Chapter 11: Walk 1.
Waking came easily, like a soft and warm dawn, but the echoes of yesterday's intense and stressful battles pulsed in every muscle, like invisible scars left from the fighting. Kopii, gathering his strength, rose, stirring up stagnant blood with a simple but useful exercise routine, and energetically descended to the pharmacy, where life was already bustling, like in an alchemical cauldron, filling the space with vibrant colors and sounds. Naaza, hunched over a brew, was conjuring new potions, giving them life, while Miyakh, with quiet diligence and zeal, wiped the shelves lined with vials and bottles, on which rays of light danced.
"Good morning," rang out in the silence, like a reminder of new opportunities.
Grabbing a piece of fresh bread and fragrant cheese, Kopii quickly ate breakfast, enjoying the morning flavors.
"Going to the dungeon again today?" Naaza inquired, without raising her eyes from her work, with a slight reproach in her voice.
"Yes," Kopii replied, nodding confidently.
"Be careful," came the warning, like a sign that concern for him was always paramount. "Don't forget about the potions. They are your important allies in this stone labyrinth, in this precarious world."
Kopii nodded, grateful for the care he always felt in Naaza's voice, whose warm words warmed his soul. Miyakh, tearing himself away from his intense task, looked at him with anxiety reflected in the depths of his eyes, like in a boundless ocean. Kopii smiled at them both, trying to instill confidence and tranquility. He understood their concern perfectly – the dungeon was unpredictable and dangerous, and every descent could be the last step into the abyss.
Saying goodbye, Kopii left the cozy pharmacy and headed towards the majestic Tower of Babel. The sun was already generously flooding the city, awakening it to life, like a wise shepherd. Merchants were opening their shops, artisans were bent over their looms, and adventurers were rushing to the guild for new, adrenaline-filled quests. Kopii took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling the energy fill his body, preparing him for new trials, new enemies, new discoveries and achievements.
At the foot of the Tower of Babel, the usual bustle reigned. Adventurers of all stripes and races crowded at the entrance, exchanging news and bragging about the trophies they had acquired in their adventures. In the huge, life-filled hall, the hum of voices mixed with the clatter of weapons and the clang of armor, creating a cacophony of adventures and dreams. Kopii, making his way through the crowd, headed towards the entrance to the dungeon, where the second floor was already waiting for him, full of unexplored secrets.
Step by step, Kopii advanced through the first floor of the dungeon, as if exploring an abandoned world. His footsteps echoed in the narrow stone corridors, creating a sonorous echo. A thick veil of mold and ancient dust hung in the air, permeating everything around with its tart, slightly spicy aroma. Kopii's fingers gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to unsheathe the blade at any moment, should the need arise. The silence pressed down with its weight, broken only by the rare creak of stones underfoot. But Kopii knew that this was just deceptive silence. The dungeon never sleeps, it only waits, like a predator, ready to attack.
Finally, he reached the stairs leading to the second floor. Holding his breath, Kopii stopped, trying to catch any sound, but nothing could be heard. A deep breath, and he began the descent. The steps, slippery from moisture and time, required special caution and attentiveness. With each step it became colder, as if time was trying to freeze. As Kopii descended, he estimated that he had killed nine goblins along the way, and each of them had left its mark.
"The light from the crystals, as always, illuminates the dungeon," Kopii thought, feeling the magical power around him.
The day in the dungeon flew by unnoticed, like a moment. Kopii used up all the potions that Naaza had supplied him with, and felt the fatigue gradually accumulate. He lost count of how many goblins and kobolds had fallen from his relentless blade. Physical fatigue bound his body, and without hesitation, he headed to the "Blue Pharmacy," hoping for a drop of fresh strength.
Crossing the threshold of the "Blue Pharmacy," Kopii remembered how his armor rang with fatigue, like an old song, calling to him for peace. His face was covered with a thin film of dirt and sweat, testifying to his many hours of battle. The aroma of herbs and potions mixed with the cloying smell of magic, creating a unique atmosphere of this place where dreams come true. Naaza stood at the table, sorting through dry leaves and roots with her slender fingers, and even in this tense moment she retained her grace. She turned around, and her eyes, burning like coals in a fireplace, met his anxious gaze.
"How was the descent to the second floor?" Naaza inquired, returning to her activities with slight concern.
"Not bad," Kopii replied, trying to hide the fatigue in his voice, which was fading away with each word. "The second floor is full of goblins and kobolds. The potions came in handy, but unfortunately, they ran out."
Naaza frowned, as if unwilling to accept his words.
"We'll need to replenish supplies. Are you wounded?" Her tone was full of concern.
"Just scratches," Kopii waved off, trying not to focus on it. "Nothing serious."
"I see," she said, as if all her thoughts were returning to the matter.
"Well, I'm going to take a bath," Kopii said, seeking to relax a little. "Don't stay up until night."
Going up to his room, Kopii threw his armor on the floor and headed to the bathroom. Hot water washed away his fatigue and dirt, as a symbol of a new beginning. He stood under the shower for a long time, allowing the streams of water to massage his numb muscles, restoring their vitality. Coming out of the bathroom, Kopii felt refreshed, as if after a long, exhausting journey. He threw on a warm robe and went downstairs, where a fragrant dinner awaited him.
On the table were already plates of hot soup and fresh, just baked bread. Naaza and Miyakh sat at the table, quietly talking. Seeing Kopii, they fell silent, as if time had stopped. Kopii smiled at them and sat down at the table, earning his moments of peace.
"How are you feeling?" Miyakh asked, looking at him anxiously.
"Much better," Kopii replied. "Thank you for dinner."
Dinner passed in silence, broken only by the clatter of spoons against plates, like music, creating an atmosphere. Kopii ate with appetite, replenishing the strength spent in the dungeon, and felt the care of Naaza and Miyakh, and it warmed his heart, like a good fire. Finishing dinner, Kopii offered to help with the cleaning, well said Naaza, accepting his help. After cleaning.
Kopii went up to his comfortable room and lay down in bed, however, despite the fatigue, sleep did not come. Images of goblins and kobolds, the stone corridors of the dungeon, and the light of magical crystals flashed through his head, highlighting his dreams. He tossed and turned, trying to fall asleep, but all was in vain, like an eternal circle. In the end, he gave up and got out of bed, ready for action.
Going to the window, Kopii looked at the city, from which the sounds of life were heard. Night life was seething below, full of secrets and mysteries. Lanterns lit up the streets, the sounds of music and laughter came from the taverns, creating a feeling that the whole world was waiting for him. Kopii sighed, feeling the city call him with its songs.
He returned to bed and closed his eyes. This time sleep came quickly, enveloping him like a warm blanket. He dreamed of battles, treasures, victories, and new discoveries, full of the energy of adventure. He woke up rested and full of energy. A new day awaited him, and with it – new adventures and amazing opportunities.
Waking up, Kopii smiled, understanding that dreams of adventure always charged him with energy. He quickly dressed and went downstairs, where the morning light gently touched his face. Naaza was already conjuring over a cauldron, where her magical mixture was boiling, and Miyakh was polishing the windows, giving them a shine.
"Good morning," Kopii said, pouring himself a mug of rich herbal tea that radiated a wonderful aroma.
"Good morning, Kopii," Naaza replied, not turning around, but her voice sounded pleasant and warm. "Going to the dungeon again today?"
"No," Kopii replied, wanting to clarify. "I need to exchange magic stones for Valis, so I'll head to the guild first. And I'm not going to go down into the dungeon today. Today I just wanted to train, relax, and recharge my batteries."
"Training is good," Naaza remarked, as if explaining a truth. "But don't forget about rest. Overwork doesn't lead to anything good."
Kopii smiled, nodding to Naaza in agreement. He knew she was right. Rest is just as important as training and fighting. But today he just needed to warm up, feel the weight of the sword in his hand, test his reliable reflexes. He needed to make sure he was ready for any surprises that might await him in the dungeon on unexpected turns.
Kopii put on his half-mask again, like armor for his soul. He finished his tea, thanked Naaza and Miyakh for breakfast, and left the pharmacy, plunging into the world beyond. On the street, he was greeted by bright sunlight, like a good friend pulling him along. The city had already awakened and was living its usual life, delicious and vibrant. Kopii headed towards the guild, pondering the day ahead. Kopii had no goals today other than effective training, but Naaza's words gave him something to think about. Since Kopii joined Miyakh's family, he had never really rested, like a broken sword. Either he trained or helped Naaza. That's all, like a normal life without surprises. Kopii decided that he would rest today, but he wasn't going to cancel training completely. With these thoughts in mind, he reached the guild.
The guild was bustling with its usual hustle and bustle. Adventurers, like busy bees, scurried back and forth, discussing assignments and boasting about their achievements. Kopii, ignoring the noise, approached the counter and exchanged the magic stones for Valis, hearing their light chime remind him of new opportunities.
Kopii decided not to rush, he felt that now was the time to chat with his wise advisor, Rosa. He chatted with her for a bit, but she was as cold as ever, like winter, warming only with bites. After exchanging the stones, Kopii left the guild, feeling the pleasant weight of the purse on his hip. But now he was firmly decided: no training today. He wanted to train a little, but changed his mind, like a leaf breaking off from a tree. Naaza was right, he needed rest. Real, deep rest. He wondered what that might be. Just lie in bed and stare at the ceiling? No, that would quickly become boring. A walk around the city?
Kopii froze in indecision, not knowing what to do. After thinking for a couple of minutes, he realized that he would just walk around the city of Orario.