Chapter 297: A familiar energy (1/2)

The natural-made mineral-rich, cavern walls led Aiden further underground. The moss-covered walls glowed in a feeble light green hue providing the grotto an obscure, eerie ambiance.

Thanks to his very first ability he gained during his relatively short lifetime, the [Dark Sense] Aiden had no issues with the dim lighting as he ventured alone. As he passed through a weak pillar of what the luminous, glossy moss-covered, a slight smirk could be seen stretching from the corner of his lips.

He had an incredibly hard time convincing his team of servants and Drake to actually allow him to continue alone. Roas and the trio of Primal Goblins were adamant in following him, as 'Their purpose in life was to protect the Young Master. They couldn't just leave him!'

Even after he tried explaining that the journey from this point on would be safe for him, and that he would much rather leave them to guard the perimeter, they were a pretty hard-headed bunch to convince.

In the end, after much effort, they relented, albeit begrudgingly, and agreed to stay and guard the door. Luckily Drake agreed relatively quickly, but only after he made Aiden promise to come back. Still his quick acquiesce was something that Aiden was puzzled about for a bit, before pushing the thought to the back of his head.

The path continued to slither downwards, seemingly without end, the route merging with the darkness in the distance. Even with using his [Dark Sense] skill at its maximum efficiency, Aiden couldn't sense an end nor a single soul at all.

This strange fact greatly worried Aiden, shaking his head he increased the range of his senses to cover the moss-covered cavern walls, the rocky ground, and ceiling as well.

Still, even with that, he couldn't find any fault, any inconsistency, or trace of magic as he was continuously led further and further down to the depths. What really puzzled him that there were no chambers, forking pathways, anything. He was seemingly led in what seemed to be a natural wonder, an ornate staircase to who-knows-where.

'Just what is this place?!' He grumbled inwardly. After trekking for minutes, he didn't feel that he was any closer to whatever was lying in wait for him than when he first stepped through the doorway.

'[Don't worry Aiden. You are making progress. There are no tricks or traps here. Trust me.]' Feeling his trepidation, Enya's reassuring words came almost instantly.

Maybe she said the magic words, just as she finished speaking in his mind, a slight increase in pressure could be felt in the air. Feeling the change, Aiden stopped in his tracks and took a step back.

As if crossing through a barrier, the light pressure vanished as he pulled his body back to his hind left leg.

”Hmm… This is strange… I can't see anything, but there's definitely something here…” He mumbled focusing his piercing gaze in the air ahead of him.

Keeping his senses at their maximum, he once again, took the same step forward. He raised his right leg, pushing it through in the air slowly, carefully. Feeling no change, he leaned forward, following his adventurous leg.

Although there was absolutely no feeling attached to it, when he crossed the imaginary border he made, he could immediately feel the light pressure, the transcending power around him in the air once again.

Puzzled and confused by this mysterious sensation, he once again turned to his trusty companion for answers.

'Enya, do you know what is happening? What is this pressure? What is this feeling?'

Enya, his System's spiritual guide didn't hesitate with her answer. Her mature voice rang like a gentle bell in his mind.

'[The answers you seek are further below Aiden. Doesn't it feel different from anything you have felt so far? Focus on the energy, doesn't it feel familiar? Continue following it.]'

'Argh…' Aiden could only grumble at her response. She kept not giving any sort of answer about what this place actually was and kept urging him to just continue crossing this endless path.

'Fine… Not like I have anything better to do.' He grumbled, taking a quick glance at the timer on the main quest in his system.

[Main Quest: The Secrets of the Demon Grotto

Difficulty: A-S

Remaining Time: 39 days 18 hours 55 minutes 58 seconds

Objective:  Find and Explore the Demon Grotto (1 / 2 - Explore the Grotto and Reach the end.)

Uncover its Secret

Earn the owner's acceptance

Optional: -Merge with the Guardian (Warning: The feat will require the simultaneous activation and use of the Primal Absorb racial skill empowered with the Blessing of Ioris effect. Caution: The strain on the host's core will be immense!)

...]

Aiden was surprised to see that there were some updates on the quest's text. For the first time, the System gave some additional details, going as far as giving a warning about the optional objective.