Chapter 299: Going after (2/2)

”[Orc] We can't go against the Young Master's command, however, this human could. We weren't told to hold him back, we were only ordered to stay outside and guard the entrance. We could let him through… Worst case, he just perishes to the dangers behind.”

Listening through Glohn's suggestion, Roas contemplated for a while, before shifting his cold eyes to the silver-haired human youth in front of them. By this time, he had already taken the sword back to its sheath, gently caressing the gemstone at its pommel.

Roas's thick, dry lips parted, squeezing only a single word out with his raspy voice. He had a cold, indifferent look on his face as his dark eyes scrutinized Drake's fragile build.

”Go.”

He stepped to the side, followed by the others, giving way to him to pass through. Although it was clear that they were not intending to go against the Young Master's words, they would at the very least allow him to venture forward and brave the dangers alone.

Whatever would happen to him, it would be the result of his decision alone, nobody would be willing to provide any assistance.

Naturally, Drake understood the true meaning behind the stoic outlook of the bulky giant. He knew that behind that rough exterior, and that mask of indifference, there were deeply-seated worry and concern. For them to acquiesce and give way, it must have meant that they were also worried about Aiden.

Not wanting to waste time, as Aiden could already be in danger, Drake gave an understanding nod to them, and with his left hand resting on the hilt on Mort, he passed through them, entering the dark, eerie-looking descending tunnel.

Pausing at the entrance for a second longer, he heaved a sigh, his eyes shined with determination as he stepped through and began his descent, going after his friend.

---

Meanwhile unbeknownst to him that despite his warning he was now being followed after, Aiden reached the end of his descent. He stood at the entrance to a larger chamber.

Large, beautiful multi-colored stalactites were hanging from the ceiling and protruded from the ground. The air was thick and dense, rich with the familiar [Soul Power]. The rate of his restoration has tripled since the first notification, almost completely restoring his used-up reserves.

What was more interesting, however, was that other than refilling his half-empty tanks, it also restored his weary, tired mind. Just by standing at the entrance of this place, this large cave, this hollow chamber, he was rapidly being healed.

He felt like that every minute he stood here and embraced the energy in the air, which was akin to an hour of sleep on the surface.

'Just what is this place? Why do I feel so… comfortable? It feels strange, almost familiar…'

Although he didn't mean an answer to his question, Enya's gentle tone of voice came shortly after.

'[Yes. This is something you could probably consider the closest thing to a true home. Don't be afraid, everything that you can feel and will find here is meant for you and you alone, Aiden.]'

Besides the colorful stalagmites, the cave itself was empty, there was nothing of note to be found here. Still, the richness of the air was quite refreshing, if he could Aiden had the urge to sit down to meditate. He wanted to engorge and take in everything he could. He was certain that an hour spent here meditating would probably benefit him more than multiple hours spent doing the same on the surface.

As there were no sources of light this far down and the faintly glowing moss didn't reach into the cavern, he had to utilize his [Dark Sense] ability constantly to be able to navigate. The obscure, dim lightning could only get him through so far, from this point on, he had to return to the basics and utilize the first ability he gained to its fullest potential.

Soon, as his invisible pulses reverberated in the wide chamber, a map of its structure was slowly created in his mind with the System's Map.