Humanity Last Hope ] Joongdok

Rest

Just as the calming embrace between Dokja and Joonghyuk reached its peak, a blinding light suddenly pierced the gloom of the cavern, banishing the shadows and momentarily blindsiding the pair. They shielded their eyes, raising their hands to ward off the intense radiance emanating from a newly formed portal.

As the brilliant glare subsided, Uriel's ethereal form materialized before them, her radiant wings folded gracefully against her back. The angel's expression remained solemn, as she took in the tableau of recovery unfolding before her.

"Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, your bravery has proven your worth," Uriel declared, her voice like music in the echoes of the defeated dragon. "By defeating the primary threat in this level, you have cleared the Frozen Land and secured humanity's continued existence. Though trials remain ahead, you have earned a respite from the coming challenges. Are you willing to take time to rest, or will you two proceed to the next level? Remember that the time limit is only one month." Uriel asked with a bit of mocking in her tone.

Dokja and Joonghyuk exchanged a glance, their decision hanging precariously in the balance. The swift, merciless battle against the dragon had left both of them physically and emotionally drained. For a moment, the allure of rest and recuperation seemed irresistible, a welcome respite from the unrelenting pressures of their missions.

Yet, the specter of the time constraint loomed large, a constant reminder that every minute counted in their quest to save humanity. Joonghyuk's jaw clenched, a steely resolve settling over his features as he steeled himself for the challenges ahead.

"We cannot afford to linger," Yoo Joonghyuk stated firmly, his voice carrying the weight of determination. "The fate of our world depends on our progress. We will press onward."

Kim Dokja chook his head in disagreement. "We must take at least a day to recover, or we will definitely die in the next level."

The exchange between the two partners grew tense, their differing opinions clashing like opposing winds. Joonghyuk's stalwart resolve contrasted sharply with Dokja's pragmatism, each convinced that their stance was the correct one.

Uriel watched the debate unfold with an enigmatic smile, her ethereal eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "So, you intend to squabble over a single day's reprieve?" she mused, her melodic tones taking on a playful edge. "Given the grave stakes, do you truly believe such a luxury is warranted?"

Kim Dokja's shoulders sagged under the weight of responsibility, his argument dwindling in the face of Uriel's pointed query. He glanced at Yoo Joonghyuk, seeking a compromise that would satisfy both their needs without jeopardizing their ultimate goal. Joonghyuk, sensing the shift in momentum, nodded curtly in acceptance of Dokja's concession.

With a nod of reluctant acquiescence, Yoo Joonghyuk surrendered to the reality of their exhausted state. He acknowledged Kim Dokja's guiding wisdom, trusting in his partner's instincts to navigate the complex web of their mission.

"Very well," Yoo Joonghyuk conceded, his voice tinged with a mixture of weariness and newfound respect for Kim Dokja's foresight. "One day of rest it shall be. Let us recover our strength and prepare for the trials that lie ahead."

Uriel inclined her head in approval, her celestial beauty seeming to brighten with the satisfaction of witnessing such harmony between the two men. "May this brief respite grant the fortitude to face the challenges awaiting in the next level."

As the they stepped through the shimmering portal leading to a rest area, the cavern behind them faded into obscurity, leaving only the promise of a well-deserved break and the daunting knowledge that their journey was far from over.

Upon emerging from the portal, Joonghyuk and Dokja found themselves in a sparse, functional chamber that seemed almost simplistic compared to the otherworldly realms they had traversed. A solitary bed, cleanly made, occupied one corner, while a simple wooden table sat opposite, laden with an assortment of humble dishes and a carafe of cool, crystal-clear liquid.