As the group follows the sound of running water, the hallway widens slightly, the air growing cooler and more humid. The faint glow of bioluminescent moss on the walls provides a dim, soothing light. However, as they turn a corner, they come to an abrupt halt.
A small, trembling creature hovers in the middle of the path—a Whimsun. Its delicate wings flutter nervously, and its eyes dart around as though expecting danger at every moment. The aura of anxiety around it is almost tangible, making even the children feel uneasy.
Whimsun: Stammering softly. "S-sorry... I... didn't mean to bother... I'll... I'll leave if you want..."
The group exchanges glances, unsure how to proceed.
Kaeltherion: Narrowing his eyes. "It's blocking the path. We can't let it stop us. I'll handle this."
He steps forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his weapon.
Lymtherion: Raising a hand quickly. "Wait! Look at it—it's terrified. It hasn't even tried to attack us yet!"
Velthara: Crossing her arms. "Yeah, but look at all the glowing stuff around it." She gestures to the faint shimmering orbs forming in the air around the Whimsun. The orbs slowly drift in circular patterns, creating an ever-tightening spiral that leaves little room to maneuver.
Zalthirion: Calmly observing the orbs. "It's not attacking. It's defending itself. If we move carefully, we won't have to fight."
Kaeltherion: Growling. "Or we could end this quickly and keep moving."
Before Kaeltherion can step forward, Xelthara takes a deep breath and approaches the Whimsun cautiously.
Xelthara: Speaking softly. "Hey... it's okay. We're not going to hurt you. You don't have to be scared."
The Whimsun flinches at her voice, its trembling intensifying.
Whimsun: Voice barely audible. "I... I don't want to... hurt anyone... I just... don't know where to go..."
Xelthara kneels down slightly, keeping her voice calm and soothing.
Xelthara: "It's okay. We're lost too. Maybe we can figure it out together?"
The Whimsun hesitates, its fluttering slowing as it glances at her cautiously. The glowing orbs around it stop moving and begin to fade away.
Whimsun: Nervously. "T-together...? You mean... I don't... have to be alone?"
Lymtherion: Smiling gently. "Of course not. You don't have to be alone."
The Whimsun's trembling subsides slightly, and it hovers closer to the side of the path, clearing the way.
Whimsun: "Th-thank you... I'll... I'll stay out of your way..."
It drifts to the side, lowering itself onto the ground and curling its wings around itself as though trying to disappear.
Kaeltherion: Watching with a frown. "That was a waste of time. If we keep stopping for every little thing, we'll never get anywhere."
Velthara: Shrugging. "Maybe. But at least now we don't have to deal with glowing orbs flying at us."
Zalthirion: Calmly. "We've proven we can handle situations without fighting. That's worth something."
The group resumes their journey, stepping carefully around the Whimsun. As they leave, Xelthara glances back and gives the creature a small smile.
Xelthara: Whispering. "You'll be okay. Stay safe."
The Whimsun watches them go, its trembling finally easing as it whispers faintly to itself.
Whimsun: "T-thank you..."
The path ahead grows darker, but the sound of running water grows louder, pulling them onward.
As the group presses onward, the path begins to branch into slightly larger rooms, each filled with more of the glowing moss and faint piles of leaves. The sound of distant water remains a constant, a guiding beacon in the otherwise labyrinthine Ruins. However, the atmosphere becomes noticeably more tense as they begin to encounter more monsters—Froggits hopping into their path, sometimes accompanied by trembling Whimsuns.
First Encounter: Froggit and Whimsun
The first duo appears just ahead, a Froggit blocking their way while a Whimsun hovers nervously behind it.
Froggit: Puffing out its chest. "Ribbit! Ribbit! You're in my way!"
The Froggit leaps into the air, releasing a spread of white projectiles that arc toward the group. The Whimsun flutters nervously behind it, emitting faint spirals of glowing orbs like before.
Kaeltherion: Eyes narrowing. "They're both in the way. We can't keep wasting time with this. Enough of this 'kindness' nonsense."
He draws his weapon, stepping forward aggressively.
Lymtherion: Blocking him with an outstretched arm. "Wait! We don't need to fight. We can handle this without violence, just like before."
Kaeltherion: Scoffing. "And let them keep slowing us down? This isn't going to work forever. Not every monster is going to just 'let us go.'"
Velthara: Crossing her arms. "He has a point. What happens if they actually attack us for real?"
Xelthara: Stepping between them. "Then we avoid their attacks and try to talk. Fighting isn't the only answer!"
Zalthirion: Calmly observing the Froggit's attacks. "This one is testing us, but it's not serious yet. We can spare it if we're careful."
The Froggit leaps again, its projectiles scattering wider but leaving openings to dodge. The group collectively avoids the attacks, though Kaeltherion remains tense, clearly itching for action.
Xelthara steps forward, speaking softly to the Froggit.
Xelthara: "Hey, we're not here to hurt you. We're just trying to get through. Can you let us pass?"
The Froggit pauses mid-leap, its expression softening slightly. It lands in front of her, tilting its head curiously.
Froggit: "Ribbit... You're really not here to fight?"
Xelthara: Smiling. "No, we're not. We're just trying to find someone. That's all."
The Froggit looks back at the Whimsun, then hops aside, clearing the way. The Whimsun flutters nervously but follows the Froggit's lead, drifting out of their path.
Whimsun: "S-sorry for... for getting in your way..."
The group continues forward, but Kaeltherion lingers, his grip on his weapon tightening as he glances back at the monsters retreating into the shadows.
Kaeltherion: Muttering to himself. "This is a waste of time. They'll just keep coming."
Next Room: A Double Encounter
As they move into the next room, two Froggits immediately leap out, blocking the path. Their attacks are far more aggressive, projectiles firing in quick bursts that force the group to dodge rapidly.
Kaeltherion: Growling. "See?! They're not all going to be nice. This is what I was talking about!"
He steps forward, raising his weapon to attack, but Zalthirion stops him with a firm hand.
Zalthirion: "And if we fight, what happens next? More monsters come after us. We risk making enemies of everyone down here."
Kaeltherion: Glaring. "And what if we don't fight? We just keep dodging until they wear us down?"
Velthara: Shrugging. "He's got a point. We can't avoid everything forever."
Xelthara: Desperate. "But we haven't even tried talking to them yet! Please, just give it a chance!"
Before Kaeltherion can argue further, Lymtherion steps forward, his calm demeanor cutting through the tension.
Lymtherion: "Let's split focus. Some of us dodge and distract, while the others try to talk. If it doesn't work, we'll rethink our approach."
The group reluctantly agrees. While Kaeltherion and Velthara keep their distance, dodging the Froggits' attacks, Xelthara and Lymtherion try speaking to them.
Xelthara: "We don't want to fight! Please, just let us through!"
One Froggit hesitates, its attacks slowing, but the other remains aggressive, leaping toward Lymtherion with renewed vigor.
Kaeltherion: Snapping. "This is ridiculous. They're not all going to listen!"
In a flash, he lunges forward, delivering a single, powerful strike to the aggressive Froggit. The monster doesn't even have time to react as its body shatters into dust, vanishing in an instant.
The room falls silent as everyone stares at Kaeltherion, the remaining Froggit frozen in place. Xelthara looks horrified, her voice trembling.
Xelthara: "What... what did you do?"
Kaeltherion: Glaring. "I ended the problem. You're welcome."
The remaining Froggit lets out a terrified croak before fleeing, disappearing into the shadows. The group is left in uneasy silence, the tension palpable.
Velthara: Finally breaking the silence. "... Well, that happened."
Zalthirion: Coldly. "You just made things worse. Now every monster we encounter will see us as a threat."
Kaeltherion: Crossing his arms. "Good. Let them come. We'll deal with them like we dealt with this one."
The group resumes their journey, but the divide among them has deepened. Xelthara and Lymtherion remain visibly shaken, while Kaeltherion strides ahead, unapologetic. Whether they continue on the pacifist route or shift to a neutral—or even genocide—path depends on the choices they make next.
The atmosphere grows heavier as the group moves forward. The tension between Kaeltherion and the others lingers, the faint sound of their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridors of the Ruins. Xelthara stays close to Lymtherion, her expression distraught, while Velthara and Zalthirion exchange uneasy glances. Kaeltherion, meanwhile, marches ahead, his posture rigid and unyielding.
Next Room: The Spike Trap
They enter a narrow room where rows of sharp spikes block the path forward, leaving no clear way to cross. A pressure plate sits conspicuously near the entrance, surrounded by faint scratches on the floor.
Velthara: Studying the room. "A puzzle, clearly. But what's the trick? That pressure plate's too obvious."
Lymtherion: Kneeling to inspect the plate. "It looks like it activates something, but whether it's helpful or harmful... I can't tell."
Kaeltherion: Impatiently. "Does it matter? We're wasting time. Just step on it and see what happens."
Xelthara: Stepping forward quickly. "No! What if it makes things worse? We need to think this through."
Zalthirion: Calmly. "Enough. Let's test it with caution. Use something lightweight first."
Lymtherion nods, picking up a small rock from the floor and tossing it onto the plate. The spikes lower halfway, creating a partial path but leaving gaps too wide to cross safely.
Velthara: "Progress, but not enough. There must be another trigger."
She scans the room, noticing faint grooves along the walls. Her sharp instincts lead her to a hidden lever near the left wall, partially obscured by vines. She pulls it, and the spikes lower fully, revealing the way forward.
Velthara: Smirking. "See? Brains over brute force. You're welcome."
Kaeltherion: Rolling his eyes. "Whatever gets us moving."
The group crosses the now-safe path, the air still heavy with tension. Xelthara lingers at the back, glancing over her shoulder as though expecting something—or someone—to follow them.
Next Encounter: Froggit and Whimsun Duo
As they enter the next room, another Froggit and Whimsun appear, blocking their path. The Froggit's stance is aggressive, its eyes darting between the group members, while the Whimsun trembles behind it, whispering faint apologies.
Froggit: "Ribbit! Ribbit! Intruders! Leave or face the consequences!"
The Froggit leaps into the air, releasing a scatter of white projectiles, while the Whimsun emits its spiraling, non-lethal attacks.
Kaeltherion: Drawing his weapon instantly. "Enough of this. We already know how this ends."
He charges forward, but Lymtherion steps in his way, blocking him with an outstretched arm.
Lymtherion: "Stop! You've done enough harm already."
Kaeltherion: Glaring. "And what's your brilliant plan? Talk them to death?"
Xelthara: Pleading. "Please, just let me try! They don't have to die!"
Kaeltherion reluctantly steps back, his grip on his weapon tight. Xelthara approaches the Froggit cautiously, dodging its projectiles with fluid movements.
Xelthara: Softly. "We're not here to hurt you. We just want to pass through. Please, can't we resolve this peacefully?"
The Froggit hesitates, its attacks slowing. The Whimsun, encouraged by her gentle tone, flutters forward nervously.
Whimsun: "Y-you're not going to hurt us? R-really?"
Xelthara: Smiling. "No, we're not. I promise."
The Whimsun relaxes, and the Froggit lowers its guard, hopping aside to clear the path.
Froggit: "Ribbit... Maybe you're not so bad after all."
The group moves forward, but Kaeltherion's frustration is palpable. His voice cuts through the silence as they walk.
Kaeltherion: "You think sparing them is mercy, but it's not. All you're doing is delaying the inevitable."
Zalthirion: Calmly. "And what would you have us do? Kill everything that crosses our path? That's not survival. That's madness."
The argument fizzles out as they reach the next room, but the divide among them deepens. Whether they continue on a pacifist route or descend into violence remains uncertain, hinging on the choices they make together—or apart.
The group enters a dimly lit room, the air filled with an unsettling tension. The walls are adorned with faintly glowing moss, and the ground beneath their feet feels softer, like it hasn't been disturbed in years. As they step deeper into the room, the sound of rustling movement fills the air.
Suddenly, Vegetoid, Moldsmal, Loox, and Migosp emerge from the shadows, surrounding the group in a semicircle. Their movements are aggressive, their intent clear.
First Encounter: Vegetoid
The Vegetoid leaps forward, its voice shrill and eerie.
Vegetoid: "Eat your greens!"
It sends spiraling green and white projectiles toward the group, the green ones harmless but the white ones searing with energy.
Xelthara: Dodging nimbly. "Wait! It's just trying to feed us... maybe?"
Velthara: Rolling her eyes. "Feed us or kill us—it doesn't matter if we're dead, does it?"
Kaeltherion doesn't hesitate. Drawing his weapon, he lunges toward the Vegetoid.
Kaeltherion: "Enough of this nonsense. You want to attack us? Fine."
Before anyone can intervene, Kaeltherion delivers a single devastating strike. The Vegetoid shudders and collapses, its form disintegrating into dust.
Second Encounter: Moldsmal
The Moldsmal trembles slightly at the sight of its fallen ally but retaliates immediately, releasing waves of slime-like projectiles that arc unpredictably.
Lymtherion: Blocking with his shield. "Stand down! We don't have to do this!"
Moldsmal: "Wriggle, wriggle..."
It slinks forward menacingly, its gelatinous form shifting with each movement.
Velthara: Hesitating. "It doesn't look like it even knows what it's doing. Maybe we can—"
Kaeltherion cuts her off with a snarl, raising his weapon again.
Kaeltherion: "No. They attack, they die. Simple as that."
Before anyone can stop him, he strikes again, the Moldsmal collapsing into a puddle of slime before vanishing entirely.
Third Encounter: Loox
The Loox steps forward, its single eye glaring menacingly at Kaeltherion.
Loox: "Don't pick on me!"
It launches rapid spirals of energy beams, forcing the group to scatter.
Zalthirion: Trying to de-escalate. "Wait! It's just trying to defend itself. We don't need to—"
Kaeltherion charges again, ignoring his brother's protests.
Kaeltherion: "Defend itself? By attacking us? No. It's them or us."
His blade strikes true, cutting through the Loox. Like the others, it crumbles to dust, its last words echoing faintly.
Loox: "I... just wanted... to be left alone..."
Final Encounter: Migosp
The Migosp remains, trembling slightly but trying to mask its fear with aggression.
Migosp: "Nothing like being alone..."
It begins a slow, rhythmic attack, its movements more coordinated but clearly hesitant.
Xelthara: Stepping forward, hands raised. "Wait! Please, just listen. We don't have to fight. Just let us pass!"
For a moment, the Migosp seems to consider her words, its attacks slowing. But Kaeltherion, already in a frenzy, takes no chances.
Kaeltherion: "Stop wasting time!"
He strikes again, the Migosp barely having time to react before it, too, collapses into dust.
Aftermath
The room falls silent, the faint glow of the moss doing little to lighten the oppressive atmosphere. The group stares at the remnants of the fallen monsters, the tension between them palpable.
Xelthara: Whispering, horrified. "You didn't have to kill them. They weren't all attacking out of hate..."
Velthara: Quietly. "This is wrong. We're stronger than this—we don't have to stoop to violence."
Zalthirion: Firmly. "This path leads nowhere good, Kaeltherion. You're not protecting us—you're making us into killers."
Kaeltherion glares at his siblings, his crimson eyes glowing faintly.
Kaeltherion: "Spare me your lectures. We didn't come here to play nice. If you're too weak to do what's necessary, stay out of my way."
He turns and begins walking toward the next room, his posture rigid with determination. The others exchange uneasy glances, the divide between them growing wider.
As they follow him, the weight of their choices hangs heavy in the air. Whether they continue down this violent path or try to pull Kaeltherion back from the brink remains to be seen, but the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty.
In the next room, they encounter Flowey in a sudden surprise, as appears from the ground.
Flowey: "Ho-oh, howdy! Golly! Those monsters sure know how being put in their place, don't they?"
Kaeltherion: "What do you want, flower?"
Velthara: "More manipulation? Or are you just here to gloat?"
Zalthirion: "Stay out of this, Flowey. You've caused enough trouble already."
Xelthara: "What do you even mean by that...?"
Lymtherion: "What do you know about those monsters? Answer carefully."
Vaeltherion: "Not exactly the time for your games, flower."
Syltherion: Quietly observing Flowey, readying himself if needed.
Flowey: "Oh, don't worry for the silly Flowey the flower! But I must say, I'm more impressed by that show of strength! Those monsters for sure stood no chance against you! After all, you did it for LOVE, didn't you? For determination. But let be serious.. You either do it, or you don't, so, what it will be? Don't worry, your best friend Flowey will be here for you~"
Kaeltherion: "Stop talking in circles, flower. What do you want from us?"
Velthara: "LOVE? Determination? You're awfully eager to act like you know us."
Zalthirion: "Your words are empty, Flowey. Speak plainly, or leave."
Xelthara: "Why do I feel like you're mocking us…?"
Lymtherion: "We don't need you. Keep your twisted advice to yourself."
Vaeltherion: "You're just playing games. We've had enough of your nonsense."
Syltherion: Glares silently, gripping his weapon tightly, ready for action if Flowey tries anything.
Flowey: "Oh, you know what I'm talking about. LOVE is an acronym, and it stands for Level of Violence. Each time you kill, you obatin Exp, or Extermination Points. And with enough Exp, you obtain LOVE, and when you obtain LOVE, you become stronger. After all, you already gained some Exp~. You are as empty as I am~"
Flowey then started giggling and laughing.
Kaeltherion: "Exp? LOVE? That's your twisted way of measuring strength? Pathetic."
Velthara: "Empty as you? Don't compare us to a talking weed."
Zalthirion: "Strength built on destruction is no strength at all. You're wasting our time."
Xelthara: "You keep talking about us as if you know us... but you don't."
Lymtherion: "Laugh all you want. You're nothing more than a coward hiding behind words."
Vaeltherion: "Keep giggling, flower. It just makes you look smaller."
Syltherion: Tightens his grip on his weapon but remains silent, glancing at Kaeltherion for a decision.
Flowey: "Well, whatever you say. I can't wait to see how you continue this way. Kill them all, or spare those you reach to let alive?"
Flowey said while moving back to the ground, slowly disappearing from their view.
Kaeltherion: "Let's keep moving. We don't have time for riddles from a weed."
Velthara: "Yeah, let it slither back into the dirt where it belongs."
Zalthirion: "If it shows up again, we'll deal with it. Focus on what's ahead."
Xelthara: "It's gone now. Let's not waste more time thinking about it."
Lymtherion: "Whatever it was, it's clearly watching us. We need to stay sharp."
Vaeltherion: "Watching or not, it doesn't matter. We'll make our own choices."
Syltherion: Quietly nods, gesturing to the next path forward.