With each step, Devi's senses heightened, acutely aware of every sound and movement around her. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, almost drowning out the hushed shuffle of her feet against the rocky ground. The array disk provided a dim glow as it hung from her bag, just enough to reveal the immediate vicinity and prevent her from stumbling in the darkness.
As she ventured deeper into the tunnel, the air grew cooler, a refreshing change from the stagnant atmosphere of the cave. The faint breeze that brushed over her skin offered a sense of relief, yet it carried an unexpected scent of mildew. Even with the stalagmites scattered around, Devi hadn’t run across any bodies of water, so the new sent puzzled her.
Maybe I can find a pond and not have to spend twenty points of mana each time I want a drink.
Devi's curiosity mingled with caution as she continued down the dark and winding passage. The silence around her was almost palpable, interrupted only by the soft echoes of her own movements. She strained her ears, trying to discern any unfamiliar sounds that might indicate the presence of hidden dangers.
As she rounded the next bend, Devi paused in her tracks. Growing out of the cracks in the tunnel wall was a mushroom. A glowing mushroom to be precise. It glowed with a dim reddish-purple light, not enough to let her see clearly, but enough to be noticeable.
A rumble reverberated through her body as her stomach took the initiative to tell her it was hungry. Devi hadn’t been the most avid fan of mushrooms, but right now, she was willing to try. Her only other option for food at the moment was dead bats, and every time she thought of biting into one, her whole body convulsed.
The glowing fungus seemed to taunt her with tales of food, but Devi ultimately decided not to go near it. A glowing mushroom inside a magical dungeon filled with monsters that were cursed? That sounded exactly like the sort of thing that would kill her as soon as she ate it. Or make her go mad.
Even if she wasn’t going to eat it, she still wanted to take a piece and use it to make magic items. Exactly what she could make with it, she had no idea, but there was probably something. Maybe a potion? She shrugged and continued walking, making a mental note to go back and scoop it into her pack once she was done investigating this tunnel.
A few more of the glowing mushrooms started to appear, casting the whole tunnel in an eerie crimson glow. Enough of the fungi were around that soon Devi didn’t need the feeble light of her array disk to see the tunnel. And while she was glad to no longer have to squint into the dark as much, it meant she was much more visible to any passing monster.
There wasn’t anything to do except press on though, so she did, nervously flexing her grip on her blade as she slunk further down the corridor. Sounds of dripping water soon reach her ear, along with the telltale chirps of bats
She could feel her heart thump wildly in her chest as she rounded a corner and the tunnel gradually opened up into a spacious cavern. The roof stretched far above, small lights marking the top like crimson and indigo stars. The air in the cavern was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint aroma of the glowing mushrooms, filling her senses with an otherworldly fragrance. The cave floor was uneven, scattered with mossy patches and small rocks, making every step precarious. But amidst the glowing mushrooms, the cave floor seemed to come alive, reflecting the red hues and casting a surreal glow on her surroundings.
In the middle of the cavern lay a large, tranquil pool of water. Jutting up from the center, a menacing crimson crystal sat held in the clawed grasp of its metal holder, casting a red hue on the otherwise clear waters. She could almost feel something ripple through the air, coming off the odd crystal in waves.
The cavern would have been a tranquil, if a bit sinister, scene if not for the swarm of bats that fluttered through the air. There were far more bats than Devi had ever seen in one place, though that wasn’t too hard, considering she had never seen a bat before entering this cave. They hung scattered throughout the cavern, most resting, but a few fluttered around restlessly.
As soon as Devi laid eyes on the crystal, she felt an odd urge to go investigate it. It called out to her, in a much different way than the doors had. Instead, the crystal like felt more than just a checkmark she had to cross off her list before completing the dungeon, amd more like something that could actually help her. The air around it seemed to offer power, something that Devi had realized was vital in this new world, and something she was sorely lacking. She had almost died to an overgrown spider, and she really didn’t want to repeat that experience.
She waited a few moments, watching the bats go about their business. Suddenly, there was a brief shower of black and red sparks above the crystal. They only lasted for a moment, before a small bat emerged from them, beedy red eyes scanning the area before flapping off.
It spawns monsters? Devi wondered in shock as she tracked the new bat as it flew through the air. Is it all that it can do, or is there more?
If it only could summon, or even create, monsters, destroying it would be paramount. She had been thinking of trying to thin out the bat population so they weren’t as much of a nuisance to her, but if they could just resummon more of their kind, that idea was moot. But Devi felt there was more to it than just monster spawning. There was just something about it.
Regardless, she needed to get close to it. Thankfully, not many of the bats seemed to be interested in the pool. Devi took a deep breath and slowly moved closer to the menacing crimson crystal. Her hand clenched around her blade in preparation to defend herself. But, the bats in the cavern above continued their fluttering and chirping, seemingly unaware of her presence as she cautiously approached the pool.
A small part of her was screaming at her to think for a second before approaching what was obviously a malevolent magic item, but her curiosity won out. She desperately needed to figure out what it did and destroy it if she could.
Scattered throughout the pond were jagged spikes of dark stone, forming a clear but roundabout way to the center. Alternatively, she could just jump into the pool, but she could clearly see numerous fish swimming in its clear depths. Some of them sporting massive fangs that jutted out past their lips. Not something she wanted brushing up against her leg during a swim.
Devi carefully navigated the jagged stone spikes, stepping from one to another, making her way towards the center of the pool where the menacing crimson crystal stood. The stone spikes were slick and covered in fungi, so it made traversing them a bit of a challenge. To make matters worse, she had to do it as quietly as she could, fearful of attacking a swarm of bats.
Luckily, the bats seemed to avoid the lake, seeming content with snoozing high above on the cavern ceiling. She felt the hairs on her arm stand on end as a fizzling sound cut through the air, and she glanced up to see a few sparks emanating from the air a few meters to her left. She held her breath as they coalesced into the form of a small bat. Her heart raced as the newly summoned bat hovered in place, getting its bearings.
Her hands were preoccupied with holding onto the stone spike, so a fight right now would be dangerous. After a few tense moments, the bat flapped away, apparently not noticing the cowing form of Devi hiding behind her spire.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, and Devi stepped onto the stone platform that held the crystal. It was no larger than her fist, but it still was the largest gemstone she had ever seen. She could feel the fait waves of power radiating off of it, almost like the very air itself was charged.
Hesitantly, Devi reached out her hand and touched the crystal. The moment she did, a wave of energy surged out of it, washing over her, and bathing the cavern in a crimson light. Countless red eyes opened in the darkness above her, as the bat awoke at the crystal’s call. Shrieks filled the air as a swarm of bats descended. One larger than the rest led them in their charge as they descended.
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“Fuck!” She cursed as the stared wide-eyed at the approaching swarm. This is why you don’t touch random glowing crystals, Devi. Bad things happen.
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A crimson box appeared in her vision, quite different than the blue ones she had been becoming used to. The odd color threw her off for a second before she scanned the brief message. Something about being transported somewhere? It reminded her of the message prefacing the dungeon she was currently in. She had an option to refuse, but with the swarm of furious bats descending, there really wasn’t all that much of a choice.
She quickly accepted and got her blade ready. There was no telling what awaited for her, or if she would be transported in time. The bat drew nearer, as she ducked down behind the raised crystal, hoping a little bit of cover could help.
Suddenly, the shadows around her began to writhe, enveloping her in a dark embrace. Light and sound cut out, she could no longer hear anything besides her own panicked breathing. Then, she could no longer even breathe. The air around her seemed to contract, squishing her into a narrow space. It felt as though reality itself was folding and compressing her, squeezing her existence into something incomprehensible.
In that unsettling moment of darkness and disorientation, Devi lost all sense of time and space. It was as if she was suspended in the void, with nothing to hold on to. Panic threatened to consume her, but she fought to keep her composure, clinging to the knowledge that this was a consequence of her decision to accept the crimson box's offer.
Just as quickly as it had begun, the sensation of compression ceased.
Devi took a moment to steady herself, her heart still pounding from the disorienting experience. As she looked around, she found herself standing in a grand chamber, far different from the cavern she had left behind. The room was dimly lit by flickering torches along the walls, casting dancing shadows that seemed to reach out like grasping fingers.
The smooth dark stone floor was adorned with intricate patterns, and the expensive-looking rugs added an air of elegance to the surroundings. Elaborate tapestries depicting impressive battles adorned the walls. At the far end of the chamber, a massive throne loomed, made of obsidian and iron, adorned with intricate carvings of twisted shadows.
Devi could only make out the two feet of the person lounging on the throne, their identity obscured by the shadows. The air in the chamber seemed heavy with ancient power and the unknown. Her senses were on high alert, and the foreboding atmosphere did nothing to soothe her fears.
“My Lady, someone has appeared in the throne room,” a voice squawked out from the direction of the throne.
A feathered form was batted aside by a large hand, flying into a wall with a soft thump.
“I can see that,” a voice said, cutting through the gloom, dripping with malice. The two boots shifted, and a figure emerged from the shadows shrowding the throne.
As the figure stepped into the dim light, her presence was palpable, radiating malevolence and hate. The figured towered over Devi with a powerful and well-muscled physique that exuded raw strength and dominance. Their body was clad in a revealing crop top that showcased her chiseled abs and powerful arms, a stark contrast to the flowing, dark silk bottoms that billowed around her legs with each step.
The air around her seemed to thicken with darkness, and their eyes glowed with an intense crimson hue, filled with a seething anger that simmered just below the surface. Their lips curled into a cruel smirk, revealing razor-sharp fangs that glinted menacingly in the torchlight.
Their long, ebony hair cascaded in wild waves down their back, adding to their imposing presence. The figure had an aura of command and arrogance as if they believed themselves to be untouchable and invincible. Their posture was poised and predatory, as if ready to strike at any moment.
"I have eyes," they said to the crumpled feather form, their voice dripping with malice and disdain. The figure’s words were laced with venom, and the atmosphere around them seemed to darken even further.
The imposing figure’s gaze shifted to Devi, who stood at a distance, her blade at the ready. The crimson eyes locked onto Devi's, and a wicked smile spread across their face.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" their voice a low and dangerous growl. “Someone finally came? Took you long enough.”
The menacing figure stalked forward while Devi’s eyes darted around, trying to assess the situation. Her health, stamina, and mana were all low, and this figure seemed far out of her league. She had no idea where she was and had a sinking feeling that the swarm of bats would have been easier to escape than the menacing presence looming closer.
“A level five human,” they drew out the last word as if it was unfamiliar. “Pity, I was hoping for at least an entertaining fight.”
Cold sweat dripped down the back of her neck as the figure stalked even closer, a predatory gleam in their eyes. The closer they came, the more Devi realized just how large they were, easily topping two meeters, probably more. But even with such a massive frame, their steps were silent.
She sent a surge of mana into her blade, gripping the handle so tight that her knuckles turned white. The figure snorted dismissively at the sight, not even pausing their slow but steady advance.
Narrowing her eyes, Devi waited until her opponent was just inside her striking range before slashing out with her blade, sending a wave of fire at them. She backed up a step and got ready to strike again, but when the flames disappeared, the menacing figure wasn’t there.
She frantically looked around, eyes widening in shock as she spotted the looming figure standing right behind her.
“Is that all you have?” They asked, their contempt clear in their voice. “Expected, but still disappointing.”
Devi didn’t even see the blow that came. One moment she was standing, getting ready to slam her blade into the monster’s side, and the next, she was flying through the air. Devi crashed hard into a nearby stone pillar, the impact knocking the wind out of her. Pain shot through her body, and her vision blurred for a moment. She struggled to push herself up, her head throbbing from the blow she had received.
“Is that all? A pig hit me harder than that,” Devi spat out, a bit of blood dribbling down her chin. Her already mangled hand slowly reached into her pocket, grabbing the few mana crystals she had in there. She desperately channeled her mana into them, recklessly dumping the last remnants of her mana pool.
Her world was jumbled again as a blow too fast for her to track sent her crashing into the wall, the thick tapestry doing little to cushion her fall. This time she heard a definite crack, as pain lanced up her leg.
With a groan, she pulled herself to her feet, but as soon as she tried to put any weight on her right foot, it crumpled, and she had to reach out to the wall for support. Her body was battered, and could already feel one giant bruise start to form over the entirety of her skin.
“Hopefully the next person will be more exciting to beat,” the monster growled as they stalked up to her. “This was truly disappointing.”
Their hand snaked forward, wrapping around her throat. Her cry of pain was cut off as they started to squeeze, lifting her up in the process, feet dangling off the ground. The hand itself was ice cold and could have been made of steel as she frantically tried to pry it from her neck to no avail.
Devi's vision darkened around the edges as she struggled to breathe. The monster's grip on her throat tightened, and she felt her strength rapidly draining away. Panic surged through her veins as she realized that this could be the end.
But even in her dire state, she refused to give up. With the last shred of her willpower, she summoned the remnants of her mana, focusing it into a desperate surge of power. Her hand, still clutching the mana crystals, glowed with a faint, flickering light.
If I am going down, you are too.
She threw the pulsating crystals at the monster and watched helplessly as they sailed harmless past as the monster deftly sidestepped them. They exploded in a blast of iridescent light, Not even managing to singe the woven rugs on the floor.
“Was that your feeble last attempt? Absolutely pathetic. The figure snarled in disgust. “Why did Father decide I was the one who had to come here?”
The sound of their voice began to fade as Devi’s conscience began to darken. Even her last ditch effort had been avoided like it was the flailings of a child. Most people said they saw their life flash before their eyes when there were about to die, but Devi only saw black as her vision faded. No highlight reel played for her as she struggled to breathe.
“You better make the right decision,” was the last thing she hared before she dimly felt a sharp pain on the back of her neck, and everything faded to black.