[Still Randall's POV]
Asphyxiating.
That's how the darkness of this place felt.
Not a pleasant feeling in the slightest.
… Though, I do have to admit something: This cave is spacious. More so than the last one I've been in.
Anne held up her crossbow, I carried the pickaxe, and Jack scouted the road ahead for us.
A dried-up liquid stained the somewhat visible stone walls, thanks to some shreds of sunlight pouring in from the holes above. A few of the mentioned light rays landed on some colorful minerals.
The direct clash with the rocks created a mesmerizing color clash in the walls, further enhanced by the various half-eaten plants, and it could have been perfect.
Could. The monsters' presence ruined it all.
Nonetheless, Jack asked us to look out for green lights. The brighter their glow, the more likely it was to be a source of Repemtite.
A few steps in, Anne made a suggestion. One that I wouldn't have expected her to make.
"We should split up. It'll be easier to cover more ground like that."
She didn't speak too loudly, only enough for us to hear. This time, I fired a reply first.
"Isn't that dangerous, especially when we're in unknown terrain?"
"It'll be alright. You two can keep the decoys, and I'll just defend myself." Her gaze fell on the bag of eggs carried by Jack. So did mine.
She spotted another way, then ran off before we could do much. "Haa… Let's keep our eyes wide open, Randall."
'Whatever, I should deal with my own dilemma first. Anne can take care of herself.'
Our journey in this small yet tense place continued, along with my studies. Granted, it might be pointless to learn about the wild rocks here or the momentary monster wandering this cave, considering how we might have to leave at any time.
Even then, being cautious and attentive is never a wrong choice.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Jack's footsteps halted. So did mine.
I felt the danger in my bones. Thus, we backed off. Slowly.
'It didn't hear anything.'
That's what I had no choice but to hope for-
A small shill reached our ears.
"Not a threat scream," whispered Jack, in an almost inaudible voice.
I guess that means none of us caught their attention.
Our own steps kept echoing through this small, uncomfortable place.
Lights of various colours provided some lightning to the underground network, mostly coming from a few mineral rocks.
'Didn't they carry out multiple explorations to this place? Why are there so many gemstones lying around, if that's the case...?'
"Those gemstones look quite nice..."
"Don't pick them. We'll need them in the upcoming months for natural lightning... Besides, I'd be scolded for 'stealing the town's resources,' or something."
I opted to listen to Jack's advice. 'He might be right. If we were to return here for whatever reason, we'd end up needing this...'
Besides, there's not much point in getting them. We can't sell them to the townspeople because they'd ask questions, nor to outside merchants... because there are none.
Our exploration continued for what felt like ages. In reality, it was probably an hour or two.
However, by that point...
"I can feel something," voiced Jack. His eyes moved towards a particularly small cavity within the tunnels. I caught a glimpse of a small, almost unnoticeable shred of green light.
"That must be it. It's the first green light we've seen here."
I nodded. "I'll wait here while you go and get the Repemtite. Just to make sure the coast remains clear here."
He did look at me rather weirdly, but still accepted it. I handed over the pickaxe, and he crawled into the person-sized hole.
'Good thing he's big enough to fit in...'
Shivers ran down my spine.
About a minute later, sounds of metal clashing against stone reverberated throughout the small tunnel. They weren't exactly loud, but it was enough to vaguely reach my ears... Of course, that wasn't the only thing they picked up.
"Hieeeek!!"
... That wasn't Jack's voice.
The mining of the Repemtite had come to a halt.
It sounded similar to the yells released by the beetle beasts, but a tad more... aggressive.
A sound emerged from the small tunnel. "Shit..."
Gulp.
I didn't really have time to dwell on that. A few dozen footsteps echoed from afar.
"Hide!"
Jack's voice traveled through the tunnel, again.
'Somehow, the tunnel doesn't look like such a bad spot right now...'
Better than having to face multiple hungry monsters that can kill me with a few strikes. Maybe even a single one.
I crawled into it, feet first.
The lack of space was rather constricting.
The air, somewhat stifling.
My head didn't peek out the hole. It was about half a meter away from the edge.
Or in simpler terms, about a knife's length worth of distance.
The footsteps grew louder. I held my breath.
'They're coming.'
A single beetle with a gray shell mindlessly ran past the hole.
And two more followed after it.
Soon enough, a total of nine had rushed through.
My position didn't change until someone tapped my feet. "Get out, we need to leave NOW."
Nervousness filled Jack's voice with ease. That wasn't going to mean I'd risk it all here, though...
"Is it safe? What if they see me?"
"They just passed. Don't worry."
I still hesitated.
"Come on, we really don't have time now..."
'... I will have to do it, sooner or later.'
The echoes from the monster wave were quite far, too.
Thus... I peeked my head out.
No one in sight. Perfect.
I crawled out of that tunnel. My lungs welcomed an influx of fresh air. It was good.
Jack also left the tunnel. "I told you, didn't I? Let's go."
He ran in the opposite direction as the beasts. I followed behind him.
"What about the materials?"
"... I got what I could. Besides, a Bone Refinement cultivator shouldn't need much Repemtite to make his Artifact."
We managed to leave the cave much faster than I expected. It must have taken a third of the time it took us to get the Repemtite, at most.
That is why I soon felt the sunlight washing me down.
A sigh left my mouth.
"Now we can leave."
... Wait.
"Where's Anne?"
"Uhh..."
... She might have been the one that triggered the cave dwellers. And Jack did mention they were a grade above him.
She might need help.
I can't really afford to lose her, can I?
'But if she died here, it'd be a good way to get rid of a potential traitor...'
"Are you coming?"
I looked at Jack, who was holding the bag full of Repemtite.
'No. It's not a good idea.'
So far, she hasn't really shown signs of actual betrayal. It'd be unfair to judge her based on events that haven't happened.
"I think I'll go search for her."
He nodded. "I'll deliver this. Try to be careful, and watch out when you return to the town. Security will only get tighter from now on."