Kael sat in the darkness of the cave, his back pressed against the cold, damp stone. His breath came in shallow gasps, each intake a struggle as his side continued to bleed. The wolf-like creature had been relentless, chasing him without mercy, but somehow, he had managed to find refuge here—at least for now.
His thoughts were a blur of frustration and pain. I can't keep running like this. I'm getting nowhere. I need to find that dungeon before it's too late, but I'm lost. The creature wasn't just an ordinary monster. It seemed to be hunting me specifically. Could it be connected to the dungeon?
Kael's mind raced back to the fragmented details he knew about the dungeon's explosion. The explosion had been like a cleansing of sorts—a violent discharge of mana that had disrupted the flow of magic in the surrounding area, severely affecting the creatures nearby. But the more he thought about it, the less sense it made. Dungeons didn't explode unless something extraordinary was involved. He knew that it was not the result of a natural dungeon break—those didn't wreak havoc like this.
No. This had to be something more.
His hand gripped the wound on his side once again, wincing as pain flared through him. The blood flow had slowed, but it still leaked through his fingers, staining the ground. He needed to take care of this, but every moment of rest felt like a risk. That creature was still out there, and if it found him again, there wouldn't be a second chance.
His eyes flickered toward the entrance of the cave. He could hear the beast growling just beyond, still prowling, waiting for a chance to strike. It was as if the creature knew he was inside. But why? Was it just the scent of his blood, or was it something more? He couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just a random encounter.
Kael's hand tightened around his sword hilt. It was his only weapon—his only means of defense—and it had saved him countless times before. He couldn't afford to be careless with it now. He was far from being able to confront the creature head-on, and if it came to a fight, he would likely be outmatched.
As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, Kael's mind began to wander. He thought about Liana—the way her face had looked when he'd left her behind. The uncertainty in her eyes, the way she had tried to hold him back, not knowing what he was about to face. She had been scared for him, and that fear had eaten at him, gnawing at his resolve.
But there was nothing he could do now. He had made his choice, and he had to see it through. The dungeon—whatever was left of it—was too important. The Dark Forces were already at work, and if they got to it before he did, it would be the end of everything. The world would change, and he couldn't let that happen.
He thought of the strange warmth he had felt in Liana's presence, the golden light that had flickered beneath her skin. Could it have been a sign? Had she awakened something within herself?
No. There's no time for that now. I can't afford to dwell on it. I have to keep moving.
But there was no time to worry about that now. The present was far more pressing.
Kael's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, sharp growl from outside the cave. The creature was circling, its steps growing louder as it stalked closer. Kael gritted his teeth and rose to his feet, clutching his sword tightly. He had no choice. He had to move. The cave was no place to hide.
He glanced around the dimly lit interior of the cave. The darkness swallowed everything, making it nearly impossible to see clearly. I need light.
Drawing on his mana, Kael focused his thoughts, channeling the energy into his hands. A small flame flickered at the tips of his fingers, its warmth comforting against the cold. With the firelight guiding him, he swept his gaze around the cave. The flickering light illuminated jagged stone walls and the floor, where loose rocks and rubble had gathered. But amidst the chaos of the cave's interior, he noticed something—a narrow passageway in the far corner, barely visible at first, obscured by shadows.
That could be my way out.
It was a small opening, barely wide enough for him to crawl through, but it was the only path that didn't lead toward the creature. It was his only option.
The wolf-like creature's growls became more frantic, echoing off the cave walls. Kael could sense that it was growing impatient, drawing closer with every passing second. His heart raced in time with his thoughts. He couldn't waste any more time.
With the firelight still flickering in his hand, Kael made his way toward the narrow passageway. Every step sent pain surging through his side, but he ignored it. The passage was tight, and it took him all his strength to squeeze through, but after a few moments, he emerged into a deeper, darker part of the cave. The air was colder here, and the silence pressed against him like a physical force.
Where does this lead?
Kael's heart pounded, but he pressed forward, driven by the need to escape and find the dungeon. Every instinct told him to keep moving, to follow this path as far as it would go. The dark passage seemed to stretch on forever, but Kael could feel that it was leading somewhere—somewhere important. It was just a matter of time before he reached whatever lay at its end.
As he continued through the winding passage, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. I need to find that dungeon, no matter the cost. The Dark Forces are out there, and if they get their hands on it, they'll destroy everything.
The path twisted further into the dark, and Kael's mind kept churning over his options. He wasn't powerful enough to take on whatever threat lay ahead, but if he didn't act now, everything he feared would come to pass.
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Liana's POV
Liana sat in the same spot where she had spoken with Kael just a few days ago. The air felt thick with his absence, the empty space around her echoing the absence of his presence. Her fingers trembled as she clasped them together, her heart heavy with worry.
Where is he?
She stared at the spot where Kael had stood, hoping, wishing for him to return. His absence felt like an eternity. Every sound, every slight movement in the air, reminded her of him, of the promise he made. He would come back. He said he would.
But as the days dragged on, doubt crept into her heart. She was scared—scared for him, scared for herself. What if something had happened to him? What if he was hurt, or worse? The thought was unbearable.
She clenched her hands tighter, as if to steady her racing thoughts. He saved me. He gave me a reason to live, and now he's out there, alone, facing dangers I can't even begin to comprehend.
The sadness in her heart slowly turned to something else—a deep, aching determination. I can't just sit here and do nothing. He needs me.
But Liana was no warrior. She had no magical abilities. No special powers. She was just a normal person. I can't fight. I can't even protect him.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. She wouldn't let herself break down. She would be strong. For Kael. For herself.
Liana closed her eyes, her lips moving in a silent prayer. She wasn't sure who she was praying to, but she hoped it would reach someone, anyone who might be able to protect him.
As she focused, something strange happened. She didn't see it at first, but her chest began to feel warm—golden light pulsed faintly beneath her skin. It wasn't much, but it was there.
Liana's eyes snapped open, but the light was gone as quickly as it came. Her breath caught in her throat. Had she imagined it? Was that... a sign?
She didn't know what it meant, but her heart told her something had awakened within her. She wasn't sure what this power was or how it could help, but one thing was certain: she would wait for Kael. She would pray for his safety. And when he returned, she would be ready.