Chapter 15: The Source of the Aura

Hegen abruptly stood upon noticing the eyes, but they disappeared as quickly as he stood. The rest of the team seemed confused about why he stood, but they quickly understood there must've been a threat. Surprisingly, the quickest to react was Slumber, casting a Barrier of Light, one of the priest's only defensive skills so far, onto Hegen almost instantly after he stood.

Next to react was Opaque Lancer, as she quickly readied her sword and shield despite still being heavily injured. Hegen was slightly impressed by this as preparing for another battle shortly after what they had been through was challenging. The rest of the members stood soon after Lancer as they also readied their weapons. Although they weren't sure why Hegen was guarded, they subconsciously trusted his judgment after the ordeal that they had all been through.

Hegen, as the only one who noticed the pair of eyes stalking them, remained guarded even though they had since disappeared. This was because not only could he still feel their presence somewhere nearby, but it was the same presence he had sensed from outside the dungeon. Noticing that the other team members were still on guard, he eased their worries and discussed why he acted out.

"While I'm not positive of what I saw, it would probably be best to not remain still for too long. There was a pair of eyes that must've been watching us for some time now. They disappeared as I stood."

Having a new understanding of the situation, the team slowly and methodically advanced toward the spot where Hegen had once seen the eyes. Everyone was on guard, especially Hegen. He wasn't sure what could be down here to feel an aura that reminded him of the Nine Realms, but he had to find out.

Shortly into the tunnel, the pathway narrowed, only allowing a maximum of two people to stand side by side. Here, Lancer took the front while Slumber and Hegen. Following them was Clouded Skies, and Arching Prowler brought the rear of the group. Although an ambush would be difficult in such a tight corridor, it wasn't impossible.

While advancing, Hegen noticed that the presence he had felt had suddenly disappeared slightly further ahead as if to vanish into thin air. Slightly startled by this, he let the group continue until they reached the point where he noticed the disappearance. Then, he asked the group to stop for a moment, not bothering to explain why, as he wasn't sure if they would believe him.

He began to search the surroundings and noticed something interesting. Although it was hard to make out differences due to the painfully similar textures of the stone, he noticed that one section was slightly undusted despite the surroundings being layered. Hegen quickly put his palm where the stone was, but his hand had actually passed through the stone. Noticing this, Hegen was slightly surprised but promptly decided to walk entirely through the rock, disappearing to the other side.

His disappearance caused the rest of the group to be surprised before quickly following him. If he, the indisputably strongest member of their team passed through, it would be best to follow him, even if it led to their groups demise. Plus, who wouldn't want to explore a secret passage inside of a cave?

On the other side, the group was met with a spectacular view of what seemed to be the outside. They could even spot a river flowing a ways away. Near the river, Hegen noticed that the aura had returned but seemed more frantic and distressed than before. Since the river wasn't too far away, he decided to lead the team directly to the aura.

He was extremely surprised upon noticing that the aura didn't come from a monster but seemed to come from a human. They looked to be a male with disheveled hair and torn clothes. They looked extremely frail and weak looking but Hegen noticed by their aura that they could easily take out his entire team without too much resistance. Even he himself wouldn't be able to offer much resistance as he was significantly weaker than his past self. The man's information was displayed, but it was extremely limited.

[Oril (Epic): Lvl ???

HP: ??? / ???]

Hegen was curious as to how they could be emanating an aura that he could recognize, and decided to look more in depth at the person. He quickly figured out the reason, as the person was wearing the robes of the Shilorian Sect, an orthodox sect from the Nine Realms. From the white coloring of the robe to the golden lotus hovering above the heart, everything was exactly as he remembered. He decided that instead of wondering and trying to figure out how they were here, he just asked the source of all this confusion.

"What is someone from the Shilorian Sect doing in a place like this, even more so in such a state?"

The man looked up blankly at Hegen, utter shock covering his face. The others also looked at Hegen confused as they had no idea what he was talking about so suddenly.

"You… You can actually recognize it! You actually know of the sect!"

This caused the rest of his group to become even more confused as they had no idea how Hegen knew of where this man came from.

"Yes I know of your sect, but how did you wind up here? As far as I know this isn't a part of the Nine Realms."

Upon hearing this the man's face quickly switched to that of sorrow, seemingly recalling an event that happened.

"No, it isn't. As far as I know this isn't even related to the Nine Realms. I had found a long abandoned inheritance from an ancient cultivator, but as soon as I had passed through the entrance I was transported to here. I could tell that I was transported an unbelievable distance but have no idea where to. Furthermore, right as I had found the exit to this cave, you guys entered and it collapsed!"

The group shot each other a quick glance and thought the same thing.

'Oops.'