Chapter 66: The wonders

The path to the blue well was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of the dwarven kingdom I'd grown accustomed to. It felt like the air shifted the closer I got, becoming heavier but not oppressive—a weight that seemed to hum with power.

The well came into view suddenly, nestled in a secluded corner surrounded by glowing blue runes etched into the ground and stones around it. The runes shimmered faintly, casting a soft light on the crystal-clear water. The sight was mesmerizing.

I stepped closer, noticing a few dwarves standing nearby. They were whispering to each other, tossing coins into the water one by one. Each coin created ripples that seemed to linger far longer than they should, almost as if the water resisted returning to stillness.

One dwarf caught me staring. He gestured toward the well. "Newcomer?" he asked, his voice gruff but kind. "Throw a coin in. It'll grant you a moment of peace, if nothing else."

I hesitated. Peace wasn't something I had often felt—not in the lab, not during the countless battles, and not even in this vibrant kingdom. But the idea was tempting. I pulled out a small silver coin from my pocket, the weight of it unfamiliar in my hand, and flicked it into the well.

The coin hit the surface with a soft plink, and the water rippled outward in slow, hypnotic waves. For a brief moment, everything around me seemed to blur. My breathing slowed, my mind quieted, and a warmth spread through my chest.

When the feeling faded, I opened my eyes. The water was still again, the ripples gone as if they had never existed.

"Good, isn't it?" the dwarf said, smiling. "That's the magic of the well."

I nodded silently, the strange sense of calm lingering as I turned away, making my way back to the main streets of the kingdom.

The bar was alive with noise. Cheers, laughter, and the occasional sound of glass breaking filled the air. At the center of the room was a sunken fighting arena, marked by glowing runes along its edges. Fighters clashed within, their movements swift and brutal, each strike met with roars of approval from the crowd.

I lingered near the entrance, watching. The atmosphere was electric, the kind of chaos that pulled you in and refused to let go.

"Hey!" A voice boomed above the din. I turned to see a dwarf with tattoos that glowed faintly in the dim light. He grinned at me. "You here to watch, or are you brave enough to step in?"

Before I could respond, another voice chimed in, this one from a nearby group of rowdy patrons. "The prize is worth it! Elaria's the reward tonight!"

The name meant nothing to me, but the room erupted in cheers and laughter at the mention. I frowned. "What's the prize?"

The tattooed dwarf laughed, slapping me on the back. "A date with Elaria, the most beautiful elf fusion in the kingdom!"

I tilted my head. "What's a date?"

His laughter grew louder, drawing more attention. "Oh, you'll find out if you win!"

The crowd egged me on, shouting encouragements and teasing jeers until I finally nodded. If nothing else, it was a chance to test my strength against others.

The first opponent was a reptilian fusion. It hissed as it entered the arena, its scaled body glinting under the light. It darted forward with claws extended, aiming for my chest.

I sidestepped easily, grabbing its arm and twisting it with enough force to dislocate the joint. The creature screeched, but I didn't hesitate, landing a punch to its jaw that sent it crumpling to the ground.

The crowd roared.

Opponent after opponent entered the arena. There was a massive beast with arms like tree trunks, a lithe figure with blades sprouting from its arms, and even a fire-wielding fusion that scorched the air with every strike.

Each fight pushed me further, forcing me to rely on the techniques Pyre had drilled into me. I dodged, countered, and struck with precision, my body moving on instinct. Despite the challenges, I emerged victorious every time, the cheers of the crowd growing louder with each win.

By the time the final opponent entered the arena, my body was sore, but adrenaline kept me upright. The last fighter was a hulking orc fusion, his green skin marred by scars and his fists glowing faintly with some kind of energy.

He wasted no time, charging at me with a roar. I dodged, but his fist grazed my side, sending me skidding across the arena.

The crowd's cheers faded into a dull roar as I steadied myself, focusing on his movements. He was fast for his size, but his attacks were wild, leaving openings I could exploit.

When he charged again, I ducked low, delivering a sharp punch to his ribs. He grunted, but didn't falter, swinging his arm toward me in a wide arc. I leapt back, grabbing a shard of debris from the ground and slamming it into his shoulder.

The fight dragged on, each strike growing heavier as exhaustion set in. But with one final burst of strength, I landed a kick to his knee, forcing him to the ground. Before he could recover, I slammed my fist into his jaw, ending the fight.

The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the bar as the orc lay motionless.

As I climbed out of the arena, the tattooed dwarf approached me, grinning from ear to ear. "You've earned your prize, lad!"

I blinked, confused. "What's the prize again?"

He laughed, motioning toward a figure approaching us. "You'll see."

The woman who stepped forward was stunning. She had long, golden hair that shimmered like sunlight, fair skin that seemed to glow softly, and piercing green eyes that held an air of confidence. Her movements were graceful, each step deliberate.

"Elaria," the dwarf said, gesturing to her. "Meet your champion for the evening."

She smiled, her gaze meeting mine. "You fought well," she said, her voice smooth and melodic.

I scratched the back of my neck. "Thanks... I think."

She laughed, a light, musical sound, and extended her hand. "Come on, then. Let's see if you're as interesting outside the arena as you are in it."

We spent the rest of the evening wandering through the kingdom. She showed me hidden corners of the city—quiet gardens filled with glowing plants, a marketplace bustling with life, and even a rooftop with a view of the entire kingdom, the water above shimmering like a starry sky.

Elaria was easy to talk to, her laughter infectious. She asked about my life, and though I struggled to find the right words, she listened patiently, her curiosity genuine.

By the time we returned to the bar, the streets were quieter, the kingdom settling into the night.

"Thanks for tonight," she said, her smile soft.

Before I could respond, she leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. Then, with a playful grin, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

I stood there, frozen, my thoughts a jumbled mess. "What just happened?"

The tattooed dwarf appeared beside me, clapping me on the shoulder. "That, my friend, was a date."

I didn't fully understand, but as I made my way back to Pyre and the wolf, a small smile tugged at my lips. Maybe this world wasn't so bad after all.