A long time passed before the ability to think returned to Hatharaith.
- What the hell... What is wrong with this world?!!
Zlyuka and Lyazhka, standing nearby, remained silent, not knowing what to say. They couldn't care less about the fate of the strange monster, but the sight of a morally crushed comrade (?) was hardly pleasing. Later, all three moved on and found a wounded sord named Rizz. He sat on the ground leaning against the cave wall, serenely chewing on provisions.
- Wow! Were my intentions foreseen?.. Hmm. Looking at you, doesn't seem like it.
- What were you doing here? - Hatharaith drew his bowstring, ready to finish off the sord.
- Hmm! Well, I think at this point there's no point in hiding information, is there? And I wouldn't mind having a chat right now, I've missed conversations, you know?
- Answer!
- You fiery folks think you know everything better than anyone, but it's us locals who know our home far better than you do. There's a weak spot in the abyss — apply a sufficient mass of fire element to it and your base will be gone. I'm strong, you know, but there may well be people stronger than me, whereas coping with a natural disaster is far more difficult.
- Is that so? - Hatharaith released the bowstring, but the arrow hit not Rizz, but the spot next to him. - Zlyuka, patch him up.
- Are you sure? - The question came not from Zlyuka, but from the wounded sord. - What if I repay your kindness by chopping off your own head?
- Don't make me laugh. I have no reason to fear you.
After healing Rizz, Hatharaith's little squad left (receiving from him in gratitude some pretty little key), and Rizz continued his mission — through his efforts, sectors D14, D8, and D4 completely collapsed.
Hatharaith himself reached the so-called "Amber Eye," which blocked the passage further. This strange structure forced everyone who entered it to fight to the death without any possibility of healing. Kicking Lyazhka with his foot inside this arena, Hatharaith followed and easily dealt with her. Passing further, he opened a chest found there, in which he found the following:
A book with drawings and text in an unfamiliar language. Does not break.
Portrait. Gives +10 to insight if placed in the misc slot, does not break.
The road of nightmares, the end of sweet dreams. Allows the character and their team to leave the underworld without the possibility of returning.
- What a scoundrel and villain you are. - Zlyuka said to Hatharaith when he returned. - Will you do the same to me if the situation calls for it?!
- Don't start. You'd be buried under rocks right now if you hadn't come with me.