getting ready
Upon awakening in the morning, I surveyed the surroundings only to find that Eve was absent from the bedroom.
Me (thoughtfully): Where could she have ventured?
After a brief interlude, I disembarked from the bed, assuming an upright position, and made my way towards the door. With a gentle turn of the handle, I exited the room, finding myself in the hallway.
Me (inwardly): Ah, perhaps she is currently engaged in a cleansing ritual. I, too, must tend to my personal hygiene and partake in a rejuvenating shower.
Subsequently, I commenced my stroll along the hallway, mindful of my attire which consisted solely of a lack of undergarments and trousers. It became paramount to swiftly locate a suitable lavatory facility.
Me: ...
After a few minutes of traversing the hallway, my journey led me to a substantial door. As I neared its vicinity, an audible sound reached my ears—a symphony reminiscent of running water.
Me (thoughtfully): It appears someone is currently engaged in the act of bathing.
After a momentary pause, I proceeded to gently knock upon the door.
Me: Is there anyone present within?
Following my query, a familiar voice, belonging to Eve, resonated from within:
Eve: Indeed, I am presently immersed in a showering endeavor.
Me: Um, would it be permissible for me to enter? For I find myself in a state of partial undress...
Eve: Certainly! Please, do come in...
Upon receiving her consent, I cautiously opened the door, stepping into the bathroom and ensuring its closure behind me. As my gaze swept across the space, I beheld Eve gracefully enveloped by the cascading water.
Eve: Ah, how fortuitous. Join me, won't you?
In response, I unfastened and discarded my shirt with a fluid motion, subsequently making my way towards her, entering the shower's domain.
And so, now I stand before her, the water's embrace enveloping us both...
She bestowed upon me a gentle gaze, her countenance adorned with a soft smile.
Eve: Let us attend to your ablutions, for you are in need of a thorough cleansing.
With those words, Eve gracefully descended, her delicate touch caressing my visage before commencing the process of showering me.
Water cascaded over my form, eradicating any remnants of our previous intimacy, cleansing away her essence.
After several minutes, she ceased the flow of water, setting the showerhead aside.
Eve: Now, we shall avail ourselves of some cleansing agent.
She retrieved a bottle of soap, and with deliberate care, dispensed the liquid upon my body, bestowing upon me a sensation of utmost relaxation and serenity.
Soon after, she retrieved the showerhead, activating the water once more, as she resumed the task of showering me.
A few more minutes transpired as we indulged in the shared act of cleansing, meticulously purifying ourselves.
Afterward, we reached a mutual conclusion, halting our endeavors under the shower's embrace.
Eve, with a radiant smile, proceeded to deactivate the showerhead, carefully setting it aside. Her gaze descended upon me once more, filled with warmth.
Eve: Splendid, we have successfully cleansed ourselves. Shall we make our departure?
We stepped out of the shower, finding ourselves in the center of the bathroom.
Me: Hm, we are in need of garments and towels...
Eve: Fret not...
Eve then summoned forth the power within her, her glove still adorning her hand since our arrival. Within moments, two towels and appropriately sized attire materialized on the floor, patiently awaiting our donning. I cast a brief glance towards Eve.
Me: My, my, it appears you hold great affection for the gift bestowed upon you by Derek—the glove, that is.
Eve: Indeed, it serves as a cherished present, a token of appreciation. I shall employ it for virtuous endeavors.
Now, let us proceed with our preparations...
After several minutes dedicated to drying ourselves following our shower, we commenced the process of adorning ourselves with the newly acquired garments. Soon enough, we stood fully attired.
Me: Very well, we are ready to depart...
I proceeded to open the door, exiting the bathroom, with Eve following suit, now standing beside me. We found ourselves in the hallway, ready to embark on our next destination.
Together, we walked in the direction leading to the living room, a journey that took a couple of minutes to complete. Upon arrival, we noticed Derek seated on his couch, engrossed in television.
Me: Greetings, Derek.
Upon hearing my voice, Derek turned his attention towards us.
Derek: Hi, good morning.
Me: Good morning. Where is Rythmeus?
As I posed the question, Rythmeus materialized, seemingly out of thin air, standing a few meters in front of us.
Rythmeus: Good morning. How are you all?
Me: Derek, Eve, and I are in good spirits. Thank you for inquiring.
Rythmeus: I am pleased to hear that. So, what are your current pursuits?
Me: We are merely indulging in relaxation, nothing of great significance.
Rythmeus: I understand. By the way, do you have any plans regarding the Black King?
Me: Hm, I have been plagued by a sense of foreboding. I strongly believe that we may encounter "him" in the future, and caution must be exercised.
Rythmeus: I see. Do you have any strategies in mind?
Me: Well, "he" could potentially descend upon us, confronting us here. Alternatively, we could venture into "his" realm once more and confront "him" there.
Rythmeus: Hm, so the options are either "his" appearance here or confronting "him" in "his" realm.
Derek: What do you think we should do? Shall we enter "his" realm or await "his" arrival?
Me: I am uncertain at the moment. Let us step outside first...
Rythmeus: Very well...
After a brief interlude, Derek gracefully rose from the couch, making his way toward us until he stood beside me.
Me: Rythmeus, please join us. It is time for you to accompany us on our journey.
Rythmeus: Very well. Let us proceed.
Rythmeus approached us, now standing in front of our small group.
Rythmeus: We should venture outside. Perhaps we will revisit the desert or explore the base.
After a few moments, we embarked in the direction that led to the exit.
Several minutes passed, and we found ourselves outside.
Rythmeus: So, shall we make our way to the desert?
Me: Agreed.
With that settled, we began our journey toward the desert, eager to uncover what awaited us there.
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THE BLACK KING'S POV:
There is no purpose in creating additional subordinates with the intention of dispatching them to pursue Liran and his companions, for they possess an overwhelming level of power that surpasses the capabilities of my minions...
Liran's mere existence challenges my authority and represents a significant menace to my reign... He and his allies must be eradicated, and the sole entity capable of accomplishing such a task is none other than myself.
Nevertheless, I find myself compelled to locate him, as his presence eludes my senses, impeding my ability to employ my supernatural abilities in tracking him down...
However, I am cognizant that both 'Death' and 'despair' met their demise within the arid expanse of the desert...
Therefore, it is solely within the confines of the desert that I can potentially encounter him.
I, with unwavering determination, shall uncover your whereabouts, and you and your associates shall be confronted by my formidable presence...
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