Part 3
Together, with Kizuna letting out small cries of excitement, we moved toward the final chamber.
As we ventured deeper, the dense and mysterious atmosphere seemed to wrap around us, amplifying the anticipation.
The echo of our footsteps reverberated through the room, where the dim torchlight cast shimmering reflections on the arcane symbols etched into the walls, giving them an unnerving sense of life.
Yuna couldn't help but pause briefly to admire the grandeur of the place, her gaze tracing the intricate details with fascination. Even in that moment, her poise and elegance remained unwavering.
Kizuna, on the other hand, continued to celebrate with exaggerated spins in the air, as though she were immune to the tension that gripped the rest of us.
I tried to project an air of calm, but deep down, the mix of excitement and nerves kept me on edge. It was as if a small current of electricity coursed through my body, preparing me for something I couldn't yet identify.
I couldn't shake the growing feeling that something more awaited us in that chamber—something that might change everything.
Haruto wasn't wrong.
Hidden in the deepest shadows, where even the firelight couldn't reach, an enigmatic figure watched them intently.
Its eyes, cold and brilliant like stars in a moonless sky, tracked their every movement with unsettling precision.
A barely perceptible smile formed on its face—a gesture that radiated both knowledge and restrained malice.
The figure remained silent, evaluating them from its hiding place, moving with an unnatural grace that kept it out of reach but ever watchful.
Unaware of the presence lurking in the shadows, Haruto stopped before an imposing door at the end of the chamber.
It was carved with ancient symbols, its smooth, intricate lines seeming to almost pulse under the faint light that surrounded it, as if promising secrets meant only for the boldest of souls.
—Well… ready? —I murmured, taking a deep breath as if trying to draw confidence from my companions.
Yuna nodded serenely, though her eyes shone with a mix of anticipation and caution. Kizuna, as always, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. She twirled in the air, exclaiming with her trademark excitement.
—The treasure room! It's just like in the games, Kizu!
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile faintly at her words. Sharing a final glance, the three of us stepped across the threshold.
As we did, a flash of light enveloped us, momentarily blinding and forcing us to squint as we moved forward.
When the intensity of the light faded, the sight before us left us breathless.
At the exact center of the room, suspended in mid-air and surrounded by a golden aura that seemed to pulse with its own life, floated a dazzling sword.
The sword was a masterpiece: its refined blade, forged from a brilliant metal, reflected the light with a mesmerizing aura. The hilt, adorned with flowing engravings and green-toned gems, seemed to embody the very essence of wind.
The sword rotated slowly in the air, exuding an aura of expectancy and majesty, as if it were assessing those who had dared to reach it.
—That… that's the "Elven Sword," —Yuna murmured, her eyes wide and her voice trembling slightly as she stepped forward.
—Never did I think I'd see it in person. It's a lost treasure from my village. No one knew where it was hidden…
She took another step, drawn as if by an invisible force. Her eyes traced every engraving on the sword, which seemed to glow with a life of its own. For a moment, even the room's atmosphere felt lighter.
—Haruto... this sword has been part of our history for ages. It was said to appear only to someone worthy, someone willing to protect it with honor.
The reverence in Yuna's voice was unmistakable. I looked at her face, illuminated by the sword's radiance, and saw the mixture of emotion and responsibility that this moment carried.
—It's yours, Yuna. If anyone should wield it, it's you, —I said, letting my voice convey the confidence I had in her.
Meanwhile, Kizuna floated excitedly around the sword, her eyes sparkling as she let out tiny squeals of awe.
—It's beautiful, Kizu! It looks like something straight out of a dream! —Kizuna exclaimed, attempting a dramatic pose as if she were standing beside a legendary artifact.
The young elf extended her hand slowly toward the Elven Sword. Her fingers trembled slightly, a reflection of the emotions and doubts battling within her. But just as she was about to touch it...
—Wait! —I shouted, instinctively raising a hand—. This screams "trap," like those movies where things go horribly wrong… you know, giant boulders, getting squished, all that.
Yuna paused, glancing at me for a moment, clearly torn between laughing or sighing. Finally, she chose to ignore my warning and gripped the sword firmly.
I instinctively ducked, hunching over as if something was about to fall on me. I waited… and waited.
Nothing happened.
Only an awkward silence filled the room as heat rose to my cheeks.
Yuna turned to me, a mix of confusion and amusement on her face, as a playful smile slowly spread across her lips.
Kizuna, of course, seized the moment. She giggled and twirled in the air, her characteristic teasing tone on full display.
—You're hopeless, Haruto-kyun! —she said, pouting dramatically as if disappointed, though it was clear she was enjoying herself.
As if that wasn't enough, a sleepy voice echoed in my mind from the status panel.
—Note: Master is officially an idiot, zzzzz… —Olivia chimed in, her words dragging lazily, as though she had woken from a long nap solely to mock me.
"Perfect, she's awake only to tease me," I thought, gritting my teeth as I pretended not to hear their laughter.
Straightening up with a nervous chuckle, I tried to salvage a shred of dignity.
—Well… you can never be too careful —I muttered, shrugging with feigned nonchalance.
Yuna nodded lightly, her smile tinged with subtle amusement. Then, raising her new sword, the blade's polished surface gleamed brilliantly under the room's light.
—Materialize Lock! —she murmured firmly.
The weapon flashed with one final glow before vanishing, transforming into a streak of light that slipped into her "Materialize" inventory. The magical energy hummed briefly in the air, an echo of the power that now belonged to her.
—Now it is officially mine —Yuna said with a mix of pride and satisfaction, flexing her fingers as though testing the newfound connection with the sword.
Suddenly, a hologram flickered to life in the center of the room, casting an unexpected glow.
Without thinking, I leapt backward and instinctively raised my arms to shield myself, bracing for the catastrophe... that never came.
—See?! I told you something bad might happen! —I exclaimed, pointing at the hologram with a triumphant air, as if my paranoia had been validated.
The three of them —Yuna, Kizuna, and even Olivia in my mind— turned toward me simultaneously, each wearing a unique expression of exasperation.
Even Yuna couldn't hold back this time.
—Haruto... you're such a fool —she said, crossing her arms as she let out a long sigh.
—Reward chambers don't have traps. This is a safe zone —she added with measured patience, though the slight curve of her lips betrayed her struggle not to laugh.
I froze, feeling the heat rush to my face again. Yep, I'd definitely gone overboard with the dramatics.
—Well, you can never be too cautious... —I tried to justify myself, but my voice faded as I met their gazes.
Before I could dig myself deeper into humiliation, the hologram began projecting a figure. The room was filled with a solemn air as the image of an adult wind elf appeared before us.
With a serene and majestic face, the figure radiated a calmness that seemed to permeate every corner of the chamber. His voice echoed with ancestral elegance, immediately commanding our attention.
—Welcome, adventurers, —he greeted, his tone tranquil yet brimming with authority—. My name is Charles, a wind elf and the guardian of this dungeon's rewards.
He paused briefly, as though evaluating us, and then continued:
—If you have reached this chamber, it means you have successfully overcome the trials presented to you here. Perhaps you found them easy, or perhaps challenging, depending on your abilities. In any case, your achievement is undeniable.
The hologram turned slightly, directing its gaze toward where the Elven Sword now rested in Yuna's hands.
The reverence in his posture perfectly matched the solemnity of the moment.
—I wish to bestow upon you the sword of my people, the Elven Sword, an ancestral treasure forged by the dwarves of Durkheim to protect our kin and safeguard the legacy of the wind elves.
As Charles spoke, the pedestal where the sword once rested began to descend slowly.
A soft hum accompanied the motion, revealing three trapdoors that rose with an almost magical elegance.
From them emerged three objects, each surrounded by a unique glow that illuminated the chamber with an air of solemnity.
—In addition to the Elven Sword, I wish to grant you these three items I cherished during my lifetime. Each holds unique qualities that I am certain will aid you in your journeys.
The first object, a magical pouch adorned with green leaf embroidery, immediately caught our attention.
—This is my magical bag; it can store up to 100 items without adding any weight —Charles explained with a warm smile—. My belongings are inside it, and I hope you find them useful.
The next object drew my attention at once: a rustic pendant with a large shark tooth suspended on a leather cord.
Though its design was simple, there was something about the vibration it emitted, as if it harbored a latent presence, a spirit waiting to be awakened.
—This pendant is more than just an ornament. It was a gift from an old friend, and I always regarded it as my good luck charm. Perhaps someday you will uncover its true purpose —Charles said, his tone tinged with a faint nostalgia.
Finally, the third object radiated a dark yet captivating brilliance. It was a gleaming and mysterious stone, its purple core seeming to hold a swirling, living energy.
—And here you have a medium-sized, high-purity Umbranite —he announced, adopting a more introspective tone—. This rare mineral, imbued with mineralized dark magic, was one of my greatest achievements as an adventurer. I hope you find a purpose worthy of its power.
We all gazed at the three items in silence, captivated by the almost tangible aura surrounding them.
Each seemed to tell a story, a fragment of a life left behind by someone who, despite their absence, remained present in every detail.
They weren't just tools; they were memories, living legacies of someone who had walked paths similar to ours.
Carefully, I picked up the magical bag. The soft, perfectly crafted leather felt firm under my fingers, yet weightless. It was as if the object itself was welcoming me. Mimicking Yuna, I attached it to my belt, its practical design blending seamlessly with the gear I was already carrying.
Then my eyes landed on the pendant. Its simple design couldn't hide the strange power emanating from it. I placed it around my neck, and as soon as the shark tooth brushed against my skin, a faint vibration coursed through me. It wasn't just a pendant; there was something more, something dormant but alert, as if waiting for the right moment to awaken.
—Haruto, let me show you how the magical bag works —Yuna said with a warm smile, stepping closer to guide me.
With surprising patience, she showed me how to open the bag, access its compartments, and organize magical items within it. Her tone was calm and reassuring, turning what could have been a simple tutorial into an unexpectedly comforting interaction.
Meanwhile, Kizuna floated excitedly around me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She watched every movement as if witnessing a magical performance.
—That's amazing! A pocket inventory, Kizu! —she exclaimed, twirling in the air as she mimicked storing imaginary items.
I began placing items into the bag: mana gems, the blades collected from the slimes, and finally, the Umbranite. The latter occupied two full slots, its presence seemed to fill the air with a faint but perceptible dark energy.
—See? —Yuna said with satisfaction, pointing out how the items were automatically organized within the bag—. Now you can carry all this without feeling like you're hauling around a treasure chest.
I smiled, impressed by the utility of the bag and how effortlessly Yuna had made the process seem.
—It's… incredible —I murmured, admiring the bag's capacity as my fingers brushed against its fine leather.
Kizuna, as always, seized the opportunity to liven up the moment. She clapped enthusiastically and spun around like a small golden whirlwind.
—Haruto-kyun, you've officially leveled up your adventurer style, Kizu! —she declared, her exuberance filling the room with energy.
—Now you really look like a true adventurer, Kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, striking an exaggerated pose as if she were on the cover of an epic novel.
The hologram of the elf, still floating with serene elegance, moved toward a white circle that began forming on the ground.
—This portal will take you back to the surface.
—But before you leave, remember something very important.
He paused, letting his words echo in the chamber, while his gaze seemed to drift toward the invisible horizon of the portal.
—This world is full of challenges: sunken dungeons, towers that reach the sky, hidden volcanoes, perilous caves... Each holds secrets and treasures for those brave enough to explore them.
His words carried a special energy, almost like a blessing.
—But above all, remember this: live a life full of adventure. Let every step you take be filled with purpose and discovery.
His gaze softened, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
—May the wind always guide you on the right path.
He looked at both of us with a restrained expression of pride, as if he had complete faith in our ability to face what lay ahead. And then, in a flash of light, his figure vanished, leaving behind a solemn silence that filled the room.
For a moment, Yuna and I stood still. Our eyes met, and a light but meaningful smile crossed both our faces. It was a moment of shared relief and satisfaction, a silent acknowledgment of the challenge we had just overcome together.
—So, shall we see what the future holds? —I finally said, breaking the silence with a confident smile as I turned toward the portal glowing before us.
With Kizuna still celebrating and letting out small "Kizu!" exclamations of excitement, we stepped toward the teleportation circle. The white light enveloped us gently, and I felt a warm energy coursing through my body.
It was as if the dungeon itself was bidding us farewell with kindness, lifting us with an almost unreal lightness.
In a matter of seconds, the heavy, charged air of the dungeon was replaced by the fresh scent of the forest. The breeze brushed against my face, and the sound of crunching leaves beneath our feet welcomed us back to the surface.
We walked among the trees, letting the exhaustion begin to fade with every step.
—I never imagined finding something like this —Yuna murmured, her voice soft yet filled with emotion. Her eyes lifted toward the clear sky, reflecting a mix of wonder and gratitude—. This dungeon, the Elven Sword… it's more than I ever expected.
I let out a small laugh as I kept my gaze on the path ahead.
—It's not just another day for me either —I replied, allowing my words a hint of humor—. Just a few days ago, I was stuck at home, and now… well, here I am, fighting golems and learning to use magic skills.
Yuna turned her gaze toward me, her gentle but warm smile brightening the moment.
—If that's not quick adaptation, I don't know what is —she said lightly, a glimmer of camaraderie in her voice.
Kizuna, floating between us, was quick to add her own input.
—Haruto-kyun, you're leveling up as a protagonist, Kizu! All you need now is an epic outfit, and you'll be unstoppable.
The mix of laughter and light-hearted words filled the air as we delved deeper into the forest. Despite the fatigue, there was a sense of accomplishment that made each step feel lighter. We had overcome a challenge, but more than that, we were beginning to understand this was just the beginning.
Yuna placed a hand on my shoulder, her eyes gleaming with determination.
—This is only the beginning —she said, giving me a gentle push forward.
The fresh air surrounded us as we moved on, but an uncomfortable sensation crept up my spine.
From the shadow of a high branch, a dark figure watched us closely.
—Well, well… the little forest rabbits don't realize they're being hunted —they murmured, their tone mocking.
Their eyes gleamed in the dim light, a cold glimmer that promised danger as they remained motionless, like a predator assessing its prey.
Though we were far from suspecting their presence, their attention was entirely focused on us—every movement, every word—as if we were the central pieces of a game we didn't yet know the rules of.
—This… promises to be interesting —they whispered, their words fading into the air as the shadows of the forest wrapped around them like a protective cloak.