Chapter 88: Meeting Again Xin focused on the task at hand, his thoughts intermingling with plans and possible escape routes. Time passed in a blur, the repetitive sounds of metal on stone filling the air. Eventually, the rhythmic clinks and thuds were interrupted by the Princess’s voice, breaking the concentrated silence. "Should we take a break?" Her suggestion of taking a break seemed like a welcome one, a respite from the laborious activity. Xin glanced over to where Princess Hilda sat, her form a contrast against the backdrop of the underground world. Approaching her, he saw the lagoon behind her, its waters crystal clear and inviting. He contemplated its source, wondering if this tranquil pool could possibly lead to an exit, perhaps to an underground river or even the ocean. Xin let his gaze sweep over the lagoon and the peaceful ambiance it held. At some point, the game’s System would inevitably initiate a forced log-out. This was a common occurrence, and Xin was well-acquainted with the process. He knew that when he logged back in, he would be right back where he left off, his progress preserved seamlessly, so he wasn’t worried about that. However, within the confines of this cavern, the option to log out was conspicuously absent. Xin had already checked, reaffirming his suspicion that leaving this place might make finding it again a fifty-fifty proposition at best. The prospect of departing this hidden haven and losing the opportunity to return left him with a sense of uncertainty. "This little fellow is so cute," Princess Hilda’s voice was laced with delight as she interacted with Pudding. The palm-sized creature seemed to be enjoying her attention, its small form flitting around her fingers. Pudding’s presence seemed to bring a temporary lightness to the situation, a welcome reprieve from their predicament. "Is he your pet?" Xin nodded. And the atmosphere shifted suddenly, the Princess’s smile turning bittersweet. "I had a pet, too," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia and sorrow. "Back in the castle. But . . . after everything that happened, I don’t know if he’s still there." "Would you like to talk about it?" Xin offered. Princess Hilda’s lips curved into a wistful smile, her gaze distant for a moment. "It’s all in the past now," she replied, her tone holding a mixture of resignation and hope. "I can still feel Tiny’s presence within me, so I believe he must be safe wherever he is." Xin’s curiosity was piqued. "Tiny?" he echoed in his head, his brow furrowing slightly. He wondered what kind of pet Tiny was. Was it something akin to the shoulder creatures he had seen on the Dwarves? Like a Lizard, or a bird. With a thoughtful expression, he glanced toward the clear waters of the lagoon. The peaceful scene seemed to invite contemplation, and Xin’s mind was abuzz with ideas and possibilities. The lagoon stretched out before them, a tranquil oasis nestled within the heart of the cavern. Its existence was a stark contrast to the rugged, dimly lit surroundings, offering a touch of nature’s beauty amidst the harshness of the underground world. The water of the lagoon was unbelievably clear, its surface like a pristine mirror reflecting the soft ambient glow of the glowing crystals scattered throughout the cave. The gentle ripples caused by the occasional movement of fish added a subtle shimmer to the scene, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Various shades of blue and green intermingled in the water, the hues shifting as the light played upon it. It was as if the lagoon held secrets of the depths, secrets that even the cave itself couldn’t fully contain. Fish darted to and fro beneath the surface, their movements graceful and unhurried. They ranged in size and color, a living tapestry of aquatic life that added vitality to the otherwise tranquil scene. The air was filled with a faint, refreshing scent, carried by the subtle movement of the water. It was a smell of earth and water, of the natural world untouched by the outside elements. The ambiance was calming, inviting those who found themselves here to take a moment and simply be, to let go of worries and immerse themselves in the serenity that the lagoon offered. Xin’s gaze was captivated by the lagoon’s serene beauty, and in that moment, memories of Elysia flooded his mind. It was as though her voice was carried on a gentle breeze, whispering directly into his ear. ’If you ever need me, just call my name underwater,’ he remembered her saying. Yet, that had been during his time on the Newbie Island. Now, he was within the expansive realm of Eternia, and doubt gnawed at him. Would this method even work here? He was uncertain if the connection he had felt with Elysia could span across the Newbie Island. Still, he couldn’t resist the urge to test the theory, to explore the uncharted waters of possibility. After all, back on the Newbie Island, circumstances hadn’t given him the opportunity to put it to the test. Xin’s curiosity got the better of him. With a mixture of hope and scepticism, he crouched by the edge of the lagoon and dipped his head into the crystal-clear water. The Princess beside him flinched in surprise, her eyes widening. "L-Lord Schrodinger?!" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺 As Xin submerged himself, ripples spread across the tranquil surface. "Elysia," he whispered, his voice a soft ripple. It felt almost absurd, as though he were engaging in some fantastical ritual. For a moment, he kept his head underwater, as if waiting for an answer, his ears attuned to any sign of the unexpected. When no immediate response came, he pulled his head out of the water, droplets trickling down his cheeks. Princess Hilda stared at him, her curiosity piqued. "What on earth are you doing?" she asked, her bushy brows knitting together. Xin wiped his face with his sleeve, a sheepish small smile on his lips. "It’s, uh, a bit hard to explain. You see, back when I was starting in the game, I met someone named Elysia, she’s a sea elf, and she told me that if I ever needed her, I should call her name underwater." Princess Hilda’s gaze softened with understanding. "A special connection, it sounds like. Did it work?" Xin shrugged, uncertain. "I don’t know. I mean, I thought I’d give it a shot. Who knows, right?" His voice trailed off, carried away by the stillness that rustled through the cavern. Princess Hilda watched him closely, her expression a blend of sympathy and concern. She recognized the weight of unfulfilled hopes in his eyes, and she wanted to reach out and comfort him, to assure him that it was okay. Yet, before she could say anything, the world around them seemed to tremble. The water in the lagoon rippled, the surface agitating as if caught in the grip of an unseen force. It was as if the very earth beneath them was undergoing an earthquake, its vibrations sending ripples through the water. As if guided by an unseen hand, the rippling water gradually took on a shape, forming into a figure that seemed to emerge from the depths of the lagoon. Xin was stunned. "Elysia . . . ?"