Chapter 413: Chapter 413: Ghosts

Ilea and her Fae companion found themselves in an eerily quiet cavern. It expanded for kilometers in each direction, crystal growing on several pillars that reached from the bottom to the top. Stalactites overgrown with the shiny mineral grew from the distant stone ceiling. Maybe the crystal is the real corruption here, Ilea wondered as she looked up. Yeah, its pretty shiny. Do you want some? she asked. The Fae tilted its head, not quite understanding the question it seemed. Crystal, she said and pointed up and then to the Fae. Well that was. Something? Ilea chuckled to herself as she started walking through the layer. So far there was no movement visible at all. Sad? Youre sad? Ilea asked. The Fae didnt react, its white eyes focused ahead. They walked a couple dozen meters farther before Ilea halted. She perceived something ahead of them. A humanoid shape without a face or discernible legs. Her eyes didnt inform her of the presence but her sphere did. [Spirit of Elysium lvl ?] Identify worked as soon as she focused on the skill through her spheres perception. The being didnt do anything, simply remained where it was. Hey there, Ilea said and waved at the creature. The Fae looked up to her before a giggling sound came into her head. Shut it, you should greet them too. Its rude to stare at a stranger, she reprimanded the creature on her shoulder, making sure a hint of joy remained in her voice. The Fae stared at her for a moment before it turned and waved at the Spirit. The being of course, did not wave back. Yeah, maybe a little, Ilea said and walked around the creature, leaving it alone for now. If it didnt attack her, she had no reason to do the same. She kept an eye on it through her sphere and they were quickly past the thing. Weird. Was that why you said sad before? Because of them? Ilea asked, seeing more of the spirits floating around. She didnt get an answer. The skeletons of various creatures and destroyed rusted gear that soon started to pop up didnt exactly create an inviting atmosphere. Her nose picked up very little, meaning most of these creatures had died some time ago. Others made it this far then, she thought, picking up the broken handle of an axe or whatever weapon it had once been. A sniff didnt tell her anything about the thing. She held it out to the Fae that seemed interested. It grabbed the handle and held it, sitting down once again. Hmm, she mused and continued through the open cavern. More of the spirits showed themselves from time to time. None were hostile. I mean if thats it? She thought and spread her wings before speeding up and flying through the cavern. The exits to the next layers were usually either straight down or ahead. Usually. This time she could see from pretty far away that there was a break in the crystal growth on the far wall. Likely where the way to number eighteen was located. She noted that some of the spirits appeared even fifty meters above ground, where she was currently flying. The only thing she noticed was that near all of them were to her right. Can you talk to them? she asked the Fae. It nodded a couple seconds later, holding the handle a little closer to its body. Want to talk about it? she asked, finding it strangely easy to be open and nice to the Fae. Perhaps it wasnt that strange with how otherworldly the creature felt to her. She let it be when it didnt react, not about to pry. It was difficult enough having to deal with the lacking communication tools. Layer seventeen seems like a bloody waste, she thought and landed near the cave at the end. She already saw the steel gate that lead out. Her sphere picked up something when she got closer. Sentinel Huntress activated and let her know that her team had moved through here. Not too long ago. There were also signs of a struggle, older however than the tracks her group had left behind. Something was scratched into stone, right next to the gate. Ilea couldnt read it. She tapped the absent Fae with an ashen tendril moving out from her armor. Can you read that? she asked, pointing at the scribbling. The Fae nodded silently. The first thing is the translation? Ilea asked, assuming the second part had been added by the creature. Why do you perfectly understand me sometimes and then you just dont again? Its almost like you answer on a whim and ignore me when you feel like it, Ilea said, turning her head lightly towards the creature. Asshat, she said with a smile. Ilea wasnt annoyed. She had always preferred people who were more direct. For once, it wasnt a criminal trying to fight her. The Fae sent a giggle. Now I want some violence too, Ilea said and blinked past the door.