When the system notification confirmed the friendship, soft golden sparks flashed over our heads for a moment, signifying that a connection had been established between the players.
Aka-32, still smiling, opened her mouth to say something, but suddenly her expression changed drastically. She froze, staring at my shoulder as if she had noticed something strange.
— Um... Hey, what kind of rat are you carrying on your shoulder?
I blinked and, looking down, met the gaze of a tiny creature that had been quietly observing us, its transparent legs lazily dangling.
—Ah... yes, let me introduce you to... Fritte.
I inhaled, scratching the back of my head a little awkwardly. Immediately after these words, Fritte, no larger than a palm, rose into the air. His wings flashed with a soft light, and golden dust particles streamed around us, illuminating our faces.
— I am Fritte! Disava's loyal companion and representative. And you must be the thunderous friend she never stops thinking about?
Aka-32 blinked a couple of times, clearly taken aback.
—Wait... is... is that your pet? Or... companion?
—Not just a companion. Fritte is a unique friend acquired during one of the quests. He helps me in battle, but mostly... commands me.…
I added, glancing sideways at the fairy.
—Commanding? That's what I understand, a partner with character!
Fritte pouted his cheeks resentfully and blushed, crossing his arms.
— It's not funny! I am a mentor and a guide! Without me, your friend wouldn't have been able to pass the Crow's Cry test! That's right!
Aka-32 barely restrained herself from laughing out loud and raised her hands in surrender.
—Okay, okay, I don't argue with you! You both look impressive, but it's cool. A unique companion is interesting.
At that moment, the interface flashed, and a message appeared above them:
[Temporary group created: "Light and Shadow". Synergy bonus +10% experience when acting together.]
Aka-32 smiled wider.
—Light and Shadow, huh? It sounded ominous... and very much like us.
Fritte snorted in amusement, and I nodded, aware that Aka-32 had been watching the little fairy hovering over my shoulder.
Her gaze was almost childish, a mix of curiosity, admiration, and that involuntary desire to touch something cute and shiny.
— Hey, Disava, can I... hold it? Just for a little bit?
I chuckled, looking at my friend, as if I could predict this moment.
— Don't ask me. Ask him, if you can.
Aka-32 turned to Fritte and, with her hands cupped together, looked at the fairy with eyes full of pleading as if the most fluffy creature in the world was standing in front of her.
—Please, little star, I'll be careful... I promise!
Fritte hovered in the air, her tiny arms crossed, and squinted, as if assessing the seriousness of the "giant's" intentions. He pretended to think for a few seconds, and then said proudly.
—Hmm... okay. I'll let the Amazon girl hold me. But only carefully! My radiance is as fragile as a butterfly's wings.
Aka-32 gasped joyfully, like a child who has received a long-awaited toy, and carefully extended her palms.
Fritte, with a melodious sigh, sank gently into them, her wings fluttering, leaving a golden trail like pollen.
—Oh, my, how tiny you are! And so… warm?
Fritte closed his eyes contentedly, as if enjoying the attention.
— Of course it's warm! I am a child of light and wind, not some icy spirit.
Aka-32 laughed softly and gently stroked the fairy's head with the tip of her finger, like a kitten.
Fritte slightly closed her eyes and even allowed herself a thin purr, which caused a slight shimmer to hang in the air.
Watching this scene, I couldn't help but smile.
—Be careful. If you pet him for too long, he'll think you're his new temple.
—A temple isn't the worst place.
Aka-32 replied, laughing.
—Especially for a nice god like him.
Fritte suddenly flew out of my palm.
—All right, all right, enough flattery. You'll both get one spark of luck. And don't bother me again today!
We laughed, and for a moment, the world seemed warmer. The air was filled with the scent of flower light, a rare aroma that fairies leave behind when they're content.
As we approached the foot of Mount Adalaza, a truly impressive sight met our eyes. A massive dome of rock rose above the plain, like a frozen wave.
The mountain really resembled a giant anthill, uneven tunnels stretched out from under the stones, and in some places a light smoke rose, as if the earth itself was breathing.
Aka-32 whistled:
—Wow... it's a whole city underground.
I nodded, feeling a chill deep inside. Even from the outside, a strange tremor emanated from this mountain, as if life was hiding in its depths.
As we crossed the narrow passage at the base and stepped inside, the world around us changed. The damp air became thicker, and the walls glowed with a soft light.
Inside, everything was covered with myriads of luminescent mushrooms that grew even on the ceiling, creating the illusion of a starry sky.
Lianas with transparent dewdrops stretched between them, reflecting a faint shimmer. Fritte flew off his shoulder and whispered softly:
—This place is... alive.
Indeed, as we ventured deeper, faint sounds could be heard in the darkness: a crackling, rustling, and what sounded like breathing. None of the three of us uttered a word. Only our footsteps echoed through the winding stone corridors.
The air grew heavier, and a soft tinkling sound could be heard, as if someone were striking thin crystal threads.
And at that moment, each of us had the same thought, as if the mountain itself was waiting for us, listening, evaluating.
Suddenly, a system notification flashed before our eyes. The air trembled, and a translucent window appeared in front of us, with the message:
[ Do you want to clear the 1st floor? ]
I stopped, looked at the message, and let out a quiet breath. My heart started beating faster.
—It doesn't look like just a cave. There really are floors... like in a tower.
Aka-32 smiled widely, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
—Ha! So it's an underground dungeon! Let's try it, it'll be fun.
Fritte fluttered his wings, squinting in disbelief:
—More like an above-ground dungeon. A tower that goes up, but starts underground... a strange place. I can feel the magic deep in the stone.
A mixture of fear and curiosity awoke within each of us. The system seemed to be urging us to make a choice, and I tapped on the notification.
[ Location: Mount Adalaza ]
[ Type: Trial ]
[ Floor: Unknown ]
[ Recommended Level: 15+ ]
[ Possible Rewards: Experience, Artifacts, Unique Loot ]
This information aroused a real excitement. The location promised not just monsters, but a challenge with rewards and the opportunity to quickly level up.
At the bottom, at the foot, the traces of other players sparkled, apparently someone had already tried to enter, but few dared to go deeper.
—Great. Let's check what we're worth.
Aka-32 laughed loudly, taking out her weapon:
—Well, let's go for the first floor, girlfriend?
Fritte snorted and climbed onto my shoulder:
—I hope you're ready. The Tower doesn't like the weak.