With a loud thud, the Cursed Herald fell to the floor as I pulled my hand out from its skull.
[You have slain Fallen Monster: Cursed Herald]
[You have received a Memory: Dusk Shard]
[Your soul grows stronger]
Soul Fragments: [8/2000]
"Oh, lucky. I almost forgot about this. It would be really embarrassing if I left this thing here and had to return for it later."
"Shit. This fucking monster got me good. It'll take time to heal," I muttered, examining the wound on my side.
"With the supplies I have, I can stay here for a few days. This place is creepy, but it's pretty safe."
Meanwhile, at the Dark City outskirts…
"Neph."
"Yes, Cassie?"
"You remember the dream I told you about? The one where we siege the Crimson Spire and how it will unfold?"
"Hmm. It's also the reason you gave me Sunny's true name, the one he's hiding with everything he's got."
"Just now, I dreamed about that scene again."
"What changed?" Nephis asked, starting to grow concerned.
"I don't know exactly."
"The vision was the same, but at the end, when the angel and shadow were supposed to fight to the death, suddenly—a pair of eyes, like shining stars, looked straight at me. I felt as if my whole being was laid bare. After that, the scene shattered like glass into thousands of pieces."
"Strange."
"Yes. I've never seen eyes like that. It was as if there was nothing in this world that they couldn't see."
"Also, I think we should delay our venture for the last two shards."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I didn't have a vision, but I just have this feeling—we really should delay it."
"For how long?"
"Two or three weeks."
"Okay."
After a few days of recuperating, my wound was visibly better, though still not fully healed. Not that it had bothered me much to begin with, but better safe than sorry.
"I should head out soon. I need to gather supplies for my journey to the Dark City. If I counted correctly, I have just over a month to get there. I have to pick up the pace—it would be unlucky if they leave before I arrive."
Finishing my thoughts aloud, I stood up and started making my way out.
The maze I had traveled through before felt different. It had lost its magic. I still summoned my blindfold, but this time, I didn't get lost. Within an hour of walking, I was out.
Returning to my cozy little cave home, I began stocking up on water using flasks I had made from the cloth of those disgusting Dark Stalker rags.
After confirming I had everything I needed for a month-long journey, I noticed it was already late. Deciding to rest early, I made up my mind to head out at first light.