Continue Second Floor

Nikos led his party through the winding corridors of the second floor of the lake dungeon. The air was damp and cool, the sound of water echoing around them. The tunnels branched off in various directions.

The maze-like structure of the second floor presented a variety of challenges—traps, monsters, and occasional small treasures. Each corridor seemed to twist and turn, making it difficult to keep track of their exact location.

"This place is like a labyrinth," Liriel muttered, her dark-elf eyes scanning the dimly lit tunnels. "Sir, are we on the right path?"

"Stay close and watch your step," Nikos commanded, his voice calm and authoritative. "We can't afford to get separated."

Marielle, still nervous about encountering monsters, clutched her magic staff tightly. "Yes, master. I'm staying close," she said, her eyes darting around as they moved. "Master, do you think we'll find any more monsters ahead?"

"Most likely," Nikos replied, his voice steady. "But we'll handle them as we always do. Stay close and be prepared."

Liriel, moved silently beside Nikos, her senses alert. "I'll scout ahead, master," she offered, her voice a low whisper.

Jarek, the lizard-man warrior, position on the back now, with his greataxe ready. "I'll guard our back, Mashter. No one will get through me," he said, his cautious nature evident in his steady gaze.

They continued through the maze, encountering several traps along the way—spiked floors, dart-throwing walls, and hidden pitfalls. Each time, Nikos' sharp eyes and quick thinking guided them safely through.

In one room, they battled a group of skeletal warriors, the clash of steel echoing through the cavern. In another, they found a small chest containing a few precious gems, some ingredients, and some healing potions.

"These will come in handy," Nikos said, pocketing the items. "Let's keep moving."

After hours of navigating the treacherous tunnels, they finally stumbled upon an empty room. The walls were smooth and dry, a rare find in the damp dungeon, and the air felt slightly less damp. It was a modest space, with a few stone benches and a small alcove that could be used for cooking.

This will do. Nikos mind assessing the room. "We'll rest here for a while. Jarek, make a fire. Marielle, you handle the cooking. Liriel, help Marielle with the preparations."

"Yes, master," they all replied in unison, setting to work.

Nikos pulled out various items and ingredients from his pack while Jarek started a small fire in the alcove. Marielle began preparing the food, her nervousness from the battles replaced by a sense of calm as she returned to her familiar role.

Nikos watched as his team worked together, a rare moment of respite in their dangerous journey.

"I'm much better at cooking than fighting," Marielle admitted with a small smile. "This feels good."

Liriel joined her, expertly slicing vegetables and adding them to the pot. "Marielle, you're really good at this. I feel more at ease to help you preparing our food."

Marielle chuckled softly. "Thank you, Liriel. Cooking has always been my passion. It's a relief to be able to do this."

Liriel nodded, her eyes occasionally darting to Nikos. "Sir, I have to say, you always have a plan. It's... reassuring. But I have many…," she hesitated, didn't know should ask about that.

Nikos glanced at her and smile gently.

Jarek watched the exchange silently, his honorable nature keeping him vigilant for any danger. "I'll keep watch the room, Mashter," he said, positioning himself near the entrance.

As the stew simmered, Nikos decided to bring up a topic that had been on his mind. "I've noticed the merchants in the market have been stocking more of our products lately. Does anyone know why?"

Marielle nodded, she cooperatively answered him. "Yes, master. In three months, there's going to be a festival in Varixia, celebrating the diverse cultures and race of the beast-kin kingdom. The merchants are preparing for it," she explained.

"A festival," Nikos mused, his curiosity piqued. "That explains the increase in demand."

He nodded thoughtfully. This is an opportunity. If we gather more ingredients and produce more potions, we can make a significant profit during the festival. His mind already plotting their next move.

Liriel, thoughtful as always, added, "We should consider increasing our production to meet the demand. It's an opportunity we shouldn't miss."

"Right. We'll discuss this in more detail once we're out of the dungeon. For now, let's focus on getting through safely." Nikos said.

They all nodded in unison agreeing.

The stew was finally ready, and Marielle served the first bowl to Nikos, as her master. "Here you go, Master. I hope you enjoy it," she said, her voice filled with loyalty.

Nikos took the bowl, nodding in appreciation. "Thank you, Marielle. It smells wonderful," he said, taking a sip.

Liriel, Jarek, and Marielle, they too dive to eat their dinner. As they ate, the atmosphere relaxed. The warm food and the fire's glow provided a comforting break from the dungeon's cold, damp environment.

Liriel, however, couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Sir, may I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," Nikos said, his intelligent eyes meeting hers.

"I've been wondering… how many magic classes do you possess? You seem to switch between them so effortlessly," she asked.

Liriel question is also in the mind of Marielle and Jarek.

Liriel adding, "In your adventurer's card it written your class is support, but you said you awaken three class. I see you fight with warrior, archer, and support class, but the last time we fight you use fireball spell, it was a mage skill, are you perhaps having more class?" she looked at him with confusion.

Nikos looked up from his bowl, his expression calm and composed. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve," he replied shortly, not wanting to divulge too much. "Let just say, when I buy tome class in adventurer guild, I awakened some of that class simultaneously."

Liriel nodded, though she still had many questions. She appreciated Nikos' leadership but often wondered about the extent of his abilities. "I understand, Sir. Thank you for sharing," she said quietly.

After finishing their dinner, Nikos quickly divided the shifts, ensuring each member had a chance to rest while maintaining a watchful eye. "Jarek, you take the first watch. Marielle, you'll follow. Liriel, you take the third. I'll handle the final watch."

"Undershtood, Masster," Jarek replied, taking his position by the entrance.

Liriel and Marielle nodded, settling down to rest. The party settled down to rest, each member taking their assigned position. The room fell into a peaceful silence, the only sound the crackling of the small fire.

As the darkness of sleep enveloped him, Nikos's senses remained on high alert, his mind refusing to surrender to the allure of slumber. The memories of the dungeon's treacherous depths lingered, casting a shadow over his thoughts. But like a gentle tide, his anxiety slowly faded, until finally, his eyelids grew heavy and his consciousness slipped away, surrendering to the sweet release of sleep.

When they get enough of rest as they woke up, the dungeon had changed. When they stepped out of their resting room, the once clear air was now heavy with an eerie fog, reducing visibility and creating an unsettling atmosphere.

"Be on your guard. This mist wasn't here before. It could be a sign of danger." Nikos stood at the entrance, his calm demeanor masking his concern. "Everyone, get ready. We're moving out," he said, his voice steady.

Liriel stand next to him, holding her daggers ready for any danger. "Sir, what should we do?"

"We proceed with caution," Nikos replied, his voice calm and decisive. "Stay close and be ready for anything. Let's move."

Jarek, ever cautious, gripped his greataxe tightly. "I'll protect you, Mashter. No matter what, this is my redemption," he vowed.

Nikos nodded, his analytical mind already planning their route. "Let's go. Stay close and stay quiet," he instructed, leading the way into the unknown.

The party moved forward, the mist swirling around them like a living entity. The air grew colder, and the sound of their footsteps echoed eerily in the silence. They could feel the dungeon itself changing, as if reacting to their presence.

The party moved through the dungeon, the mist thickening around them. Nikos' mind raced with possibilities, his calm exterior hiding the turmoil within.

As they ventured deeper into the mist-filled corridors, the sense of unease grew. The dungeon seemed to pulse with an unnatural energy, and Nikos' calculating mind raced to assess the situation.

"This mist is unnatural," Nikos muttered, more to himself than to his companions. "It's as if the dungeon is alive."

Liriel, always alert, kept her daggers at the ready. "Sir, do you think this mist is a trap?"

"Possibly," Nikos replied, his voice steady. "But we won't know for sure until we proceed. Stay close and be prepared for anything."

Marielle, trying to remain calm, whispered, "Master, I trust in you. We'll get through this."

Nikos took a deep breath, his mind sharp and focused. "Let's move deeper. We'll find out what this mist is and why it's here."

With their master's words guiding them, Marielle, Liriel, and Jarek pressed on, ready to face whatever lay ahead in the depths of the lake dungeon.