Valenius navigated through the dimming light of the cave, shadows encroaching with each step. Determined, he scanned his surroundings, seeking any materials suitable for kindling a fire and crafting torches. With careful hands, he gathered what he needed, and as the flickering flames danced to life, he illuminated the darkness with the torch, casting long shadows against the rugged walls of the cavern.
Valenius knelt on the sandy ground. He checked to see if there was any new visibility on the map that could guide him further through the cave. However, all he found was his current location marked by a large rock icon with the cave's name, and nothing more. Valenius wondered if he would need to explore deeper into the cave for the gauntlet to reveal additional details.
Valenius pressed on through the dark, eerie, and chilling cave, praying he wouldn't stumble upon anything lurking in the shadows. With each step deeper into the abyss, the only sounds that pierced the silence were the occasional drips of water from the cave ceiling. Upon reaching another cavernous expanse, he swung his torch around to survey his surroundings. A vast lake encircled most of the area, leaving only a narrow stretch of shore for him to stand upon.
Nervously, he edged closer to the water's edge, casting his torchlight into the murky depths below, revealing nothing but impenetrable darkness. Breathing a sigh of relief, he turned away to continue his journey towards another cave opening. Yet, as he drew nearer, the sound of water stirring caught his attention. Swiftly aiming his torch towards the disturbance, all he saw were gentle ripples dancing on the surface.
Valenius shivered, unsure if it was from the biting cold or the creeping panic induced.
Goosebumps prickled his skin as he forged ahead, determined not to waste a moment. Suddenly, the sound of shifting stones caught his attention, and he swiftly raised his torch to investigate. Yet, despite the flickering light, he saw nothing. Then, without warning, he heard a chilling noise, accompanied by the scrape of claws against the rock, and felt an icy breath upon his neck. Before he could react, a deafening screech pierced the air, followed by a weight crashing down upon him. Pain surged through his body as he felt the creature's claws tear into his flesh.
Summoning all his strength, Valenius reached for the torch, only to be met with horror as its light revealed a pair of glowing red eyes. Before him stood a creature with a sleek black panther-like body, its face a chilling amalgamation of wolf and panther features. Sharp teeth glistened as its talons dug deeper into his flesh. With a surge of adrenaline, Valenius thrust his torch into the creature's face, eliciting a roar of pain as it released him. Swiftly, he retrieved his sword and plunged it into the creature's side, then swiftly struck again, aiming for its head. With a final collapse, the creature succumbed to its wounds, crumpling to the ground.
Valenius scrutinized the creature more closely and confirmed his initial suspicions. He then investigated further, pondering where the creature could have come from. No signs were showing it could survive in water, yet he heard something in the depths.
As he continued moving forward, he encountered different cave branches. Scratching his head in thought, he ventured into the one directly ahead, ensuring he could easily retrace his steps if needed. However, as he wandered deeper into the cave, he heard the loud shifting of rocks and felt the ground tremble. Panic surged within Valenius as he hurried forward, yearning for the sight of sunlight. To his relief, he spotted daylight ahead and quickened his pace. Yet, the shaking and rumbling grew more intense and deafening. Reluctantly, Valenius glanced behind him to see rocks closing in, threatening to trap him if he didn't hurry.
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As he continued to run, Valenius rushed through the exit, collapsing onto the sandy ground beyond. Turning back, he gazed wide-eyed at the sealed entrance, his heart pounding with fear. Initiating his heightened senses, he observed the movement and vibrations of the rocks persisting throughout the cave, unsettlingly shifting to different areas. Surveying his surroundings further, he noticed new cave openings emerging while others closed off abruptly. Valenius muttered under his breath, "What else could go wrong now?"
Contemplating his next move and how to avoid being crushed or lost, Valenius spotted flickering lights nearby. Instinctively, he activated his gauntlet, revealing the map feature. With a press of a button, the cave layout is displayed, showing multiple green dot icons representing cave entrances. One gem icon, symbolizing his point of entry, appeared scratched off. Realization dawned upon him: the gem icons marked potential exits.
So Valenius looked deeper into the map to see if there were any clues about where the scroll could be. He spotted another gem icon on the map, which was directly in front of him. Crawling forward, he started digging into the sand, feeling the cold metal beneath his fingers. He dug deeper until he eventually came across a lever, which he pulled. Suddenly, the cave vibrated again. Valenius grabbed his torch and shone it over the lake, watching as the water disappeared, revealing a box at the bottom of the cave.
He then noticed there were rocky edges that provided enough space for him to climb down to the bottom of the lake. Valenius carefully descended to the lake bed and opened the box, finding the scroll inside. As he picked it up, the cave rumbled, and he felt water flowing around his feet. Without hesitation, he climbed back to the surface. Upon reaching the top, he collapsed to the ground, panting. As he regained his composure, he felt something beneath his head. Lifting his gaze, he saw a webbed foot, causing him to recoil in fear. Before him stood a woman-like figure with webbed hands and feet, her green form glaring at Valenius. Reacting quickly, Valenius grabbed his sword, preparing to defend himself. The woman noticed the scroll protruding from Valenius' pocket.
She spoke in a stern voice, "You retrieved the scroll, but I cannot allow you to leave." Her hand lit up with a blue glow, vibrating intensely. Rocks began to fall around him. Valenius quickly glanced at his gauntlet and noticed the nearest entrance that hadn't yet closed. As the cave closed in, he increased his pace, sprinting towards the exit. Just as he reached it, the cave was sealed shut behind him. Breathing heavily, Valenius checked his pocket to ensure the scroll was safe. Satisfied, he made his way back to his intended destination.
Upon arriving at the cottage to claim his rewards, Valenius encountered a small lady with wild, wavy black hair. She was seated amidst piles of books and manuscripts, engaged in various tasks. Valenius approached her, and she jumped in astonishment upon noticing him. She addressed him and inquired about his safe journey through the perilous cave to retrieve the hidden scroll. Valenius nodded.
The lady gave him an ingredients list and showed him how to craft and make special salts which can make fires on most weapons. Valenius watched carefully and made his own notes so he wouldn't forget. After he was and received the fire salts that he made with the lady. As he exited the cottage, Valenius explored the village and later, he sat by the fire, contemplating his experiences, while the flickering flames danced on the blade of his new sword, concealing his thoughts.