Ethernal Bounds: Love In The Underwater Domain

Chapter 20 Who Are You?

They continued their walk through the bustling village until they reached a cozy-looking tavern. As they stepped inside, the warmth and chatter of the place enveloped them. Kusoma approached the barkeeper, a gruff-looking old male who was cleaning a wooden bowl.

"A nice room," Kusoma requested, sliding a shiny red crystal across the counter. The barkeeper’s demeanor shifted instantly from indifferent to overly friendly.

"Of course, of course! Right this way!" the barkeeper exclaimed, his eyes widening at the sight of the crystal. He led them up a set of creaky stairs, chattering in a language Samaya couldn’t understand.

She watched the barkeeper curiously as they ascended. Leaning toward Kusoma, she whispered, "What was that crystal?"

Kusoma, his tone patient and informative, replied, "That crystal is our currency. Different colors signify different effects they have when consumed. Crystals usually help regain one's health, but red crystals enhance one's lifespan. Their value is quite high."

Samaya's eyes widened with interest. "So, is the room really that expensive?"

Kusoma shook his head. "No, I paid with a red crystal to ensure our stay remains a secret and to provide protection for you if I need to go out. This place may not seem like much, but their reputation for protection and discretion is well-known."

The barkeeper stopped in front of a door, unlocking it with a flourish. "Here you go. Please, enjoy your stay."

Samaya entered the room, which appeared modest at first glance. However, as she inspected the bed, she found it to be surprisingly fluffy and comfortable. Kusoma followed behind her, his presence a comforting constant.

Before she could fully appreciate the room’s unexpected comfort, Kusoma gently pushed her down onto the bed, wrapping his strong arms around her. "Let's get some rest," he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring.

Nestled in his embrace, Samaya felt the day's anxieties begin to melt away. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings and the events of the day, Kusoma's protective warmth made her feel safe. She snuggled closer to him, ready to drift into a deep, restful sleep.

After Samaya drifted off to sleep, Kusoma's eyes snapped open, sensing a strong presence nearby. He carefully lifted his arm away, trying not to wake her, and silently made his way toward the door. Just as he reached it, a loud crashing sound echoed from downstairs.

Meanwhile, a stranger entered the tavern. This male possessed fair skin, silvery waist-long hair, a well-built body, and a handsome face adorned with simple yet aesthetically pleasing magenta stripe markings gracing each eyelid. He had heard rumors of a strong male entering the village and sought a worthy opponent to relieve his boredom. Confronting the barkeeper, he was met with denial about anyone fitting that description being in the tavern. The stranger, maintaining a polite smile, sent the barkeeper flying with a casual flick, stating his dislike for liars. Fortunately, the barkeeper landed softly on a sack of flour.

Kusoma, having made his way downstairs, confronted the mysterious male head-on. Meanwhile, the commotion stirred Samaya from her sleep. As she stood up, a male suddenly crashed through the wooden floor and landed after bouncing off the ceiling right on top of her. The impact knocked the breath out of her, and she looked up to see the stranger shaking his head, laughing as he said, "It's been a while since I've had this much fun."

Realizing he was lying on top of Samaya, the stranger's expression changed to one of mild embarrassment mixed with admiration for her beauty. "Who are you?" he asked in a language she couldn’t understand, his voice tinged with curiosity. When she didn’t respond, he leaned in closer, repeating, "Hmm...?"

Just then, Kusoma burst into the room, his eyes blazing with fury. He grabbed the stranger with immense force, pulling him away from Samaya and growling, "You didn’t see anything!"

As they crashed back down to the tavern floor, the mysterious male quickly regained his footing. His eyes darted back to Samaya as he declared, "Don't get in my way. I need to find her again."

Kusoma stepped between them, his stance protective. "Your fight is with me, concentrate on me, not her," he snarled.

The stranger’s frustration grew evident as he replied, "I don’t have time for you. I need to find the female again."

Kusoma's muscles tensed, and he growled, "Over my dead body. She’s not yours to find."

The stranger’s eyes flickered with a dangerous glint. "So be it," he muttered, lunging towards Kusoma with renewed ferocity. The tavern trembled with the force of their clash, the air thick with tension and the sounds of their intense battle.

Upstairs, Samaya, still reeling from the sudden encounter, tried to make sense of what had just happened. She peered down through the hole in the floor, her heart pounding as she watched the fierce battle unfold below. Kusoma and the stranger exchanged powerful blows, each strike resonating with the strength of their resolve.

The stranger, clearly growing impatient, made a sudden dash toward the stairs, intent on reaching Samaya again. Kusoma intercepted him, blocking his path with unyielding determination. "You’re not going anywhere near her," he hissed, his eyes locked onto the stranger’s.

The mysterious male paused, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Kusoma's resolve. "Very well," he said with a cold smile. "Let's finish this."

With a surge of power, the battle escalated, their movements a blur of strength and skill. The tavern patrons watched in awe and fear, the intensity of the fight leaving them breathless.