Now that I have time to rest I realized something.
I remembered something.
I wrestle. I've practiced, gone to camps, gone to state. A wave of nostalgia and happiness floods over me. Something as simple as remembering a hobby of mine almost brings me to tears.
"I'm a wrestler. I'm tough. And I'll get out of here alive."
For now though I need water and something to eat. I can last longer without food so water is the priority now.
There's water dripping from the ceiling, but I'm not exactly sure I can drink it.
"Maybe they'll be something further ahead in the cave. Maybe I can even find the exit instead."
I've learned a lot about the book so far. It can tell the future, warn me of dangers, and drain me mentally. One thing I didn't expect though is for it to be a bestiary? Or I guess I should say weaponary?
After defeating the Zombie Miner thing the book shined once more, but this time instead of the future it gave me a description of the Pickaxe.
A pickaxe enchanted to easily break apart stone and minerals, but curses the user with greed the more they use it. Eventually, the user's mind melts away and all that's left is the desire for the valuable quartz. Even through death the user mines and hacks away.
"Wait does that mean… That used to be someone?"
I felt mortified I took someone's life, but rereading the section I realized it had already died long ago. I put it out of its misery.
Soon another thought came to mind.
"Wait if this book gives item descriptions can it give me a description of itself?"
I flipped through the book searching for any clue however instead of information about the book I found one more section. This time it was a bestiary.
Draugr Undead humanoid creatures usually guarding treasures or graves.
Then it hit me. I was too focused on the thought of almost killing a person to fully realize what I saw.
"I must be going crazy... The dead are coming back to life!?"
I couldn't help but to exclaim.
If I hadn't seen one I wouldn't believe it. Does this mean the afterlife is Norse? Wait does this mean there is an afterlife?! Should I go out swinging right now so I can go to Valhalla? Wait, what is Valhalla? And why do I know it? This is too much to deal with. Right now I need to focus on moving forward.
~***~
I continued my walk and soon came to a halt.
Clink! Clank! Clink! Clank!
I found myself in an open area covered in more of the iridescent gemstones I've been seeing constantly in the cave. There was a clear path continuing through the cave and a massive hole on the ground.
I took a mental note to watch my step lest I wanna die in a hole. Of course with the crystals everywhere there were more of those Draugr. Much much more.
I saw at least 12 all mining the crystals with an obsessed fever. They struck with such power that even some crystals on the ceiling would fall and they would all quickly rush to it fighting to get the glowing rocks.
It appeared almost as if they were entranced as they rushed towards the crystals not caring for any harm that comes to their body as they dash wildly getting occasionally pierced by the Pickaxes.
I had an idea, I went back and mined some beautiful shiny crystals of my own. I could barely take out one Draugr. There was just no way I could beat 12 in a fight at once.
So I just won't fight them. I took a step forward and then I threw my Pickaxe at one of the Draugr's arms. With one throw I got the attention of over a dozen Draugr.
Some rushed with Pickaxes while some dropped to all fours and began the most terrifying crawls of all time. They surrounded me and I couldn't outrun them.
Any bit of hesitation would lead to my death.
I quickly raise my right arm. Entrapped by my fingers was a handful of those gorgeous shiny crystals. I hastily tossed them into the tunnel and nearly all of the Draugr decided to change course and head for the tunnel instead.
Except for one.