[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

The party moved. The cave soon formed an u-turn and right at its middle was an eight-meter high cliff. It didn't require the use of ropes, since it consisted of subsequent ledges, but grappling hooks were still used to ensure safety.

After the party reached the bottom of the descent, they reached a still, shallow river that was ankle deep. Surrounding it, were various weeds, often these encountered earlier in the oyster caves, but there were also clumps of purple salvia or edible water lettuces.

Hyacinth observed the water that was trickling down the walls. It felt uncanny, since the water didn't travel the path of least resistance, but instead, all trickles traveled to a few, same spots.

“Hey!” - He stopped the party. - “Take a look at this!”

Noemi gasped. She knew these creatures from the sewers. - “Elementals!” - Spear wouldn't be effective, so the girl equipped a hammer. - “Arath, give Pavaja your scepter.”

Arath tossed the weapon to the crusader and Pavaja immediately assumed a battle stance. The liquid began to form five shape-shifting blobs. With no hesitation, Noemi and Pavaja attacked the nearest enemies behind them to avoid being surrounded. One blow in the equivalent of head and elementals burst in an instant.

Noemi wasted no time and moved to lure away three of the foes away from Hyacinth. Elementals were furiously pummeling her shield, what left a few small dents. As the girl took a swing of her hammer, bringing down all the enemies at once, she overheard a sound of ripping metal. One of the liquid limbs struck her like a whip, leaving a jagged hole in her cuirass. If not the armor, the attack would be lethal.

“Thanks.” - Hyacinth uttered.

“Amazing, you took down four of them before I could even react...” - Pavaja was staring in disbelief.

“But it was not without risk.” - Noemi replied. - “If they struck me a bit lower...”

Hyacinth looked at the gap in Noemi's armor. - “That would be nasty. Perhaps we should take a slower pace and be more careful.”

“Agreed.” - Noemi nodded. - “We should start to check every corner for a trap or an ambush, since there's no rogue or guide in our party.”

The journey continued and the amount of fauna increased, there were a lot of familiar tiny amphibians and insects. Moreover, there was an overabundance of common white bioluminescent plants.

The idea of slowing down the pace paid off, since the next section turned into caverns which were habitats of tunneling nepenthes. These giants plants mimicked routes ahead, what combined with glowing flora, camouflaged them greatly. The size of the largest and oldest species was drastically scary and Arath was confident that he wouldn't be able to cut through their age-hardened skin If the party got trapped.

A few hours later, the party began to hear the rumbling sound of waterfalls and reached the cave's exit. All adventurers, except Arath, were bewildered by the sight. Apparently, the party backtracked to the leftmost region of the central lake with submerged ruins.

In front of them, slightly under the surface, was a flat, stone path, surrounded by abysmal waters on both sides. It led exactly towards the lower end of the fallen, colossal column. There was no choice, but to climb it. The adventurers got past the rubble and began their arduous climb to the top. At higher sections of a column, the sight was even more amazing than at the start of the layer or during the visit to the lighthouse.

The party halted about a hundred meters before the end, since they spotted three flattened and broad, slug-like creatures in three different colors. One was charcoal black, the other was the darker counterpart and the last was cerulean blue.

Fish-people called a single monster 'Aspadus'. The torso of these slugs was usually about two meters in length and had a shape of a pointy oval. Its cold, snail-like skin was soft to the touch, and penetrating it would yield no issues. Aspadus's eye looked like two thin, slanted lines and it had no mouth. Instead, it absorbed nutrients with its mucous membrane, located below the torso.

Aspadus's diet consisted of algae and micro-greens that grew in the shadow underneath a column. In the early stage of development, the babies would often choose a specific type of food as their favorite then stick to it until the end of their life. Excess of liquid from the consumed plants would be stored in special bladders at the rear of their bodies, where the creature had three tails. These tails were bent towards the head and at their ends were nozzles. In a situation of distress, the creatures would discharge accumulated fluids under high pressure.

Noemi and her companions formed a plan. Noemi would cautiously approach, prepared to intercept attacks, while Pavaja would use Noemi's bow to take creatures down from a safe distance, but only If creatures turn hostile.

When Noemi was about forty steps away from the nearest, blue Aspadus, its tails became stiff and Creature's nozzle expanded, then contracted under a second, pumping out a water bullet.

The girl raised a shield and a loud, metallic bang could be heard. The force of the blow was so powerful, that Noemi felt immense pain in her shoulders. If the missile hit, it would burst her skull, but instead, it left a dent size of a fist in the iron surface of her shield.

Knowing how dangerous the enemy is, Noemi didn't hesitate and impaled Aspadus with one of her javelins. The farthermost, blackest Aspadus, released a long jet of dark, orange grease that covered the entire width of a bridge and also splattered Noemi's shield and feet. Noemi took a step forward and the moment she slipped, she realized how oily the substance is and started sliding all the way down the column.

Hyacinth, who was closest to her, tried to lend a hand but he kind of lacked it.

Pavaja riddled the middle Aspadus with arrows, piercing its brain and preventing it from attacking at all. After using up all fluids stored in its bladder, the last Aspadus started its sluggish escape, in the hope to climb beneath the pillars, but Pavaja remained merciless and finished it off.

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

It took over a quarter of an hour for Noemi to return, she was pretty irritated and tired. On top of that, Arath had to take a piece of cloth and clean the way up, then everyone had to wait until the cleaned path also dries off.

At last, they've arrived at top of the column, which was supported by a round pedestal with a hollowed core. The leaning construction had an architecture of a tower, with blue-painted walls and rows of windows at each level.

Here, the party took another rest and Arath cooked them stuffed peppers, then they took the spiral stairs and traveled to the bottom. They found themselves in a room with a pavement that consisted of six rings and a circle in their center. All of the rings, except the most outer one which functioned as a pond, were made of smooth tiles with maritime ornaments and had ancient inscriptions on them.

Nine identical statues were hanging on the walls, all portrayed females of an aquatic race. They had human anatomy and a few hybrid fish traits, like fins at their elbows, membranes between fingers, and scaly skin. They held large pots and water was pouring out of them, to the most external ring.

The center place, that is the stone circle in the middle, had a panel-pedestal with a valve on its top.

Pavaja examined the symbols on the panel. - “We are finally here.”

Noemi declared came closer to inspect the signs next to a valve. - “According to symbols here, nothing will happen as long as we don't pull the lever.”

“I'm so glad you can translate these.” - Pavaja responded. - “What else do they say?”

“The limit is six people.” - Noemi shrugged. - “That's all I can tell...”

“Arath, maybe we should give you the bow?” - Pavaja suggested.

“I can't use it.” - Arath simply replied. - “Also, not my job.”

Pavaja sighed. She was disappointed by that attitude. - “At least, you knew how to collect the poison... so thanks for that.”

“Tell me when you're ready.” - Noemi informed while putting her bags in the center.

Hyacinth, Pavaja, and Arath also moved their belongings there, then took positions around the pedestal. One by one, everyone prepared their weapons, applied poison, and confirmed by nods and eye contact that they are ready.

Noemi pulled the valve, clutched her spear, and waited.

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

Noemi's ears picked up a silent, gentle melody, which was like a humming of a young female child, who tries to lull a little baby to sleep.

“Do you hear it?” - Noemi whispered.

There was a period of silence, everyone was trying to strain their ears.

“No.” - Pavaja uttered quietly, nobody else could hear anything. Alarmed, they gripped their weapons tighter and focused.

Little by little, shards of turquoise glass began to move out of walls, filling the gaps in the tower and its windows and drenching the area in enchanting blue dusk. Only a few beams of light fought their way through the twilight. Access to the stairs was blocked by a closing stone slab.

Nine steel, triangular frames, filled with shattered mosaics, closed at top of the tower, forming a dome. The liquid in the outer pool rippled in the rhythm of the music. Minute after minute, the sound amplified, until everyone could clearly hear that it was coming from the statues, but for a quarter of an hour, there was no sign of boss or any presence, other than enigmatic ambiance.

A droplet of water caressed Hyacinth's cheek. It began drizzling through the gaps in the broken glass. Hyacinth lifted his head and spotted that a long, sinuous creature flew into a chamber. It resembled a sea serpent, was at least ten meters long and as thin as a wrist, and had five sets of dragonfly wings with four wings each. The flying snake had a small, round snout and a scaleless, sleek skin that glistened in silver shades of blue as the creature elegantly winded circles and loops under the ceiling. Its tail was ended with a rattle, which produced a sound similar to a triangle and mimicked, or rather complemented, the tune in a room.

The rain was following its flying summoner and soon occupied the entire chamber.

Pavaja put away her equipment and prepared the bow and an arrow as silently as she could, then with help of Arath, coated the arrowhead in poison.

Pavaja took a deep breath, calmed down, and released the string. Her aim was as perfect, but the serpent simply curled a part of its torso and avoided an attack.

“He's too far.” - Pavaja whispered after failing an attack.

“Keep shooting.” - Noemi replied. - “We've no better options.”

“What kind of boss is it anyway? Compared to everything else... it appears harmless.” - Pavaja said while preparing a second arrow.

At that moment, a tone of melody changed and the farthest section of the floor retracted under water. A small pack of shark-wolves leaped out of the water.

“Moving!” - Noemi immediately shifted position to take care of the opposite side of the room.

It was three wolves against Pavaja and Hyacinth and two against Noemi and Arath. Pavaja cut down the first foe, then bashed another one with a shield. The third beast sensed an opening and attacked Hyacinth, aiming to bite his stump, but the man moved the limb away, turned the entire body, and struck the wolf from above with a drill, penetrating its guts and violently piercing it into the floor.

Noemi was careful. She patiently zoned her enemies and when the first entered her effective range, she pierced its skull in a lightning-fast attack, then relaxed her combat stance and calmly marched to finish off the last foe with ease.

“What are we supposed to do?” - Hyacinth asked. - “Defend?”

“I don't remember any stories where you could leave without defeating the boss...” - Noemi responded. - “...but this one appears different.”

“I wouldn't risk it. The melody might be what's luring the beasts.” - Pavaja prepared and shot another arrow, missing again. She was visibly irritated by the fact.

“...so, any plans, then?” - Hyacinth asked again.

Noemi looked at the leaning wall behind them, it was crumbling in a few places and lacked a few bricks here and there. - “Arath, you'll have to take a net and climb there.”

“It's too wet.”- Arath rationalized.

“Take my golden powder, it will keep your hands and shoes dry.” - Pavaja informed.

“Okay, on it.” - Arath replied, applied powder, and jumped over the water, just before the second ring started retracting.

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

The party was attacked by three Palaps, but they didn't cause any trouble, since the nimble Noemi was able to handle them single-handedly in a series of quick skirmishes.

At this point, Arath was a two-thirds way to the top.

The next ring retracted. Four water elementals emerged from the surface and started to spit out water projectiles. The missiles weren't as deadly as in the case of Aspadus, but they could still cause painful bruises or fracture of a skull.

Hyacinth got hit in the leg before the girls moved to protect him from both sides. His limb swelled, reducing his ability to move and causing agony during attempts to do so. When the man was finally behind Noemi's large shield, the pain became unbearable, so he sat down and leaned his back against the pedestal to take cover and rest. His face was exhausted, sweaty, and red, making an impression of a man who lost all will to fight, his breath was becoming deep and irregular, and Hyacinth was in a state of panic that it might be his last hour here.

“Hey, Pav.” - Hyacinth spoke in a tired voice, while the girls defended him. - “I don't regret choosing you over the vows... or even gods. If I had to undergo more of Möljar's trials to be with you, so be it.” - He smiled suppressing his pain.

“Stay strong Hyacinth, we'll overcome this.” - Pavaja wanted to give a man a bit of hope.

“I love you, Pav. Thanks for staying with me.” - Hyacinth replied.

The elf moved herself to kneel next to Hyacinth, Noemi adjusted her position.

“I love you too, Hyacinth, hold on please.” - Pavaja gave Hyacinth a gentle, short kiss, then smiled as bright as she could.

For a moment, their eyes connected and fire, natural only to girl's soulmate, not blazing nor violent, returned to Hyacinth's eyes. If shine in Pavaja's eyes could be compared to a clear winter sky and sun rays reflecting from pure, fresh snow, then Hyacinth's would be like a cozy fireplace that offered warmth and rest to a family.

No more words were required to be spoken, since the lovers understood each other. Pavaj stood up and held her shield as firmly as never before.

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

The third ring retracted and three tails emerged from the water, heralding the deadliest of ranged foes. The cerulean Aspadus. The missiles began thundering against Noemi's shields like a raging hailstorm.

“LOWER HEADS, NOW!” - Noemi shouted, warning her teammates. - “STAY BEHIND ME AND DON'T MOVE.”

Noemi rammed her shield into the stone and locked her talons. A dent after a dent, Noemi's shield was gradually being reduced to a piece of useless iron. One of the jets pierced the steel right next to the girl's neck, although most of it was stopped.

Shock and disbelief appeared on Noemi's face, but she was determined. The girl picked one of her Javelins and counted between the blows... one... two... three... when there was a pause, the spear whooshed through the air. It broke the surface of the water and lost most of its momentum, missing and doing no damage.

Pavaja was kneeling next to Hyacinth, shielding him with her own body. - “Hyacinth, can you sign one of your songs?”

“The gods have abandoned me, it won't work...” - The man replied.

“I simply want to listen to your voice...” - Pavaja explained.

Hyacinth understood. As his calm, inspiring melody replaced the humming completely, the man could feel how divine energy began to recirculate in his body and how his voice enstrengthened his allies. It even charmed the serpent, who rolled its torso in a quadruple ring and began to glide in harmony.

[ ––––––––– Ϫ ––––––––– ]

Arath was already at the top, his hands hurt and he couldn't breathe. It was too much effort for someone of his physique.

Arath looked down, the situation was dire, so he needed to hurry. He knew how to cast a net, since he had experience using it to catch rats in Lynn, but he only had one shot and the serpent was moving unpredictably.

It was all until Hyacinth's melody reached the Lynnian, who noticed the change in boss's movement patterns.

It was now doable. Arath tossed a net, like a professional fisherman. The snake got entangled and it started to lose altitude, but its wings were still free, so it started to move its neck down in an attempt to get out.

Arath couldn't let any of this happen. He pushed himself off a wall and made a leap, grabbed the net by its edges, and pulled it down together with the serpent...

[ ––––––––– ֎ ––––––––– ]

There was a loud splash of water when Arath's body fell into the water, right where Aspadus was located. The force of the impact knocked the slug creature unconscious and temporarily dispersed the elementals.

Noemi peeked over a shield to investigate the situation. The pool was still, with exception of circles on the surface of the water, right where the boy had landed. A broad net was floating in the pool and a serpent creature was clambering out of it.

The foe's had crawled out on a stone platform, to a beam of light, but Noemi's shadow soon triumphed over the light. The girl stepped on the serpent's skull and crushed it underneath her feet, then the humming stopped.

The girl looked in front of her, in search of Arath, but nobody was appearing for over ten seconds.

“Arath!?” - Noemi shouted, but as she did, three blobs of water began to reform.

“Noemi, you've to come back! QUICK! The platform is moving down!” - Pavaja realized that the circle with the pedestal was an elevator to the fourth layer that activated after overcoming the challenge.

Noemi looked, she had about one-third of a minute to safely get in.

While distracted, something cold grabbed the girl's leg and tried to pull it underwater.

Noemi turned and shouted. - “Yeeeeeeek!” - It was some sort of bog monster.

“GET ME OUT! GET ME OUT!” - It turned out it was Arath, his hair, and head covered in pieces of constrictor-algae.

Noemi grabbed the boy the arms, helped him to get out of the water, and tugged him to the platform.