CHAPTER 333: INTEGRATING IN TRIAVERT

Khaz, still in need of further healing, was escorted by a few guards to the city’s healing center.

The underground city had advanced facilities to tend to injuries and illnesses, and Khaz was hopeful that the skilled healers could provide the necessary care for his broken bones and injuries.

Meanwhile, Isiah and the rest of the group were guided to a designated area for rest.

They entered a simple underground dwelling, carved into the rock.

It had one room and a small bathroom, offering basic yet functional living space.

The modest room featured a bed, a small table, and a window .

The bathroom, though compact, met essential needs.

The guide informed them, "The temperature tends to be chilly here. If you desire more warmth, you can purchase additional heating."

The man left abruptly after his brief statement, leaving Ciel, Lexie, Isiah, and Eijar standing in silence, contemplating the limited space before them.

Eijar expressed promptly, "This place has a resemblance to the world above. Ah, I love it."

Ciel settled on the bed and inquired, "Tell me, Eijar, describe what it’s like." His childhood curiosity resurfaced as he eagerly awaited her response.

However, Isiah interrupted, glaring at her, and remarked, "Make sure it’s a version suitable for a child." The demand for a simplified explanation hung in the air.

Eijar nodded and began sharing a simplified version of the world beyond with Ciel.

Meanwhile, Lexie remained standing behind Isiah, silent and aware that she wasn’t welcome.

Isiah finally spoke, directing his words to Lexie, "You... you’re going to stay here with him. Once we integrate fully into their system, I will go back to the city. I only came here to bring him to safety."

Lexie nodded, realizing that Isiah would leave her behind.

She understood that his primary goal was revenge, and she hadn’t expected him to stay with her when that wasn’t his intention.

He went outside to explore the underground city, eager to learn more about it.

Meanwhile, Lexie, exhausted from the events, lay down on the bed next to Ciel and fell asleep immediately.

Eijar, observing Lexie, remarked sympathetically, "Poor girl," as she witnessed Lexie curling up and succumbing to a much-needed sleep.

In the underground city, there was no need for visual cues to denote the transition to night.

Instead, a harmonious chime echoed through the subterranean expanse, resonating with the steady rhythm of the residents’ daily lives.

The sound, a subtle reminder of the passage of time, reached every corner of the city, seamlessly blending with the ambient hum of activity.

Alternatively, those equipped with horloges, their timepieces, glanced at the intricate devices strapped to their wrists, acknowledging the arrival of the nocturnal hours.

In this realm beneath the surface, the awareness of night unfolded through auditory cues and the ticking hands of their timekeeping instruments.

Isiah embarked on an extensive exploration of the underground city, venturing through its labyrinthine passages and encountering the unique features that defined its subterranean existence.

The resonance of announcements signifying the day’s end reached his ears, and that is why he decided to go back.

Isiah found himself confronted by the challenge of acquiring sustenance.

The intricacies of the local market and the varying prices of the commodities were alien to him, leaving him uncertain about how to approach this essential aspect of daily life in the underground realm.

An observant old lady at one of the markets took notice of Isiah, recognizing his unfamiliarity with the local customs. She kindly approached him and explained the unique economic system in the underground city, where a singular currency infused with magical properties held sway.

She elaborated on the process of acquiring and using this magical currency, guiding Isiah through the market to showcase the various goods available for purchase.

Isiah, realizing the importance of integrating into the underground community, explored the various job opportunities available.

The old lady, who had been his guide, pointed out places where individuals could offer their skills and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Isiah discovered a diverse range of occupations, from craftsmen creating magical artifacts to healers using their abilities to tend to the injured.

Isiah’s determination to explore the mysteries of Afan and his reluctance to settle permanently in the underground city fueled his desire to seek employment beyond its confines.

He recognized that the hidden city was merely a stepping stone in his larger quest for knowledge and understanding.

Isiah walked away from the old lady the moment she finished talking and went back to the house .

The bustling sounds of the marketplace gradually faded as he retraced his steps through the labyrinthine streets.

As he entered the modest dwelling, the dim light revealed Lexie still asleep, her form curled up on the bed. Ciel, on the other hand, was sitting up, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he observed Isiah’s return.

"Did you find anything interesting?" Ciel asked, his youthful enthusiasm evident.

Isiah sighed, considering the challenges that lay ahead. "There’s a unique currency here, tied to magic. I’ll need to work to earn it. This place is temporary for us. We won’t stay here for long."

Ciel nodded, absorbing Isiah’s words with a childlike understanding.

In the quiet confines of the small rock house, Ciel carefully opened the bag that Lexie had been holding.

The sweet aroma of the fresh fruits wafted through the air as he revealed the colorful assortment.

His eyes gleamed with excitement as he distributed portions to both Isiah and Eijar.

Eijar, perched nearby, gracefully accepted the offered fruits, acknowledging Ciel with a nod of gratitude.

Isiah, though still reserved, accepted the gesture from the young boy.

They each enjoyed the nourishing taste of the fruits, savoring a moment of reprieve from the uncertainties of their journey.

Ciel, ever considerate, set aside a portion of the fruits and placed them gently beside Lexie, who remained peacefully asleep.

After that the weariness of their journey weighed on Ciel’s small frame.

He settled down next to Lexie, his eyes closing as he nestled beside her for comfort. With an innocent trust, he laid his head on Eijar’s sturdy form.

Meanwhile, Isiah, ever vigilant and contemplative, remained standing near the door.

Eijar’s voice held a touch of sincerity as it urged Isiah to take a break, "You’ve been on your feet for two days. We all need some rest."

The creature admitted its own weariness, confessing, "I feel like I can’t even lift my head. I’d love to rest in your lap, but this sweet kid is using me as a pillow."

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