Chapter 251 Desert
High above in the sky, a colossal face materialized, its visage revealing the unmistakable features of the Underworld lord. Damian's knowledge of the powerful entity was limited, but he knew that some of the lord's demons, like the one who had possessed Miller's body, had relentlessly pursued him.
While Damian had been uncertain about the dungeon level where the Underworld resided and the location of its lord, the sight before him confirmed the truth. This was indeed the final floor accessible to humans and other creatures. It was where the Underworld lord made his dwelling.
Without hesitation, the giant grabbed hold of Damian and swiftly navigated the plains, leading him to a village bustling with even more giants. Overwhelmed by the spectacle unfolding before him, Damian's curiosity was piqued, and he yearned to learn more about this peculiar place—the ultimate floor that he aspired to reach someday.
Time was of the essence, and the giant's urgent voice broke through Damian's thoughts. "There's no time to lose. I don't know how you arrived here, but you must return. However, I am certain our paths will cross again in the future."
Placing Damian in front of a portal that resembled the others he had encountered, the giant handed him a small flask containing a mysterious liquid. "This elixir has been used by our tribe for ages. It will unlock more of your dormant bloodline. Pass through this portal before he discovers your presence. It will transport you to lower levels, although I cannot guarantee how it will manifest. Now, go!"
Before Damian could respond, the giant exerted a gentle push, propelling him through the portal with the force of a single finger. The world around him dissolved into darkness, and time itself seemed to lose meaning. When the void dissipated, Damian found himself standing in a desolate desert wasteland. Surveying the barren expanse, he searched for any signs of resources or clues to guide his next move, but found none.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in the empty air. "He pushed me along with you! Unbelievable!"
To Damian's surprise, the mushroom that had clung to his shoulder during his journey had also been transported through the portal. Uncertain if this turn of events was fortuitous or problematic, Damian couldn't dismiss the fact that the mushroom belonged to the deepest level of the dungeon. It was undoubtedly no ordinary creature.
Intrigued by the potential benefits that befriending the mushroom could bring, Damian contemplated the possibilities that lay ahead. Perhaps their unexpected companionship would prove advantageous in this treacherous realm.
As Damian pondered his current situation, the realization struck him that he was still within the influence of the Skyfall Tower. This meant that the floor he found himself on was indeed one of the interconnected levels designed to train and challenge adventurers.
The question remained: which specific floor was it? The giant had mentioned it would transport Damian to a lower level, but the exact designation was unclear.
Glancing down at the ring that had granted him entry into the Skyfall Tower, Damian observed that it still retained some sort of enchantment. This confirmed that he had not fully left the tower's domain.
Eager for guidance, Damian turned to the mushroom perched on his shoulder. He sought the creature's counsel, uncertain of their next move in this unfamiliar landscape.
"What should we do now?" Damian inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency.
The mushroom, though inclined to leave, recognized its limited combat abilities and saw the advantage of remaining with Damian for protection.
"I suggest we search for an Oasis," the mushroom suggested. "Finding a source of water and food is crucial, and Oases often attract other individuals seeking sustenance and respite. Furthermore, I can enchant your eyes to help you discern and resist illusions. Deserts are known for their deceptive tricks, so this ability may prove invaluable."
The prospect of locating an Oasis appeared to be a straightforward objective, and Damian welcomed the mushroom's contribution. Additionally, the revelation of the mushroom's newfound enchanting capabilities sparked a glimmer of hope within Damian. It hinted at a hidden potential and the possibility of overcoming the challenges that lay ahead.
Damian heeded the mushroom's advice and set off through the barren desert, his eyes now enchanted to see through illusions. With each step, the scorching sun beat down upon him, intensifying the dryness of the surrounding landscape. The journey seemed arduous and endless, but Damian pressed forward, driven by the hope of finding respite at the Oasis.
Finally, on the horizon, a glimmer of green emerged—a sign of life amidst the desolation. Damian quickened his pace, his thirst growing more insistent. As he neared the Oasis, his heart filled with relief at the sight of palm trees swaying gently in the breeze and a shimmering pool of water reflecting the golden rays of sunlight.
However, Damian's relief was short-lived as he noticed a group of individuals gathered near the Oasis. Their figures were silhouetted against the vibrant backdrop, their weapons raised menacingly.
Perplexed and cautious, Damian approached slowly, his hand instinctively reaching for his own weapon. The mushroom on his shoulder trembled, sensing the growing tension.
As Damian drew closer, the strangers' gazes locked onto him and the mushroom, suspicion etched on their faces. They appeared battle-hardened, their eyes filled with a mix of wariness and aggression.
But he had to go there, or else his time would run short. Despite having a decent resistance to thirst, hunger, and climate things, the desert was still harsh. Also, the mushroom wasn't suited to that ambient, so it would perish with the constant sunlight rays.
Damian approached the Oasis, and the group of people were quick to ask him.
"What brings you to this Oasis?" a voice called out, tinged with a blend of caution and authority.
Damian paused, raising his hands slightly in a gesture of non-aggression. "We seek shelter and sustenance. We mean no harm."
The response was met with murmurs of disbelief, and the tension in the air thickened.
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