Erend's vision blurred for a moment as a notification flashed across his mind.
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
"Finally," he muttered to himself, feeling the surge of power coursing through his veins. His body seemed to heal slightly, the cracks in his Dragon Scales mending as that new power filled him.
Eccar who was standing beside him grinned as he also felt the rush of new power.
"I can feel it, too," he said, flexing his hands. "I just got a lot stronger."
Erend glanced at him and returned the grin. The tension of the fight drained away, replaced by a momentary sense of triumph.
"About time," Erend agreed. "We'll need this strength if we keep facing whatever that Great Calamity give us."
They stood in the aftermath of their victory for a moment longer, looking over the crumbling remains of the rock giant. But both knew they couldn't afford to relax too much in this hostile and unpredictable world.
"Let's move again," Eccar said, his wings stretching out behind him.
"Right," Erend replied, and with a powerful thrust of his wings, he shot into the sky.
Eccar followed. They soared together, their Dragon Scales still activated. Neither of them was willing to take the risk of deactivating the protection with the possibility of an ambush looming over them. It was a dangerous world, and they both knew better than to let their guard down now.
As they flew, the harsh sun beat down on them and the desert stretched endlessly in all directions. An hour or so passed by the world's strange time, then suddenly something broke the monotony of the landscape.
"There," Eccar pointed ahead. In the distance, shimmering like a mirage, was an oasis. Palm trees, a pool of glistening water, and the promise of some much-needed relief from the unforgiving desert.
"An oasis?" Erend asked, narrowing his eyes.
The woman's figure was striking. The golden locks cascaded around her face and shoulders catching the sunlight. She had an alluring and otherworldly presence.
Her skin was a rich shade of dark sweet chocolate and gleamed under the desert sun. Her attire was barely enough. It was thin strips of cloth draped loosely over her voluptuous form, large breasts and wide hips accentuated very clearly.
For a moment, Erend and Eccar couldn't help but stare, awestruck. It was a reflex, a reaction to something so striking and unexpected that neither of them could look away.
Her eyes gleamed with mischief, and she smiled warmly, her lips parting to reveal perfect white teeth.
"Relax, warriors," she said in a voice that was as smooth as silk. "You are safe here. This is a place of rest."
Erend and Eccar exchanged a quick glance, both still on edge despite the woman's calming words. They had encountered too many deceptions in this world to trust so easily. Still, they could feel no immediate threat from her. She stood there calmly with her smile unwavering as she regarded them.
Erend was the first to move. With a wary nod to Eccar he deactivated his Dragon Scales, feeling his body relax slightly without the constant strain of maintaining his transformation.
His wings folded and disappeared, and Eccar followed suit, his own wings retreating and his armor fading away.
But even though they had shed their defensive forms, neither let their guard down. Every sense remained alert and sharp. They knew better than to be lulled into complacency by a beautiful face and kind words, no matter how genuine they appeared. Your next read is at m v|l-e'-novelhall.net
Eccar shifted slightly, keeping a cautious eye on the woman.
"Resting place, huh?" he muttered under his breath.
Erend took a step forward, his gaze steady on the woman's face. "We'll rest but we'll stay vigilant."
The woman's smile remained, as if she were amused by their suspicion.
"Of course," she replied softly. "You've been through much, I can tell. But there's no need to worry here. This oasis is a sanctuary."
Even as she spoke, the air around them felt different. Calmer, more inviting. But still, Erend and Eccar were prepared for anything.
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