“The danger’s gone now, we’re all safe and clear!” I said with a sigh of relief, glancing at the crumbled remains of the golem. It was a relief, but I couldn’t help but ponder the strange encounter. Turning to Ryna, I posed the question that had been nagging at me. “So, what’s the deal with that golem? Is it because we’re on the 10th floor? Are there similar creatures on random floors, or do they just show up every ten?”
As soon as I finished speaking, I realized I’d asked too much at once. Ryna’s ears twitched, but she didn’t immediately respond. I decided to give her space, letting her collect herself as we continued walking.
Before long, we stumbled upon a serene clearing, a break from the oppressive ruins around us. In the center stood an ancient tree whose sprawling branches cast a cooling shade. Beneath it flowed a crystalline stream, its waters glinting like liquid silver. Tiny fairies, each glowing softly in shades of blue, green, and gold, flitted around the tree. Their delicate wings shimmered as they hovered above the stream, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
I led Ryna to the water’s edge, where we crouched to drink. The liquid was cold and refreshing, quenching not just our thirst but some deeper weariness I hadn’t realized I carried. It felt like a luxury rather than a necessity, a moment of indulgence after the unwanted challenge.
image [https://i.imgur.com/HeF0PhY.png]
This place had a strange allure. I couldn’t help but think it would make an excellent home. The thought lingered, tempting me with visions of peace. But it was fleeting. The image of the golem blitzing toward Ryna replayed in my mind, a sharp reminder of the dangers lurking here. I clenched my fists. If my mind was even slightly unsynced, even for a second, she would’ve…
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No. The golem wasn’t important anymore. What mattered was getting out of this dungeon. Staying here wasn’t an option. Resting in this haven, however, was a welcome reprieve.
Ryna, now more composed, broke the silence. “Yes. Those creatures show up every ten floors. Up until now, they’ve ignored Ryna. Ryna could sneak past them. But today…” She hesitated, her tail drooping slightly. “Today, they moved…”
I mulled over her words. Perhaps the golem’s unusual reaction was because of a certain's angel awakening—a being whose very existence disrupted the balance of everything—might’ve been enough to provoke it. Perhaps it was a guardian... Or perhaps it was just bad luck.
“Are we sure they won’t wander onto other floors?” I asked, genuinely curious.
Ryna fidgeted, her ears flattening slightly. “Ryna’s… not really sure. They shouldn’t, but…” Her voice trailed off, uncertainty weighing heavily on her small frame.
Seeing her distress, I smiled and ruffled her hair again. “Don’t worry. As long as we stick together, I’ll protect you. It’s an easy job, trust me!”
She looked up at me, her wide eyes searching for reassurance. My words must have worked, because her face slowly brightened. Her smile returned, tentative at first, then blossoming into its usual exuberance.
With our spirits lifted, we left the peaceful clearing behind. As we walked, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this dungeon still held more surprises—and not the pleasant kind. But for now, we moved with purpose, one step closer to the exit, one step closer to whatever lay beyond these walls. And as long as Ryna was near me, I'd easily guarantee her safety.