Deep beneath the earth, the cavern spread out like a realm untouched by time, filled with the faint, ethereal glow of luminescent fungi. Towering mushrooms dotted the alien landscape, their caps varying from a verdant green to a deep, almost royal purple, softly illuminating the cavern's vastness. Small streams wove serpentine paths between ancient stalagmites, their waters sparkling as they emptied into tranquil cerulean pools. Life thrived here in secret—translucent ghostly fish swam gracefully through the pools, iridescent snails and slugs crawled across the rocks, and tiny glowing insects flitted around, casting fleeting lights across the flora.
The cavern exuded a serene, untouched beauty, its air cool and damp, carrying the scent of wet earth and the musky odor of fungi. It was a sanctuary, undisturbed by the outside world.
A silver-haired young woman moved through the cavern with practiced grace. Deirdre—her hair tied back in a messy yet functional manner—was a curious figure in this alien landscape. Her attire was practical, made for exploration: layers of belts hung at her waist, adorned with pouches, bottles, and small containers, each carefully labeled for samples. Her backpack, large and weathered, held the rest of her supplies, and perched upon her forehead, reflecting the cavern's glow, were a pair of well-used goggles. Around her neck hung a glowing blue crystal, delicate yet purposeful, suspended from a fine chain. The crystal seemed almost alive, its light pulsing gently.
Deirdre moved methodically, her eyes scanning her surroundings with a mix of wonder and focus. She approached a cluster of mushrooms, each one glowing a soft green, and knelt down, her fingers deftly separating a small mushroom from its stem. She held it up, admiring its luminosity for a moment before carefully placing it into a small glass jar. Every motion was deliberate, and her reverence for the ecosystem she traversed was evident—she took only what she needed, ensuring that her presence left the smallest of marks.
As she continued her collection, Deirdre’s calm demeanor showed she was no stranger to the cavern's alien landscape. She had grown comfortable with both its beauty and the risks that often lurked beneath its serene surface.
While gathering a delicate patch of vibrant moss near one of the pools, Deirdre noticed the water rippling, though no breeze stirred the air. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her hand pausing as she watched the pool. The surface of the water broke as a white, eel-like creature shot out, its mouth lined with needle-like teeth, aimed straight at her. Deirdre did not flinch. Instead, she lifted the crystal hanging from her neck, allowing it to catch the cavern’s ambient light.
The blue crystal pulsed brightly, and the creature halted mid-air, its pale body arching as it recoiled. For a heartbeat, it hovered there, eyes locked on the crystal, before it slithered back into the pool, disappearing beneath the rippling surface without further aggression.
The silence that followed was soon broken by a sibilant voice, echoing from all directions at once, as though it emanated from the very walls of the cavern. The voice was both authoritative and amused, its tone carrying an almost serpentine quality.
“Collector,” it hissed, the word stretching out across the cavern, “why do you trespass in my domain?”
Deirdre smiled, her demeanor shifting from focused concentration to friendly enthusiasm. She stood, brushing her hands off on her trousers before addressing the voice with a cheerful lilt. “Oh, hello there! I’m just collecting a few samples for the Exchange. Your domain is absolutely beautiful, by the way—the flora here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I promise I’m being very careful.” She held up a jar, showing the careful way she had stored the mushroom. “See? No harm intended.”
A pause followed, the silence stretching out until the voice returned, this time with a note of pride. “You tread lightly, Collector. Your respect is noted. Take what you need—my blessing is upon you.”
Deirdre’s smile widened, and she gave a small bow, her eyes twinkling in the cavern’s glow. “Thank you! I truly appreciate it.”
With the voice’s permission granted, Deirdre continued her work, her movements even more careful, if that were possible. She took only a few more samples—a vibrant patch of moss, a small glowing mushroom, a vial of water from one of the cerulean pools—handling each with reverence, her respect for the ecosystem unwavering.
When her collection was complete, Deirdre reached into her backpack and withdrew a worn scroll, its edges frayed and its surface covered in glowing runes. She held it carefully, speaking a few quiet words. As the final syllable left her lips, the scroll crumbled into golden sparks, the runes lifting from the parchment to form a glowing doorway before her, a physical door with an ornate keyhole in its center.
Deirdre reached into one of her pouches and produced an ornate golden key, intricately carved and shining faintly in the cavern's glow. She inserted the key into the keyhole, turning it with a soft click. The door swung open, revealing a shimmering passageway.
Deirdre took one last look around the cavern, her eyes full of appreciation. “Thank you again!” she called, her voice echoing gently. With that, she stepped through the glowing door, and in an instant, she was gone. The door vanished, the golden light fading until nothing was left but the serene glow of the mushrooms and the soft trickling of water.
The cavern returned to its quiet rhythm, the life within it resuming its usual pattern as though Deirdre had never been there. The faint glow of the fungi, the subtle movements of the translucent fish, and the soft hum of the cavern all blended together, preserving the tranquility of this hidden, untouched place.
***
Deirdre stepped through the magical doorway into the Hall of Doors—a massive, spiraling tower filled with countless doors of various shapes, sizes, and materials. The hall was designed as an ascending spiral, with a wide walkway that wound its way up the interior of the tower. Each door was set into the stone walls along this spiraling path, forming a seemingly endless array of entrances, each leading to a different Domain.
The doors were as varied as the worlds they led to: some were carved from ancient, weathered wood, others forged from gleaming metal adorned with intricate runes. There were doors made of crystal that shimmered in the light, doors covered in ivy and flowers, and even doors that seemed to be made from flowing water, constantly shifting and changing shape. Each door was marked with an intricate keyhole, its design hinting at the mysteries beyond. Only Collectors with the correct Domain Key could unlock these doors and gain access to the worlds beyond them.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
The hall bustled with activity as other Collectors came and went, moving between Domains with their own rare finds. The spiraling walkway was filled with Collectors hauling their collections, some carrying crates filled with rare herbs, while others wheeled carts laden with strange ores and magical artifacts. The hall was a constant hum of voices, footsteps, and the clinking of glass and metal.
In the center of the tower, several intricate, counterweight elevators operated, designed to help lower larger items from the higher levels. These elevators, with their brass gears and pulleys, moved up and down with precision, enabling the Collectors to transport heavier loads without the need to navigate the spiraling walkway. Deirdre glanced around, her eyes taking in the sight of the other Collectors, each focused on their tasks, carrying items from their travels. Then she moved through the Hall of Doors, making her way toward The Exchange itself.
The Exchange was a sprawling marketplace that served as the heart of the Collector's guild. The Exchange was housed on the back of a colossal tortoise, a living creature that moved slowly through rolling green hills. The structure on its back resembled a medieval village, with turrets, ivy-covered walls, and glowing windows. String lights hung between the towers, casting a warm glow, while the tortoise moved at its slow and steady pace.
Deirdre stepped into the courtyard of The Exchange, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. Collectors moved to and fro, displaying their finds at tables and stalls set up throughout the courtyard. The air was filled with the sounds of bartering, the clinking of glass jars, and the buzz of conversation. Part of some Collectors' collections included creatures—beautiful, exotic birds in elaborate cages, strange animals with shimmering fur, and even ferocious monsters contained behind reinforced bars. The diversity of the creatures on display added an air of excitement and danger to the bazaar, making it a lively and unpredictable place.
Dungeon Keepers, powerful individuals who ran dungeons across the multiverse, were scattered among the Collectors, examining their wares, seeking out unique items for their labyrinths. The Dungeon Keepers came in a wild variety: some were sinister dark lords, cloaked in shadow and exuding an aura of menace; others were floating crystal orbs, pulsating with arcane energy and communicating in telepathic whispers. Some appeared as completely normal humans, unassuming in their demeanor, while others took the form of animals—a myriad of types, from sleek panthers to wise old tortoises. Each Dungeon Keeper had their own style, their own mysteries, and their own way of shaping the dungeons they ruled.
Deirdre made her way through the bazaar, her eyes scanning the stalls. She saw glowing herbs, rare ores, and magical trinkets displayed for trade or auction. She moved with purpose, her own collection of glowing flora safely packed away in her backpack.
As she approached a small hall where the next auction was to take place, Deirdre heard a familiar voice behind her. She turned to see a familiar Collector with short black hair styled in a pixie cut.
Milani was striking in her appearance. She wore a sleek black outfit, tailored for both function and style. Her jacket had a fur-lined collar, and her top was intricately designed with crisscrossed straps and cutouts, giving her a somewhat rebellious look. She had high boots, fitted tightly, with protective padding, and her trousers were practical, yet form-fitting. On her back, she carried a large, curved blade, which she wielded effortlessly, hinting at her prowess in battle.
Milani's appearance was as fierce as her attitude, always ready for a challenge, be it in the Domains or with her fellow Collectors. Milani exuded confidence, her eyes glancing over Deirdre's modest collection with a smirk.
“Still scraping the bottom of the barrel, Deirdre?” Milani asked, crossing her arms. “I don’t know why you bother with those little, resource-poor Domains. You’ll never find anything of value,” Milani's expression softened slightly, and she leaned closer to Deirdre. “You know, you could always join my team. I’ve asked you before, and the offer still stands. You’ve got good instincts, and you’re wasting your talents hunting for scraps. We could accomplish so much more together.”
Deirdre smiled kindly, her tone gentle but firm. “I appreciate the offer, Milani, I really do. But your way of raiding the Domains like a bandit isn’t for me. I prefer my methods—respecting the balance, taking only what’s needed. It may not be the most profitable, but it feels right to me. I like to work with what I’ve got. Besides, there’s more to this job than just finding the most valuable loot.”
Milani snorted. “Maybe for you. For the rest of us, it’s about survival and success.” She eyed Deirdre’s small collection of glowing fungi with a raised eyebrow. “Good luck getting anyone to bid on those.”
Their conversation was interrupted when Lugh, a short Noctari—a bird-like humanoid with soft white feathers and a round, owl-like face—hurried over. He had large, curious eyes magnified by a pair of over-sized spectacles perched on his beak. Lugh wore a flowing blue cloak adorned with delicate snowflake patterns, giving him an almost scholarly appearance. Underneath, his attire was practical, with a comfortable tunic tied with a drawstring and well-fitted pants. His taloned feet were bare, but they seemed adept at grasping both books and scrolls, which he often carried around. He flapped his wings nervously as he approached, his voice filled with urgency.
“Deirdre! There you are! Your auction slot is coming up, and if you don’t hurry, I’ll have to give it to someone else!” His feathers ruffled as he adjusted the scrolls and ledger he carried. Lugh was a high-strung bookkeeper and auctioneer but a good friend of Deirdre.
Deirdre gave Lugh a warm smile. “No worries, Lugh. I’m ready.”
Milani shook her head, her expression tinged with disappointment. "You’ve got a real knack for cutting it close, Deirdre. You know, it’s a shame you won’t join me. You’re too soft, but I still think you’d be an asset if you toughened up."
With a laugh, Deirdre waved her off and followed Lugh toward the auction floor.
Deirdre stepped up to the auction block, her modest collection of rare flora displayed before her. She knew her samples—while unique and beautiful—would likely not attract high bids from the Dungeon Keepers. Most were looking for rare monsters or magical ores, things that could enhance the power of their dungeons.
The auction began, and as expected, the bidding was slow. Deirdre remained positive, flashing a smile as she gracefully accepted the meager bids for her collection. Even though her haul was modest, she took pride in what she had gathered.
After the auction, Deirdre reflected on the day. While her earnings were meager, she was content. Her satisfaction came not from the money but from the act of exploration, discovery, and preserving the balance of the ecosystems she visited.
As she gathered her belongings and prepared to leave, Deirdre passed by Milani, who was busy preparing her own, much larger, more lucrative haul for auction. Milani caught her eye and, with a slight nod of acknowledgment, offered a backhanded compliment. “Good luck out there, Deirdre. You’re going to need it.”
Deirdre grinned, unaffected by Milani’s jab. “Same to you. Take care, Milani.”
Lugh, still fidgety and bustling with nervous energy, rushed over once more, clutching his scrolls. “Well, you managed to get through another auction without a hitch, but next time… next time you really need to get here earlier, Deirdre. My heart can’t take this stress!”
Deirdre laughed and patted Lugh’s shoulder gently. “Don’t worry, Lugh. I’ll try to be on time. Maybe.”
Despite his usual anxiousness, Lugh offered her a small, fond smile before scurrying off to attend to other auctions.
As Deirdre walked away from the auction floor, her mind turned to her next journey. She pulled out her few Domain Keys, glancing at the faint shimmer in their surfaces. Most of them were tied to small, resource-poor Domains, but to Deirdre, they represented another opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty hidden in the multiverse.
With a sense of quiet determination, she headed off to restock her supplies, ready for whatever came next. She might not have the wealth or the glory that others sought, but she had something more important to her—a deep connection to the worlds she visited and the satisfaction of doing things her own way.