a tall human figure draped in a hooded black cloak that obscured all features. The mysterious stranger moved with a fluid grace that instantly set my battle-honed instincts on edge - this was no mere lost wanderer or frightened survivor.
I narrowed my eyes, willing swirling sparks of spatial energy to cloak around my hands as a warning. "That's far enough, pal. Only room for one shady hooded figure around here trying to play it creepy and mysterious. So why don't you tell me just who you are and what you want before I bounce you into the Negative Zone?"
The dark figure paused a cautious distance away before sweeping into an elegant bow. "Well met, young master. Word of your talent has already spread it seems," answered a woman's refined voice from under the obscuring hood. She swept her concealed gaze around the chamber, pausing on the trapped Komododon. "Binding a raging reptile outside of space and time long enough for us to have this conversation is no mean feat."
I allowed the spatial sparks around my hands to dim but kept my defensive stance. This strange interloper seemed to know an uncanny amount about my recent battles.
"If you know so much, then you have me at a disadvantage lady," I replied with narrow eyes. "Just who are you and what's your business down here?"
The women swept her cloak back with one slim gloved hand, revealing an ornate black and gold vest embroidered with arcane symbols over a ruffled white blouse and dark leggings. Raven hair framed a sharp beautiful face with intense blue eyes that seemed to stare right through me.
"My name is Lilith, an observer for certain discrete interests," she proclaimed. "We monitor new dungeoneering talent and recruit the best and brightest."
I felt irritation flash through me. So much mystery and covert nonsense for a mere headhunter pitch? This woman clearly enjoyed her dramatics.
"Yeah well thanks but no thanks," I shot back, already turning away towards the exit. "I'm not interested in joining any 'secret societies' or illuminaughty clubs looking for new blood. I'm going to be conquering dungeons and rising to mythical power all by myself."
"That would be most unwise," Lilith replied instantly, gliding smoothly back into my path. "You have power, true, but wildly undisciplined by any form of proper schooling or technique. Why struggle to master your gifts alone when there are...alternative avenues open to the right candidate?"
I crossed my arms defiantly, refusing to reveal how close to home her critiques struck after my earlier humbling boss battle.
Lilith seemed to read my stubborn hesitation perfectly. Stepping in closer she adopted a confiding, sisterly tone. "Of course, it is your choice. Although should another promising new blood choose to walk a more enlightened path..." She let the implication hang.
I bit my lip, annoyance and temptation warring within me. This mysterious recruiter clearly knew which buttons to push. And much as I hated to admit it, she made uncomfortably good points about the value of guidance. Perhaps it was pride and arrogance that made me spurn the offer to walk my fated path unaided...the same hubris that saw me flee Relnor Ruins far sooner than intended.
Finally after a lengthy pause I met Lilith's intense gaze again. "You guarantee this 'alternative path' of yours will set me up to master my powers quicker?"
Pearly white teeth flashed in the depths of that hood cowl as Lilith's red lips stretched into a satisfied smile. She could clearly see the cracks forming in my defiant facade. Her next words sealed the temptation:
"I can open doors to mentors and resources beyond your wildest imagination. The luminaries of dimensional dominion shall be yours to commune with. In due time, not even the dread Komododon you faced shall pose challenge..."
I drew in a sharp breath as the promises hung in air between us. This mysterious agent seemed my best shortcut to attaining the strength and control glimpsed within those future visions...Lilith represented a chance to realize my destiny years faster than stubbornly slaving in solitude!
Heart suddenly pounding with possibility, I straightened up to my full height and offered a tentative hand back to the still smiling woman.
"In that case, consider me interested..."