Reincarnated as a Phoenix

Chapter 167 – Ferryman

"So then Ariza, what did you think of that prince anyways? Is he your type?"

"Uh? What are you on about Ikarus?"

Currently chilling around the crackling campfire cuddled up to Petra sitting together on a log, I ask that to Ariza who's currently playing cards with Zeki on the floor. Both Nathan and Charlotte are whispering God knows what in each other's ear right now as well, I guess their privacy standards spreads to whispering but they still won't do anything more than hug in public.

In the end, the wyvern king did offer to fly us back to their city for a slight rest but would've forced us to have to backtrack a little to visit the wyvern city. It could've been cool to see but at the end of the day, the Underworld is calling for us. We've got a decent flight ahead of us getting to the entrance as well.

"That wyvern prince Ariza, he's clearly got a thing for you. I'm unsure if you're interested in him or not"

"Uh, not you as well Ikarus, Zeki keeps going on about it as well but I just can't see it"

"Listen brother, orangey may not know a lot of things, but if she can sense there's something there, you best believe her"

'That's the most roundabout way of calling me stupid, Petra's even glaring at him but he hasn't even realized what he said'

"Even if he is, even if I still don't believe it, what difference does it make? He's prince of the wyverns and we live the other side of the world. I still don't believe it though"

In some ways, I feel a little sorry for Ariza since she seems to be reluctant on accepting it's a thing. It's not like we're suggesting to go out with him or get married, just that he definitely has a crush on her.

"I mean Ariza, he did offer your hand in marriage, right? That's a pretty big indicator, you should've used your mind control on him to confirm"

"But that was only because he felt like he owed me! I'd feel ashamed of myself if I used it for something like that Ikarus"

'She's really stubborn on this, is it that hard to believe? She really needs a boost in self-confidence at times'

"Heh, even I can't help but get involved now Ariza. You're being purposely dense on this"

"Am I? What about you Charlotte and Nathan?"

"Hehe, sorry Ariza-sama but I think he likes you"

(Nathan) "I'm not getting involved on this, I've shared the sorrow of having a crush once before. Thankfully, everything ended well on that front"

"You liked me from the beginning Nat? I liked you as well"

Trying to ignore the cute moment Nat x Lotte are having, Ariza's now hiding her head under her arms from embarrassment. Ah, the burden of young love.

"Uh nooo... what do I do then? Seriously! I haven't gone dated someone in like four hundred years! This is terrifying, please help!"

Most of us crack a smile from Ariza being clueless on how to go forward with this, maybe we shouldn't have said something if it's stressed her out this much but at the end of the day, it seems like she kinda likes him as well. This isn't something we can really help her out with though, a little advice is fine but it's her life after all.

"It's easy Ariza, just forget about it and if you see him again, give it a further think. Heck, you can always write to each other as well, Petra should be able to help with that. If the boy turns out to be too much and becomes annoying, just say the words and I'll personally fly over and give him a strong kick below!"

"You don't have to do that Ikarus! I know you're joking but still!"

"Heh, what is it with you and wanting to kick the area down below Ikarus?"

"It's my burden Petra, I had to lose my little friend so I'm taking it out on the world. I'm starting to see why Loki has such tastes and wants all guy's gender bent, you've really got to be careful around me Zeki"

"Bite me orangey"

At least my forced idiocy gets a smile out of everyone, except Zeki for obvious reasons. As for Ariza, she looks a little calmer but clearly her brain is going into all the potential outcomes from this situation. I've been in her exact position once upon a time so I know the pain of new love. Doesn't help I'm painfully terrible at this sort of thing but still. At least it means I can give perfect advice from experience I guess.

"Uh... I think I'll send him a letter then, maybe he might like animals as well..."

'Aww, Ariza's really cute when worrying about potential love. I'd love to tease her about it but she's way too precious to do such a thing'

"Anyways, let's all get some rest and leave first thing at dawn. The entrance to the Underworld could be quite the journey... you coming Petra?"

"Heh, obviously Ikarus..."

__________

"Ah, the Underworld finally awaits! This is going to be brilliant I bet!"

"Heh, you're really excited for this Ikarus"

"Of course I am Petra! The Underworld is like the coolest part of Greek mythology. I'd love to meet Hades or Persephone, knowing our luck they'll probably be mad or need defeating though. We might have to run if that happens"

"Why would you want to meet that dead God orangey? The entire concept of death is pointless anyways, we're like the best example of that"

(Ariza) "You know of those names Ikarus speaks Zeki?"

"Just the Hades one brother, me and orangey still remember a bit from Earth being the youngest. Hades was the God of dead and I remember fighting him in a MMO dungeon battle once"

'I have literally zero clue on what game Zeki is referring to'

"The Underworld does sound a little scary but as long as we can rescue my Lord, then the fear is of no concern"

"We'll be able to save him Lotte, it's okay to be a little afraid. Death is scary and it doesn't help the dungeon is supposed to be where souls go"

"Thanks Nat, that actually helps more than you'd think"

Having finally arrived at the entrance to the Underworld, what presents us is a huge green mountain filled with trees and nestled within the landscape is a gigantic temple sized door covered in nature. This would be cool enough if I wasn't now focused on something else.

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---The red crystal is current location, it's still technically a sneak peak but Maladonia is pretty much done.

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"Let's go to lan-, what the hell? What are those two doing here!?"

Outside the gigantic doorway sitting around a campfire, there's two very noticeable people that we've come across in our adventures. Remember that blonde-haired beastman who was leader to the Adventurers guild on our islands? Yeah, Geld is here alongside Petra's ex, the vampire Melinda.

Both Athena and Hephaestus did say the other two tokens will be waiting for us but these two are the contacts? Huh, I guess it makes some sense, what other group would you hire to take down dungeons other than adventurers?

"You two were the contacts then?"

"Heh, small world, isn't it?"

Landing and doing the instant form change that usually happens, me and Petra speak to the surprised adventurers. Actually, only Melinda is the one confused, Geld definitely knew we were coming.

"Greetings Queen Ikarus and Queen Petra! We're already placed the tokens inside the slots already so we're ready to go!"

"Alright..."

Immediately standing up and saluting us, Geld gives us a happy but serious smile while Melinda almost looks a little sulky still sitting around the fire. I guess she still is pretty hung up about the whole thing, her and Petra will always struggle to get on but as long as it's no longer pure hatred, that's the best I can achieve.

I take a quick gander towards the door and see five small rounded slots which clearly those two have already done what Geld just said. I assumed the tokens would have to be given to the ferryman directly but I guess not then.

"Can we have something a little more informative than just that? Like, how do you two even know about this situation? What about the dungeons you two completed to get the other tokens though?"

(Melinda) "There isn't much of a story to tell here Ikarus. The first one has been in storage after our guild completed a dungeon in the swamp years ago, Geld sent me a message it was needed here so I brought it over after completing the recent assignment. Guess it makes sense it would be related to you two"

"The second, I personally went to complete in the southeast! That Goddess Artemis made me hunt inside her world for a little while but in the end, she gave it to me after ranting and raving calling Zeus a cu-... I can't even speak the word, it's that bad!"

The beast wags his tail almost as if he's expecting us to praise him or something. I probably should if I wasn't annoyed at how things have turned out.

"So, you two get the easy job while us six had to personally deal with Ares himself? Eh, I'm not going to complain about this, thanks for the help regardless"

Two outta three ain't bad so I'm past that Ikarus complaining everyone's knows and loves. The love one ended up being pretty cool if you exclude the slight incest and Athena's was pretty doable as well, Ares is a proper dick though despite giving Zeki a cool toy.

"Heh, are we going to take a quick break or are we going to go straight inside then?"

(Geld) "Of course! I'm ready to go now!"

"This isn't my adventure so I'll be leaving at dawn, it's already getting pretty late out now"

Petra only gets a response from the other two outside of our party so us six our good. For some reason, Petra wants to follow this up a little further, I'm kinda happy she's able to deal with her ex now. It's unhealthy to hold so much hatred towards someone so I'm content she can stomach Melinda now; I'll always be Petra's lover so there's zero worries about jealously.

It says a lot I actually feel more jealously to that Ikarus plushie more than this vampire, it doesn't help we sometimes sleep hugging them. We're females so we have to hug something at night, alright? If not hugging each other, what else do you hug? A crappy pillow? It's not like I hug the plushie version of myself though, Petra won't let me near that and I can't blame her since it needs to be destroyed...

"Mel, despite what's happened between us, don't let any awkwardness stop what you want to do. What's a party of eight compared to seven anyways?"

"I mean, Petra's completely right. Who wouldn't want to go dungeon diving into the Underworld itself!?"

"It's not that, you two. It's probably best for me to return to that idiot's side as quick as possible, the thirst always seems to be dwelled travelling with him"

'Ah right, one of the adventurers she was travelling with. Still unaware on the replacement substance vampires can use instead of blood but nothing but filth still flows through my brain from that'

"Regardless me and Ikarus really appreciate the help, so thank you"

"It's fine Petra, you don't need to say anymore"

...

Okay, slight awkward silence, this is why you NEVER speak to your ex ever again. I'm to blame for this silence so I'll also be the one to end it.

"Anyways... are we moving on or not then? The Underworld awaits!"

"Heh, you're getting too excited over this Ikarus. It's technically a dungeon, remember?"

"Ah, don't be trying to spoil my mood Petra, I know it is but it'll be different this time! No idea why though"

Heading up to the huge door with tokens now out of storage, I excitedly place each one into the corresponding slots and volare! Nothing happens...

Actually, something does happen but it takes a few seconds for the old and bulky door to start moving downwards. This door cleary hasn't been touched in forever just by the amount of crap falling off it but at least it's down now. The sound of a huge crash happening doesn't send confidence for this door closing back up though.

Leading into the place, what presents us is a lot of greenery and a lot of cave. At least it's different to the normal caves we come across but still, looks like the outside of this mountain has seeped inside this place.

'Let's see what this is like then...'

__________

"This place is just... wow"

"Heh, it truly is beautiful Ikarus. Glad I get to see it with you"

"Uh huh, this place makes me want to cry a little. I've never seen anything this nice"

"Hey empire's lackey, if you're ever wanting to propose to the nun, this place is definitely the perfect background"

(Charlotte) "Huh!? Where did that come from Zeki?"

(Nathan) "Not funny kid, really not funny"

(Geld) "My master would like this sight"

Travelling through the dense greenery of the cave, we've just arrived at a mostly underground sanctuary inside this mountain and it's absolutely stunning. Beautiful pine trees, bright coloured flowers and mushrooms spread out all across the floor, a tranquil waterfall that flows into a small river with all of it being shined on by a tiny amount of light reaching through a small crack at the top of this cave. If Petra hadn't proposed to me already, I would've done it here, this place is something else so Zeki actually has a point there. Even if the comment shouldn't have been said.

It's obviously made both Nat x Lotte blush but no one's focusing on that considering the boat that now sits on the slow flowing river. It's actually more on the hooded robed figure inside the boat that grabs attention, the figure is also joined alongside two much smaller figures.

"Is that... Charon!? Okay, I'm seriously getting excited right now"

"Heh, who's that Ikarus?"

"The ferryman Petra, he'll take us into the Underworld on his boat!"

"What's so impressive about him anyways orangey? He's just a skeleton"

(Ariza) "I think Ikarus is more excited about the legends rather than his appearance Zeki... that's if Charon is a guy"

"That skeleton is definitely a male Ariza, at least his bone structure seems that way"

"You can tell Nat?"

"Yeah Lotte, identifying bodies was sort of a side project we had to do in knight training. It seemed pretty useless at the time though"

"Khaarr..."

Sounding like a groaning undead, the ferryman to the Underworld clearly is upon us mostly hidden from view under those clothes of his. At least from this part of the sanctuary.

Getting a closer look at this guy's face, he's basically looks like a walking corpse but more skeleton rather than zombie with a red glow from one of his rotting eye sockets. The other two look pretty much identical to him, other than the fact they may be kid sized. That's not a pleasant thought but no point thinking about something pointless like that, the Underworld is the land of the dead after all so it should be expected. Still feel a little sad about it though.

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'Status'

[Name: Charon | Species: Lich | Level: 500]

[Health 33,333/33,333]

[Stamina 33,333/33,333]

[Magicka 33/334/33,334]

'You know, it's pretty funny how certain types of undead appear within status yet others don't at all. You'd think it would be pretty consistent over this'

[<Ikarus should not question the powers that be that create systems. They may curse you with dreams of gigantic third legs again>]

'You think those nightmares are from the system creators!? Okay, I better shut it'

Until you've had a third leg the size of a skyscraper chasing you down while fearing for your life and your virginity, don't you be thinking Ikarus is batshit crazy! It was freaking terrifying man; I don't get dreams like that anymore but that shit kept me up for a week!

"So, the legendary Charon is actually a lich? You have anything to say fella, other than khar?"

"Khaarr..."

It's obvious communicating with this guy is going to be fun so best to just enter his boat and see where this goes. There should be enough room if we all squeeze together.

All seven of us just barely fit inside the big rowboat so Charon sets off rowing alongside his two little helpers. Now, it's onto the Underworld! If I don't get to pet Cerberus this trip, I will be greatly disappointed. He may rip my arm off in the process but that is a price I'm willing to pay! You don't tend to see many dogs in this world thinking about it, wolfs are a completely different matter though.

'Entering the Underworld via the river Styx. As if my life could get any weirder, pretty dope though...'