Chapter Forty-Seven

( Location: The dungeon)

'This is peculiar, this water acts as a refresher but also as an elixir or potion. I've not drank any potions yet but from what I've heard they don't work half as well as this water...is this even water to begin with?'

Muichiro stood up, and with a flash twenty gigantic containers appeared before crashing into the ground.

Muichiro was going to collect as much as he could, that way he wouldn't have to buy any potions in the future. It was unfortunate however that he did not get the infinity container.

Moon had thought of giving him such an item but then she thought it was too much considering all the other things she had given him.

Slowly but surely Muichiro filled each container and each container could hold two tons of water or 2000 litres, he had twenty of them so 40,000 litres in total which, granted was a lot but not even a drop in this oasis.

After collecting as much water as he possibly could, Muichiro took off his haori and threw it into the air before it suddenly expanded and sucked all the containers in.

With that the extraction was complete, and he stayed in the oasis for a little longer before continuing his journey.

.....

Muichiro's steps took him through the thick and vibrant green vines of the forest, each footfall accompanied by the echo of his own heartbeat.

*Hahahaha-hahaha!!*Hahahaha-hahaha*

Muichiro froze...did he hear that right?

The laughter of children played on the edges of his perception, drawing him forward like an irresistible melody.

*Hahahaha-haha-hahaha!!*

Although confusion knit his brows together, Muichiro's hand remained firmly on his katana's hilt.

Emerging from the verdant passage, Muichiro stepped into a clearing bathed in dim light.

Before him, a procession of pillars stood, spaced evenly apart, leading his gaze toward an enigmatic altar.

He found himself confused now. Was he wrong, could people have already discovered this region of the dungeon or was this made by the dungeon itself? Regardless, his curiosity spurred him onward.

The pillars were unlike the moss-covered surroundings, their surfaces clean and untouched by nature's embrace.

At the apex of each pillar, a red glowing symbol caught his attention. Although the meaning eluded him, Muichiro meticulously sketched the symbol into his book, capturing it for future reference.

However, his focus was momentarily stolen away by the return of the distant laughter, now multiplied and filling the air around him.

Muichiro's senses went on high alert, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his katana.

Hahahaha-hahaha!! Hahahahahahaha!! HaHAHAHAHAHA...

.

.

.

.

.

The laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by a peculiar silence that hung in the air like a prelude.

His gaze shifted toward the altar, where a pillar of unprecedented size and magic stood.

Before his eyes, a transformation unfolded, akin to a magical rebirth. Like a phoenix emerging from the ashes, a luminescent blue plant bloomed atop the pillar, casting an otherworldly radiance across the clearing.

Mesmerized by the spectacle, Muichiro watched as layers of leaves unfurled, revealing the heart of the plant—a radiant sphere of blue light.

*BHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!*

Blinking in surprise, Muichiro's instincts kicked in, compelling him to duck. He huddled close to the ground as a powerful energy wave surged outward from the plant, sweeping through the surroundings with an irresistible force.

Leaves rustled, and the atmosphere trembled, yet nothing was destroyed. The wave surged onward, its journey stretching over kilometres before finally dissipating into the air.

As the echoes of the energy wave faded, Muichiro dared to raise his gaze once more.

What he saw next—the once-blooming plant had withered, leaving behind an unknown sphere of blue light.

The sphere pulsed and blinked like a living thing, drawing his attention as if it held secrets beyond comprehension.

"Did that light...just blink."

[Pi-li, pi-li, pi-li?!!!?]

Muichiro's surprise grew as the sphere seemed to emit a soft, musical sound—a sound like the delicate chiming of a bell.

His eyes widened as the sphere began to transform, its form stretching and shifting before his eyes.

Wings unfurled, antennae extended, and a head turned to regard its surroundings. The blue sphere had become a creature, an unknown being that looked at Muichiro with an energy of excitement.

Muichiro and the creature locked gazes, two beings from different worlds connected in a moment of wonder.

While Muichiro's confusion lingered, the creature's joy was palpable, a vibrant energy that seemed to radiate from every fibre of its being.

In this collision of worlds, amid the mysteries of the luminescent jungle, an unexpected encounter had taken place—one that would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on both Muichiro's journey and the cute little being that now stood before him.

...

As the enigmatic creature unfurled its delicate wings and extended its antennae, it seemed to embrace its newfound form with exuberance.

The tiny being, no larger than a palm, fluttered around Muichiro in a mesmerizing dance. Its movements were as graceful as the luminescent butterflies that had surrounded him earlier, and its presence radiated an aura of curiosity and playfulness.

Muichiro watched in silence as the creature soared through the air, emitting soft and musical chirps that resonated in the air.

Its energy was infectious, and Muichiro observed the creature's antics with a detached yet focused gaze.

With each graceful turn and twist, it became increasingly evident that this creature was a bundle of curiosity, exploring its surroundings with an innocence that Muichiro found intriguing.

The creature's ethereal glow cast a gentle light on Muichiro's features as it flitted closer to him.

It circled around his head, its wings creating a soft, soothing hum that resonated in the air. Muichiro instinctively reached out his hand, hoping to establish some form of connection.

"It looks like it's made of pure light...can I touch it."

With a gentle flutter, the creature landed on his outstretched palm, its delicate form weightless against his skin.

Muichiro held his hand steady, allowing the creature to remain on his palm as it explored its temporary perch.

His eyes remained focused on the creature, taking in the contours of its luminous wings and the intricacies of its antennae.

But as Muichiro tried to ask it questions, he realized that their communication was beyond words. He could sense the creature's curiosity and joy, yet the nature of its language eluded him.

The corners of Muichiro's lips twitched in a fraction of a smile, a subtle acknowledgement of the moment's peculiar charm.

He studied the creature, noting its movements and behaviour with his usual calm and collected demeanour.

Deciding to let go of any expectations of conversation, Muichiro resumed his passive observation.

With the creature nestled in his palm, he extended his arm and spun in a slow circle, allowing the creature to enjoy the view. Its tinkling laughter echoed in the air, harmonizing with the soft sound of its wings.

After a while, Muichiro's gaze shifted to the sketchbook that lay beside him. Inspiration struck him, and he picked up the blank book.

With methodical strokes, he began to draw, capturing the creature's essence on the page. The curves of its wings, the shimmer of its glow, and the lively glint in its eyes all came to life under his pencil.

As the final lines were drawn, Muichiro held up the sketchbook to show the creature its own appearance.

The creature tilted its head inquisitively, its gaze shifting between the drawing and itself. A sense of recognition seemed to pass through its eyes, as if it understood the portrait was of no one else but itself.

With his hands steady and composed, Muichiro closed the sketchbook and held it out to the creature, as if offering it a gift. "This is for you," he murmured, his voice soft and devoid of any overt emotion.

Muichiro was told when meeting people, one should offer a gift...but now that he thinks about it how will this creature even hold or keep the book when it has no hands?

The creature hovered before the open sketchbook for a moment before curiously touching it with its delicate wing.

And then, something unexpected happened. As Muichiro lowered the sketchbook, the creature flitted up and over, circling around him once before settling onto his shoulder.

Its tiny form nestled against his ear, and Muichiro felt the gentle touch of its wings against his skin.

It emitted a series of contented, guttural noises that resembled a mixture of a hum and a purr.

Muichiro couldn't help but stare at the creature's newfound perch. "Well, it would seem you've decided to follow me...very well."

Muichiro accepted this new companion of his, and he looked around one last time at the pillar that had seemingly birthed this bundle of cuteness and light.

Muichiro then turned around and started walking back on his original path.

.....

For now, you can refer to the creature as Pii, as that's the only sound it can let out of its non-existent mouth.

(Picture of Pii - And any cute name suggestions for Muichiro's new pet/Companion.)