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Filth and refuse squelches beneath every frantic step you take up the sludge-slicked incline, but the magical pep in your step given to you by Oti coupled with your vast experience in running away from things trying to kill you carry you up the tunnel like a bat outta’ Hell!
The sewer still makes you work for it, though–as Oti’s handiwork rushes to overtake you, globs of fungus and filth dislodge from their putrid perches and bound down the tunnel towards you like bile-inducing boulders!
Using the wet slapping noises they make as they fall, you deftly dart between them like a dog through an agility course… and as you summit the slope you find Oti and the others waiting for you far above your head!
H-how’d they get up that h-
Your teeth jitter as you’re enveloped in an unseen force that ferries you up to where the sorcerers stand. Landing with a thump at their feet, you barely have time to utter a quick ‘<span class="mu-i">thanks</span>’ before they depart again–this time down a narrower, winding passage!
Scurrying after them like a hamster down one of those plastic tube mazes, you indulge in a sigh of relief as every step you take brings you closer to a source of brisk air that <span class="mu-i">doesn’t</span> smell like crap!
Unfortunately one of those same steps also takes you closer to some kind of ladder. <span class="mu-i">Much</span> closer.
<span class="mu-r">STUBBED FACE COUNTER: ERROR</span>
<span class="mu-s">OOOWWW, FUUUUUUUUCCCK!</span>
“Would it <span class="mu-i">kill</span> you to stay alert?”
Once again you’re swaddled in magical energy that lifts you out of the sinister sewers and into…
Well, you’re not exactly sure, but there’s fresh air and no sludge tsunamis laced with zombie spores, so–
“Hold still.”
Another wave of arcane energy washes over you like a mister at a water park: one that leaves your robes feeling warm and unwrinkled and your hair fresh and fluffy!
Neat spell, Ote!
“You know how I feel about untidyness.” The Chytree chirps as he doses the rest of the gang. “At any rate, we escaped the sewers unscathed. Your adherence to the plan was most appreciated.”
Right, you answer with a listless nod, that… don’t mention it… as the adrenaline from the frantic flight wears off, the events of the last few moments finally unfuzz in your head–wait a sec, you sputter, what… what did he even <span class="mu-i">DO</span> down there anyways!?
“<span class="mu-s">FIREBALL. DELAYED.</span>” He shrugs as if you’d just asked him what kind of coffee he prefers, “There just so happened to be a flock of Swoos filter-feeding near a particularly-weathered section of whatever it was the Zetsun built their colony on.” His eyes flicker. “I won’t bore you with the explanation, but Swoos and flames get along like, well…” Oti sends Toppel a sidelong glance. “Like a house on fire.”
Good to know, you nod as the memories of your last encounter with Swoos fill your mind, good to know…
>CONTD.
