Chapter 20: Into the Depths
The soft glow of morning light spilled through the windows of the abandoned church Hestia and Ethan now called home. The quiet rustling of equipment echoed through the room as Ethan tightened the straps on his new armor. Ira's gear felt perfect—light yet durable, balanced and sharp. He gave the dagger a few experimental swings and nodded to himself.
Today was different.
Today, he wasn't just going to fight a few goblins or kobolds and leave.
Today, he was diving deeper.
Hestia stirred from the small pile of blankets she called a bed, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "You're up early..."
Ethan gave her a glance and a soft smile. "Gotta get to it. The deeper floors won't explore themselves."
She sat up, brushing her hair aside. "Just... don't go past the fifth floor yet. You've gotten stronger, but the monsters change after that. They're faster. Meaner."
He nodded. "I know. I'll be careful."
She frowned. "Promise?"
Ethan chuckled. "I promise."
He left shortly after, heading straight for the Tower of Babel and down the spiral path that led into the dungeon's depths. The cold stone walls seemed to greet him with their ever-present silence.