[Author's Note:
I want to clarify that this work does not follow a continuous narrative. Each chapter is an independent adventure, with its own missions, battles, and challenges. You can read them in any order and still enjoy each story of Kael and Elira without missing anything.]
The sun scorched the golden plains stretching out before them. Not a single cloud dotted the sky, and even the wind seemed to have given up blowing.
"Do you realize we've been walking for three hours without a drop of water?" complained Elira, fanning her face with a piece of parchment. Her red hair, tied in a braid, stuck to her sweaty neck.
"Technically…" Kael began, with a hesitant smile.
"Technically, you forgot the backpack with the waterskins in the last town," she cut him off, her blue eyes half-lidded like two sharp magical daggers.
"Look, it was an honest mistake. And who would've guessed it would be this hot?" he said, running his hand through his black hair, visibly regretful.
Then they spotted a structure in the distance. It looked like a small stone cabin, standing alone in the dry field, with a crooked sign planted in front.
As they approached, they read the inscription:
"The Iced Tea Dungeon – entrance only on scorching days. Reward: relief."
"This… is real?" asked Kael, leaning in to read it again.
"Looks like a joke. But if it really is a dungeon… maybe there's water inside," said Elira, crossing her arms, still suspicious.
Without thinking twice, Kael pushed open the cabin door.
Inside, it was much larger than it appeared from the outside. A white marble corridor stretched ahead, lined with thin columns and blue banners hanging on the walls. The air was cool, scented with mint and lemon. It felt like stepping into a completely new world.
"Wow," murmured Elira. "It doesn't even feel like the same planet."
Kael passed a stone fountain at the center of the hall. The water bubbled gently, but when he tried to scoop some up, it vanished like smoke.
"Hey!" he shouted. "That's just mean!"
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the hall.
"Those who seek the sacred tea must prove their worth! Only the worthy shall access the refreshing relief! Prepare… for the CHALLENGE!"
Elira rolled her eyes.
"I've seen this kind of drama before. Probably a slime with a presenter complex."
A blue mist filled the center of the room. When it cleared, it revealed a peculiar creature: a floating teapot with glowing eyes and a small curled mustache made of steam.
"I am Lord Earl Grey, master of this dungeon!" declared the teapot in a commanding voice. "And to prove your worth, you must solve… the Iced Riddle!"
Kael and Elira exchanged glances.
"Go ahead," she said.
The teapot spun in the air, like it was rehearsing for a show.
"I am cold without being ice, I bring calm without silence. I do not speak, yet I soothe. I am liquid, yet also a prize. What am I?"
Kael scratched his head.
"Water…?"
"Wrong!" shouted the teapot, sending a puff of steam at them.
Elira just sighed.
"Iced tea, right?"
The teapot made a sound that resembled a cheerful laugh.
"Very well! First stage complete! Now… face the Labyrinth of Thirst!"
The dungeon transformed. Doors appeared, corridors shifted, walls slid. They entered a small maze of hot stones and confusing arrow signs. Every turn seemed to lead nowhere.
Kael started laughing for no reason.
"This place makes no sense!"
"Welcome to the world of magical dungeons," replied Elira, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Bet there's a stupid way to solve this."
And she was right.
Soon, they found a hidden door behind a curtain made of dried tea leaves. When they passed through, they entered a simple room. At its center, on a crystal pedestal, rested a single glass cup.
The liquid inside shimmered with a soft golden hue. Drops of condensation trickled down the glass.
"Is this it?" asked Kael, approaching. "Looks… delicious."
"There's only one serving," commented Elira. "Of course it would be like that."
He carefully picked up the cup, then looked at her.
"You solved the riddle. You go first."
Elira hesitated. Her blue eyes avoided his for a second. Then she slowly lifted the cup, saying nothing.
She took a small sip.
"…Wow."
Silence filled the room for a few seconds. She passed the cup to Kael with a faint smile.
"Try it. Worth every drop."
When he drank, he felt all the heat leave his body. A calm relief, like a cloudy morning breeze after a long summer night.
At the end of the room, a door opened.
"Exit unlocked," said the teapot, already melting into vapor.
Outside, the sun still burned brightly, but it no longer felt so cruel.
Kael stretched.
"Well… mission accomplished."
Elira adjusted her backpack on her shoulders.
"Next time, try to remember the water."
He laughed.
"I promise. And thanks for… you know, solving the riddle."
She looked away, fiddling with the end of her braid.
"It's nothing. I just don't want to see you pass out in a field again."
Kael smiled, and for a moment, he watched the sunlight reflect in her blue eyes.
She noticed.
"What?"
"Nothing… just thinking. This tea really was magical."
She huffed.
"You're the silly one, really."
And they continued down the hot road, in search of another dungeon forgotten by time.