Chapter 10

He carefully picked up Irina from the table where she had dozed off, her body instinctively moving closer to him as he cradled her in his arms. He laid her down on the bed, and as he settled beside her, she shifted in her sleep, reaching out to him.

Her arms wrapped around him, and her head rested gently against his chest, her breathing deep and relaxed. He looked down at her peaceful face, feeling the warmth of the moment, before turning to Sallen.

"Let her sleep," he said quietly. "We can handle it in the morning." Sallen's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned against the table, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, such closeness with your maiden," she said, her voice lilting with mock playfulness.

"It seems I missed a golden opportunity to be your chosen one." He met her gaze, unbothered by the jest.

"Maybe," he replied, his tone even, "but that opportunity requires more than just words." The teasing look on Sallen's face faltered for a brief moment, surprised by his calm response.

She hadn't expected him to brush off her provocation so effortlessly. Regaining her composure, she tilted her head, a subtle hint of challenge in her eyes.

"Bold of you," she said, her voice now laced with intrigue rather than mockery. 

 ...

In the morning, he was already awake, waiting for Irina to wake up.

He sat in the stillness of the room, the first light seeping through the cracks in the shutters. Irina lay beside him, her breathing even and serene, the blindfold covering her eyes. He glanced at her peaceful form, taking a moment to gather his thoughts for the day ahead.

After some time, Irina stirred, sensing his presence. She quietly moved her hands, adjusting herself as she slowly sat up, her movements careful.

"Umm… my Lord…" she whispered, her voice soft and hesitant.

He reached out to steady her, his touch gentle. "You're awake. Good. We need to get ready," he said, keeping his tone calm and reassuring.

Before Irina could respond, Sallen's voice cut through the silence from across the room. "Morning, little maiden. Time to turn runes into strength," she said, her eyes flicking between them with an expectant look.

Irina nodded as she slowly stood up, holding onto him for support. "How… do I do it?" she asked, the uncertainty in her voice betraying her inexperience with the process.

Sallen smirked, stepping closer. "Nothing complicated. Just stand close to him. And if possible, remove some of your clothing so you can receive the full effect."

Irina's face flushed a deeper shade of pink as she let the dress slide from her shoulders, revealing the thin garments beneath. Though not fully bare, she felt exposed and vulnerable.

"Good. Let's begin," Sallen said.

She carefully placed the runes in a circle around them, each one glowing faintly as they were set into position. The room's atmosphere shifted. The light from the runes pulsed gently, casting an otherworldly glow that enveloped the three of them.

"Stand close," Sallen instructed. He moved closer to Irina, wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her as the ritual's energy swirled to life.

The runes began to emit a low, resonant sound, and the air crackled with unseen power. Irina took another deep breath, leaning into him.

The room seemed to shudder as the runes' glow intensified, their soft light flaring into a brilliant, almost blinding aura. The hum of energy deepened.

Suddenly, the energy surged forward, rushing through him like a torrent. His vision blurred for a moment as the power enveloped him, seeping into every fiber of his being. The sensation was overwhelming—raw, untamed strength coursed through his veins, igniting his senses with a sharp clarity he had never experienced before. 

Sallen stepped forward, the corners of her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "I see it worked. You're stronger now," she said, eyes gleaming with approval. "More powerful than ever."

He turned his gaze to Irina, his voice low with curiosity. "Hmmm, Irina… do you feel different?"

Irina slowly lifted her head, her senses acutely aware of the shift in her body. She placed a hand to her chest, the warmth of the ritual still lingering there. "I… I feel it," she said, her voice steady but soft. "I feel… more energy. Like I have more stamina, more strength… it's like I could move for hours without tiring."

She flexed her fingers slightly, a small smile touching her lips as she felt the surge of vitality flowing through her. It wasn't just physical strength; it was as if the very core of her being had been renewed.

She adjusted the garments she had partially removed during the ritual, carefully slipping her dress back on, though it felt lighter.

Sallen observed Irina's movements, her eyes narrowing slightly as she evaluated the change. "You look different," she said, her tone appraising, her voice quieter now as she took a step closer.

Sallen stepped closer, her fingers lightly grazing Irina's arm, as if testing the energy still rippling beneath her skin. "Hmm, the change is significant. You've gained more stamina, more power than I expected."

"I'll be checking on the progress of my abilities," he said quietly, turning toward the exit. "Sallen will guide you. I'll return shortly."

Irina nodded.

As he slowly walked out of the underground chamber and arrived at the ruins' exit, he pondered what to do next. Where should he go?

Should he head to the Church of Marika? Perhaps he could help that knight, Kenneth Haight, reclaim his castle, or should he consider taking over the castle himself?

But for that, he would need a better weapon. Right now, he only had a simple, ordinary sword.

Best option for weapon should be a uchigatana which he can find in a dungeon though he should be able to fight against thoses skeletons in the dungeon now.. he thought 

"But first lets go to the third church of marika and get Flask of Wondrous Physick"

He mounted his horse and set off.

 ...

"Finally here," he muttered as he slipped into the church from the side, avoiding the troll at the entrance. Inside, his eyes settled on the statue of Marika, its presence commanding and serene.

Near the statue, an altar caught his attention. He approached, found the Flask of Wondrous Physick, and quickly secured it.

Stepping back outside, he mounted his horse and made his way toward the Mistwood, determined to gather the Spiked Cracked Tear and Greenspill Crystal Tear.

Upon arriving near the Minor Erdtree, he dismounted and collected the tears with practiced swiftness.

And how he forget Siofra River Well? there he could find a good weapon for himself He remembered the Clayman's Harpoon—a spear with the Impaling Thrust ability.

As he approached the entrance to Siofra River Well, he carefully skirted the area, mindful of the giant bear lurking nearby.

He secured his horse in a hidden spot and moved inside. Stepping onto the platform, the light beneath his feet glowed, and he began his descent into the depths below.

The cavernous space opened up as he descended, revealing the ethereal glow of the underground realm. Moments after reaching the bottom, he spotted one of the claymen in a distance wielding a harpoon.

Moving swiftly, he avoided a head-on confrontation and opted for a sneak attack. He sneaked behind one of the claymen and, with a single strike, killed it, taking the Clayman's Harpoon the weapon.

Before he could catch his breath, he saw movement—more claymen approaching, far too many for him to fight alone. Without hesitation, he stood and sprinted toward the platform. Just as he stepped on it, it lit up and began its ascent, taking him back up to safety.