The Echoes Of The Abyss
Chapter 24: The Love that Grows

Lian felt her heart thump as she realized her feelings for Eris were deepening. During their adventure in the deadly underground world, she has seen the other side of Eris that fascinates her. Eris is a strong, smart, and beautiful woman, with incredible magic power. He also has a strong determination to complete his mission, which makes Lian even more fascinated with him.

However, Lian also felt wary of his feelings. He did not want to get too carried away by emotions and forget their main goal, which was to get out of that underground world. Moreover, he was unsure whether his feelings were reciprocated by Eris or not. Eris was always cold and unpredictable, leaving Lian feeling worried and confused.

One night, as they rest in a relatively safe place, Lian decides to express her feelings to Eris. He knew it was a risky decision, but he could not hold back his feelings anymore. He slowly approached the sleeping Eris and sat down nearby.

"Eris, I have to tell you something" Lian said carefully.

Eris woke up and looked at Lian with a sharp look. Lian felt trembling, but she continued to speak boldly. "I know we haven't known you for a long time, but I feel very close to you. I don't know if my feelings are reciprocated or not, but I want you to know that I really care about you."

Eris was silent for a moment, as if thinking what words to say. Then, she smiled and stroked Lian's soft hair. "I care about you too, Lian. You're a good friend and I'm honored to have an adventure with you."

Although Eris did not immediately reply with her feelings, Lian felt relieved and happy. He knows that his feelings are not in vain and he has shown the courage to express his feelings.

The next day, as they continue to navigate the deadly maze, Lian and Eris get closer to each other. They talk about their past, their hopes for the future, and their pent-up dreams. They also hold hands when they face difficult obstacles, providing support and strength to each other.

In those difficult moments, Lian felt that their relationship was getting stronger and her feelings were getting deeper. He knew that their adventure was not over and there were still many dangers to be faced, but he felt confident that they could overcome all of that together.

When they stop for a break in a beautiful cave, Lian and Eris talk to each other about their experiences in that underground world. Lian expresses her surprise when she first sees the magic of Eris, while Eris tells a little about her mysterious past and how she learned to master magic.

As they sit next to each other, Lian feels increasingly attracted to Eris and feels that she may be in love with her. However, he is still unsure what his feelings are reciprocated for, as Eris still seems to be harboring a lot of secrets.

While they rest, Lian shows Eris some of the objects she managed to grab during their adventure. One of them was the crystal he found in that cave. Eris was shocked to see the crystal and admitted that she had seen similar crystals in her past.

When Eris touched the crystal, suddenly a voice echoed from a distance. The voice grew louder and louder, and they both felt that it was an unfriendly voice.

"Eris, is that a sound?" ask Lian, scared.

Eris felt that the sound might have come from something deep inside the cave, and they had to be on their guard. They took their gear and moved carefully through the cave.

Suddenly, from within the darkness, a large and ferocious creature appeared. Lian and Eris confront each other and fight for their lives. However, when Lian is nearly mortally wounded, Eris sacrifices herself to save him.

Lian felt sad and lost after Eris died. He knew that he would not be able to get out of that underground world without Eris' help. However, he also felt grateful that Eris had given him a chance to survive and find a way out of the cave.

Lian took the crystal and felt that it was the only way to find a way out of that underground world. He promises himself that he will get out of there and move on with his life with the same courage and persistence as Eris. With a heavy heart, he continued on his own journey, while carrying the memories of Eris in his heart.

Lian felt her heart pound hard as Eris looked at her with a meaningful gaze. He knew there was something Eris wanted to say, and Lian was terrified by what she was going to say.

"Eris, what do you want to say?" lian asked, trying to control her nervousness.

Eris looked at Lian softly and replied, "Lian, I've long felt attached to you. I've never met someone like you before, and I feel that we have a strong bond."

Lian felt her heart thump even tighter as Eris spoke. She never thought that Eris would confess her feelings to him.

"I know that we're in a dangerous place and there may not be a definite future ahead of us, but I want you to know that I feel more alive when I'm around you," continued Eris. "What do you think of that?"

Lian felt her heart melt at Eris' words. She knows that her feelings for Eris have grown to become more than just friends.

"Eris, I feel the same way," Lian replied sincerely. "I also feel that we have a strong bond, and I want to live this adventure with you."

However, just as they felt safe in each other's arms, the sound of the roar of strong winds suddenly sounded from afar. Lian and Eris immediately withdrew from their embrace and took a combat-ready position.

"We have to be ready for whatever comes," said Eris, ready to cast her magic.

Lian nodded and grabbed her sword, ready to fight whatever appeared. The two of them stared towards the voice and waited with a thumping heart.

Suddenly, a huge shadow emerged from the darkness. Lian and Eris stared with great concentration as the creature drew closer.

As the creature got closer, they realized that it was a huge dragon. The dragon flew above them, emitting a hot gust of fire from its mouth.

Lian and Eris stood tall, ready to fight the dragon. They knew that this fight would be one of the toughest they had ever faced, but they would not give up without fighting it out.

In an instant, a great fight began. The dragon lunged at them quickly, and Lian and Eris dodged with an agile movement. They attacked the dragon with their swords and magic, causing massive injuries on the dragon's body. However, the dragon did not let himself lose just like that. With its long and powerful tail, the dragon attacked them fiercely, sending them flying backwards.

Lian felt her body fall hard to the ground. He felt pain all over his body, but he knew he could not give up. He stood up and raised his sword with determination. "Eris, don't give up!" yells.

Eris who was panting and bleeding, looked at Lian with excited eyes. He nodded, then took a deep breath, and cast a powerful magic spell. A bright white light emanated from his hand and spread throughout the dragon's body.

The dragon cried out in pain and continued to fight against Eris' magic, but over time, his attacks weakened and his body weakened. Lian and Eris worked together to attack the dragon fiercely, taking the opportunity at every opportunity to attack its weaklings. Finally, the dragon fell to the ground and was lifeless.

Lian and Eris were panting and sweating, but they felt very relieved. They manage to defeat the dragon and continue their adventure towards the exit of the mysterious underground world.

After they recovered, they continued their journey with renewed vigor. As they explore the intricate labyrinth, they discover more secrets and mysteries hidden within that underground world. However, they never give up and always work together to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead of them.

During their adventure, Lian and Eris begin to feel attracted to each other. They feel closer and more understanding of each other. However, they also realize that they must focus on their ultimate goal - to find a way out of the underground world and back into the real world.

Finally, after going through various obstacles and dangers, they found a way out of that underground world. They felt very relieved and happy as they came out to the surface and returned to the real world.

However, their adventure is not over. They realize that they have grown and learned a lot during their adventures. They feel stronger and more confident in their ability to face the obstacles that lie ahead of them. And in between all that, they realize that their love grows in that adventure and they together face everything that is to come.

When the dragon flew lower, Lian took the opportunity and jumped onto his back. He tried hard to balance himself on top of the wildly moving dragon body. Lian took out her sword and slashed the dragon wings with all her might. The dragon slid to the ground violently, sending dust and boulders flying everywhere.

Eris immediately chases Lian to the ground, ready to help her friend. The two of them attacked the dragon with their magic and swords, slashing and burning the dragon's body. The dragon suffered and struggled, but eventually its strength subsided and died among the dust and smoke.

Lian and Eris looked at each other, sighing in relief. They managed to defeat the dragon, but they felt an immense fatigue and pain. Lian looked at Eris and said, "Thank you for your help. We managed to defeat him together."

Eris smiled slightly and replied, "We help each other. There's no way I'm doing it without you."

Lian and Eris then walked slowly, trying to find a way out of the labyrinth. They passed through several passageways that seemed to be heading in the right direction, but it turned out that there was no way out at all. They kept walking, getting tired and desperate.

However, after walking for some time, they finally found a way out. The sunlight dazzled them as they exited the labyrinth. The two of them looked towards the sky and smiled, feeling an overwhelming relief.

"Lian," Eris said in a soft voice, "I feel very lucky to meet you in this underground world. You make me feel alive again, and I can never express how grateful I am to you."

Lian smiled, feeling her heart thump. She knows that she is already in love with Eris, and she cannot imagine her life without the mysterious woman. "I'm also lucky to meet you, Eris. You gave me courage and hope, and I'll never forget it."

The two of them looked at each other and smiled, feeling an indescribable happiness. They know that their adventure is not over yet, and that they still have to face many obstacles in the future. But they are no longer afraid. Together, they feel that nothing is impossible.