A City Frozen in Time

Before setting out, they made something fast and simple to eat.

Argolaith pulled out some of the dried meat from his storage ring, mixing it with finely sliced Luminara Root and some soft blue fungi they had picked earlier from the cavern walls.

The meal wasn't fancy—just roasted strips of War Beast meat, lightly seasoned with the heat-resistant herbs they had gathered during their travels.

Kaelred took a bite and chewed thoughtfully. "Not bad. Has a good kick to it."

Argolaith smirked. "That's the Luminara Root. Helps with stamina. Figured we might need it."

They ate quickly, keeping their weapons within reach.

After finishing, they cleaned up and stepped outside into the underground city once more.

The strange creatures still roamed, moving about with purpose yet ignoring them completely.

Kaelred exhaled. "I don't get it. It's not like they don't see us. But they don't care. Like we're just… background noise."