The Echoes Of The Abyss
Chapter 8 - The Hidden Secrets

After successfully escaping the fight against the terrifying monsters, Lian and Eris continued their journey towards the exit of the labyrinth. However, during their trip, Lian felt that something was wrong with Eris. He was hiding something, and Lian felt the need to know what it was.

"Lian, what's going on?" eris asked, seeing that Lian paused for a moment.

"What are you hiding?" ask Lian.

Eris paused for a moment before finally answering, "What do you mean?"

"What are you hiding from me?" ask Lian again.

Eris sighed and then said, "Alright, I'll tell you. I actually come from a different world, a magic world that exists on the surface. I went to this underground world to find someone important to me."

Lian was surprised to hear that. He never expected that Eris was a magician from the magical world. However, he also felt grateful that Eris had trusted him and shared his secret.

"Eris, thank you for telling me. I promise I'll help you find the person you're looking for" Lian said.

Eris smiled and nodded. "I know I can trust you, Lian. We're gonna finish this adventure together."

They continued their journey towards the exit of the labyrinth, with closer to each other than before. Lian feels that she is starting to fall in love with Eris, and she hopes that Eris feels the same way.

After a while, they arrived in front of the exit. However, the door was locked and they were unable to open it. They searched for keys or other ways to open them, but to no avail.

"I have an idea" said Eris. "I will use my magic to open this door."

Lian was worried, because she knew that Eris' magic could be very dangerous. However, he also knew that they had no other choice.

Eris began to summon her magic, and she let out a bright white light from her hand. The light spread throughout the door and finally opened it.

They came out of the labyrinth and found themselves in front of a vast cave. They saw the light in the distance and ran towards the light source.

They arrived at a place decorated by sparkling crystals and beautiful waterfalls. They felt enchanted by the beauty of the place and clucked in awe.

However, that state of affairs changed abruptly when they saw someone they did not expect to emerge from the darkness. That person was a long-haired, black-robed man who seemed to possess extremely powerful magic abilities. Lian and Eris immediately prepared themselves to fight against the man, but he showed no signs of wanting to injure them.

"Our fight is not over yet" the man said in a low voice. "However, I won't hurt you. I just want to warn you about the dangers you will face in the future."

Lian and Eris looked at each other, confused by the man's words. However, they felt that something was right from his warning.

"We are ready to face whatever comes" Eris replied firmly.

The man nodded. "alright. However, you should know that this underground world holds many dangerous secrets. There are people who will utilize magic power for their own sake, and you must be careful of who you believe in."

Lian and Eris contemplated the man's words carefully. They knew that they had to be careful, but they also did not know who they could trust.

"Thank you for the warning" Lian said sincerely. "We'll be careful."

The man nodded, then disappeared into the darkness. Lian and Eris took a deep breath, realizing that they had to face a greater danger than they thought. However, they also felt more prepared to deal with it, thanks to the warning from the mysterious man.

What they did not expect came out of the darkness. That person was a long-haired, black-robed man who seemed to possess extremely powerful magic abilities. Lian and Eris immediately prepared themselves to fight against the man, but he showed no signs of wanting to injure them.

"Our fight is not over yet" the man said in a low voice. "However, I won't hurt you. I just want to warn you about the dangers you will face in the future."

Lian and Eris looked at each other, confused by the man's words. However, they felt that something was right from his warning.

"We are ready to face whatever comes" Eris replied firmly.

The man nodded. "alright. However, you should know that this underground world holds many dangerous secrets. There are people who will utilize magic power for their own sake, and you must be careful of who you believe in."

Lian and Eris contemplated the man's words carefully. They knew that they had to be careful, but they also did not know who they could trust.

"Thank you for the warning" Lian said sincerely. "We'll be careful."

The man nodded, then disappeared into the darkness. Lian and Eris took a deep breath, realizing that they had to face a greater danger than they thought. However, they also felt more prepared to deal with it, thanks to the warning from the mysterious man.

Lian and Eris watched silently from their hiding place. They do not want to attract the attention of the person and ruin their plans to explore the labyrinth further.

The person moves slowly, like he is looking for something. They could hear the sound of his heavy and regular footsteps as he walked between the dark alleys. He looked like a strong and sturdy man, with a black robe and long, unraveling black hair.

Lian saw that Eris seemed to have known the person and was curious. "You know him?" tanyanya slow.

Eris nodded, but her face looked serious. "Yes, he is one of the vassals of the dark lord who rules this underground world. He's very dangerous."

Lian gulped heavily. He knew that the followers of the dark lord were the most powerful and ruthless group in this underground world. If the person is a member of the group, it means that they have to be careful.

They kept watching the man from their hiding place, but he suddenly stopped and turned around. "What should we do now?" asked Lian worriedly.

Eris took a deep breath before replying. "We have to hide and hope he doesn't find us."

The two of them immediately looked for a better hiding place. They ran through dark, dead-end hallways until they found a small room hidden behind a hidden door.

They sneaked in and closed the hidden door carefully. They sat in the corner of the room and waited with tense breaths.

They could hear the man's footsteps as he walked in the hallway outside the hidden door. They could feel their hearts pounding as he stopped in front of the door.

However, after countless moments, the man finally walked away and they could hear his footsteps drifting away.

Lian and Eris blinked in relief as the sound of the man's footsteps grew further and finally disappeared. They remain in their hiding place for some more time, only to ensure that no more threats lurk.

When they finally felt safe enough to continue, they opened the hidden door and exited the small room. They returned to the path they had taken earlier and continued their journey through the dark labyrinth.

Lian and Eris no longer spoke of the person they found in the corridor as they continued their journey forward. They walked carefully through the winding and narrow corridors, avoiding the traps and holes hidden underground.

After walking for some time, Lian and Eris arrived at a fairly large room. The room was dark, but Lian felt that something was wrong there. He felt the presence of creatures around him.

"Eris, I don't think we're alone here" Lian said.

Eris felt the same way. He prepared his magic and told Lian to keep watch. A short while later, some creatures came out of the darkness and attacked them.

Lian and Eris fought tenaciously against the creatures, dodging their swift and dangerous attacks. Lian uses her sword and Eris summons her magic, and together they manage to defeat the creatures.

After fighting off a group of creatures, they continued their journey. As they explore the room, Lian and Eris discover a passageway hidden behind a curtain. They followed the passage and finally arrived at a large secret room.

In the middle of the room was an old wooden table with many books and a roll of pergamings on it. In the corner of the room was a wooden cabinet filled with strange items and mysterious objects. Lian and Eris walked around the room and researched every single object they found.

"I feel like this is a witch's room" Eris said.

Lian and Eris began to study the contents of the books that were on the wooden table. They found a lot of useful information about this underground world as well as about magic. Some books even provide instructions on how to get out of the underground world.

Suddenly, the door of the room opened and someone entered it. Lian and Eris were surprised to see that person. It was the same person they had met in the corridor earlier. That person looked at them with a sharp and mysterious gaze.

"You two sneaked into my room" said the man.

Lian and Eris tried to explain the reason they were in the room, but the person remained in disbelief.

"I saw you two in the corridor earlier. You are strangers and you have no right to be here" he said.

Lian and Eris felt trapped. They don't know how to convince that person that they don't mean anything bad. Suddenly, Eris spoke in a soft voice.

"We're both looking for a way out of this underground world. We have no evil intentions and just want to survive the danger that threatens us here" Eris said.

Lian added, "We know that you may not believe us, but we have no other choice but to try to convince you that we will not do anything to harm you."

The mysterious person was still speechless, but they felt that there was a little progress since he no longer pointed his spear at them. After a while, the person finally said in a heavy voice, "Alright, I will trust you for now. But you must obey my rules if you want to continue living here."

Lian and Eris nodded in agreement, they were relieved that they had managed to convince the person. That person takes them to a safer place, where they can rest and make preparations for their next adventure.

After some time passed, Lian and Eris got closer to each other. They spent a lot of time together, talking about everything they experienced and fighting against the dangers in this underground world. However, Lian felt that something was hidden by Eris.

One night, while they were resting in a cave, Lian tried to open a conversation with Eris. "Eris, there's something you're hiding from me, isn't there?"

Eris looked at Lian with an enigmatic gaze. "What do you mean, Lian?" tanyakanya.

Lian took a deep breath before replying, "I feel like there's something you're hiding from me. I know you have very strong magic abilities, but you never really talked about it with me."

Eris paused for a moment before finally revealing the great secret she had been hiding. "Lian, I'm not actually the human you think I am. I am a creature from this underground world, born with extremely powerful magic abilities. I feel attached to you because you're the only human being who's ever been nice to me in this world."

Lian felt surprised to hear that, but at the same time, she felt closer to Eris. "I don't care who or what you really are, Eris. You're still my best friend and I'll always be there for you" Lian said with confidence.

Eris smiled with relief at Lian's words. They feel closer to each other, and their relationship develops into more than just a friend. However, in an underground world filled with dangers, nothing could be guaranteed.

Hearing Eris' words, the man stood up straight and looked at them intently. "You're looking for a way out of here?" ask her with a hoarse voice.

Lian and Eris nodded simultaneously.

"Then you seek the impossible" replied the man in a bitter tone. "Nobody can get out of here. Except..," he said silent for a moment before continuing, "unless you have the key to the missing exit."

"Lock the exit?" ask Lian. "What's that?"

The man took a long breath. "The exit of this world is locked, and can only be opened with a lost key. That lock can open every door here, but unfortunately, no one knows where the key is."

Lian and Eris were disappointed to hear the news. They thought they had found a way out of the underground world, but in reality, they were still stuck there.

"However, you're lucky" the man continued suddenly. "Because I know who might be able to help you find that key."

"Who?" ask Eris.

"A very powerful witch" replied the man. "Name Gwendolyn. He was the only one who knew where the key was. However, to be able to meet him, you must pass through several obstacles."

"What obstacles?" ask Lian.

"A barrier that can't be explained with words," the man replied in a hoarse voice. "You must find your own way. But the only clue I can give you is.never trust anyone here."

Lian and Eris looked at each other. They know they have to be careful. The underground world was full of dangers and unbelievable people. However, they had no choice but to find a way out from there.

"Thank you for your lead" said Eris. "We'll find Gwendolyn and the key."

The man just nodded and left them. Lian and Eris continued their journey, down the dark and winding passageways. They walked for hours, passing dead ends and roads that continued to branch.

As the sun began to set, they arrived at an enormous cave. In the middle of the cave, there was a pool of clear water. Lian and Eris walked towards the pond, and they saw the shadow of someone by the side of the pond.

They walked slowly, and as they approached, they, they saw that it was a young lady with blonde hair and dazzling green eyes The young lady looked scared and surprised when she saw Lian and Eris. He immediately held his bag tighter and took a few steps back.

"Look, we're not going to hurt you" Lian said gently, trying to ease the woman's fear.

"Don't believe it" the woman replied in a trembling voice. "The two of you may just be disguised as saviors, but you're actually the bad guys who want to steal my treasure."

Lian and Eris looked at each other. They could feel the fear and mistrust of the woman. However, they also knew that they had to help him, regardless of how the situation looked.

"Maybe you can tell us what happened," Eris said gently, trying to calm the woman down. "We might be able to help."

The woman looked doubtful, but after a while, she finally explained that she was a witch who was estranged from the witch community because she discovered an extremely powerful and extremely dangerous ancient magic book. He had been looking for a way to destroy the book, but he had no idea how. Now, he feels chased by evil witches who want to harness the power of the book.

Lian and Eris looked at each other. They knew that the book had to be destroyed as quickly as possible before it fell into the wrong hands.

"We will help you," Lian said firmly. "We'll protect you from them."

The woman looked doubtful, but she finally nodded in agreement. The three of them continue on a journey together, looking for a way to destroy the book and escape from the evil witches who are chasing them. Their journey is full of obstacles and dangers, but they manage to get through it all with the help of each other.

Eventually, they arrive at an ancient temple that is thought to be where the book was hidden. They must face even greater obstacles, including deadly traps and terrifying creatures, but they manage to fight them all.

Finally, they found the ancient magic book and managed to destroy it. As they exit the temple, the woman thanks Lian and Eris and asks them to join her back into the witch community.

Lian and Eris refused, saying that they still had a trip to do. However, they parted with the woman warmly and promised that they would always be ready to help her if she needed it.

Afterwards, Lian and Eris again continue on their journey, realizing that they may never find a way out of this complicated underground world. However, they continue to struggle and navigate a deadly maze, trying to survive and find a way out.

As they continue their journey, they encounter many dangers and obstacles, including traps and vicious creatures. However, they also discover some wonders, such as beautiful and mysterious places, as well as kind-hearted people who help them on their journey.

During their adventure, Lian and Eris become increasingly close, and their relationship develops into more than just friends. They begin to feel romantic feelings for each other, though they are not entirely sure what it means in this mysterious underground world.

However, in the midst of their journey, they discover a hidden secret, which can change everything. They learn that the people they met before are part of a group trying to take over the underground world and control it for their own sake.

Lian and Eris were shocked and staggered by the truth they found. They know that they must take action, but they are also aware that their actions can trigger unavoidable consequences.

In an arduous and sacrificial decision, Lian and Eris decide to join a rebel group fighting the group, for the good of their beloved underground world. They led the rebel forces in a great battle against the evil group, and although they faced many hardships and risks, they managed to win the battle.

After the battle, Lian and Eris continue on their journey to find a way out of this complicated underground world. They eventually find a way out and return to the surface world, only to discover that they have fundamentally changed during their underground adventure.

They are no longer just teenagers separated from their families, but become heroes and leaders who have great influence in the underground world. Although they know that they will always miss their adventures and the mysterious underground world, they are also aware that they must continue their lives in the surface world, and face new challenges that await in the future.