Hours slipped away unnoticed as Canna and Kael engaged in conversation. It was predominantly Canna who spoke, his curiosity seemingly boundless, while Kael found himself answering queries about his homeland, Sepra. This encounter marked Canna's first interaction with a human from Sepra, prompting him to delve into every detail imaginable—from the climate to the wildlife and even the local cuisine.
Initially, Kael was taken aback by Canna's relentless questioning. He couldn't fathom why someone would be so intrigued by seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life in Sepra. Yet, as he met Canna's earnest gaze and observed the genuine curiosity in his eyes, Kael realized that Canna's interest was sincere.
It was as if Canna had spent his entire life within the confines of the dungeon, untouched by the outside world.
For Kael, this conversation was a revelation. He began to see Canna not just as a dungeon dweller but as someone with a thirst for knowledge about the world beyond. As they talked, Kael found himself explaining the intricacies of Sepra's seasons, describing the exotic creatures that roamed its lands, and sharing stories of the diverse culinary delights enjoyed by its people.
In turn, Canna's fascination grew with each revelation. He listened intently, absorbing every word as if committing them to memory. This exchange of information bridged the gap between their worlds, forging an unexpected bond between them.
As the hours stretched on, their conversation evolved beyond mere questions and answers. It became a sharing of experiences, a mutual exploration of their respective worlds. Amidst the dimly lit chamber of the dungeon's lowest floor, Canna and Kael found a connection that transcended their differences.
"Let's pause our conversation for now; it's time for Tonitrum to summon my daily dose of monsters," Canna said as he rose to his feet and picked up the scythe beside him. Talking about something unrelated to death or battle had been refreshing.
"Monsters? Tonitrum?" Kael's face twisted in confusion.
"Remember the eye you saw watching you before you passed out? That's him," Canna pointed to the farthest corner of the dungeon. "He may appear asleep, but he's the boss around here and my sort-of master, he's making me stronger after all."
Kael's heart sank. That monstrous being was a dragon? He had seen dragons depicted in kingdom paintings, but encountering a live one was a first. Instinct urged him to flee at the sight of the dragon.
"You know your place, insect. Remember it well, or I will end your pathetic life," Tonitrum's telepathic message to Kael made him nod vigorously.
"Vorgrim, second subordinate of Canna Yakane," came the calm response.
No more words were exchanged. As soon as Canna gave the signal, a sonic boom echoed through the dungeon as Grimruk's weapon clashed with Vorgrim's.
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Canna used a spell to blink right next to Kael. "Kael, wanna bet?, who do you think will win?"
Kael was startled by Canna's sudden appearance but quickly gathered himself. "The black orc, of course! It took our strongest general and twelve other warriors to capture him, and they all died in the process except for our commander! That orc is insanely strong! I really think you should reconsider!"
Canna smirked, "Well, obviously I'm siding with my subordinate. What do you want to wager?"
"I don't have anything on me right now except for my clothes and myself, but do you really have to initiate a fight to the death?" Kael asked worriedly.
"Remember this, Kael," Canna began, his tone turning serious. "The path of a warrior is a bloody one."
Kael glanced at the black orc, Grimruk, who was in the heat of battle, and then at Vorgrim, both menacing warriors. The tension in the air was palpable.
"A true warrior's strength isn't just measured by their power or skill," Canna continued. "It's about their resolve, their ability to face death head-on and fight for survival. Vorgrim and Grimruk understand this. They live by it."
Kael's mind raced. He had grown up in the safety of his kingdom, hearing tales of valiant knights and epic battles, but witnessing this raw, primal clash was something entirely different.