The group ventured deeper into the cavern, the light from the entrance fading behind them. The air grew cooler and damper, a welcome contrast to the arid heat outside. Elara felt the subtle shift in temperature and humidity on her skin, a relief from the desert sun. The cave walls were adorned with sedimentary rock layers, their textures, and colors revealed by the soft glow of yellow crystals held by the [Lamia] hunters. The crystals emitted a steady light, illuminating their path without attracting undue attention.
Elara walked alongside Lily and Kael, her senses attuned to the surroundings. The cave floor was uneven, scattered with pebbles and the occasional stalagmite jutting upward. The damp atmosphere carried an earthy scent mingled with the faint aroma of minerals. She could hear the distant water drip, a rhythmic sound that echoed softly through the tunnels.
Neris led the way, her serpentine form gliding smoothly over the rocky terrain. The other [Lamia] followed in a loose formation, their weapons ready. Like those worn by Elara and her companions, their goggles gleamed faintly in the crystal light. The goggles' enchanted lenses protected them from the [Basilisks]' petrifying gaze, allowing them to navigate the cave confidently.
The passage narrowed slightly as they progressed before opening into a wider chamber. The walls here bore scratch marks and signs of disturbance. Neris raised a hand, signaling the group to halt. Her eyes scanned the area, pupils narrowing.
"Something's different," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She moved closer to one wall, tracing her fingers along a series of grooves etched into the stone. "These marks are fresh."
Elara peered over her shoulder. The scratches were irregular, as if made by something large forcing its way through the rock. Nearby, the ground was disturbed, small rocks scattered haphazardly.
One of the [Lamia], a hunter named Seraphis, pointed toward a dark opening in the side of the chamber. "That tunnel wasn't here before," she noted, her tone cautious.
The opening was rough and uneven, lacking the natural erosion patterns of the surrounding caves. It appeared to have been carved by something burrowing through the earth rather than formed by geological processes.
Neris frowned, her expression thoughtful. "This is unusual. The [Basilisks] don't dig tunnels like this."
Another hunter, Cassian, spoke up. "Could be a sandworm or another subterranean creature. If so, it might pose a threat."
A murmur spread through the [Lamia] hunters as they exchanged concerned glances. Elara observed quietly, noting the tension in their stances. Lily and Kael remained by her side, similarly silent but attentive.
Neris gathered the group closer. "We need to consider our next move," she said. "Do we investigate this new tunnel or continue our original path?"
Seraphis crossed her arms. "Exploring could be dangerous. We don't know what's down there."
Cassian nodded. "But leaving it unchecked might be riskier. If something hostile goes through these caves, it could threaten our hunting grounds and people."
Another hunter, Lyra, added, "This area is vital for resources. We can't afford to ignore potential dangers."
A younger [Lamia], Alaric, looked uneasy. "But venturing into unknown territory could lead us into a trap. We have limited numbers."
The debate continued, voices low but earnest. They weighed the potential risks of encountering unknown threats against the necessity of securing their environment. The concern of leaving an unexplored passage behind them was significant; it could become a backdoor for enemies or predators to ambush them.
Elara glanced at Lily. Though they stayed out of the discussion, she could sense the gravity of the decision the [Lamia] faced. The responsibility of protecting their community weighed heavily on them.
After listening to her companions, Neris took a moment to reflect. She looked around at the faces of the hunters, their features illuminated by the soft yellow glow of the crystals. Determination settled in her eyes.
"We can't ignore this," she declared. "Our duty is not only to gather resources but also to ensure the safety of our territory. If we leave this tunnel unchecked, we risk unknown dangers breaching our hunting grounds or reaching Olorun and our people."
Seraphis inclined her head. "Then we proceed with caution."
Neris turned to Elara, Lily, and Kael. "Your assistance would be invaluable. I understand if you prefer not to join us in this unexpected detour."
Elara met her gaze. "We're with you," she affirmed. Lily and Kael nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," Neris replied, a hint of gratitude in her voice.
With the decision made, the group prepared to enter the new tunnel. The [Lamia] adjusted their grips on their weapons, senses heightened. Elara felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Quill's presence was a steady reassurance in her mind.
They moved forward, the tunnel walls close enough that two people could not walk side by side. The passage sloped downward subtly, and the air grew cooler still. The texture of the walls changed, the rough stone giving way to sections of packed earth, indicating that this part of the tunnel had been dug rather than naturally formed.
The light from the crystals cast elongated shadows, and the sound of their movements seemed amplified in the confined space. Occasionally, they passed by clusters of roots dangling from the ceiling, remnants of desert plants above.
As the tunnel widened, the group emerged into a cavernous expanse, and the sight that awaited them left them momentarily speechless. Elara’s gaze swept across a sprawling subterranean city, its breathtaking grandeur preserved in eerie silence beneath layers of forgotten time. Towering structures stretched skyward, their spires reaching toward the unseen ceiling of the cavern, each adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of a civilization lost to history. The carvings, etched with a precision that time could not erode, depicted scenes of nature, celestial patterns, and symbols that hinted at mystic rites and forgotten deities.
Flowing between the buildings were channels of clear, still water, casting faint ripples that caught the light of luminescent crystals embedded in the cavern walls. The crystals emitted a steady, ghostly glow, bathing the city in a soft, ethereal light that reflected off the water’s surface. The channels wove between the streets like veins, and small, arched stone bridges connected various parts of the city, their smooth lines suggesting a masterful touch that seemed both functional and decorative. Despite the stillness, the city felt alive, as though its spirit lingered, waiting for something to stir it from slumber.
The buildings varied in size and grandeur. Towering halls with colossal pillars stood alongside smaller, two-story dwellings, their facades worn yet unmistakably intact. Rows of houses lined winding streets, their windows like empty eyes, watching silently as if they had stories to tell of those who once walked there. Some homes bore murals, scenes of tranquil landscapes, intricate geometric designs, or depictions of unknown people going about their daily lives, faded yet beautiful, adding color to the weathered stone.
The architecture was unlike anything Elara had ever seen, blending artistry and engineering in a way that defied simple explanation. Tall columns adorned with swirling patterns marked the edges of open plazas, where stone benches sat in neat rows around a fountain that, despite the passage of time, still held a shallow pool of water. Archways framed streets that twisted and turned through the city, giving glimpses of open courtyards where the skeletal remains of long-dried plants sat in stone planters. It was as if this place had been frozen in time, a relic of a society that had once been rich in both culture and knowledge.
Elara felt a swell of awe and curiosity as she looked upon this hidden world. Who had built these marvels? What purpose had these structures served? And why had the city been abandoned, left to linger in the quiet depths of the earth?
Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble. It was a subtle vibration at first, but it quickly intensified. Loose stones skittered across the cavern floor, and dust drifted from the ceiling.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
"Is this an earthquake?" Kael asked, his voice tinged with concern as he steadied himself. His eyes scanned the surroundings, seeking any sign of imminent danger.
Neris's brow furrowed. "The cavern structure seems stable," she replied cautiously. "I don't think…"
Elara's [Cognizance] flared, a sharp prick at the edge of her awareness. An entity had breached her perception perimeter, moving rapidly toward them from below. Her heart leaped into her throat.
"Something's coming!" she shouted, urgency sharpening her tone. "A worm…it's burrowing straight toward us!"
Before they could react, the ground erupted nearby. With a deafening roar, a massive creature burst through the cavern floor, sending shards of rock and dust into the air. Elara shielded her eyes against the debris. The creature towered above them, a colossal worm with a gaping maw lined with jagged teeth. Its segmented body was covered in deep purple plates, each the size of a shield, and it moved with a terrifying combination of speed and power.
Chaos erupted as the group scrambled to avoid the creature's initial onslaught. Cassian, one of the [Lamia] hunters, was not quick enough. The worm lunged with lightning speed, its massive jaws closing around him. His scream was cut short as he was swallowed whole.
"No!" Neris cried out, her voice laced with anguish.
The worm reared back, preparing to strike again. Elara's mind raced as she focused on the creature. An ethereal display overlaid her vision, a manifestation of her analytical abilities:
[Lvl 41 Purple Worm (Uncommon: 574)]
"A level forty-one [Purple Worm]!" she shouted to the others. "It's incredibly dangerous!"
The magnitude of the threat sent a chill through her. The group spread out instinctively, each member preparing for battle. The [Lamia] hunters readied their spears and bows, their faces a mixture of fear and determination.
"We need to keep moving!" Neris commanded. "Aim for its eyes and underbelly, those are its weak points!"
Elara drew [Quenya], the blade materializing in her hand as black mist wafted from its edge. She steadied her breathing, her senses heightened.
Kael's hands wove complex patterns as he chanted under his breath. Purple flames that danced like ice appeared around him, casting an otherworldly glow. He launched a stream of fiery frost at the worm, the spell striking its armored hide and causing steam to hiss where the intense cold met the creature's natural heat.
The worm thrashed, momentarily confused by the assault. Its massive tail whipped around, smashing into a nearby column and sending fragments flying. One of the [Lamia], Alaric, was caught in the debris. He fell to the ground, motionless.
Elara's heart clenched at the sight. "We have to end this quickly!" she urged.
Neris nodded grimly. "Keep attacking! Don't give it a chance to recover!"
The hunters loosed arrows aimed at the worm's mouth and eyes. Some bounced off its armored plates, but a few found softer targets, eliciting enraged screeches.
Elara focused her energy, her mind syncing with Quill's presence. "We need to find an opening," she thought.
"Agreed," Quill's voice resonated within her. "Use your [Altered Reality] to confuse it, then strike."
She nodded, weaving an illusion that mirrored herself, the duplicate darting to the worm's left. The creature hesitated, momentarily unsure which target to pursue.
Seizing the opportunity, Elara activated [Shadow Step]. Her form dissolved into swirling smoke, moving swiftly to the worm's side before reconstituting. With her [Crimson Quill Dance] grace, she executed a swift slash aimed at the joint between two of its armored segments.
The blade bit into the flesh, and the worm recoiled, black ichor seeping from the wound. It swung its head toward her, jaws snapping. Elara leaped back, narrowly avoiding the lethal teeth.
Lily's illusions swarmed the worm, phantom beasts snapping at its flanks. The creature thrashed, trying to fend off the insubstantial attackers.
Kael unleashed another spell, conjuring spikes of purple ice that erupted from the ground beneath the worm, piercing its softer underbelly. The beast let out a guttural roar, its movements becoming more erratic.
One of the [Lamia], Seraphis, charged forward with her spear, aiming for the wound Elara had inflicted. Just as she was about to strike, the worm's tail swung violently, catching her off guard. She was thrown against a nearby wall, crumpling to the ground.
"Seraphis!" Neris shouted, a mix of command and despair in her voice.
Elara felt a surge of desperation. They were losing too many. Drawing upon her reserves, she decided to use one of her more powerful techniques.
She gripped [Quenya] tightly, channeling her magic into the blade. Swinging the sword in a wide arc, she inscribed a glowing calligraphic symbol in the air, performing the [Technique: Starlit Inscription Slashing Arc]. The symbol pulsed with energy before splitting into multiple slashing arcs that converged on the worm's wounds.
The creature shrieked as the attacks struck home, staggering from the cumulative damage. Its movements slowed, and it seemed to waver.
"Focus your attacks!" Neris commanded the remaining hunters.
They responded with renewed vigor, launching spears and arrows at the vulnerable areas. Lily intensified her assault, her [Foxfire] illusions erupting into bursts of flame that licked at the worm's injuries.
Kael summoned a swirling vortex of his icy fire, directing it toward the creature's head. The spell enveloped the worm, the conflicting sensations of burning and freezing causing it to convulse violently.
The ground shook violently as the battle against the [Purple Worm] climaxed. The creature's massive form thrashed and writhed, its death throes causing cracks to snake across the cavern floor, splitting the stone beneath them with ominous cracks. Elara’s heart raced as she steadied herself, feeling the ground shift underfoot.
Overhead, rock fragments began to break loose, tumbling down in small cascades that quickly turned into a dangerous shower of debris. "Watch out!" Elara shouted, her voice urgent as she dodged a large piece of falling stone. Around her, the others scrambled to avoid the collapsing ceiling, their eyes darting upward as they maneuvered between the raining rubble.
With a final, ear-splitting roar, the [Purple Worm] reared its head one last time before it crashed to the ground. The impact shook the cavern with a force that sent everyone stumbling, and a billowing cloud of dust erupted, filling the air and obscuring their view. Elara shielded her face, coughing as the dust settled around them in a thick, choking haze.
Just as the dust settled, a deep rumbling resounded through the cavern, far more intense than anything they had felt before. The worm’s collapse had destabilized the cavern. The floor beneath them groaned in protest, and cracks in the walls and ceiling widened, releasing even larger stones that crashed down, scattering across the ground.
To their horror, the ceiling above the tunnel they had entered began to sag, the walls buckling under the pressure. Rocks shifted and fell rapidly, forming a mass of rubble that choked off the entrance in a deafening roar. Within seconds, the tunnel was entirely blocked, leaving only a wall of heavy stones and broken debris in place of their exit.
Elara’s stomach twisted. "The entrance is gone," she said, her voice tight. She glanced at her companions, their expressions mirroring her shock and disbelief.
Neris’s face was grim as she surveyed the ruined exit. “It seems we’re not leaving the way we came.”
Kael brushed the dust from his robe, his eyes scanning the cavern walls. "We'll have to find another way out," he said, his tone edged with urgency.
The air was thick with the silence of finality, broken only by the last settling stones and the survivors' labored breathing. Elara took a deep breath, steadying herself. They had survived the creature, but now another challenge lay ahead: finding a way out of this ancient, buried city. Her muscles ached, and her heart pounded in her chest as she looked around, taking stock of the group.
Neris moved to where Seraphis lay. Kneeling beside her, she checked for signs of life but found none. A shadow of sorrow crossed her face.
"We've lost three," Neris said quietly, her voice heavy with grief.
Elara approached, placing a gentle hand on Neris's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "They fought bravely."
Neris took a deep breath, steadying herself. "They did. And we must honor their sacrifice by ensuring their efforts weren't in vain."
Kael surveyed the fallen worm. "That was no ordinary creature. What's a [Purple Worm] doing here?"
"Perhaps it was drawn by something in the city," Lily suggested, her gaze drifting toward the ancient structures. "Or maybe it was guarding something."
Elara felt a chill despite the warmth of the cavern. "We need to be cautious moving forward. There could be more threats."
Neris stood, resolve hardening her features. "Agreed. We'll take some time to recover and tend to the fallen. Then we need to decide our next steps."
The group began to regroup. The [Lamia] hunters retrieved what they could from their fallen comrades, performing brief rites of passage. Elara, Lily, and Kael assisted where they could, sharing in the somber moment.
As they tended to their wounds and caught their breath, Elara couldn't shake the feeling that this city held secrets beyond their understanding. The presence of the [Purple Worm] hinted at dangers yet unseen.