In that explosion, my eyesight blurred, and for a second I saw the beast for what it once was, that shining paladin of ours.

Evil corrupts those with the most ground to lose.

I forced myself to smile.

It was a shame to lose a good man, but life often gives us more than we can handle in the guise of a challenge.

But sometimes, like now, it's too much.

The beast wobbled and swayed and tipped over the edge that had taken much of the party with it.

Everyone, waiting for the smack at the bottom, released a breath as we heard the creature's carcass hit the chasm's depths with a loud and visceral quake.

It was over.

Thank the Gods above, we have overcome this.

Walking over to Robert and Ronald, I gave a smile and Robert embraced us in his huge arms.

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By the lords...Boys, we survived.

This was the most emotion I've ever seen from Robert, but it was cut short by Ronald rushing to end the embrace.

Well, it's over, and worst of all I lost that Rune.

And, as if planned by a creator above, a sparkling red hue hovered from the chasm below and flew straight into Ronald's open hand.

His eyes and face lit up.

Robert and I weren't as pleased.

I don't like that blasted rock, Robert told me aside.

Neither do I.

But it helped.

One day it will want more than to help.

I know.

After we had assessed the damages, there was a total of seven left in the party, including ourselves.

A total of five if you only counted those with their wits still intact.

Robert was scouring the site where the beast had fallen.

It's a damn shame that bastard had to fall, the loot's probably down there rusting away.

I patted him on the shoulder.

I could go down if you'd like.

His eyes gleamed for a second, then turned stern and said.

Don't be a fool.

But before he could finish, I had equipped my woodland cloak and started my descent down the chasm below.