Chapter 32: 3rd floor trial [I]

Fortunately—or perhaps predictably—we found the gate to the next floor in a barren desert, situated near a shimmering oasis.

"It's time to move on," I said, brushing off the sand from my cloak. "Looks like you'll have to renege on that promise of a fulfilling night."

Julie pouted but said nothing, following me into the swirling portal.

The moment we stepped through, a cold, metallic voice echoed around us:

"Congratulations on reaching the third floor. To advance to the next, you must kill the person beside you."

Silence fell between us, heavy and tense.

Then the voice returned a minute later, this time laced with amusement:

"I'm just joking. Instead, the two of you must work together and endure the trials ahead."

A pair of golden bracelets materialized before us, floating ominously in the air.

"Wear them, defeat the floor boss while wearing the bracelets," the voice commanded.

Without hesitation, I grabbed one and slid it onto my wrist. The moment it clicked into place, a strange warmth pulsed through me, like the bracelet was alive. Julie, after a moment of hesitation, followed suit.

As soon as she put hers on, a flood of thoughts hit me like a tidal wave—Julie's thoughts.

Her voice echoed in my mind, unfiltered and full of mischief. Wow, does this mean Lira can hear me? Oh, this is going to be so much fun... Let's see, what's the most indecent thing I can think of—

"Disgusting," I muttered, glaring at her.

Julie grinned, catching on immediately. "You can hear me! Perfect. Now we can be even closer!"

She didn't waste a second, filling her mind with every shameless, indecent scenario she could conjure, grinning wider every time I flinched.

"Julie," I growled, trying to block it out.

But she only laughed, clearly enjoying herself far too much. The trial hadn't even begun, and I already felt like I was losing.

My temple throbbed as her indecent fantasies came flooding into my mind, vivid and relentless. Her amusement was palpable, especially when she realized she had free reign to push my patience to its limits.

"Julie," I said flatly, my voice laced with warning.

She smirked, unabashed. What? This is just payback for all the times you ignored me.

I felt my grip tighten on the hilt of my sword. For a moment, I seriously considered using it—just a little threat to shut her up. But no, that would only encourage her.

"Focus," I snapped. "This is clearly some kind of trial. We can't waste time on your nonsense."

Julie stifled a laugh, clearly enjoying my discomfort. Oh, come on, Lira. You're no fun. Just let me—

"Julie," I interrupted, my voice dropping dangerously low. "If you don't stop, I'll find a way to rip this bracelet off and leave you to face the trial alone."

Her thoughts faltered for a moment, and I could almost see her weighing her options. Finally, she sighed, raising her hands in mock surrender.

"Fine, fine. I'll behave... for now," she said aloud, though her grin told me she had no intention of making things easy.

The voice from before echoed again, pulling our attention back to the trial.

"The bond between you will be tested. Survive the challenges ahead, and only then will the gate to the next floor open."

The ground beneath us began to shift, the oasis disappearing as the landscape transformed into a dense, labyrinthine jungle.

The air grew thick and humid, and the distant sounds of creatures echoed all around us.

Julie's smugness faded slightly as she looked around, gripping her staff tighter. "Well, this is new," she muttered.

I ignored her, already scanning the area for threats.

"Stay close," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

For now, I thought, clenching my fist. I'll deal with whatever trial this is. But after that, these bracelets are coming off—one way or another.

Come on, Lira. Don't be so uptight. This is a unique bonding experience! Maybe the bracelets are trying to tell us something, Julie teased in her thoughts, and I could feel her trying to suppress a laugh.

"Julie, I swear to all the gods, keep your thoughts to yourself," I snapped, swinging my blade to decapitate another goblin that leapt at us.

The air grew tense again as two more ogres appeared ahead. I tensed, ready to fight, but Julie's thoughts hit me like a brick.

Two at once? Hmm... tempting but I don't think my small body can handle that big.

I froze, staring at her, horrified. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

The ogres roared and charged, but I didn't hesitate. My sword cleaved through them effortlessly, the dark energy of the blade tearing their bodies apart. Their lifeless halves fell to the ground, but my focus remained on Julie, who looked unbothered by the carnage.

"Julie," I said, leveling a glare at her. "If you don't start taking this seriously, I will rip that bracelet off your wrist—trial or no trial."

She pouted, but her thoughts betrayed her amusement. Come on, Lira. Lighten up. You're no fun.

I ignored her, turning my attention back to the path ahead. More monsters lurked in the jungle, but I couldn't shake the irritation boiling inside me.

As we continued, we encountered more goblins and ogres, cutting them down with ease. Julie's thoughts, however, were a constant distraction. She speculated about the goblins' supposed fertility, commented on the ogres' size, and mused endlessly about various scenarios that made my skin crawl.

Selective thinking, I told myself. Ignore her unless it's important. Focus on the task.

But it wasn't easy. Julie's thoughts were loud, obnoxious, and filled with nothing but her insatiable desires. Every now and then, I found myself glaring at her, my frustration barely contained.

"If looks could kill..." Julie muttered aloud, smirking at me. "You'd have murdered me a hundred times by now, huh?"

"Don't tempt me," I growled, gripping my sword tightly.

The jungle stretched endlessly before us, and I knew this trial would test more than just our combat skills. If I wanted to survive this without losing my mind, I'd have to find a way to endure Julie's presence—and her infuriating thoughts.

The fire crackled softly as I sat by the camp, grilling boar meat. The quiet of the night was almost comforting—until Julie's scream for help tore through my head like a thunderclap.

I dropped everything and rushed toward her location, my sword already drawn. Her voice, laced with panic, filled my mind.

Lira, help! Those blessed individuals lied! They said ogres don't kill women, that they… use them instead! I tried to confirm it, and nah, they're lying! I'm going to be killed at this rate. They're too big—it doesn't fit, they'll tear me apart!

My feet faltered as her words registered. I stopped in my tracks, staring ahead in disbelief. My mind ceased to function for a moment, every shred of urgency replaced by sheer disappointment.

"...You're on your own," I muttered, turning back toward the camp.

That night, her thoughts flooded my head—the sounds of her "excitement" and exaggerated moans ringing louder than the crackling fire. I clenched my fists and focused on blocking her out, but it was futile.

*****

When morning finally came, Julie shook me awake, her face flushed and flustered.

"Lira, wake up! You're having a nightmare!" she said, her voice unusually soft.

I opened my eyes slowly, glaring at her with the intensity of someone who hadn't slept a wink. "You're the nightmare," I muttered under my breath.

Julie fidgeted with her fingers, avoiding eye contact. "You know," she began in a shy tone, "even if I was desperate, I wouldn't go for ogres... Just saying. Just saying."

Her awkward attempt to ease the tension only made things worse. We both sat there in silence, the air heavy with unspoken embarrassment.

This trial better end soon, I thought, rubbing my temples. Julie's antics were one thing, but now even my subconscious was betraying me. It was going to be a long climb.