Chapter 14.4. Delving into darkness.

 

The campfire crackled merrily as Lilith and Cian sat watching dancing flames mesmerized.
A moment respite from relentless trials of dungeon depths allowed brief glimpse of normality amidst chaos.

– So, – Lilith began conversationally: – Tell me about this evolution thing. How exactly does it work?

Cian sighed, contemplating question before responding with carefully chosen words: – It’s… difficult to explain precisely, even to myself really,  – he paused gathering thoughts: – Think of it as natural progression growth – not just physical but spiritual too perhaps? Every experience and challenge we face shapes us somehow, – he held out hands, inspecting palms thoughtfully: – Some say Tuatha Dé Danann blessed with certain gifts from birth. But I believe true power comes from within – cultivated through perseverance and determination to face adversity head on.

– Hmm, philosophy huh? – Lilith smirked wryly: – But seriously though that’s some neat trick you pulled back there. Any chance to teach rest of class how to replicate?

Cian laughed shaking head: – Not really works like that I’m afraid. Evolution is personal journey, unique to each individual. The path which takes many forms.

As flames crackled merrily Sharr slithered into view, coiling beside campfire to absorb its welcoming warmth. The scholar snakeman had certainly grown in strength, thanks to dedicated leveling, but remained weakest amongst formidable companions.

– I worry, – he hissed softly, eyes flickering unease: – I fear unable to keep up pace, when battles grow harder still.

Cian placed reassuring hand on scaled shoulder.

– You underestimate yourself Sharr. Without your map making skills, journey would have been harder for us.

The serpentine scholar sighed heavy.

– I know, but there comes point when mere tricks no longer suffice, against truly mighty foes.

– Then we must ensure that never happens, – Lilith interjected firmly: – Together we are stronger than sum parts – each bringing unique strengths to complement others weaknesses. Trust in me. I do have a plan.

Sharr nodded slowly, some semblance of resolve returning to determined gaze.

– Perhaps… Perhaps, you right after all.

The trio sat quietly pondering words exchanged, finding comfort in solidarity midst endless trials, which awaited beyond comforting firelight’s embrace.

Cian turned to Lilith, concern etched upon his face.

– Are we truly aiming to conquer this dungeon? It seems a daunting task, even for our skilled mercenary band.

Lilith sighed heavily, leaning back against a nearby rock.

– No, Cian. I know better than anyone that we are far from ready for such a feat. Our levels and abilities, while improved, are still insufficient to take on the entirety of this labyrinthine realm, – she stared into the flickering flames, her expression unreadable, behind a skull mask: – We’re here for one purpose only – to kill time, until Gobniu prepares the rest of my reward. The godsmith owes me, and I intend to collect every last bit he promised.

Lilith looked between her companions, a glimmer of determination in her eyes.

– This dungeon is but a means to an end – a place to hone our skills and gather resources while we wait. Don’t mistake our current goals for something grander; I have no illusions about the true extent of our capabilities, – Lilith’s gaze softened slightly, as she regarded Cian: – But make no mistake, we will continue to grow stronger with each trial we face here. And when the time comes that Gobniu has fulfilled his debt, perhaps then we may be ready to pursue greater ambitions, beyond these halls.

Cian nodded, until now he was not planning to leave with Lilith, but now he realized that going with his mysterious former master, was something that he would not say no to.