Chapter 20: Adventure Awaits Pt. 3

Oza was awoken by the sound of something falling on the ground. When he inspected the source, he saw Harley on the ground licking his paw. Oza just shook his head as he got up and did his stretches, then picked Harley up. Ali then appeared in front of them with a neutral expression.

"Good morning, Oza. What was that noise just now?"

"Well, Harley fell off the bed and it woke me up, what time is it anyway?"

"It's six in the morning."

"Alright then, we all leave when the clock strikes eight. First, breakfast and some exercises to get the blood flowing. Harley, you okay for a run?"

"Master, need I remind you that I am not a dog?"

"Yes, and is a lion, who's the King of the jungle, the one who controls the weather, refusing to get some exercise?"

"Master, do you always have to be like this?"

"Well, it is who I am. It's better to accept it in order to recognize your master by the time he's changed."

"Very well."

"Ali, I'll be leving you to your wits. So, do as you please and inform me if anything comes up."

"Without a doubt, Oza. Please stay safe."

Oza got breakfast ready and also fed some canned goods to Harley, who gave him a dissatisfied look. Oza awkwardly chuckled and Harley sighed in defeat. They both finished their food and got ready to get some morning exercise in. The two were enjoying the morning hue and the cool breeze.

"You know what, Master. This is actually pretty refreshing."

"What'd I tell ya?"

They both laughed as they continued their morning jog. The two, now finished, sat on a nearby bench and rested when suddenly a civilian approached Oza and Harley.

"Oh, Ms. Shino. What brings you here in this fine morning?" Oza asked to the fairly old lady who smiled then at him.

"Ah nothing much, but what about you? Going for a jog, I see, and this little one. He seems pretty relaxed."

"Ah, yes. He's pretty exhausted himself."

"May I?" Oza nodded and handed Harley to the old woman who carefully cradled the cub as she petted his fur. "He's a sweet one, don't see lion cubs here often."

"Are they not rare?"

"Oh, heavens no. They can actually be found mostly in the mountains and jungles. It certainly depends on the place we're talking about, but this little one might have gotten lost."

"Yes. I found him right after the party in an alleyway. Poor thing was soaking wet."

"Does he perhaps, have a name?"

"Yep, this little guy's name is Harley."

"What a proud name befitting a lion. Well now, I best be off my way. My grandchildren are coming to visit." She handed Harley back to Oza as she got her things.

"Ah, yes. Please be careful, Ms. Shino. Do tell Ms. Yuki I said hello."

Shino nodded as she went on her way. Oza put Harley on his head as they both headed back to the inn.

"That old lady is really sweet. Granted that I'm much older than her hahaha."

"How old are you, Harley?"

"In human years, I'm 300 years old; and in Lion years, I'm 685 years old."

"Damn you're like a grandpa then."

"Very funny, Master. I have stopped aging as soon as I was granted the power to control the weather."

"Hahaha sure thing gramps, but we better get home and get ready for our little excursion."

Harley sighed and Oza ignored him as they both went home. Upon arriving, Ali arose to greet them and mentioned Oza a few things.

"Oza, nothing much has happened while you were away. Sir. Daniel is out of town and is to be expected to return next week right before we leave."

"Perfect. Just enough time to bid good bye. So, do we need anything else?"

"No, not really."

"Well then, we better head off to the event key. I'm kinda excited to see what we get ourselves into."

Ali smiled as she watched Oza get his things and took out the event key. He later then looked at Harley and Ali and nodded before turning his attention to the key. A portal appeared and the trio entered after the flash of light. Oza adjusted his eyes and looked around. They were in a spacious room that looked like the start of any dungeon. One thing was off, there was no way out.

"It looks like we're in a box, Master."

"This place seems oddly familiar. Seems like an old dungeon."

"The surroundings are pretty banged up."

Oza then got a pop up just as Ali and Harley explored the room. Later then, Oza checked the pop up.

~~~

You have discovered Puzzle Quest! (Exploring the labyrinth!)

- Make your way through this labyrinth towards treasure at the end, but beware, when one path opens, another closes.

Rewards:

-??

~~~

"Of all the quest, it just had to be a puzzle quest. On top of that, here I was all excited that I get to fight a new boss."

Ali called out to the very bummed out Oza. He slowly made his way towards her as she showed him what they found.

"This appears to be like a puzzle game, Oza. Read the riddle to solve."

"Fine, fine.." Oza approached the tablet and read "What begins, but has no end and ends all that begins.. State your answer and the way shall appear" Harley and Ali thought of their answers when Oza looked displeased.

"Master, I think I might have an answer."

"Lay it on me."

"Death."

The wall beside the tablet started moving and revealed a new path. Oza looked quite impressed as he directed his attention to Harley.

"Nice going, Harley. Now, let's continue. This might turn fun after all."

The trio made their way through the narrow path. As they reached the end, they saw another room much larger than the previous one, but then again it had no way out, however what surprised them was the amount of skeletons that were there.

"Skeletons huh.. I see the next tablet let's head on over."

Oza started walking towards the tablet but when he was half way, a hand stopped him.

"What is it, Ali? you hav-"

When he turned around his face turned a pale when he noticed it wasn't Ali who was holding him, but one of the skeletons.

"Oh my god!"

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