Chapter 10
The carvenous room fell into silence once more, the heavy breathing of the three companions and the faint echo of footsteps growing louder being the only sounds. The air smelled of blood and sweat, and the once-pristine stone floor was now slick with the leader's lifeblood. As Johan, Vivian, and I stood there, we surveyed the aftermath of the battle. The room was scarred and battered.
With a swift motion, I approached the leader's body, my eyes scanning the area for any signs of potential threats. The battle was over, and it was time to assess the spoils. I noticed that the dead ogres' bodies had vanished, leaving only higher-level creatures like the guardian and the leader behind. Their bodies remained intact, a testament to their exceptional strength.
I examined them closely, my gaze falling on a wristband and a necklace. "These aren't just decorations," I muttered to myself. "The ogres didn't seem like creatures that would wear such items."
As I pondered, I felt a surge of energy emanating from the necklace. "This could be useful in battle," I said, my confidence growing. I turned to Vivian, who was standing at the front of a door, gazing into a spacious room.
"Vivian, take a look at these," I said, holding out the necklace and wristband.
Vivian's eyes widened as she took in the items, "It's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with admiration. I handed the necklace to her, and she put it on. Johan approached us, his eyes fixed on the items. "You could have one too," he said, nodding towards me,
"I'm giving it to her," I said firmly. "She will use it better than I will." Johan raised an eyebrow, but I could see the logic in his gaze. "The ogres who wore these were like mages," I explained. "They specialized in long-range attacks. Vivian's abilities would be enhanced by this necklace."
Johan nodded thoughtfully. "It makes sense. The items must have fueled their power." I nodded in agreement. "Yes, and Vivian will be able to wield it effectively."
Vivian looked at me with a hint of surprise, but also a touch of gratitude. "Thanks," she said, her voice soft.
Johan chuckled, looking away. "I guess you've already gotten yourself an item, while my blade is still in need of repair."
She smiled, confident in her decision. "We'll get you something for you soon enough." With that, we turned to face the door, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.
As we entered, it was a spacious room. We realized it was more like a storage room for battle spoils. The air was thick with the smell of metal and leather. We scavenged through the room, selecting items that could prove beneficial to us. I picked up two swords, while Johan chose a long sword. "There are all sorts of battle equipment here," Johan said, examining a nearby chest.
I found a long, leather robe-like jacket and put it on, feeling a surge of mana flow through me. Johan geared up as well, donning a pair of fingerless gloves. We each selected items that suited our needs, preparing for the challenges ahead.
After hearing up, we took a moment to rest and replenish our energy with the little food and water we had left. Once we were ready, we exited the room and headed back to the entrance door. From there, we moved in the opposite direction, our senses on high alert.
As we walked, Johan seemed more lively and enthusiastic than before, but Vivian appeared subdued.
"Vivian," I called out concern etched in my voice.
"Yes?" She replied softly, her tone muted.
I hesitated, not wanting to pry.
"What should we do?" I asked instead, trying to gauge her mood.
Her response was delayed, and I couldn't help but wonder what was bothering her.
"I'd like to press Vivian for more information about what's bothering her," I said, my voice firm but concerned. "Vivian, what's troubling you? You're not yourself."
Vivian's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought she wouldn't respond. But then she spoke, her voice measured. "I'm fine. Just a little…preoccupied."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"Preoccupied? About what?
Vivian hesitated, and I could sense her weighing her words. "It's just… this place, the creatures… I don't know what to expect next."
I nodded understandingly. " We'll face whatever is to come next together. We've overcome challenges so far, and we can continue to do so."
With that, we let her take charge, her confidence, and assertiveness reassuring. "Let's press on. We need to find a way out of this place."
As we advanced, the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft clinking of our gear. We moved cautiously, surveying our surroundings, my eyes scanning the passageways for any signs of danger. We entered a more open area, connected to another passage that branched off in a different direction.
Suddenly, we heard the sound of footsteps echoing from the adjacent passage. The open space allowed us to scout our surroundings, but it also made us vulnerable to attack. We positioned ourselves strategically, ready to move freely should a battle break out.
The marching footsteps grew louder, and Johan whispered, "I think there are more than one." I nodded in agreement, my grip on my sword tightening. "Yes," I replied softly.
The footsteps drew closer, and we assessed the situation swiftly. "Johan, Vivian, and I prepared for potential hostilities," I instructed, my voice firm and commanding. "Let's determine their intentions."
I took a step forward, my eyes fixed on the passageway. "We'll greet them openly, but remain vigilant," I added, my tone assertive and controlled. I signalled Johan to keep is sword sheathed. Vivian to stay alert.
They emerged into view. "Ahh, humans," we said, our voice firm and assertive.
As the humans emerged into view, I swiftly and thoroughly assessed their demeanor and equipment. My eyes took in the mix of warriors, scouts, and soldiers, noting the precision of their formation and the quality of their gear.