The Echoes Of The Abyss
Chapter 22: The Difficult Choices (Part 2)

Lian and Eris continue their journey inside the deadly labyrinth in the underground world. They continued to look for a way out, but every door they encountered was always locked. Finally, they reached a large room with a large door at the end. In front of the door, there are two different paths.

"Eris, we have to choose which path we should take?" ask Lian.

Eris looked towards the door and thought of the answer. After a while, he replied, "I'm not sure. Both of these paths are equally dangerous."

Lian was disappointed with Eris's reply. He wanted to find a way out of the underground world. He took the initiative to choose the first path that was in front of them.

"Eris, let's take this first path. We can't keep staying here" Lian said.

Eris nodded in agreement and they walked towards the first lane. However, they soon realized that it was a big mistake. The path is full of deadly traps and traps.

They struggle to survive, but the longer they get trapped. Lian and Eris protect each other and work together to overcome the obstacles in front of them. However, things get worse when they are attacked by a group of fierce creatures.

Lian and Eris fought desperately against their enemies. They use their skills and strength to defeat their enemies. However, there is one enemy stronger than the others, and Lian realizes that the only way to defeat him is to sacrifice himself.

"Run, Eris! I'll hold it!" lian shouted while attacking their enemies.

Eris refuses to leave Lian alone, but Lian tells him that it is the only way to protect her. With a heavy heart, Eris left Lian and went on a journey alone.

Eris is saddened and devastated by Lian's loss, but she knows that she must continue the journey alone. He kept looking for a way out of that underground world and finally found it.

After days of searching for a way out, Eris made it to the surface of the earth. He was happy to be out of the underground world, but his heart was still attached to Lian.

A few weeks later, Eris returns to the underworld to look for Lian. After fighting through a dangerous labyrinth, he finds Lian who has survived the fight. They reunite in happiness, but Eris soon tells Lian that they must get out of there.

"Lian, we need to get out of here right now, too" Eris said in seriousness.

Lian was confused, "Why should we leave now? Didn't we win?"

Eris explained, "No, Lian. We haven't won yet. There is a greater danger threatening us here. I can't explain everything right now, but trust me. We need to get out of here as soon as possible."

Lian felt sad when she had to leave the underground world that had been her home for several weeks. However, he knew that Eris would not ask him to leave for no apparent reason.

After going through several obstacles and avoiding some dangers, they finally came out of the labyrinth. They feel relieved when fresh air bursts into their lungs.

"We made it out" Lian said with relief.

Eris nodded, "Yes, but we're not safe yet. We need to keep moving and be careful."

They walk through the night, hiding in safe places and avoiding creatures that might disturb them. After a few days, they finally arrived at a small town far away from the underground world. They rented a room in the inn and took a break.

There, they talk about their adventures in the underground world and what they should do next. Eris explains that she must go to face even greater danger and that she cannot take Lian with her.

Lian feels disappointed and afraid of losing Eris again, but she knows that Eris has to do what she has to do. They hugged each other tightly and promised to always take care of each other.

"Don't worry, Lian. We'll meet again someday" Eris said with a smile.

Lian felt a little relieved hearing those words, and she promised to continue to survive and wait for Eris to return. They part ways in the morning, and Lian continues her journey in an unknown direction while carrying experiences and memories she will remember forever.

Eris nodded, understanding that Lian had a lot of consideration to think about. They continued their journey in silence, exchanging glances from time to time.

After several hours of walking, they arrived at a spacious room with a large altar in the middle. Lian stared at the altar in wonder, noticing the strange carvings and unfamiliar emblems. Eris approached the altar and touched its surface, making it tremble gently.

"Nothing I know about this altar," said Eris, staring at Lian. "But I feel a strong magic power coming from here. Maybe this is the key to escaping from here."

Lian nodded, understanding that this might be the only way to get out of this dark and dangerous underground world. He joined Eris beside the altar, and the two of them closed their eyes and clasped each other's hands. They took a deep breath and focused their minds on their same goal: escape this labyrinth and return to the surface world.

Instantly, a magic miracle spread from their hands and seeped into the altar. A green light shone brightly and a portal appeared in front of them. Lian and Eris opened their eyes and smiled at each other, happy that their efforts were successful.

"Let's go," said Lian, raising her hand to the portal. "I want to get out of here and get back into the real world."

Eris nodded and clasped her hands, and together they stepped through the wide-open portal.

They arrived at a dark room, and as their eyes grew accustomed to the light, they realized that they were in a large cave. They heaved a sigh of relief, happy that they had made it out of that underground world.

"Let's go," said Lian, extending her hand to help Eris stand up. "We have to find our way back to town."

They came out of the cave and continued on their way, walking through the forest and through the greenery hills. They tell each other about their adventures in the underground world, sharing stories of the battles and sacrifices they face.

As the sun began to set, they arrived at the outskirts of the city and looked at the small houses in the distance. Lian took a deep breath, feeling a great responsibility on her shoulders. He knew that he had to meet with his family and explain everything about his passing and the experiences he had lived through.

Eris nodded, feeling a little relieved that Lian insisted on returning to the surface. He himself was still thinking of a plan to defeat the Shadow Lord and end his rule over the underground world.

"Let's go" said Eris at last. "But remember, we're not finished here. Master Shadow is still in power, and there are many people who need our help."

Lian nodded, understanding that their adventure was not over yet. But at least now they can go back to the surface and try to find a normal life again.

They walked through the dark labyrinth, looking for a way out. After some time, they finally found a tunnel that brought them to the surface. They came out of the cave and felt the sunlight shining down on their faces.

Lian felt like she was already in a different world. He longs for the sunshine, fresh air, and colorful life on the surface. However, he also knew that he had learned a lot from his experiences in the underground world and he would never forget his adventures with Eris.

"Eris," Lian said after they walked for a while. "Thank you for everything. You saved my life and gave me an unforgettable experience. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't met you."

Eris smiled slightly. "Together, Lian. We saved each other there. And now, we'll do it again on the surface."

Lian nodded, feeling more confident because Eris was by his side. They walk towards the city and Lian feels that she has found a true friend in Eris. He knew that their adventure was not over yet and that they would return to the underground world someday, but for now, he was happy to only be able to see the sunset with Eris.

Eris was mixed to see Lian's decision. On one hand, he was relieved that Lian was still alive and he did not need to continue on his journey alone. But on the other hand, he was worried about the danger that Lian would face if they continued their journey in the underground world.

"But Lian, you don't know what's waiting for us there" he said in a soft voice.

Lian shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, but I have to try. This is the best way for me to move on with my life, even though I know that danger is always lurking here."

Eris agreed. He also understood that living in the underground world was very difficult and uncertain. They should be vigilant at all times and always ready to face any threatening danger.

"Well, I'll go with you" said Eris, finally agreeing. "We'll work together and survive together."

Lian smiled with relief. "Thank you, Eris. I can't do it without you."

They set off the next day, together navigating a dangerous maze. They fought against ferocious monsters and explored the dark alleys. They take turns keeping each other safe and helping each other when needed.

As they explore a large room filled with sand, they are suddenly attacked by a group of previously unseen large monsters. Lian and Eris fought it out, dodging monster attacks and trying to cripple them.

After a while of struggling, they finally managed to defeat those monsters. Lian smiled in excitement, feeling relieved that she managed to fight against the danger with the help of Eris.

"We did it" he said proudly.

Eris smiled at him. "We're great together."

Lian smiled and looked at Eris with a different look. He felt that there was a strong bond between them. Not only as a friend, but also as a life partner.

"Eris," said Lian slowly, looking at Eris sharply. "I know I can't promise anything yet, but I want you to know that I feel like something is growing between us. Something more than friendship."

Eris was surprised to hear those words, yet she felt both joy and relief in her heart. He looked at Lian with a gentle look and said, "I feel the same way too, Lian. We can fight this danger together, and I don't want to lose you."

Lian smiled widely and grabbed Eris' hand. They walked together towards the exit of the underground world. Their journey goes smoothly, though they still have to dodge some ferocious creatures and navigate the complicated labyrinth.

As they approached the exit, Eris stopped abruptly and turned her head towards Lian with a serious look. "There's something I have to do before we leave this place" Eris said.

Lian nodded, letting Eris do it. He had learned to trust the mysterious woman, although there were still many things he did not know about her.

Eris closed her eyes and started casting strange spells. A blue light lit up around him, and a rumbling sound rang out from within the ground. Lian felt a strong vibration under her feet, and she felt a little worried about what was going on.

However, after a while, all those vibrations and sounds subsided, and Eris opened her eyes. "Done," he said, with a big smile on his face.

Lian looked at Eris in surprise. "What are you doing?" tanyakanya.

Eris smiled mysteriously. "I'm just making sure that we'll never come back here again" he replied.

Lian was relieved. Although he longed for the adventure they had together, he did not want to ever return to that mysterious and dangerous underworld again.

They continued on their way to the exit, and after a while, they finally saw a bright shining sun in the distance. They ran towards the sunlight, and as they exited the tunnel, they felt a gust of fresh air on their faces.

Lian looked up at the blue sky and was delighted that she had made it out of that underground world. He also feels grateful that he met Eris and has embarked on an incredible adventure with her.

Eris looked at Lian with a smile on her face. "Thank you for everything, Lian," he said. "I can't do this without you."

Lian smiled and returned Eris' embrace. "I can't do it without you either" he said. "We've been through a lot together, and I'll never forget this adventure."

They continue their journey together, heading into the next adventure that awaits them out there. However, even though they were separated from that underground world, they would always bring memories of their adventures and the friendship they had built together.