Leaving the Heaven

Amukelo and Eliss found themselves embracing a slower, more deliberate pace of life in the tranquil oasis, a stark contrast to the relentless urgency that had defined their existence in the darker depths of the dungeon. The abundant fruit trees provided a temporary respite from their immediate concerns about food, but they both knew this solution was fleeting. The fruits, while nourishing, would perish quickly, and their nutritional value alone wasn't enough to sustain them indefinitely through the challenges that lay ahead.

Amukelo decided to test another potential food source—the small animals that scampered innocently throughout the oasis. He harbored doubts, half-expecting these creatures to vanish into dust upon death, as was the norm for the monsters they encountered within the dungeon's confines. To his surprise and relief, when he successfully hunted one of the small creatures, it remained corporeal—a tangible, usable source of food.

This discovery significantly boosted their morale. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, they had the prospect of enjoying a warm meal. Though they lacked spices and the usual luxuries of a well-equipped kitchen, the simple act of cooking over an open fire was a novelty that brought them both a semblance of normalcy and comfort.

As the fire crackled and the meat cooked, the aroma was tantalizing, a reminder of life outside the dungeon. They sat near the fire, chatting and laughing, the warmth of the meal only paralleled by the warmth of their camaraderie. Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared stories of the past—each tale a stitch in the fabric of their growing bond.

In between these moments, they meticulously planned their food preservation strategy. Amukelo showed Eliss how to properly prepare the meat to ensure it would last without spoiling. They decided to smoke much of the meat, using the ample wood from the surrounding bushes. This process, though time-consuming, was essential for creating durable food supplies that would sustain them once they left the oasis.

Meanwhile, Eliss made use of the peaceful environment to focus on her healing abilities. The oasis's serene ambiance seemed to amplify her magical capabilities, allowing her to use her healing spell with increasing frequency. Each use of the spell not only helped mend their physical wounds but also strengthened her control and efficiency. Over time, her proficiency grew, and the spell itself became more potent, a development that provided them both with a deeper sense of security.

The days they spent in the oasis were a rare interlude of peace in their tumultuous journey. Each task, whether gathering food, cooking, or resting by the fire, was infused with an appreciation for the moment's simplicity and safety. They cherished this time, knowing that such tranquility was a precious commodity in their uncertain world.

After several days spent in the sanctuary of the oasis, where they had gathered ample food supplies, rested, and allowed their bodies to heal, Amukelo and Eliss felt rejuvenated and ready to face the challenges awaiting them outside their temporary haven. The time spent in the oasis had not only mended their physical wounds but had rekindled their spirits, fortifying their resolve and restoring a sense of hope that had been battered by the relentless trials of the dungeon.

Eliss, now walking without the slightest hint of a limp, felt a renewed strength in her steps. Her leg had completely healed, allowing her the freedom of movement she hadn't felt since before her injury. Amukelo, too, had made a significant recovery. His arm, once a source of constant pain and limitation, was now fully healed, allowing him to return to his preferred dual-sword fighting style. This was a significant boost for him; wielding two swords was not just a matter of technique but an integral part of his combat identity, deeply ingrained in his muscle memory and tactical approach.

With their physical capabilities restored and their energy levels replenished, they packed their belongings, ready to depart the oasis. The sense of doom that had once clouded their journey had lifted, replaced by a cautious optimism. As they prepared to leave, Eliss looked to Amukelo and asked him for their plan. "So, what's our plan?" she asked, her voice steady and more confident than it had been in days.

Amukelo paused, considering their options, before posing a question of his own. "Eliss, do you still have that map that the spirit gave us?" His tone was hopeful, the map being crucial for finding artifacts.

Eliss rummaged through her belongings, her brow furrowing in concentration. After a moment, she shook her head, disappointment evident in her expression. "It must have fallen somewhere," she admitted, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Amukelo sighed, accepting the setback with a pragmatic nod. "Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. Honestly, I don't think that the gate will be any higher than where we are currently. But without knowledge of the exact place, going to the lower levels would be suicidal. In that case, we will just try to leave this dungeon and watch out for Oxius."

Eliss agreed, her nod firm. "That sounds like a good plan." The decision made, they took one last look around the oasis that had been their refuge. The peaceful stream, the fruit-bearing bushes, and the gentle wildlife had provided them with more than just physical sustenance; they had given them a psychological respite, a brief taste of peace in this dangerous dungeon.

As they stepped away from the oasis, Eliss cast a lingering glance back at the tranquil scene. "I will miss this place," she murmured, the nostalgia in her voice tinged with a bittersweet note.

Amukelo responded warmly, his voice full of encouragement and a promise of better days. "Once we leave this dungeon, we will see much better places." His assurance was not just about the landscapes or the physical environments they would encounter but a deeper reflection on the hope for a future free from the shadows of the dungeon—a future where the horrors behind them would be replaced by the promise of new adventures and a chance to rebuild their lives.

With that, they moved forward, stepping out of the oasis and back into the uncertain and perilous paths of the dungeon, their spirits bolstered by the strength they had drawn from their time in the oasis and from each other. Their journey was far from over, but they faced it together, united by shared trials and a shared resolve to overcome whatever lay ahead.