32

The dungeon remained in reverential silence, as if the air itself had stopped to observe what was about to happen. In the main chamber, the central hologram emitted a faint hum, projecting a series of glowing runes that floated in the air like enchanted fireflies. Aurora, sitting on the floor covered in spongy grass and surrounded by the plants she so loved, looked at the red orb with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Her small hand rested on Sebastian's, who remained by her side, attentive to every change in the environment.

Kaili, the imposing "Harbinger Throne of Plagues", contemplated the scene with her iridescent wings folded at her back. A flicker of worry crossed her dark eyes as she observed Aurora.

"My Queen," Kaili said in a soft but firm voice, "it seems the residual energy you have absorbed is greater than your body can process at this time."

Aurora, confused, tilted her head and made a questioning gesture with her hands.

Kaili knelt before Aurora, her gaze full of respect. "It means you need to rest, my little queen. You will enter a state of hibernation so that your body can assimilate the energy and strengthen itself."

Sebastian, though surprised by the news, remained calm. He trusted Aurora and Kaili, despite her imposing presence. "It's okay, Aurora," he said with a reassuring smile. "Rest. We will take care of you."

Kaili nodded in approval. "Indeed, human. During my queen's hibernation, I will ensure that the dungeon remains safe. I will seal its access so that no one can disturb her sleep."

Sebastian nodded with determination. "And I will take care of her garden," he replied, tenderly stroking one of the luminous flowers growing near him. "Make sure none of her beloved plants wither."

Kaili, with an elegant gesture, activated the hibernation process through the central hologram. The dungeon's plants responded instantly, extending their vines towards Aurora and enveloping her in a protective cocoon that emitted a soft golden glow. At the same time, Kaili began to recite a chant in an ancestral language, her voice echoing through the walls of the dungeon. Ancient runes lit up on the walls, floor and ceiling, weaving a web of arcane energy that sealed all access to the dungeon.

Aurora, feeling the warmth of the cocoon and the energy flowing through her, closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by sleep. The dungeon, enveloped in a deep silence and protected by Kaili's magic, became an inviolable sanctuary.

Kaili remained vigilant, watching Aurora with devotion. "Sleep, my queen," she murmured. "Your awakening will be glorious."

Sebastian, meanwhile, devoted himself body and soul to the task Kaili had entrusted to him. He cared for the plants with a dedication he had never felt before, as if they were a priceless treasure. And, to his surprise, the plants responded to his care, growing with vigor and beauty.

As the days passed, Sebastian felt increasingly connected to the dungeon and its inhabitants. The creatures that Aurora had summoned accepted him as one of the family, and Kaili, though still distant, seemed to have softened her attitude towards him.

One afternoon, while Sebastian was watering a group of luminous flowers, Kaili approached him with a curious expression. "Human," she said, "how is it that the plants respond to your touch?"

Sebastian shrugged. "I don't know," he replied sincerely. "They just... do."

Kaili observed him in silence for a moment, analyzing his response. "You are a mystery, human," she finally said. "You appeared when the queen needed you most, you earned her trust and apparently her affection as well, it all seems convenient."

Sebastian smiled shyly. He didn't understand why Kaili was interested in him, but he was glad that her attitude towards him had changed.

"Perhaps... perhaps one day we can be friends," Sebastian said hopefully.

Kaili looked at him with surprise. The idea of friendship with a human was ridiculous to her, the idea of an insect befriending her was ludicrous, but she could accept him as a pet.

"I highly doubt it, human," Kaili replied with an indifferent look. "You and I are not the same."

Sebastian returned an embarrassed smile and continued his work of caring for the plants.