Chapter 116 Volcano



We sailed onward, the boat gliding smoothly over the gentle swells. The remnants of the Tsunami faded into the distance, leaving behind a sense of awe and accomplishment. The air was tinged with a newfound serenity, the stormy chaos of moments ago replaced by a quiet stillness.

"..."

Rose and I sat side by side, our breathing gradually steadying as we let the reality of our survival sink in. It was a moment of reflection, a respite before the next challenge that awaited us on this arduous journey.

The sea stretched out before us, vast and endless, its azure depths holding secrets untold. We navigated through the calmer waters, our eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of the next chamber or obstacle that lay ahead.

As time passed, the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue upon the tranquil waters. The gentle sway of the boat lulled us into a state of peaceful contemplation. It was a welcome respite from the harrowing ordeal we had just endured, a chance to gather our strength and prepare for what lay ahead.

In the distance, we spotted a cluster of islands, their lush greenery a stark contrast against the deep blue sea. It was a promising sight, a glimmer of hope that beckoned us forward. With renewed determination, we set our course toward the islands.

Splash... Splash...

As we neared the islands, we marveled at their natural beauty. Tall palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, their leaves whispering secrets of the ages. Birds soared overhead, their melodious songs filling the air. It was a paradise untouched by time, a sanctuary amidst the turbulent seas.

'It's close...'

I steered the boat toward the largest of the islands, knowing that this was the right way to the exit. The shore approached, its white sandy beaches inviting us to step foot on solid ground once more. With careful precision, I guided the boat toward a small cove, ensuring a safe landing amidst the gentle waves.

Tap... Tap...

We disembarked, our feet sinking into the warm sand. The soft grains caressed our skin, a welcome sensation after the treacherous journey we had endured.

"Ugh..."

As soon as Rose left the boat she hugged herself and sighed in relief. It seems that she wasn't a very big fan of the sea.

Well nobody would be after experiencing what we had just gone through.

"So... Do you know what's next?"

After a few minutes Rose, finally, spoke, looking at me with her emerald eyes. It seems that she was aware that I probably knew everything about this place.

I met Rose's gaze, a knowing smile playing at the corners of my lips. I could see the curiosity and anticipation in her eyes, a reflection of the trust she had placed in me throughout this perilous quest. With a reassuring nod, I began to lead her toward the heart of the island, where our next challenge awaited.

The island's interior was a labyrinth of dense foliage and towering trees, their canopies casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. We navigated through the undergrowth, our steps careful and deliberate, mindful of the hidden dangers that may lurk within.

The air was heavy with the scent of exotic flowers and the chorus of chirping insects. The vibrant colors of the tropical plants painted a tapestry of natural beauty, a stark contrast to the trials we had faced thus far.

Tap... Tap...

With each step, we delved deeper into the heart of the island, following a path that seemed to beckon us forward. The terrain grew steeper, and the sound of rushing water filled the air, signaling the presence of a nearby waterfall.

We emerged from the dense foliage into a clearing, where a magnificent waterfall cascaded down a cliffside. Its crystalline waters sparkled under the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of shimmering droplets. The sight was breathtaking, a moment of tranquility amidst the challenges that lay ahead.

Splash... Splash...

Carefully, we made our way toward the base of the waterfall, the spray of water cooling our skin. It was a refreshing respite, a chance to rejuvenate before continuing our ascent. We drank from the pristine pool at the waterfall's edge, the water invigorating our weary bodies.

With renewed energy, we pressed onward, following the winding path that led us up the mountainside. The terrain grew increasingly rugged, with steep cliffs and rocky outcrops challenging our every step. But we persevered, driven by our shared determination and the promise of reaching our goal.

Step by step, we ascended the volcano that dominated the island's skyline. Its towering presence seemed both intimidating and awe-inspiring, its fiery history etched into its rocky surface. We braved the treacherous slopes, navigating the loose gravel and jagged rocks with utmost care.

The ascent was slow and arduous, but we kept our sights set on the summit. The air grew thinner as we climbed higher, and the heat radiating from the volcano intensified. Beads of sweat trickled down our brows, testament to the physical exertion required to conquer this formidable obstacle.

As we reached the rim of the volcano, a breathtaking panorama stretched out before us. The island lay spread out beneath our feet, its lush landscapes and azure waters a testament to nature's grandeur. We took a moment to catch our breath, allowing the magnitude of our journey to sink in.

I turned to Rose, a mixture of determination and apprehension in my eyes. It was time to reveal the next step of our journey, one that might seem unthinkable at first.

"Princess..."

I began, my voice steady but filled with a sense of urgency.

"To advance further, we need to jump into the heart of the volcano."

Rose's eyes widened, disbelief and fear etched across her face.

"Jump... into the volcano?"

She stammered, her voice trembling, looking at me like I was retarded. I could tell that she wasn't very happy about my plan, since it was practically a suicide.

I understood her hesitation. The idea of leaping into a fiery abyss seemed like a perilous gamble, a test of our faith and trust in the unknown. But I was 100% sure of what lay beyond, and I knew that this was the only way forward.

'Annoying...'

I reached out, placing a hand on Rose's shoulder, and spoke softly, trying to convey the gravity of our situation.

"Rose, I know it sounds unimaginable, but there's something more to this volcano. It's not just a leap into darkness; it's a passage to the next realm. I know it. Trust me."

I could feel my skin tingling from the proximity but this was the only way to convey my genuine intentions and somehow manipulate her into jumping into the lava.

I couldn't just push her since she was way stronger than me.

This was the only way to proceed.

Rose looked at me, her eyes filled with uncertainty and a flicker of trust. I could sense the battle waging within her, the clash between fear and the belief in something greater than ourselves. I knew I had to tread carefully, to find the words that would bridge the gap between doubt and conviction.

"Rose..."

I began, my voice steady and gentle.

"I understand your concerns, your reservations. But sometimes, the greatest leaps of faith are the ones that lead us to extraordinary places. This volcano is not just a path of destruction; it holds the key to our next destination."

She nodded, her grip tightening around my hand.

"But how can we be sure? How can we trust that this leap will lead us somewhere safe?"

I took a deep breath, searching for the words that would instill the faith she needed.

"Rose, throughout this journey, we have faced strange trials, and not a single one of them was a hindrance due to my knowledge. Please trust me again..."

A flicker of determination sparked in her eyes, overshadowing the fear that once clouded her gaze.

"You're right..."

She whispered, her voice unwavering.

"You truly know almost everything..."

I could see her eyes narrowing down, but a sense of relief also washed over me as I saw the glimmer of trust and determination in her eyes.

"Princess, I promise you this, I will go first. I will take that leap into the volcano"

As I neared the edge of the volcano, ready to take the leap into the Lava, Rose's hand shot out, gripping my arm with a newfound determination. Her emerald eyes bore into mine, reflecting a fierce resolve.

"No, we will jump together."

She declared firmly, her voice laced with determination.

"I trust you, and if this is our path forward, then we'll jump together."

Her words resonated deep within me, making me grimace a bit. Didn't she just hesitate to even think about such actions and now she's volunteering to jump together?

Was my speech that good?

"..."

I looked at her with my golden eyes before nodding. I didn't have any objections, since it wouldn't change a single thing.

Well, of course, the proximity was making it a bit difficult, but I could bear with it...

At least for a few minutes.