Chaoter 20
Right after we finished exploring that abandoned temple which we shall officially call as [The Remenants of the Dark Past], we then went back to our way. We were able to finish transversing the said ruins before evening. As we got back from the start which is at the entrance of the temple, we then decided to take our camp there.
The three of us decided to leave those unknown, shadowy entities here in the temple as a final trial for those who wish to venture this temple, and also as we don't have any means to kill them.
Lucrane tried to use different methods to eliminate them but it was all in vain, even with their filmsy characters and uncombatant looks, this creatures are more resilient and sturdy than what others seem to think.
Flicker Flicker Flicker Flicker
"There is a huge lake just a distance from here, a couple more turns and we should be there, maybe we should start from there right after?"
I suggested as we sat down just atop of the entrance staircase that leads to the maze. We are using the wooden chair I made as we took our rest here. Lucrane already readied the tent that we will be using tonight.
Iratus is laying down in front of us as he took a peaceful rest near the camp fire, warming him up.
"Is it big like last time?"
Crackle Crackle Crackle
She asked as she played the camp fire I made using a branch of a tree and scoop some of the burning charcoals, while she placed her right hand on her cheeks and tightly closed her legs.
"You mean back when we were being chased by those psychotic beauties? No, I think it is mostly half of the size of it"
"Heh, 'psychotic beauties' you say? It seems someone became a fan for some crazy bitch"
She teasingly spoke as she smirk whole looking at me
"That is just a figure of speech"
I nonchalantly responded. She then giggled. Right after that, the two of then gone quiet as we observed the beautiful evening and the flickering flame.
"Is Yoichi still not awake?"
I asked as we wait for the hot soup that I am cooking. The hot soup is merely composed with ginger as the main spices and some salt, potatoes, carrots, and chicken meat that I cut into a large chunk.
"His still having his sweet time sleeping, maybe by tomorrow his evolution will be done. As it took sometimes before he regained consciousness and considering that let him intake that blessed mushroom, we should expect something out of the norm evolution of his"
"I see"
Crackle Crackle Crackle Crackle
Right after the hot soup was finished, I then low heated the fire by taking out some of the firewoods placed on it. Not taking the pot away from the fire so that we could enjoy a hot meal in this lovely evening.
"Oh, there is also a small island in that lake, maybe should take a look on it"
"Anything notable on it?"
"Except for its small size and plain area, nothing more to be said about it"
I then scoop some of the hot soup and placed them each at our bowl. I gave Lucrane her first, before giving some towards for Iratus, and then mine. After that, I then seated down and took our meal.
....
After taking our breakfast which is a [Smoked Chicken] we then continue transversing the 2nd floor of our tower in our second day. By impaling the whole clean chicken in a thick stick and cooking it above the heated charcoal, we could have a luxurious meal early in the morning.
We followed the path where a small river ran behind the temple. Following the river oath, we then make our way towards the lake I found when I came here for the first time.
Splash Splash Splash
Swoosh woosh swoosh
It took us some just some minutes to arrived at the lake I found as I was on my way towards the mountains. Standing at the edge
"It is indeed quite smaller than the one we saw back then"
"The island is just a few distance from here, should we take a look on it?"
I asked, as I was also quite curious as to what kind of island it is, though I can clearly see it thanks to my [Keen Eyesight], there is really a difference when seeing it upclose than merely observing from a distance.
"I suppose it would hurt to sightsee"
Hearing her agreement, Lucrane then summoned a
"..... A... boat? Is this a boat? Is that a boat? Are you saying that is a boat?"
I asked in a sarcastic tone as I inquire whether this thing that float with a plank at the center, and some logs at each side is what we will be using to cross the lake.
Hearing my words, Lucrane then frown as she looked at me. She then punched my abdomen with a swift strike
"Gahhh"
Causing me to giggle as I hold my stomach.
"Hmph"
She then pissingly boarded our beautiful and stunning, lovely looking boat that could beat any ship from the international cruise.
It just us, Lucrane and I will be boarding our magnifying cruise ship, as Iratus can't ride it as he was bigger than it. Leaving Iratus alone here in the bay as we will be venturing the small island I found, we then started rowing our mighty and dazzling ark.
Our first ever mighty voyage shall now commense! With a filmsy plank that floats!
"I could still feel that you are still insulting the boat I made with all my hardwork"
Cough Cough
"T-that is just your imagination"
I said as I tried averting my gaze away from Lucrane's daggered eyes.
Swoosh Swoosh
Splat Splat Splat (I don't really know how rowing sounds)
As we crossed the silent lake, I then asked Lucrane of something that I just noticed
Splosh Splosh
Swish Swish Swish
"Why is that there are fishes inhabitanting a lake and a pond, or some river yet their were no creatures being seen in the forest, are there some automatic summoning circle that summons fishes in the water?"
I asked as I watched some swimming fishes passing as by, some were curiously getting near our planky boat, while some were vigilant as they follow us from a distance, and while the others were merely observing from a distance, and didn't have the will nor the interest to get near us.
"I don't know either, some scholars speculated that a lake and its inhabitants are both gift from the Gods, or tower as it the main source for both food and water. Some says that there might be an unknown feature of the tower that none knows, it mostly activates on its own to give fulfillment for both the manager and the twlower itself. But even though so, none really knows, even until now. No one really knows the reason why there are life in a river yet the forests, plains, and mountains are empty when a tower leveled up"
"Are they, maybe, living in the tower? I mean, like they don't need to be summoned because they live here?"
"That is a good theory, but who knows, maybe you are right"
"Or maybe not?"
Splat Splat Splat
Hah Haah hah
"..... This is taking so long, can't you not do it faster?"
"Then why not help!"
I yelled as I rowed this oh-so called planky boat by myself. Rowing was kind of hard for me at first as I didn't know how to make it sync, or coordinate the direction I wanted to row, and also, raising it up then scooping it out is truly hard to do so especially for a beginner like me.
Rowing takes a lot of strength to rotate the oars, or pulling it by scooping the oars up to propel, or push our planky boat forward, even my abdomen is getting ripped by sometimes bending then stretching out just to add additional force. My shoulder muscle already felt painful and heavy even though it wasn't that much longer when I started rowing.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
In some strict terminologies, using oars for propulsion may be termed either "pulling" or "rowing", with different definitions for each. Where these strict terminologies are used, the definitions are reversed depending on the context. On saltwater a "pulling boat" has each person working one oar on one side, alternating port and starboard along the length of the boat; whilst "rowing" means each person operates two oars, one on each side of the boat. On inland waterways, the opposite applies, with "rowing" being where each person in a crew works one oar and "sculling" (especially in sport rowing) involves each participant using a pair of oars. In a maritime setting "sculling" means propelling a boat with a single oar operated over the stern.
Rowing is hard and utilizes every major muscle of you body- your arms, legs, abdomen, even the tips of your fingers. Every muscle counts. A rower must push with their legs, pull with their arms, and remain strong and steady through their core. Even a sudden head tilt will offset the boat and cause a dip to one side.
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
Sweat rolled started dripping from my face and body, and my muscles already felt strain and I already feeling tired. My breathing also became heavier and heavier as time pass by. And there are times when I needed to take a quick test as I can't pull the oars up to push us.
Huff Huff Huff Huff Huff
Snort
".... You call yourself a man and yet you can't even last long for more than 5 minutes"
Slam
I then slam myself down the raft as I already reached my limit
Puff Huff Puff Huff
Hoarsely breathing as I lay down, I then saw Lucrane with my blurry eyes above me, looking at me just a couple distance from my face
"And for someone who is quite have an ego, you sure are so weak"
Giggle
She then giggled as she looked at me with a refreshing smile, and a sarcastic look
"Haah.... Hah... Shut up... Huff... Huff.... And fuck you.... Pant.... Pant..."
I then tried getting myself up as taking a nap while tired isn't advisable for your health. Sitting as I tried catching my breath, Lucrane then stood up and walked towards the other end of his boat.
She then kneel down and placed her right hand unto the water, and muttered right after
"Peto a vento manum, impetum da nobis ad movendum" (Latin translation for I ask for a hand from the wind, give us an impulse to move)
"[Wind Drift]"
As she casted some spell
Swoosh woosh
A sudden gust of wind then suddenly came pass me, and directly went towards Lucrane. It then drift below where she place her hand and
"..."
With an awe expression on my face as I watched how our boat gradually moving and taking speed. A little few seconds came pass, the boat we are riding, plank to be precise, started moving in an incredible speed, seeing it made me pissed for some reason
"Just wanted to ask"
"Hmmm?"
"If you can just use magic to move this lumber you call a boat, then why did I waste all my energy rowing it?"
I spoke as I looked at the side. I then felt Lucrane's presence as she stood beside me. She then sat down just a distance from me and spoke in a whimsical tone
"Well, wouldn't it be so romantic when a man, selfishly, row a boat for a woman?"
"You mean slaving? Yeah, pretty romantic to me"
"Nhgg!"
I exclaimed as she just hit my shoulder and abdomen with her left arm in a fast, and simultaneous strikes. Groaning as I giggle, she then spoke in an annoyed tone
"If you still stick with this kind of habit of being sarcastic, you won't be popular"
Holding my stomach, I then replied as I looked at her
"Why do I need to be known by many, if one is enough for me"
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I know it's cringe but who cares! I am the author and I wanna write it!
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
(Author's POV)
As if a giant, expensive cheese was thrown at her out of nowhere, Lucrane was stunned to her spot with eyes peeled and mouth agape. Staring at Vince with an eyes expressing her overwhelming surprise, as her eyes spokes puzzlement and shocked.
Trying to find words to speak, Lucrane end up getting her words stuck to her throat. She then averted her gaze away from him and outstretched her left arm as she released a swift, and mighty blow
Smack!
"Guhhh!"
He groaned as a sudden strike hit him, cleanly at his face, smashing his nose and almost breaking his teeth
"Idiot"
In whispering voice she spoke, hinted with joy and pleasing tone. Groaning in pain as he grovel in the raft, the two continued their journey towards the lonely island.
(Vince's POV)
Swock
Another minute passed before we arrived at the small island at the lake. As Lucrane moved at the top front of this shaft, right after I made that stupid, and embarrassing comment, she was the first one to step in the island.
As she climbed down the boat, our planky boat, she then observe the surrounding area.
"... It has nothing here but grasses, and some rocks and stones"
She said. I then followed her right after as I climbed down from the boat. Glancing at the area, it does only have grasses and rocks everywhere. There were nothing else there but a complete plain sight.
"..."
Not wanting to waste all the efforts I made coming, all my 5 minutes of effort I then moved forward and tried surveying the area to find any clues or hidden something in this place.
After a minute or two, I found none. There were simply nothing in this area other than some overgrown weeds and rumbles. The island was mostly thrice the size or four fold the size of our camp and has a shape of an uneven diamond jewel, it is as if it was hammered without precision and skills.
Sigh
'I guess I wasted all my 5 minutes for nothing at all'
But I guess
"Should we make this a fishing spot if we wanted to relax and catch some fish?"
I asked as I turned around, and suggested what will be the best outcome that should be done with this right after I have thought of something.
"...."
Lucrane stared at me for a bit before she went into a deep thought, so I then added
"We could make a wooden bridge that will connect this island unto that shore. We could also make a simple hut here or a cabin for us to rest and enjoy the view in this place. Adding some rooftop in the pathway will also shed us from the rain and heat. So, what do you think?"
I inquire. Lucrane was still in deep thought as she covered her mouth with her left hand, before she looked behind her for a moment then we stared upfront. She then walked towards me and pass me by. She halted just a distance from where I was and looked around the area. After that, she then turn around and glance at me and spoke
"It is indeed a good idea, we can also add some minor decorations around this area to make it livelier"
"So, when do we start making it? Would you like the {Stone Golems} to build it or us?"
"Those {Stone Golems} aren't a handy bunch when it comes to infrastructure building, so we will mostly do it on our own"
She then placed her left hand on her chin and added
"Maybe right after we are able to explored half of this floor. As we are using woods as a base, I will order the {Golems} to start cutting mid sized tress than those small ones"
Puzzled I asked
"Any difference between the two except for the height and thickness?"
"Small sized trees will only give firewood type of woods while the mid sized trees are good for building structures, items, and also furniture as they are thick. Those woods I give you to make some chairs, tables and some other things are from a big sized trees and mid sized trees, which make them sturdy. The exp gain will also increase, and the amount of woods we could gather will also hieghten. From 7 exp for each small sized tree, we will be gaining 9 exp for every mid sized trees we cut down, while 11 exp for every big sized trees"
"So why didn't we cut down any mid sized trees then? We could have fetch more if we sold those when Henry was here"
She then shook her upon my words
"Small sized trees can be cut down in whichever level the tower you manage is, while mid sized trees can only be chop down when your tower reached level 3, and as for the big sized ones, we can only cut them down when we reached level 5"
"I see"
"We will only start building our farm for our {Chickens} right after"
After that, the two of us then headed back up shore as we rode our shaft again. As got a shore, we then proceed to our next destination, the mountain that I went last time where I was planning on mining some minerals there but failed to do so.
We didn't took a while before we reached the last area I visited last time, which is thanks to Iratus giving us a ride. Arriving at the base of the mountain, we then unmounted Iratus and went forward
"I don't know why but even how much I hit those rocks or the gigantic mass of earth, it won't budge neither break"
"That it's because it was prepared by a barrier that neglect physical damage"
"What!? At least you could have told me about it! I felt like an idiot trying my best on cracking this landmass"
"At least you did tried making yourself as a joke, good for you"
Tch
"How do we dig this thing then?"
"By using magic of course. This barrier could only repel or blocked physical damage, but using magic on this one could easily break the protective barrier that was placed on this mountain"
"Why do they have a barrier in the first place anyway? This is a hassle and irritating if a certain town or village has no [Mages] in them"
"It truly is, so which incase they don't have any magic dealer in their area, they could have asked for an assistance from the guild for that. Of course the rented or the adventurer who took the job will have 8% of the fortune they will discover in that place, excluding the payment they will give for their response"
"8% huh, does that includes any rare treasure they find, or merely those minerals or Ores they dug?"
"[Rare Class] treasure will be divided while those [Special Class] will be given to hose who found it first, no exceptions"
"Does that man that even a child could own one then?"
She then nod to my words
"Yes"
The two of then continued walking upfront until we reached the base or the body of tho mountain. Lucrane then moved forward while I standby as I wait for her. Lucrane then started muttering something
(Author's POV)
"Flamma, quae urit calore, urit eos qui mihi resistere audent" (Latin translation for A flame that burns with heat burns those who dare to resist me)
"[Devorat Flammas]" (Latin translation for He devours the flames)
A raging dark red flame then appeared from Lucrane's right arm, forming like a serpent, coiling around her as it rose up and formed a small sized dark flaming ball, the same size of a golf ball. Floating above her palm, Lucrane then shot it towards the front.
The flaming ball then dashed forward with an amazing speed. As the flame touched the mountain, it then graze an invincible forcefield before
Crack! Creak! Boom!
And exploded upon its impact. The flame burst as it collided with the invincible barrier that was placed unto the mountain, and drilled a huge hole upon its collision. Scattered debris then flew at the area with burning dark red Flames atop of it.
(Vince's POV)
"...."
Utterly stunned as I saw how that small ball of flame destroyed the barrier, and drilled a huge hole atop of it. That flame was really a devastating piece of spell
After thee showcase, Lucrane then glance at me as she turn back and nodded, signaling me to come. As I arrived at her side, I then spoke my amazement of her performance
"Now I am really convinced that you aren't just a mere [Hunter] and a level 40 person"
"You think?"
"If you say that you just got that skill after killing a certain monster, or telling me that you got another class or change it right after that blessed mushroom took its effect, just shut up. Call me weak but I was never been stupid"
".... I see"
"So-"
I then glance at her as I continued
"Who really are you, Lucrane?"
"....."
Saying that, Lucrane was just standing there motionless beside me. Seconds pass then minutes, but she was still keeping her mouth shut and not looking at me, as she stared upfront. Seeing that, I then took my surrender and didn't further pry on her secrets. Noticing that, Lucrane then glance at me and spoke
"I will tell you about it, but not for now"
"I will keep your words"
"I promise"
Saying that, the two of us then walked upfront which was then followed by Iratus from behind
"What kind of secret are you hiding anyway? Don't tell me you are some kind of royalty? A rare species? A divine descend being? What?"
"..... Might be"
"?"
Shocked to her response, I then looked at her and spoke
"Wait, don't tell me, did I hit it right? Which one?"
She then grew quiet and didn't further commented back at me. Which made me annoyed as I was left hanging
'Maybe a royalty, or a missionary from the Gods, or maybe a descendants of some kind of holy being?'
I thought as I look at her walking further away from me, well mostly at her round ass as it moved up and down
"Interesting"
I spoke as I followed her then from behind. As we moved further forward, the dimmer the place became
"Light our way, [Illumination]"
A shining light orb then appeared right in front of lucrane then float above us. It then just hovered above us it followed us, lightning our way as we further moved.
After a few walk, we then reached a dead end, it is the part where the flame could reached and can't further advance forward. Lucrane then went upfront, and touched the ground by her left hand
"Crumble I ask, split as I request, [Ground Break]"
Boom!
After she casted her spell, those obstructing soil and rocks then exploded. The explosion wasn't huge as it will caught Lucrane with it also. The explosion merely pushed forward, and no debris fell out nor any smoke emerged from it it simply made a huge hole right after the explosion.
After being awed to her once again, we then continued moving forward.
...
"Crumble I ask, split as I request, [Ground Break]"
Boom!
After a few deafening explosion to drill out way as we advanced forward, Lucrane then halted right after the last spell she used. She wasn't exhausted nor wanted rest, she just stood there with her eyes close and muttered
"[Earth Resonance]"
(Author's POV)
An invincible wave then moved from where Lucrane was and traveled across the ground, below the mountain whre they are. Like a bat's echolocation, it surveyed the whole vicinity surrounding them as sound waves traveled across the area.
Iratus and Vince were merely observing with a confused and curious looked that is painted in their expression, watching with interest as they observe Lucrane.
A moment pass as Lucrane stood still in serenity. Utterly silent as she listened and observed the surrounding area. Attentively in tranquility she discern the area she was in.
(Vince's POV)
As the time came and pass as by, quietly waiting and observing Lucrane as she stood there, motionless, she then moved and looked behind her, and stated
"I found 4 [Copper Ores] just a few meters from my left and 3 [Copper Ores] up ahead, and 1 large [Copper Ore Vein] a few distance from our back, at the right which has 6 [Copper Ores] on it"
'Yup, she is amazing alright'
I thought as I was once again amaze to how awe-inspiring she is. After she have told us where are the Ores we came here for located, she then started digging again by using her spells. She went first to the front to obtain those 3 iron deposit.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
After casting her spell [Ground Break] five times, we then reached the area where she located the first 3 [Copper Ores]. As we arrived at that spot, Lucrane then spotted where it was and pointed at my top right. Narrowing my vision, I then saw a glimmering object. Looking closely as I move closer towards it, I then summoned my pickaxe and started digging it for a better view.
Hup!
After I dug it down and took it out, I then clearly saw what this mineral looks like. The [Copper Ore] is basically just a dented oval shaped Ore with uneven sides. It looks like a jewel upclose that shine as the light orb's light touched it, with a size comparable to that ball from that American game that looks like a football, but rather than kicking the ball they carried.
After I dug the first one, Iratus was then able to take out another 2 just a distance from where I got the 1st one. I then stored the [Copper Ore] inside my [Storage Ring].
"Should we try checking that [Iron Ore Vein] that you just said? I wanted to see what kind of thing is it"
Hearing my inquiry, Lucrane then nodded. The three of us then went back towards the path we took and headed towards where the so called veins of this Ore were.
After we arrived to the area where Lucrane used that skill that let her observed the surrounding area, we then went towards the spot she found those veins. Just a couple of distance that we walked, we then arrived to the spot. Lucrane then stood upfront while Iratus and I step back. She then placed her left hand forward and
Crumble I ask, split as I request, [Ground Break]"
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Casting her spell four times, we then saw a glimming something that looks like a branch of a tree. Looking closely at it, the 6 [Copper Ores] was being connected from there tip and making a branch shape.
"So this is a [Copper Ore Veins] huh, mesmerizing"
I exclaimed as I closely looked at it before I dug it our by using my pickaxe. The said vein has a meter long length. After taking it out, I then stored it inside my [Storage Ring]. After that, I then glance at Lucrane and asked
"Should we also take out those remaining ones?"
Lucrane then shook her head and replied
"I will let those {Stone Golems} that I procured to mine those, this mountain has a lot of deposit on it, so we can assume to at least obtain more than a hundred"
"I see, so what should we do then? Continue exploring this floor?"
"Exactly, we should at least make it through even half of this floor before evening"
After deciding our next destination, we then moved forward.
...
After we leave that mountain that we will be using as our first mining spot, we then arrived at a cliff. The cliff was vast and so high up from the ground, and below it was another deep forest below.. There is a medium sized hill just a distance from where we are, so we headed there first before anything else.
Arriving at the top of the hill after climbing it up, Lucrane then started surveying the area around us, I also looked around using my [Keen Eyesight]. The area was full of forest as far as my eyes could see then a few distance was gigantic overbearing mountains, some were taller than the others while few were being overshadowed by some.
Behind me was the same, a thick forest and humongous mountains. I then went down the hill as I slide myself down the slope. Arriving at the base, I then tried looking below me by holding unto a tree that is near me and crouch down as I observed what is underneath this cliff.
Using my [Keen Eyesight], I then saw a wide deep forest which then continued on towards those magnifying giant mountains which could be seen around, just a few distance from the others while some were closed to one another. A beside those mountains was a giant lake that taken a shape of a fish. It was surrounded by giant mountains, at the back was a twin peak mountain, while the other 2 mountains was at its bottom left and right. Quite smaller compared to the 3 colossal mountains also encircled that said lake.
A distance from the top right side of the lake was a vast plain, and around it was a flowery field, I can't say if those were flowers as my [Keen Eyesight] has a limited range, but seeing how beautiful their colors are, I suspect those are flower field.
"Found anything?"
Lucrane asked as she stood beside me
"There are more mountains below this cliff and enormous in side. I also saw a curious looking lake, and a vast beautiful field"
As I reported. As I continued observing the area - those area that I could only see - I just keep seeing a repetitive sight of mountains, and thick forest. Seeing there were nothing more, I then stood up and glance at Lucrane
"Shall we?"
Lucrane then nodded as she smiled when I acted like a butler towards her.
....
"A jungle type of forest huh"
I said right after we climbed down this cliff and saw the thick woods upclose. As the cliff was totally high above the ground, we used Iratus to descend us down as we ride him at his back. Using his [Shadow Dash], we were able to reach the bottom of the cliff, its base.
"Hey"
As I heard Lucrane calling me, I then turn around. And as I faced upfront
"... Wow"
I exclaimed in an awed tone as the cliff that is behind us, the same clean where we are before we climbed down has a magnifying, out of this world hidden passage, a cave.
The cliff that has the same size or much more to those gigantic landmass has a vast pathway at its center. The said pathway inside this cliff has a shape of a pentagon doorway that has some trees in great size and thickness that decorates this passageway as it grows at its side. There are some who are hanging at the top side of the cliff, and the passageway is quite longer than what I expected and making it more worthwhile to explore it.
Feeling a thrilling excitement in my chest as my heart throb in rapid pace, I then glance at Lucrane and asked in a joyful tone
"Should we?"
Seeing me like that, she then giggled a bit before she nodded.
"Why not, I never seen such thing before, so this will be my first experience to it"
"There might be a hidden village inside of this, or maybe a secret tomb or a portal to another dimension, who knows"
I stated in an eager excited voice. The three us then moved forward and tried exploring this mysterious place.
The inside of this cave has a wide pathway but as we proceed forward, the narrower the said path became. The side of this cave is mostly govern by spiky rocks, and scattered stones. There were also some part which were covered by moss, plants, and some wild grasses.
The trees that was hanging at the top side of this cave were more or like from the jungle, as they are more lusher and twisted than the other trees. They have vines that connects to the other tree at the other side, making it look like a thin bridge of vines or cable wires. There is even a vine bridge that made an 'X' shape, and a distance from there was a consecutive line of 'N' shaped vines.
Those huge trees at the bottom side of this cliff has there vines hanging on there branches. Their roots were sprouting out from the ground with wild grasses and flowers budding at its side, making this place more stunning and beautiful.
Tok Drip Tik Tak Tok
As we further proceed forward, we then heard a silent dropping of water from a distance
"... There might be a pond here"
"Maybe, but it won't be a surprise if there is an underground waterfall here, seeing how blooming with life this cave is"
"This place is indeed remarkable with how much life blossom here"
Iratus said as he looked around the area with interest. Even how narrow this place looks like, it is really does crawling with abundant of life.
"It just lack some LIFE here to make it more natural, and blooming even further"
I spoke as it is indeed felt a little bit lacking when it comes to more realistic and natural occurring cave.
"Maybe we should really try to capture some creatures from the outside and let them lived here, this place needs life"
As I said that, Lucrane then summoned her notebook from her [Storage Rings], the [Tale of Knowledges]. She then flip it open and started searching for something. As she read her book while we walked forward, she then halted and slam the book closed. She then looked at me and spoke
"Inviting some creatures from the outside to live here is the requirements to level your tower up to level 6. We need to at least have 8 different species of 4 different kinds, those who fly above, those who hover the ground, those who walk the ground, and those who live in trees"
"So in total, we need to at least capture 32 of them?"
"By pair, we need to at least make it by pair so they could copulate"
Starign at her with puzzled looks, I then stated
".... You mean to say that we needed to check every creature we capture and to see if it is a male or female? That is sexual harassment and peeking to privacy"
"And we need to make sure that it won't be the same species of creature too"
".... Wow, not just that we need to know if what we capture is a male or female but also to make sure that it won't be the same type of species, amazing. So easy man, so easy, goddammit"
I spoke in a whimsical annoyed tone.
".... Level 6 right? How to even level our tower up to level 4 anyway? Does it really need to make our tower reach level 5 before we could gathered those said requirements?"
"To reach level 4, we just need to fulfill 3 requirements: 1st is to have 5 mining section here, and 2nd to at least earn a fortune by selling those Ores for 100 big gold coins, or more. 3rd, we also needed to gain 20, 000 exp in one day to completely level our tower up"
"Gain 10 mines and make us earn 100 big gold coins? Plus 20, 000 exp in one day? I think we could finish the 20, 000 exp with the help of the {Stone Golems}, and finding 10 mining spot is easy especially the 2nd floor has a lot of mountains on it, but earning 100 big gold coins will take some time, maybe a year or so before we could earn it, what a hassle. Then how about those creatures then? Could we only allowed to get them after we reached level 5?"
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
For 100 big gold, they needed at least 25.3 million copper coins or at least 625.87 thousand copper ores to get it, so they needed to at least gain 62.5 thousand copper ores for each mines, so tedious right? I felt pity towards them
[{<><><><>|×××××××××××××××××××|<><><><>}]
"It is indeed such a tedious task, and also no. We don't need to wait until our tower reached level 5 before we could take some of them inside here. So it isn't a problem if we just did an advance completion of that said requirements"
"So should we try gathering some right after this? The {Stone Golems} still needed to cut some trees before we start building our fishing spot, and cabin, so why don't we try capturing some before that?"
"I agree"
Lucrane replied. After that discussion, we then continue moving forward.
.....
As we further move forward, we then discovered a natural made phenomenon right in front of us
Shhaasshhh shhhhhhh
Burble Burble Burble Burble
"Amazing"
"Beautiful"
"How entrancing"
The three of us exclaimed in awe as we saw a stunning underground waterfall, a natural underground waterfall which is already quite few back in my world. The said waterwall wasn't that big, maybe 2 or 3 meters is length and a half meter wide. It has a wide pool underneath the waterfall, which stored a clear water stream. There are plants growing beside the pool and some trees at the side of the waterfall, making it more beautiful.
Curious, I then moved forward upfront and took a closer looks to the pool before us, Lucrane and Iratus then followed right after. Arriving near it, I then tried discerning the said pool, from its top then bottom and around it, but I never found anything suspicious on it
"What are you doing?"
Lucrane asked. Standing up as I gaze at it, I then replied
"The water flows that is coming from the waterfall till here seems peculiar"
"Peculiar? In what part?"
Lucrane then stood beside me as she asked that, taking a closer look towards the pool
"I mean, this water been flowing for how many times now and yet this pool never overflowed. It is kind of bewildering how can it still stuck at the same level and not increasing. It is so mysterious"
I said puzzled and baffled to this mystifying phenomenon. Lucrane then went forward and place both of her hands atop of the pool. She then bend over and tried looking at it up close.
As she tried inspecting around the edge of the pool she then suddenly took a step back right after she looked directly at the pool
(Author's POV)
Feeling of confusion painted on Lucrane's face as she was taken aback upon seeing something in the clear pool, something amiss on her very own reflection
'What was that?'
Is what she thought, after seeing herself completely different to who she was now. It didn't just showcase beauty but also elegance and confidence, not being shackled to anything as her on that reflection was free and more open than before.
Truly curious and anxious to what it is, she then once again tried looking at it. Feeling nervous, she then looked down the pool and see what reflection she might saw. Seeing herself, she then realized what was the pool trying to tell as it reflected her
'..... Future'
She muttered in silence after she saw herself wearing the very dress she concealed and never tried wearing ever again. She then smiled upon seeing it.
(Vince's POV)
"What is it?"
I worriedly and confusedly asked when Lucrane smiled upon looking at her own reflection, right after she was shocked upon seeing something on it. Hearing my words, she then response
"My reflection"
"Your reflection?"
Puzzled to her words, I then gaze at the crystal clear pool. Staring at her reflection with a confused look
"Did you see it?"
She asked in an overjoyed and prided tone. Hearing her speech like that made me intrigued so I went and took a much closer look on her reflection. But even how much I try observing it, all I could see was
"A high pride, too much ego, and a barbaric beautiful woman is all I could see here, nothing more"
Smack!
"Gahhh!"
I groaned as she suddenly hit my head with a powerful blow. Rubbing the top of the back of my head Lucrane then annoyedly stated
"I said my reflection! Can't you see it? It reflects the future if those who look at it, see?"
She said as she pointed at her reflection, but even how much I stare at it, except for her own natural reflection there doesn't to be anything else.
"Future? Are you sure?"
"What reflected on me is something I wanted to forget or something I wish that doesn't exist. But rather than feeling remorse or dismay, I was happy, glad, and found what I was looking for, so I could say for sure that what reflected on this spring is the future of the beholder"
She said, but even how much I look at her reflection there were no changes to the Lucrane I am seeing now, but as I looked at my own reflection
".... "
I was really utterly stunned to what I saw
"I.... I can see my own though"
"What?"
Lucrane then hurriedly looked toward my reflection.
".... I see"
"What?"
She then stood up and looked at me as she replied
"The only one who can see the reflection of your future is the one who is being reflected, so those who trying to look at it can't see anything but rather than your usual reflection"
I was awed to how amazing this underground waterfall was upon hearing Lucrane's explanation.
"So what do you see anyway?"
She asked. Taking a closer look upon my future self, I then stated
"I was more..... Mature and quite emitting an aura of... Handsomeness?"
Pak
Lucrane then punch me at my side and glared at me
"I'm feeling the truth! I am more handsome here and quite muscular too. I am also much taller and has more presence than now"
Lucrane still glaring at me as I added those. Continuing what I saw, I then stated
"My hair seems to be shorter, like one of those k-pops and my lips seems to be reddish"
"K-pop?"
"Those are Korean pop stars, or idols if you wanted to be more specific. They already took a wide range of popularity among the teens and adults"
"I see, so what else?"
Lucrane nonchalantly spoke
"Hmm..... I seem to be wearing some kind of accessory at my ear"
"On your ear? What?"
Taking a bit closer look to what it is, I then explained
"The earing was coated in gold with a shaped of a diamond anchor. It has an emerald colored vines wrapping it with a reddish jewel like a ruby at the center of the anchor, hovering with a mystifying beauty. There is also some engravings at the side of those gold bearings, with a greenish colored leaves at the top. I think that is the lock so the earring won't fall. And there is only one earring I am wearing here, nothing more"
"....."
"What?"
I baffledly asked as Lucrane was agapely staring at me after she heard what I saw on my own future.
(Author's POV)
"I-I see. T-that is good, ahem"
Lucrane then averted her gaze away from Vince, trying to hide this unbelievable feeling of delight. Her heart beats like a cherokee drum as her emotion overshadowed her sense of reason.
(Vince's POV)
'What is wrong with her anyway?'
I thoughtly asked as Lucrane just then suddenly acted different, and looked away from me right after she heard what I just said
'.....'
I felt that there is something amiss but yet I didn't get the feeling that it was bad
' Strange'
"What the hell is this!? '
I then suddenly got out from my thought as I heard Iratus yelling. Looking at him, he was angerly screaming at the pool
"Why am I kid here!? Do I look like a child to you?! This future me is pathetic!"
He said
'So he became a young wolf?'
"Did you became a young wolf in the future?"
Lucrane asked. Iratus then replied with a grumpy look on his face
"No, in the future I could shift form and became like those {Beastmen} and yet! And yet I took a childish look! This is an insult!"
"How about you Lucrane?"
"Hmmm?"
"What kind of future did you saw?"
"... A beautiful one"
She replied as she smiled such a stunning brilliant look at me which made me stun to my spot as I stared at her. Averting my gaze away from her entrancing look.