Edward makes his way to the next district, one that seems grimy and run down, crisscrossed with canals.

Edward hears a voice from an alley call to him, "Hey! You there come here."

Curiosity piqued, Edward turns towards the source of the beckoning voice coming from the nearby alley. He cautiously approaches, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon, ready for any potential danger.

As he steps into the dimly lit alley, he spots a figure leaning against the wall. The person appears to be a middle-aged man, with a scruffy beard and worn-out clothing. There is a glimmer of desperation in his eyes, mixed with a hint of mischief.

"Who are you?" Edward asks, his voice tinged with caution.

The man grins, revealing a few missing teeth. "Names don't matter much around here, lad. But let's just say I know a thing or two about the secrets this city holds."

Edward's curiosity deepens, and he decides to entertain the man's offer. "What do you want?"

The man chuckles and pulls out a crumpled piece of parchment from his pocket. Unfolding it, he reveals a crude map of the district they're in. "I've got information that might interest you. There's a hidden entrance to the catacombs beneath this very district, where treasures beyond your wildest imagination are said to lie."

Edward's eyes widen at the mention of hidden treasures. He knows he must be cautious, as such claims often lead to disappointment or danger. But the allure of adventure and the possibility of finding something that could aid him in his quest tugs at his adventurous spirit.

"What's in it for you?" Edward asks, keeping his voice steady.

The man's grin widens, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, just a small favor. See, I've been trying to acquire a certain artifact from deep within the catacombs for some time now. Fetch it for me, and I'll share the secrets of the catacombs with you."

Edward considers the man's proposition, weighing the risks against the potential rewards. He knows he cannot trust the man entirely, but the prospect of gaining valuable knowledge and perhaps finding an item of great power is too tempting to resist.

"All right," Edward says, finally relenting. "Show me the entrance, and I'll retrieve the artifact for you."

The man's face lights up with delight. "Excellent! You won't regret this, my friend. Follow me, and I'll lead you to the entrance."

With a mix of anticipation and caution, Edward follows the mysterious man deeper into the dark alleys of the district, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within the catacombs and embark on yet another unexpected journey in the Endless City.

As they navigate the winding alleys, the man occasionally glances over his shoulder, ensuring they aren't being followed. Edward can't shake off the feeling that there's more to this man than meets the eye, but he remains vigilant, his hand never straying too far from his weapon.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

After what feels like an eternity of twists and turns, they arrive at a seemingly abandoned building tucked away in a forgotten corner of the district. The man produces a rusted key from his pocket and unlocks the door, revealing a hidden passageway leading underground.

The air grows colder as they descend deeper into the dimly lit catacombs. The scent of dampness and decay fills their nostrils, a haunting reminder of the lives that once inhabited this forgotten place.

The man points towards a distant flickering light. "The artifact lies beyond that chamber, guarded by traps and creatures lurking in the darkness. Be careful, lad."

Edward nods, appreciating the warning. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what lies ahead. With cautious steps, he advances through the eerie corridors, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger.

The chamber comes into view, illuminated by torches lining the walls. Crumbling stone statues stand as silent sentinels, their features eroded by the passage of time. In the center of the chamber rests a pedestal, atop which sits the coveted artifact.

As Edward approaches, a series of clicking sounds echoes through the chamber, triggering the activation of hidden traps. Spikes shoot out from the walls, narrowly missing Edward as he expertly evades them. He takes a moment to observe the traps, identifying their patterns and timing.

Carefully maneuvering through the labyrinth of danger, Edward reaches the pedestal. He gazes at the artifact, its beauty and aura of power evident even in the dim light. He reaches out, his skeletal hand trembling slightly, and wraps his fingers around the artifact.

Suddenly, a low rumbling fills the chamber, and the ground beneath Edward's feet trembles. He realizes that his actions have triggered a mechanism, awakening the dormant guardians of the catacombs.

From the shadows emerge skeletal warriors, their hollow eye sockets fixed on Edward. The air crackles with dark energy as they approach, weapons raised.

Edward braces himself, ready to defend himself against the skeletal onslaught. His decayed hand, still wrapped around the artifact, pulses with an otherworldly energy. A surge of determination courses through him as he prepares to face the guardians head-on.

The clash of steel and bone fills the chamber as Edward fights with all his might, his skeletal hand proving to be an unexpected advantage. The power emanating from the artifact grants him enhanced strength and agility, empowering his strikes.

After a fierce battle, Edward stands amidst the defeated skeletal warriors, panting heavily but triumphant. The artifact remains firmly in his grasp, its radiance undimmed.

With the danger vanquished, Edward retraces his steps, making his way back to the entrance of the catacombs. The man who had guided him awaits outside, his eyes widening in astonishment at Edward's success.

"I never doubted you for a second," the man says, his tone filled with admiration. "You've proven yourself a worthy adventurer."

Edward hands over the artifact to the man, who receives it with a mixture of reverence and excitement. In return, the man fulfills his end of the bargain, sharing the secrets of the catacombs with Edward. He reveals hidden chambers, valuable resources, and knowledge that would prove invaluable in Edward's future endeavors.

As they part ways, Edward feels a sense of accomplishment and newfound confidence. The artifact's power and the knowledge gained from the catacombs propel him further on his journey, closer to unlocking the mysteries of Urbs Mortuus and finding a way to free himself from the curse that binds him.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Edward sets his sights on his next destination, knowing that each step brings him closer to his ultimate goal. The Endless City holds countless secrets, and he is determined to uncover them all, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.