The evening beach's scenery unfolds before us, a breathtaking and tranquil sight, an experience entirely new for both of us, well, almost new for me. "It's beautiful," Ruby remarks, her voice tinged with awe.
To be honest, Ruby herself is no less pretty, but expressing that aloud feels far too embarrassing for me.
"Let's grab some food," I suggest. From my pouch, I retrieve raw meat and a boar hide, and Ruby instinctively raises her staff, ready to help with whatever incantation may be needed.
"[Terbentuklah bara api dari atas permukaan dan bakarlah apa yang ada di depanku.]"
"[Burn!!]"
As Ruby done chanting the spell, the boar hide erupts into flames, engulfing the raw meat, its blaze dancing wildly.
I can't help but raise an eyebrow. "Isn't the fire... a bit too large?" I question, a hint of concern in my tone. Ruby's eyes widen in panic, and she hastily waves her hands to extinguish the excessive flames. Fortunately, I manage to salvage some of the meat with my spear.
“Ah- aaah!!”
It turns out to be medium-rare, I note as we both chuckle while enjoying our impromptu meal. It may not be perfectly cooked, but at least it's edible. Our laughter fades as something catches my eye—a fleeting flash of purple in the sky, lasting no more than a second. We exchange intrigued glances, curiosity stirring within us both.
...
"It's time,"
Ruby nods as she signifies her understanding of the gravity of our situation.
I point towards the revealed mystical cave, a grand spectacle of nature. Its entrance towers nearly twice our height, and the rock formations resemble the petrified coils of an ancient serpent awakening from its slumber.
With Ruby by my side, she stands and extends her hand towards me, a silent invitation to join her on this journey. I take her hand, our fingers interlocking, and together, we step towards the cave's gaping maw.
"So, this is the cave you were talking about," she observes, her voice tinged with anticipation.
I reply, "Yes, bringing you here might lead to something significant, I believe..." I find comfort in her cheerful response, her optimism like a beacon in the dimly lit cave.
I nod, and Ruby tightens her grip on my arm as we venture deeper into the cavern. Inside, she murmurs in fascination, her finger pointing at the myriad of decorative markings adorning the walls. "I can sense energy emanating from them. It's as if the walls themselves are alive..."
I stroke my chin thoughtfully, but I don't sense anything of the sort.
…
Several times has been passed as we walk into the neverending waving path with every stone resembling the creature that I've never seen before. But this time, the feeling is completely different than the last time, as we're being watched by something.
"TURN BACK."
My suspicion was valid. Not long after wondering, we heard the voice resounding inside our heads.
Looking at each other, I give Ruby a nod. It appears that both me and Ruby are feeling curious and nervous at the same time, while covering each other's terrified thoughts by the joint of our hands. We press on until the end of the path.
Our journey through the cave leads us to the end, where a colossal pile of rocks obstructs our path—a place I had visited once before.
"YOU'VE MADE IT THIS FAR. THERE IS NOTHING HERE,"
A deep, elderly voice resounds inside our ears, leaving both Ruby and me exchanging startled glances. The peculiarity of it all becomes evident as I recall my previous visit; there was no such voice back then.
Puzzlement lingers in the air as we contemplate this mysterious development. Ruby's teary-eyed expression hints at a growing fear as she seems noticing something, while I respond by putting my arms around her shoulders in a reassuring gesture. "It wasn't like this before," I explain, trying to make sense of the unanticipated auditory intrusion.
As we gather the courage to take a few more steps forward, the voice once again cuts through the silence, commanding, "LEAVE AT ONCE." However, I'm resolute—there's progress to be made, and I won't be deterred by mere words.
Ruby's grip on my arm tightens, her trembling fear starting to get uncontrollable. I inquire, my concern evident, "What is it, Ruby? You're... shaking?" But before she can answer, something alarming occurs.
"R-Rai… My hands, they're moving on their own!! Aaahh!" Ruby screams in terror as she forcefully shoves me away, her hand outstretched toward the rocks as if guided by an unseen force. In an instant, a surge of magical energy, manifesting as a large, light-purple ball, emanates from her palm and hurtles towards the rocks.
My eyes widen in shock.
!!!
Something is terribly wrong. "W-what have you done?" I ask, my voice trembling with concern. Ruby stares at her hand in disbelief, her fear deepening. "N-no... I didn't..."
And then, the ground beneath us begins to tremble.
Damn it!
...
"YOU!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!" The voice roars with furious intensity, echoing through the cave as if shaking its very foundations.
In response to Ruby's unintentional outburst, chaos erupts. The rocks shatter and their fragments reassemble, launching themselves toward the central crumbling rock. Simultaneously, the once-still cave walls undergo a dramatic transformation, bursting into a riot of colors. The previously inert creature-shaped sculptures adorning the cave walls spring to life, their emergence accompanied by eerie screams and chilling shrieks that fill the air.
It becomes painfully clear that Ruby has triggered something beyond our comprehension. My gaze shifts to the colossal, faceless humanoid figure that now stands before us—a Rock Golem!
With a sense of urgency, I spot another small cave beyond the golem's imposing form, offering a glimpse of safety in its darkness. Without hesitation, I grab Ruby and guide her toward the wall nearest to the golem.
"Ruby, over here!!" I call out, my voice filled with urgency.
As we rush to evade the unfolding mayhem, I pay little heed to the magical creatures formed from the carvings on the walls, now stepping forward and charging toward the Rock Golem. My primary concern is getting Ruby to safety, even as she struggles to keep pace with my frantic movements, still reeling from the shock of the situation.
"Ruby, snap out of it already!" I say with firmness, my grip on her trembling shoulders strong as she continues to tear up in panic.
"I-I'm not..." she stammers.
"I understand, I understand... Please, take slow breaths. You can do it!" I encourage, my voice filled with reassurance, though it's almost impossible to calm her down.
Desperate to help her regain her composure, I lean in, pressing my lips against hers, a spontaneous act born out of necessity. Ruby's eyes widen, and she attempts to resist, but gradually, I feel her trembling body start to calm. Her eyes close, and she returns the kiss, embracing me in the midst of the eerie and chaotic voices that surround us.
Our tongues intertwine with gentle movements as we move our lips, a moment of solace amidst the turmoil. After a few minutes, I release my tongue from hers, and we gaze into each other's eyes. Ruby appears to be gradually regaining her composure.
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"Feeling better?" I inquire, my voice softer now, concerned for her well-being.
Ruby nods, her gaze averting slightly. She leans in, placing a gentle kiss on my lips, and then, her lips move closer to my ear as she whispers, "Pervert."
I can't help but blush in embarrassment. "S-shut up, okay!? I just don't know what else to do!" I admit, still holding her close, returning her hug and kisses as we seek comfort in each other's arms.
"Now... what do we do?" Ruby asks, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"I think... we should continue deeper into the cave. Look, the path has been open here, right where that big rock creature is," I suggest, my eyes scanning the way ahead for any signs of danger.
Ruby nods, her grip on my arm tight as she rests her head on my shoulder. I take a moment to retrieve my spear, which I had left against the wall, and then we proceed further into the cave.
As we progress, the cave's walls seem to close in around us, the passage growing narrower and narrower. Ruby breaks the silence, her voice tinged with guilt. "Rai..."
I respond with gentle reassurance, "Yes?"
"I... I did something terrible, didn't I?" she confesses, her words heavy with remorse.
I stop in my tracks, turning to face her. "It's not your fault," I insist, wanting to ease her burden.
"Stop pretending, please..." she implores.
"Listen," I say, my tone softening. "I believe you weren't in control of your actions. Based on what you've told me, you've ended up in strange situations before. Let's assume it was an accident and try not to dwell on it. Do you understand?" I search her eyes for acceptance.
In a tender gesture, I gently caress her cheek with both hands, seeking to reassure her further. "Are we okay?" I ask her once more.
Ruby nods in response, and we share a warm hug, exchanging small kisses on each other's lips again. It's remarkable how we've only just met, yet we've already faced life-and-death situations together. Ruby's constant concern for my well-being after battles is touching, her desire to shield me from harm evident.
As we release each other from our embrace, we lock eyes and exchange smiles, intertwining our hands once more. Together, we continue to walk deeper into the cave, even as the passageway gradually narrows before us...
!!!
"It's them!"
Without hesitation, several fireballs are launched towards us as we reach the end of the cave.
"Watch out!" I warn Ruby, swiftly pulling her towards me. With a swift, practiced motion, I swing my spear, deflecting the incoming fireballs away from us, sparks scattering in all directions.
"It's the outsider!" a voice from the shadows announces, revealing six figures dressed in gray robes who have been silently observing us, their intentions clear as they begin to chant spells against us.
Cursing inwardly, I prepare for the onslaught. More fireballs head our way, but Ruby isn't one to be underestimated.
"[Mana Arrow!]" she chants, her voice unwavering as she summons four white arrows, which materialize above her and shoot directly at the incoming fireballs, intercepting them mid-air.
I grip my spear firmly, taking a defensive stance, ready to protect Ruby as we face this sudden threat together.
"HAAAALT!"
A commanding voice echoes through the cave, resonating with an otherworldly force. A brilliant blue tornado materializes between us and the mages, freezing them in their tracks as if time itself has been momentarily halted.
As the tornado dissipates, the source of the voice becomes clear—an elderly man, seemingly in his eighties, with a flowing gray beard, a pointed hat that adds an air of mystique, and a dark gray robe that billows around him. In his right hand, he holds a wand that resembles a sword hilt, with a bright stick extending from it.
image [https://gdurl.com/SRx3]
"Grand Wizard!" one of the mages in dark gray robes exclaims, recognizing the venerable figure.
The old man approaches us with an air of casual authority, his gaze shifting between Ruby and me. "A mage... protecting this warrior? It's been centuries since I've witnessed something like this," he remarks, his voice carrying a sense of nostalgia.
With a deft spin of his wand, the mages nods and teleports themselves away right after raising their staff. The teleportation methods are similar to what the figure I saw back then, at the trial ground.
...
"This aura..." The old man's gaze lingers on Ruby, his eyes searching for something within her, before shifting his attention back to us.
The tension in the air is palpable, and I find myself holding onto Ruby's trembling leg, offering a reassuring grip on her hands.
"Yes, but it was unintentional," I explain, hoping to convey our innocence in this chaotic situation.
"Let me ask you this: For what reason you seek into our quiet hideout, after these hundred of years?"
I shrug toward old man. "I... Well, I only do a quest about certain magical beings here... And we... Ruby and I happened to meet at the other day, so we decided to carry on the quest, and here we are."
The old man's voice booms, his frustration rises. "SERIOUSLY!? Both of you are releasing ALL those beasts for a single, PETTY quest!?" His words carry the weight of his disappointment and anger.
I swallow hard, realizing I might have angered him with our inadvertent actions. He furrows his brow and lets out a heavy sigh.
"The prophecy spoke of this, but I never expected it to happen like this. There's nothing we can do now."
"The prophecy?" I inquire, scratching the back of my head, curious.
The old man gestures for us to follow him. "Follow me," he commands.
Ruby and I exchange glances, and I offer her a faint smile as a reassurance. "It'll be fine," I assure her. She nods slightly, her expression still marked by concern.
Together, we follow the enigmatic old man as he leads the way, venturing further into the unknown depths of the cave.
...
As we walk, I take in the surreal surroundings of this otherworldly place. The sky above is an inky black void, and delicate snowflakes fall gently and endlessly around us. Surprisingly, we don't feel the cold; instead, a comforting warmth envelops us, as if we're cocooned in a cozy blanket.
Amidst this ethereal backdrop, four floating islands hover in the void, their irregular circular shapes supported by several large, dark purple crystals that emit a faint, soothing glow. We find ourselves standing on the smallest of these islands, facing a massive portal door behind me—a stark contrast to the narrow cave entrance I distinctly remember.
Before us, bright yellow threads materialize, weaving themselves into magical stairs that extend like a solid pathway. The old man confidently strides along the stairs in his wizard's attire, urging us to follow.
"Uh..." I pause as we approach the magical stairs, feeling a surge of uncertainty.
"What is it?" the old man inquires.
"Is this... really safe?" I voice my apprehension, my eyes darting between him and Ruby.
Both of them chuckle at my concern. "It's perfectly safe. It's fortified with magic, so you don't need to worry!" the old man reassures me.
"Right..." I reply, though my unease lingers. This place is unlike anything I've ever experienced, and I can't help but feel apprehensive about this potentially perilous path.
Before I can ponder further, Ruby playfully hops behind me and gives me a playful push with both hands. I let out a frantic scream, closing my eyes tightly, fully expecting to plummet into the abyss...
But to my surprise, I can feel solid ground beneath my feet.
...
As I open my eyes, I find myself standing on transparent stairs, the laughter of Ruby and the old man echoing around me. Ruby playfully slaps my waist and walks ahead, her laughter carrying with her.
"S-shut up!" I retort, blushing with embarrassment. I wave my hand dismissively, trying to regain some composure, and then take a few cautious steps forward, stretching my arms to the side for balance.
We continue our ascent, and soon, the second island comes into view. It's the largest of them all, and my eyes widen in wonder. Numerous wooden houses dot the landscape on either side, nestled among uniquely shaped trees that emit a faint purple glow. These are the famous Ebonwood Trees, but there's a subtle distinction to their forms here.
On the left, a small lake sits beside a mesmerizing waterfall that cascades into the abyss below. The gentle sound of the waterfall provides a soothing backdrop to our journey. On the right, a grand building takes center stage on the island.
As we approach, many people wearing capes turn their attention toward us, their eyes fixed on our arrival. The old man waves his hand in a casual, reassuring gesture. "They're fine. These outsiders poses no threat to us."
The mages heave sighs of relief and return to their various activities, the tension in the air dissipating as we continue our journey through this magical realm.
"It's beautiful.”
A hand firmly intertwines with mine, and I glance to my side to find Ruby, her eyes wide with amazement as she gazes upon the scene before us. Her appreciation for the magical world we've entered mirrors my own.
As we descend to the lower ground, more houses and trees come into view. To our left and right, two more sets of yellow magical stairs stretch out like intricate threads woven into the landscape.
"Fascinating, isn't it?" the old man remarks, a knowing smile on his face as he observes our wonder-filled expressions.
I can't deny it; this place is truly magnificent, like something out of a fairy tale.
"We're almost there. Just follow the path to the right, and we'll arrive at my castle," he directs us.
I see it in the distance—a floating island to the right, crowned with a majestic castle roof cone. Unlike the castle I remember from the Orie Capital, this one is made of dark brown terracotta and exudes the charm of fairy tale castles. There's an eerie, almost otherworldly feeling about it, but it beckons us, strangely inviting as we draw near.
This time, I firmly grasp Ruby's hand, a silent promise that we'll face whatever lies ahead together. Hand in hand, we continue our journey, walking towards the enchanting magical bridge that leads to the grand castle on the floating island.
#
End of Chapter 32…