As Selene regained her senses, she found herself surrounded by darkness, the shadow walls adorned with ancient runes that pulsed softly, casting a gentle light. Confusion washed over her, but the sensation of being somewhere safe brought a flicker of hope.
Before she could fully process her surroundings, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a small creature, no taller than her knee, with large, expressive eyes and delicate wings that shimmered like the surface of a bubbling spring.
"Greetings, Selene Nightingale!" it chirped, its voice melodious and bright.
"I am Lirael the Pixie; together, we will explore dungeons and unravel the mysteries of this new system world."
Selene blinked, trying to grasp what this meant. "Dungeons?" she echoed, knowing Shadow had already mentioned the word, foreign yet intriguing.
"Yes!" Lirael replied, bouncing a little. "Dungeons are where we'll face challenges, gather treasures, and grow stronger, master! They are filled with creatures and traps, but also great rewards. I will be your guide through them."
A mix of excitement and anxiety stirred within Selene. "Wait, how do I know I can trust you? What is this master crap? I don't even know what I'm doing here!" "Also how did you know my name?
Lirael tilted its head, wings fluttering.
"Ah, trust is earned I guess, but I promise, I have no ill intent! I can sense the strength within you, Selene, and it was prophesied that you would be my master oh divine one! and i heard you talking with the furball earlier.
*Ding* Quest Completed! Gain a follower!
"The system chose you for a reason. And with my help, you can harness that power."
Taking a deep breath, Selene recalled Tobez's words about risks and rewards. Perhaps you are correct, however, I don't like this master thing, so call me Selene."
"As you wish, Master Selene." "Alright, let's give it a shot. Where do we start?
"Wait, no, that's not what I meant when I said."
"First," Lirael said, interrupting, her eyes sparkling, "we must locate the entrance to your first dungeon! We can look for your survivors on our way. It's not far, but we must be cautious. The path is filled with lurking dangers."
The little Pixie flitted to and fro, we will become the best and strongest ever, what do you like to eat? It's candy right, candy is clearly the best food, its all i eat, well that and cake, oh and pies, i mean all of it yes! so we must make sure that you always have the energy to grow.
"Ummm, that sounds like i would get a cavity in a week, that cant be your whole diet." Selene said.
"Actually Pixies tend to eat nothing but sweets, it just their biology." Shadow said.
Sighing, looking at the cute pixie, figuring out arguing was pointless, with newfound determination and her quirky companions by her side, they set off into the unknown, eager to face the adventures that awaited and discover what lay within the first dungeon of her new life.
The unlikely group began heading in the direction that was pointed out, while wondering what kind of craziness was about to transpire. After all, this was going to be epic...right?
Selene was cautious regarding Lirael's highly energetic demeanor but concluded that it would be beneficial for her to attempt to establish some companionships. She foresaw a number of lonely days ahead and decided that it would probably be helpful to have someone around.
The world was definitely changing and quickly. Even now, outside, it seemed that the strange nature is taking over, weird plants, animals, bugs, and so much more, almost right in front of her eyes. It all seemed so overwhelming, but time is also of the essence when she thought about it. Traveling through the new wooded area, they proceeded cautiously.
After traveling for about half an hour, they came upon a gruesome scene, what appeared to be some kind of dog creatures, but no fur, were lying all around with black blood oozing out of the wounds on them.
"It seems that the system changes are happening faster than anticipated." Tobez told her.
"You can tell by the blood, they are mutating faster than expected, but it isn't outside the manageable realm yet. Shhh, there is something in that brush by that tree. It sounded almost like an injured animal.
She didn't have any foreboding feeling or sense, so curiosity got the better of her, leading toward the sound. Pushing through the brush, she finds an injured adventurer slumped against a tree.
His breathing comes in heaving, labored, ragged breaths, his armor battered and bloodied and missing large sections.
"Please… help me," he gasps, wincing in pain. You can see a deep wound on his leg, and he's clearly unable to move.
"The creatures… they're everywhere. I barely escaped."
You decide quickly to help the man. You can try to bandage the wound and get him to safety, but that could jeopardize our position here and whatever did this to him. It wasn't even a question in her mind whether she was going to help him or not.
While wrapping the wounded leg to staunch the bleeding, Selene asked what his name was. He then stated that it was Offrey. Such a weird name she thought. Where does that name come from? she asked.
Travekian, Offrey stated.
"REALLY!" I shouted, That's awesome." I have the language skill to understand that language, but I thought I would have to go years before I would know what it was."
You know what of us? Offrey asked bewilderedly in Travekian. Nothing honestly, Selene replied.
"This is unheard of. I have never met another who has been allowed to travel after their awakening."
"What are you talking about, i am from earth, i don't know what you mean with awakening, or basically anything you are saying right now. i know that this system thing said surprise i'm here to stay get used to it, and i am just trying to survive even though it said that we are supposedly safe from dying for the first 180 days, i don't think that i would like to test that idea. So I am lost, but trying to make the best of this shit situation that we are dealing with."
Offrey stated, i'm sorry lass i meant no disrespect with my words, nor to seem ungrateful for you rescuing me from a fate potentially worse than death. You'll hear naught another negative word towards or about you from me.
The reason that it was shocking that you said Travekian so casually i did not understand how it was possible that you might be part of the divine family. Most people think that you all are a myth or some other fabrication to scare people from getting too far out of line.
"What do you mean divine family?" "I can't say anymore about this I'm sorry."
"AAAHHHHHH" she screamed, what do you mean you cant say anymore, its just a name!
"Please don't press on this. I can't say nor can I tell you why, but know that I would if I could."
"So you're telling me I get nothing but questions after saving you."
*Ding* Quest received.Find out about the origins of Travekian name.
What the hell, now I get quests when someone talks to me.