I carefully coiled the strands of the Queen’s webbing and tucked them into my bag.

As I secured it, I couldn’t help but start thinking about the ways it might come in handy. It wasn’t the kind of reward you’d expect from taking down a boss, but this was Dungeon End. Loot was never guaranteed here, and that’s what made every little thing worth keeping. Even if it didn’t seem useful right now, it might end up being exactly what I needed later.

The webs were no exception. Just holding them, I could already think of different ways they might come in use.

The first thing that came to mind was using it as rope. This stuff was strong, durable, and lightweight, perfect for climbing walls or binding something… or someone. It was also great for traps, like tripwires and snares, which came to mind right away.

But that wasn’t all. These webs were strong enough to hold the Queen's weight, so they’d definitely work as solid crafting materials. Mixing them with leather or lightweight metal could make gear tougher without adding extra weight. Versatile and practical.

I started to feel a bit more content with the haul as i made my way back to the group.

“So, where to?” I asked, glancing at the group.

Grizmar’s eyes shifted to Lila, who was still nestled comfortably in my pouch. “This is where you come in, little one.”

Lila’s eyes widened with surprise, excitement bubbling over. “Me? You need my help?”

Grizmar nodded, his tone straightforward. “We need a safe spot to rest, and your ability is perfect for that.”

Lila lit up, gripping the edge of the pouch as she leaned forward eagerly. For the first time, she really looked like she was part of the group.

Yet, her expression shifted slightly, curiosity flickering across her face. “Wait… why not let Kael handle it? He’s been leading us so far.”

Kael stood a few steps back, shaking his head. “Finding shelter? Not really my thing. My nose is great for tracking people and enemies. But when it comes to finding a safe spot? That’s more of a gnome's specialty.”

Lila’s nodded quickly in understanding. “Alright then! Leave it to me!”

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and concentrated.

“There!” she said, pointing ahead with enthusiasm. “That way! It’s not far.”

Grizmar nodded approvingly, already moving toward the path. “Good. Let’s not waste any more time. We’ve overstayed our welcome.”

----------------------------------------

After a few minutes of running, we finally arrived at the location Lila had guided us to.

The darkened forest opened up, and we stepped into a small clearing lit by the moonlight. The heavy and tensed feeling of the floor seemed to ease a little as we left the trees behind.

But it wasn’t the clearing that made us stop, it was the stream.

It ran right through the middle, the water so clear it reflected the moonlight.

The quiet sound of the water flowing over smooth rocks was calm and peaceful. It felt out of place, clearly not something you would expect in such a gloomy floor environment.

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"Is that… a stream?" Fennel was the first to notice it.

Kael stepped forward carefully, kneeling by the water's edge. He dipped his fingers into the stream, letting the cool flow run over his hand before scooping some up and tasting it. "It's clean. Safe to drink."

"Wait, really?" Fennel hurried over, crouching next to Kael and gently laying Tasha down. He scooped some water into his hands and took a cautious sip. His eyes widened as he swallowed. "Whoa! That’s amazing! After all that running, I feel alive again!"

Grizmar stood a few steps back as he scanned the area. "That's quite the rare encounter,” he muttered.

“You’re welcome!” Lila’s chipper voice chimed from my pouch. She poked her tiny head out, beaming with pride. “Told you I was useful!”

Kael glanced back at her, the corners of his mouth lifting into a genuine smile. “You nailed it, Lila. This spot is perfect.”

Her face turned pink as she quickly ducked back into the pouch, letting out a soft giggle. “Thanks…”

Fennel let out an exaggerated sigh and dropped onto his back by the stream. “Finally,” he groaned, stretching out all of his muscles. “I could sleep for a month. Fresh water, soft moss, and no spiders trying to make me their dinner—what more could I ask for?”

Kael stood tall, his eyes scanning the clearing. “This place feels like a stroke of luck, but we can’t relax just yet. Safe or not, we’re still in the dungeon.”

“Exactly,” Grizmar replied, his voice calm but firm. “Take a breather, but stay sharp. No telling what might still be lurking.”

I knelt by the stream and scooped up a handful of water, splashing it on my face.

The coolness was a welcome break from the intensity of everything we’d been through.

The slimes clinging to my arms and shoulders gave a slight quiver. “Thirsty? Do you guys even need water?” I asked, lowering them toward the stream. They jiggled in response, their squishy body dipping into the water with a soft ripple. Their playful energy returning as they soaked up small amounts of water. Instead of drinking it for survival like us, they turned it into a game, splashing each other like siblings messing around at the pool.

Fennel propped himself up on his elbows, watching with an amused grin. “I’m not sure what’s weirder,” he said casually, “the way you talk to them like they’re your kids, or the fact that they act like kids, even though, just a few minutes ago, they didn’t think twice about tearing through those spiders.”

“They’re loyal,” I said back, smirking.

Kael chuckled softly from where he was sitting. “You’re not wrong about them being useful, though. Those slimes of yours have saved us more than once tonight.”

“Yeah, well, they’re part of the team,” I said, shrugging as I watched the slimes wiggle happily in the stream.

Grizmar stood by one of the larger rocks, breaking the silence. “This spot will work. It’s sheltered enough, and the stream has what we need. Let’s rest here until Tasha wakes up.”

Kael nodded. “You guys get some rest. I’ll take the first watch and keep an eye out for danger.”

“There’s no need for that,” I said. “My slimes can handle it. They don’t sleep, so they’re basically perfect alarms and surveillance. We could all use the rest. What do you think?”

Kael hesitated, his tail flicking slowly as he mulled over my suggestion.

"You need sleep too, Kael. You've been on edge since we met. If you keep this up, you’re going to collapse," I said, trying to keep my tone firm but not pushy.

"Let the kid’s slimes handle it. They’re solid little soldiers," Grizmar chimed in, his voice encouraging.

Kael let out a reluctant sigh and finally nodded. He picked a spot near the stream and leaned against a tree. “Fine, I’ll rest. But I’m staying alert. Just in case.”

“Good enough,” I replied with a small smirk. “Now, everyone, get some rest. I’ll set up the slimes.”

Fennel yawned dramatically, tossing an arm over his face as he flopped onto the moss. “Don’t have to tell me twice. Wake me when there’s breakfast.”

I settled down by the stream, my bag within reach. My slimes were already in position, their slight movements barely noticeable but enough to reassure me.

For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight on my chest finally lifted.

From running for my life from a swarm of rats, to meeting Fennel and his group, rescuing his teammate, and taking on an army of spiders and their queen—it had been nonstop.

We’d gone from one life-or-death situation to another, all in just a single day.

Honestly, it felt like it had stretched way longer than that.

But now, this bit of rest felt like it could wash away the exhaustion of a thousand battles.

I leaned back, letting the cool air and the soothing sound of the stream lull me into sleep.

The weight of the day slipped away, and sleep came easily.