30.Preparation and Information Gathering at the Inn

The group decided to rest at the inn and organize their belongings before gathering information.

Merslin: "That was a long day. Let's get our things in order first."

Lisa: "Yeah. My gear is a mess. I need to clean it up."

Serena: "This inn is surprisingly cozy. Let's take a short break."

Elena: "Alright, once we're done organizing, let's go talk to the innkeeper and the tavern owner to gather some information."

Merslin arranged his equipment in the corner while Lisa polished her weapons. Serena, on the other hand, pulled out a new dress she had purchased, admiring it alongside her collection of poisons.

Serena: "How do I look? Doesn't this dress suit me perfectly?"

Merslin: "It looks great on you, Serena. But let's focus on what we need to do."

Elena: "Alright, if everyone's ready, let's start gathering information."

Aria chuckled as she watched Serena flaunt her dress, but as she pulled out her herb pouch, she accidentally spilled its contents.

Aria: "Oh no… Oops!"

In her haste to pick up the fallen herbs, Aria lost her balance and inadvertently grabbed the shoulder strap of Serena's dress, causing it to slip slightly.

Aria: "Oh! I'm so sorry, Serena! I didn't mean to!"

Serena simply laughed as she adjusted her dress.

Serena: "No worries, Aria. You're surprisingly clumsy—kind of cute, actually."

Aria blushed slightly but smiled.

Aria: "Sorry again… but these herbs are really useful! They help wounds heal quickly."

Serena gazed at her poison bottles with amusement.

Serena: "That's nice and all, but I prefer using these. A single drop can paralyze an enemy in seconds."

Aria: "Wouldn't it be better to use herbs to heal people instead? Why turn them into poisons?"

Serena: "I'm an assassin, Aria. Poison is a necessity. There are times when I need to eliminate a target quietly. Plus, it's my trade."

Aria: "But using those poisons could harm people. I think healing others is far more rewarding."

Serena: "I respect your perspective, Aria. But we have different roles in this world. When healing is needed, you're there. When something needs to be 'taken care of'… well, that's where I come in."

Aria: "I suppose you're right. It's important to respect each other's strengths and work together."

Serena: "How about this? Tonight, we teach each other. I'll show you how to make poisons, and you show me how to make healing potions."

Aria: "That sounds like a good idea! I'd love to learn."

Merslin smiled as he listened to their conversation.

Merslin: "You two really make a great team. Learning from each other will only make us stronger."

Just then, Elena entered the room, changing into another outfit, but as she moved, her dress got caught on the door and tore slightly, revealing a bit of her skin.

Elena: "Oh no…! How embarrassing!"

Merslin quickly turned away, trying to suppress a chuckle.

Merslin: "Wow, today's just full of surprises. But don't worry, Elena—you always look great."

Elena blushed as she fixed her dress.

Elena: "Thanks, Merslin… Alright, let's get ready."

With everyone set, the group headed out to speak with the innkeeper and the locals to gather information.

The Trial in the Sewers?

After gathering intelligence, Merslin and his party learned that the site of their next trial was hidden beneath the city—somewhere within the sewers and underground passages.

Merslin: "If our sources are right, the key to the trial is somewhere down below. Let's get ready."

Lisa: "I'm always ready. No problem fighting in the dark."

Serena: "It's not exactly my usual setting, but I love a good challenge."

Elena: "Stay alert. We have no idea what dangers might be lurking down there."

The group ventured beneath the city, navigating through the damp, narrow tunnels of the underground sewer system. The smell was awful, and the eerie echoes of distant movements sent chills down their spines.

Aria: "Ugh… This place gives me the creeps, but if the clues are here, we have to push forward."

Serena: "The smell is awful, but if we can find what we're looking for, it'll be worth it."

As they explored deeper, they began hearing strange noises—something was moving in the darkness. Moments later, grotesque creatures began emerging from the shadows.

Lisa: "What the hell is going on here?! Monsters in the sewers?"

Elena: "This isn't just some random monster infestation… It feels like something is reviving the dead. This could be more than just a simple trial."

Serena: "This place is getting more dangerous by the second. Be ready!"

Suddenly, the creatures lunged at them, their claws gleaming under the dim torchlight. Some were undead, their hollow eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

Merslin: "Stick together! We fight as a team!"

Lisa: "Good! Leave the front line to me!"

Merslin raised his hand, conjuring Hwayeom Bulgil (Infernal Blaze) - 화염 불길, then hurled it at the approaching monsters.

Merslin: "Hwayeom Bulgwa! Everyone, stand back!"

Elena swung her staff, summoning Eoreum Paryeok (Frozen Shard) - 얼음 파열, launching jagged ice shards that pierced through the enemies.

Elena: "Eoreum Paryeok! This should slow them down!"

Fire and ice clashed against the horde, dealing devastating damage.

Serena, quick on her feet, darted between enemies, stabbing with her poison-coated dagger before retreating into the shadows. She then fired her crossbow at distant foes.

Serena: "Taste my poison! And here's a little something extra—crossbow shot!"

Lisa, wielding her sword and shield, pushed forward to protect her allies, using her shield to bash foes and creating an opening for her strikes.

Lisa: "Shield Bash! You'll have to do better than that!"

With a powerful downward slash, she cut through one of the creatures, stepping back to reposition herself.

Meanwhile, Aria focused on keeping everyone alive. She raised her hands, casting Light of Life - 생명의 빛, unleashing divine energy that both healed allies and burned the undead.

Aria: "Light of Life! Let the light cleanse and restore!"

A warm glow enveloped her allies, healing their wounds while simultaneously weakening the undead.

As the battle ended, they pushed deeper into the sewer until they came across a strange, ancient-looking door covered in mysterious carvings.

Merslin: "Something's not right about this door. Stay on guard."

Serena: "Whatever's behind this, it's important. We have to be careful."

With their weapons ready, the group cautiously approached the mysterious entrance, prepared to uncover whatever lay beyond.