Eros' bloody hands were still tightly glued to the dragon's scales as they ran deeper into the cave. It wasn't a smooth ride and he felt some of his internal organs get displaced along the way.
While he could have let go, he felt this was a faster and safer way to get by.
After all, no creature would be stupid enough to stand in the way of a dragon.
After a while the flames went out, although he was almost naked at this point with nothing but his underwear, which had miraculously survived, to cover up his indecency.
His skin was also a shade of bright red as he had nearly been cooked a few minutes ago.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel—literally. A wave of relief flowed through him as he felt his torment was finally over.
He could make out a blue flame in the distance as they drew closer and closer to it. He figured that was Lain and he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Other than that, though, there was only a wall at what seemed to be the end of the tunnel, and from the looks of it the dragon was planning on running straight into it.
Noticing this, Eros cursed under his breath and finally released his grip from the colossal creature.
He tumbled over the scales and rolled onto the ground, if his bones hadn't broken yet, then that had sealed the deal. Eros felt multiple things crack within him as he groaned painfully, holding his bleeding hand as it was going to fall off.
After a moment or two of unadulterated agony, he finally gathered the strength he needed to get to his feet.
He couldn't be bothered by his current indecency; in fact, what bothered him more was the fact that he looked like a piece of meat that had been taken off the fire too soon.
It'll fade away, he told himself calmly, trying to keep calm.
The dragon was still running, and soon enough, as Eros had predicted, it ran into the wall. However, instead of stopping, the mythical creature went right through it, leaving Eros stunned for a moment.
Before he could process what was happening, he felt a pair of eyes on him.
He shifted his gaze slightly and found Lain who was a few meters away from the wall staring at him with a weird look.
"You—what happened to you?" She asked wide-eyed.
Eros couldn't be more relieved to see her. Everything that had happened in the last few hours felt so surreal. So, seeing someone he knew was more refreshing than anything.
It took a while, but Eros was able to explain everything to her in the end. Her face underwent a variety of expressions as she heard about his experience.
She ended up laughing when he explained his encounter with the dragon.
"You really think that's a dragon?"
"Isn't it?" Eros frowned.
Lain laughed when she heard his response then shook her head.
"Not at all. If that thing were a dragon, then we'd most likely both be dead. Creatures of the mythical rank aren't something humans are supposed to fight against."
"What was it then?"
"A copy, and a rather cheap one at that. All the creatures in this…place are like that."
"So…do you have any idea what this place is?"Laine didn't answer the question immediately as a contemplative expression formed on her face.
She walked towards the wall that the dragon had phased through and used her finger to rub against the surface.
It was then Eros realised that this wall was similar to the one at the entrance: they both had the same glossy and smooth texture and the black in them seemed to steal all light away.
"From what I've heard, there are a few objects which have the ability to affect the world around them," she started. "These objects are known as cursed objects."
Eros had an idea of what cursed objects were, although he wasn't too versed in that field.
"So a cursed object is responsible for our present situation. Is that what you're saying?"
She shook her head, "Not just any cursed object. This cursed object has gained sentience and transformed into a spirit."
Eros raised a brow. "A spirit?"
He had no idea that cursed objects could even evolve, so this came as a surprise.
"I don't know much about that, other than the fact that they are very valuable. It should be behind this wall. If we can break through this, then getting out of here shouldn't be a hassle."
Even though she said that, Eros could see the gleam in her eyes as she looked at the wall.
"That's not all you want, right?"
Lain turned to him as a bright smile popped on her face. "Eros, you know me so well.
"Your senior sister really wants that spirit." She walked closer to him and pressed her breasts against his chest, causing Eros' to gulp. "If you can help her get it, I'm sure she'll make it worth it for you."
"Th—there's no way you think I can capture it if you can't."
Lain chuckled. "While you're indeed not powerful enough, yet."
Her face inches closer, and Eros could feel her breath on his ear.
"But your sword is definitely powerful enough."
[Author's Note: Sorry about the lack of chapters. Currently dealing with the loss of a loved one so writing hasn't been easy. I'll try to keep a steady schedule, but don't crusify me if I miss a day.]