A huffing voice sounded as three men appeared on a plain made of dark soil.
"Huh, huh, huh. Damn. My trousers are burning!"
Lao De awkwardly patted his black trousers. Although the warrior's clothes weren't simple as they serve as armor as well, a single spark had been enough to create a small flame.
Lao De's hand pulsed as he extinguished the fire.
After getting rid of his problem the warrior was confused why no one spoke anything. He turned his head and saw his two companions doing their best to hold back their laughter.
Annoyed, Lao De could only scoff.
Finally Lao Ru and Tepo let out faint chuckles. But Tepo quickly steadied himself, speaking up as a distraction:
"Let's go!"
As the young man took the lead, the two brothers quickly followed. The trio traversed another dark area. A few beasts sometimes appeared in their view but those were still panicked, not even daring to attack the presumably weak prey.
Thus, the men faced little danger as they advanced. It didn't take long until the vast forest was before them. Colorful foliage covered the ground as towering trees overshadowed everything else.
Tepo listened to the rustling leaves as he reminisced for a moment. This journey through the dungeon was really filled with ups and downs.
"Ok guys. We are almost there.", announced Lao Ru with a relieved sigh.
"Yes. Just watch you steps. Don't make any mistakes now. I will go ahead."
As he spoke up Tepo already raised his left foot. He brought it down on the soft forest floor. Slightly turning towards the right, he stepped out with his right foot.
In front of the two brothers' eyes Tepo abruptly vanished.
A refreshing coolness caressed Tepo's skin. He turned his head left and right, finding himself within a thick fog.
The young man frowned. Even after a few seconds the two brothers didn't appear.
I don't believe Lao Ru and Lao De didn't follow me. It can only be that this teleportation is more random.
Turning vigilant, Tepo took out his knife. He bent his knees as he studied his surroundings.
Only the man's even breathing could be heard. No signs of beasts, traps, or any other dangers could be made out.
Tepo was unsure what to do. Should he try calling out for the others? But what if this attracted things he didn't want to attract?
Confused, the young man decided to scout his surroundings first.
After an unknown time Tepo still hadn't discovered anything. This fog seemed to be devoid of life. Even the statue couldn't be found as Tepo's vision only reached a few meters.
As the young warrior was trying to come up with any ideas, he suddenly felt a movement behind him.
He abruptly turned around, his body ready to burst out with power at any moment.
The fog churned. A low sound of bells reached Tepo's ears. Their tone sent shivers down Tepo's spine. It had a majesty to it. Something inevitable and deadly. Something which couldn't be denied.
Tepo's chest tightened, and he gritted his teeth. He stared at the moving fog.
Suddenly a huge amount of the fog condensed in a certain spot. They formed a human figure. It mysteriously transformed from drifting fog to a living being with rosy skin.
Tepo drew a sharp breath. The person before him gave him a terrifying feeling. Although they looked peaceful, it was as if the power to destroy worlds slumbered in their body.
Tepo easily recognized the man. With strange clothes and sharp features, he was the splitting image of the statue. Behind him five mysterious orbs circled through the air. The fog wafted around them, reflecting their gorgeous shining colors.
Trembling faintly, Tepo stared into the man's deep eyes. He felt as if everything about him could be seen through. He had nowhere to hide.
"Don't be anxious young man."
Suddenly the man opened his mouth. His voice echoed through the surroundings. It was caring and domineering at the same time. It was the voice of a born ruler.
Taking a deep breath, Tepo stabilized his mind. He was almost overwhelmed by the situation. Nothing here made sense to him.
"Who are you?", asked the warrior in a deep voice.
"My name is not of importance. Just know that I am the creator of this trial."
"If you say so. Then can I ask what you want from me?"
"Isn't the question what YOU want form ME?", answered the man with a vague smile.
Tepo contemplated for a seconds before asking tentatively:
"Are we talking about the Ahiluscendum? Is it a reward for your trial?"
"Right. Although you only managed to arrive here because such a big part of the trial is missing. Nevertheless, I can give you the Ahiluscendum."
Tepo's eyes lit up slightly. He was dealing with too much information. He was surprised that a normal functioning human could appear in a dungeon. On top of that they were enormously powerful and could tell that their trial was damaged.
But in the end, they were still willing to hand out the Ahiluscendum.
"Well. I would gratefully take it."
"Naturally.", answered the man confidently. "But first you need to answer one question of mine!"
Of course there was a catch!
"Go ahead."
"Why do you seek the Ahiluscendum's power, young man?"
Tepo was taken aback. What was the purpose of this question? Naturally it was to get stronger!
What should I say? Should I reveal my motivation? But what is the reason for asking such a question? Is this Ahiluscendum this powerful so it shouldn't fall into wrong hands?
Well, there is no merit in thinking too much. I doubt I could even lie to this guy.
Tepo thought for a bit before answering with slight hesitation:
"I have reason to believe that there might be a threat to humanity out there. I strive to become stronger to find them and nip them in the bud!"
Suddenly the atmosphere turned tense inexplicably. The mysterious master stared at Tepo calmly. Just as the young warrior found it hard to endure, he receive a reply:
"Interesting. You didn't lie…
If this is the case, I can give you the Ahiluscendum…"
Listening to the man's voice, Tepo wasn't overjoyed. He felt the man's tone was odd.
"… if you promise to do something for me."
F*ck I knew it!
"I can only promise to try my best.", answered Tepo with a wry smile.
"Of course. If this is the case, I hope you can swear on your core that you bring my five Starlight World Orbs back to my tribe."
Tepo took a deep breath. He didn't know how to respond. They were within a dungeon after all…
In the end the young man decided not to let greed overcome him.
"This… Sir, I would love to comply with your wishes, but we are in a dungeon. I don't know if your tribe even exists."
As he spoke, Tepo noticed the change in the man's eyes. This was the first time they lost their supreme attitude and showed some emotions.
For a few seconds the two men stayed silent before the mysterious master continued:
"So, you call this small world a dungeon."
Surprised, Tepo immediately questioned:
"You knew that you weren't in the outside world?"
"Of course. I can somewhat make out the forces creating this place."
Tepo drew a sharp breath. So far, he knew little about the origin of dungeons. But this man was created by a dungeon and could still observe its workings?!
"If you know so much, can't you leave by yourself?"
"I could only leave if this dungeon existed for too long. Then the force would weaken, and the portal wouldn't be able to stop me.
But on one hand I am only a soul presiding over this trial and on the other I know my place. I don't belong to this world.
Honestly, I shouldn't even interfere at all, but I can't get rid of this obsession of mine. I need to take care of my tribe."
Tepo found the situation unbelievable.
This man can gleam so much about the dungeon. The situation he talked about should be a dungeon break. Although I never heard that intelligent beings came out during dungeon breaks, now I can't exclude this possibility.
Furthermore, what I see is only a soul? How mighty is his real body then?
"I understand.", answered Tepo. "But the outside world might not be the same as in your memory. I can't promise to find your tribe."
"If that is the case, let's make the oath more concrete. You will do your best to find my tribe. But if it turns out to be impossible after fifty years you can keep the Starlight World Orbs."
"Alright. I guess I can do so."
"Good. This takes some worries off my shoulders.
You deserve to finally learn my name! I am the great star of death lighting the way, Zorim Juar Fluvca Escolun. Under my lead the name of the Shooting Star Tribe was respected throughout multiple worlds!
Wherever we went, - no one - dared to bar our path!"