Free Web NovelChapter 11: Entering the Mine
"Angel!" the tavern keeper called out, his voice echoing slightly as he summoned a youthful looking girl from the upper floor.
"Coming, Papa!" she replied, hurrying down the stairs.
"Yes, Papa?" she asked again as she reached the counter.
"Sweetheart, this is our guest for the night," the tavern keeper said, gesturing toward Dan Moriarty. "He is a hero and has promised to deal with the monster problem troubling our town."
Angel looked at Dan Moriarty and couldn’t help the faint blush that spread across her cheeks. It was hardly surprising. Dan Moriarty was not only handsome, but also tall and carried himself with a calm, confident presence.
On the other hand, Dan Moriarty gave her a knowing smile. He, too, was quietly impressed. She had a delicate face, bright green eyes, and there was a certain softness to her features. Green just happened to be his favorite color.
"That’s wonderful to hear, Papa," Angel said, her voice brightening. "At last, our town can be free from those monsters."
She then turned back to Dan Moriarty, "Mister, please follow me. I will show you to the basement room."
Dan Moriarty nodded and followed her.
*****
Down in the basement, the space was unexpectedly well decorated. Rose flowers were arranged neatly, and soft candlelight illuminated the room, giving it a warm, almost intimate atmosphere. At the far end stood a bed covered in pink sheets, while the walls were adorned with various artworks, most of them abstract drawings of female figures.
Noticing the interest in Dan Moriarty’s eyes, Angel let out a soft chuckle.
"I drew those myself," she said.
"They’re beautiful," Dan Moriarty replied sincerely, his tone carrying genuine appreciation.
"Thank you," she said with a small smile. "And... sorry if the decorations are not to your liking. I did everything myself. I usually come down here to escape the noise upstairs and focus on my art."
"There is no problem," Dan Moriarty said calmly. "Although these colors are not my usual preference, I truly do not mind."
Angel nodded politely.
"If you need anything, water, food, anything at all, please come upstairs and let me know," she said.
"I will keep that in mind," Dan Moriarty replied. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
With that, Angel gave a small nod and quietly left the basement, leaving him alone. Then, Dan Moriarty lay down on the bed, staring briefly at the ceiling.
"This so-called Living Realm..." he muttered softly.
Everything felt real. The people, their emotions, their stories... nothing about it felt artificial. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"These NPCs... they have lives of their own."
For a moment, a strange thought crossed his mind. It would not be surprising if some Streamers chose to abandon reality altogether, choosing instead to live within such worlds, even building families here.
Dan Moriarty closed his eyes.
"That kind of path... is not for me."
Letting go of the thought, he finally allowed himself to rest.
*****
(The Next Day)
SWOOSH!
A blade sliced through the air as Dan Moriarty welcomed the break of dawn with a clean, precise swing of his Thousand Heavens Rainfall Divine Sword.
"Whatever lies ahead... will submit beneath my blade," Dan Moriarty muttered.
He did not linger. Turning on his heel, he left the basement without hesitation.
The tavern was quiet in the early morning light. The first person he saw was Angel, who was busy cleaning, preparing the place for the day’s early customers.
She soon noticed him.
"Oh, you’re awake so early," she said, clearly surprised.
"Yes," Dan Moriarty replied calmly. "The sooner I deal with the monster situation, the sooner this town will be safe."
Hearing this, Angel nodded quickly.
"If that’s the case, let me go wake Papa. He can escort you to the mines," she said. She dropped the wet towel in her hand and began heading toward the stairs, but then, she suddenly paused mid step and turned back toward him.
"Oh! How silly of me... I never asked for your name."
For a brief moment, Dan Moriarty was slightly dazed. The way her green eyes met his carried a natural charm that was hard to ignore.
’Beautiful,’ he thought.
He quickly returned to his senses.
"My name is Dan Moriarty," he said. "You can just call me Dan."
"Alright, Mister Dan Moriarty," she replied instinctively.
Dan Moriarty shook his head lightly.
"There is no need for ’Mister.’ Just Dan is fine."
Angel blinked, momentarily startled, before letting out a soft laugh.
"Then... as you wish, Dan."
*****
Waiting outside the tavern, Dan Moriarty soon saw Angel’s father step out. The tavern keeper exchanged a few brief words with him before calling over two men, both lightly armored, to serve as escorts.
"They will accompany you and assist you in the fight," the tavern keeper said.
Dan Moriarty glanced at the two men, his gaze calm yet firm.
"I did not request for any assistance," he said evenly. "However, the intention is appreciated."
With that, the three of them set off toward the mine.
After a steady walk, the entrance soon came into view. Even before reaching it, Dan Moriarty could already sense something was wrong. A faint, oppressive aura lingered in the air.
’This place... is crawling with monsters.’
He turned his gaze toward the two men beside him.
’They will only be a burden.’
Their presence would split his attention. Instead of focusing solely on combat, he would have to protect them as well. And judging from their strength, they would not last long against whatever lurked inside.
Dan Moriarty stopped.
"Wait here," he said calmly. "I will go in alone."
"But—" one of the men began, clearly uneasy.
The other immediately placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. He shook his head slightly.
"He is a hero," the man said in a low voice. "We cannot sense what he senses. If he says it is dangerous, then it is beyond us. Do not hinder him."
The first man hesitated, then reluctantly nodded.
Dan Moriarty gave them one last glance before turning and stepping into the mine.
Then—
[Live Broadcast Channel Opening...]
[Connecting viewers from Various Realms...]
[Current Viewers: 0]
"The stream has begun," Dan Moriarty muttered.
[Current Viewers: 2]
[Current Viewers: 5]
...
[Current Viewers: 13]
Watching the number steadily rise, Dan Moriarty’s lips curved slightly.
"It seems my previous stream left some impression."
Then a familiar comment appeared.
[@DrunkenSwordImmortal: Hahaha! Brat, you’ve finally shown your face again. This immortal has been waiting, do not disappoint me this time!]
