Free at Last

"Of course. What would you like to know?"

"What do you mean when you said that you've finally found me?"

"I'm not sure you'll believe me, to be honest."

Calendula stared at him. "Alright, why don't you tell me first, and then I'll decide whether I should believe you or not."

Trias sighed and scratched the back of his head.

"I come from the Sargal Empire, and you could say I hold a position where I'm responsible for managing some of the empire's affairs. Recently, a plague broke out, and I decided to investigate it personally. On my way to the designated location, I encountered an old man who claimed to be an oracle. He was aware of my situation and told me that in order to resolve the empire's issues, I should head to the easternmost part of the Guille Forest. I wasn't sure whether to trust him, but the Guille Forest was only a quick detour from my destination, so I went. Upon arriving, I found a massive gate - the entrance to a dungeon, the very place we're in now. At first, I hesitated to enter, but voices urged me to go inside, repeatedly saying, 'Save her.' So, I ventured in, encountering numerous beasts along the way. I eventually reached a chamber with a small red crystal, in the form of a cube, suspended in the air by chains. The voice insisted I 'save her' and 'destroy the crystal,' so I did. When the crystal shattered, a blinding light enveloped me. When I could see again, you were in front of me. Hard to believe, right?"

Calendula furrowed her brows and replied, "So you're telling me that you came here following the advice of a stranger who claimed to be an oracle and after hearing voices that told you to save a woman you don't even know?"

Trias chuckled. "Yes, you're absolutely right."

"Hmm, I must admit, it's not the most believable story."

"Well, if anyone had witnessed you decimating that serpent in seconds, they'd probably find that unbelievable too."

"What do you mean?"

"I doubt there's anyone on this continent who can dispatch a giant serpent that quickly."

"Really? Ah, but what is a dungeon? What is this place?"

"About fifty years ago, mysterious energy spheres appeared in our world. For years, no one could figure out their purpose. Then, three years after their appearance, monsters started emerging from these spheres. One by one, monsters kept coming out, and whenever it occurs, we call it a 'dungeon break.' We call it a dungeon because the gate seemed like it was holding back the monsters from entering our world. This place is one of those dungeons that appeared in our world."

"So, who am I?"

"What do you mean? I should be the one asking you."

Calendula's face took on a somber expression. "I don't know."

"What is your name?"

"I don't have one."

Calendula pursed her lips. Then, she proceeded to explain her lack of memory, how she had no recollection of her past, and had been confined in a cube-like room for years.

"Trias, is it unusual for someone not to have a name?"

"Yes, it is, I suppose."

"Could you give me one?"

Trias felt a twinge of sympathy. "Alright. From now on, your name is Calendula."

"Calendula? Isn't that a flower?"

"The fire you conjured had a bright orange color, reminding me of it."

"I see. I am fond of that name, so I will go by Calendula, for now."

Trias smiled, "Calendula, since you are not familiar with this place, how would you feel if you were to join me on my journey?"

Calendula stared at Trias and hesitantly replied, "Alright, I will join you for now. Where are we heading?"

"Roth, a small village two days away from this dungeon."

"Lead the way, Trias."

Calendula and Trias stepped out of the chamber and into a dimly lit hallway, strewn with the lifeless remains of defeated monsters. Calendula couldn't help but wonder,  is this his doing?

As they ventured deeper into the hallway, Calendula's gaze fixed upon a massive black sphere of pulsating energy that barred their path. Curiosity piqued, she couldn't resist asking, "Is that the dungeon gate you were speaking of?"

"Yes," Trias confirmed, his voice resolute, "Now, come. Let's leave this dungeon."

With that, Trias and Calendula stepped through the enigmatic gateway. Before Calendula could grasp what was happening, they found themselves transported to the Guille Forest.

Calendula's eyes widened in astonishment as she stepped into the forest. She had spent her entire life confined within the sterile walls of the chamber, never having laid eyes on the wonders of nature. The sight that greeted her left her utterly captivated.

The forest stretched in every direction, its towering trees forming a dense canopy overhead, filtering the sunlight into a dappled, enchanting pattern. The air was thick with the invigorating scent of earth and greenery, a fragrance she had never experienced before. Birds sang melodiously in the treetops, their cheerful notes filling the air, while an orchestra of rustling leaves whispered tales of ancient secrets.

Calendula reached out to touch the rough bark of one of the nearby trees, marveling at the sensation under her fingertips. The world beyond the chamber was a world of endless discoveries and unknown beauty, and she was utterly entranced by its lush, vibrant embrace.

Trias, observing her reaction, couldn't help but smile. "It's quite something, isn't it? The forest, I mean. You've been deprived of this your whole life, haven't you?"

Calendula nodded, her eyes still drinking in the new world around her. "I've never seen anything like it. It's... magnificent."

Trias extended his hand to her and says, "Come, Calendula. Let me show you the wonders of this world."

Despite having just met Trias, he was the only person she had ever known, and she couldn't suppress her curiosity about the incredible experiences he might unveil to her.

Hand in hand, they ventured deeper into the forest, the unspoiled beauty of the natural world unfurling before Calendula's awestruck eyes with each step, revealing a realm of enchantment and surprises she had never dared to dream of.