A Cursed Quarry

Thick smoke billowed high, accompanied by sparks scattering through the air. A massive fire devoured wood, brick, and anything combustible, reducing it all to ash. Flames blazed everywhere, illuminating the entire city alongside the pale light of the moon. Screams filled with fear and helplessness echoed through every street. People ran in desperation, searching for shelter, but the dense black smoke seeped into those nearby, twisting their bodies with black thorns and erasing their souls, turning their frantic cries into roars of madness as they hunted down those who still retained theirs.

“CARRY THIS MESSAGE TO COMMAND! WE CAN’T HOLD THIS FRONT ANY LONGER!!”

“COMMANDER, WE’RE OUT OF ARROWS!”

“BRING MORE BANDAGES HERE!!”

“DAMN IT, DAMN IT, DAMN IT!!!”

“CUT THAT CREATURE DOWN NOW, HE’S NO LONGER ONE OF US!!”

“WHERE ARE YOU GUYS??? I CAN’T SEE ANYTHING???”

Soldiers clad in iron armor and full battle gear fought desperately to hold their ground, but amid the chaos, and their ignorance of what they truly faced, their will to fight was nearly gone.

Elsewhere in the city, a massive explosion shook the central district, its sound echoing across the entire kingdom. Those nearby were deafened instantly, and its shockwave swept away dust and debris in its path.

From the swirling haze, two knights in silver armor burst forth, flying through the dust cloud, held aloft by small whirlwinds circling around their leather-booted feet. Their eyes locked onto a figure they once knew as the kingdom’s protector. Now, he was shrouded in black thorns, a dense smoke swirling around him. The cloak, a symbol of a guardian and high-ranking mage, was torn, scarred with claw marks, and licked by flames that burned parts of its fabric away.

“This is insane… the magic Shield, which build by gathering of the kingdom’s finest mages power, was destroyed in an instant!”

“Yeah… but if we don’t draw him away, both us and everyone below will be wiped out.”

“You with me?”

“…We’ll meet again in the next world. Buy me a drink if you find me there.”

The other knight answered only with a nod before they split, circling the corrupted figure. The figure’s crimson eyes caught their movement, and the flames that had raged since the beginning surged toward them. The inferno was massive, enough to burn an entire village to ash.

“RUN! LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS BEHIND!”

Through the thinning smoke, a female knight with brown hair, clad in silver armor, could be seen carrying an injured armored comrade on her back, shouting evacuation orders. She prayed there were still civilians alive nearby who could heed her words, though deep down she knew it was nearly impossible, this was ground zero of the madness.

Countless knights and royal mages lay scattered, blown away by the violent winds that had thrown them to the ground.

“Are you alright?” the female knight asked.
“I’m alive that’s what matters… help the others,” he replied, even as blood poured from his leg. Though she wanted to help him, she couldn’t guarantee the others weren’t even more gravely wounded.

“I’ll set you down here. Tend to your wounds for now.”

She lowered him carefully, then rushed toward a cluster of fallen knights and mages. One by one, she turned them over. Many knights had survived thanks to their armor absorbing the brunt of the debris, but most of the mages had not—only those quick enough to cast protective wards still stood or managed to rise again.

There are too many who need help…

The female knight rifled through the corpse of another knight, searching for medical supplies. She found a few bandages and disinfectant, but nowhere near enough for the wounded—especially the mages. Healing spells could close wounds, but if the bleeding was too severe, no amount of magic could save them.

With flames beginning to scorch her skin, the female knight planned to drag the injured into a nearby building. But then she froze, her ears caught the sound of horses running

She turned toward the noise and saw a group of horses charging their way, each rider clad in silver armor. At their head rode a silver-haired man, his horse burdened with several leather satchels.

“GALIENE!”

“CAPTAIN!”

-

“Huh!?”

Galiene awoke drenched in sweat, her eyes fixed on the bedroom ceiling. She pushed herself up on the bed and wiped the sweat from her brow with her left hand, taking a long breath to steady her ragged breathing until she calmed down.

She looked around. Beside a trunk and her hanging cloak, she realized something was missing.

Where is Adam?

Adam was nowhere to be seen in the room, only the edge of the blanket he had straightened remained slightly pulled. She checked her hand and found no mark. According to the slave pact, the distance between master and servant must not exceed three kilometers; a black mark appears on the hand every kilometer. She felt relieved that there was no mark on hers.

Galiene opened the door and found the house empty. She tried knocking on each bathroom door, but there was no answer. The only thing that caught her attention was a plate with toast and an egg and another plate with just crumbs. She touched the egg, it was still warm. If Adam had prepared the meal and the egg was warm, he must have left not long ago.

Galiene stepped outside and was greeted by the morning breeze and sunlight, stretching her limbs. It had been a long time since she woke up to sun and fresh air after fighting as a gladiator; she was used to waking up in a corridor among other gladiator quarters. She looked around but still could not find Adam. If he wasn’t in the yard, the only place he might be was.

“The shed.”

Galiene headed toward the shed and prepared to knock on the wooden door.

“Huh?”
Adam stepped out of the shed before Galiene could knock.

“What are you doing here?” Adam asked.

“With the house empty? Of course I was looking for you. And a reminder, we’re bound by a pact,” Galiene replied.

“Oh, I just put my equipment in the shed. I planned to come back after arranging everything.”

“Oh… I thought you’d gone somewhere far.”

“No.” Adam closed the shed door behind him. “Don’t worry, I still remember our pact.” He patted Galiene’s right shoulder as he walked back into the house.

A kettle’s whistle filled the kitchen, signaling the water was boiled. Adam took a cup and poured the hot water over the tea, while Galiene hung a calendar on the wall beside the hearth. She glanced at the calendar and noticed a date marked.

“Adam, didn’t you forget something today?”

“Forget something?”

“You crossed out a date on the calendar.” Galiene paused, thinking what today’s date was.
“If that’s so, then today is the day.”

Unexpectedly, Adam set down his cup and ran to the window. He threw back the curtains and stared out at the sky.

“What is it?” Galiene asked.

Adam was silent for a moment as he looked out, drew a breath, and turned back to face Galiene.

“I just remembered, I have business at the mine about four kilometers from Spiritforest.”

“A mine? I didn’t know you had business with a mine.”

“Not anything serious, just a personal errand,” Adam said, taking a sip of the tea he had made.

“I think I’ll be going now. What about you?”

Galiene raised her right hand and, with her left, tapped the palm, reminding him of the pact.

“…I guess I should get used to all of this,” Adam replied.

“Of course. If you don’t, I might end up lying dead before I can be free.”

-

Adam and Galiene traveled on horses they had rented from the city. Adam wore his usual clothes, while Galiene donned a long white tunic with a gray vest and a short cloak to cover her head if needed. After several minutes, they arrived at the mine. Workers moved in and out of the entrance, some heading to the nearby tents to rest and enjoy themselves, others entering the mine carrying their equipment. Adam and Galiene tied their horses in an open field and dismounted, Galiene pulling her hood over her head.

“Excuse me, where can I find Roger Nele?” Adam asked one of the resting workers.

“Of course, he’s—” The worker froze when he saw Adam. “Adam Newman!?”

Adam was startled by the man’s reaction. On the other hand, several workers who overheard rushed over after hearing that name.

“Hey, isn’t that the ‘Death Bringer’s Challenger’?”

“Who’s that next to him?”

“What are those bottles strapped to his arm?”

As the workers gathered, Adam fixed a sharp gaze on the man who had shouted.

“Hahaha, sorry, Adam. I didn’t expect so many here to be keeping up with adventurers’ rumors.” The worker scratched his head awkwardly.
“Well, I suppose there’d be some who know…” Adam sighed. “But the matter in Scrathria wasn’t just my effort alone.”

“True. Some adventurers have been talking about the woman who was with you back then, if you want to know. Scrathria had tough skin resistant to magic, it’d be impossible for only her to have taken it down.” After speaking, the worker glanced past Adam and noticed someone in a hood.

 “Who’s the person behind you? Could that be—”

“No! She’s not the one who helped me yesterday.” Adam blocked his line of sight. “Now, about my question?”

“Oh, right. He’s down on the third layer of this mine. You can find him there, he just finished his break session.”

“I see. Thank you very much.” Adam grabbed Galiene’s hand and jogged toward the mine entrance, several workers staring at them in admiration.

Once inside, Adam exhaled and released Galiene’s hand.

“Sorry, Galiene. If they saw the strongest gladiator standing near me, even more people would gather outside.”

“It’s fine. I don’t want to be the center of attention either.”

After their brief exchange, Adam turned his eyes to the mine. A dark cavern lit by torches planted along the walls cast flickering flames across the stone, revealing black rocks being mined and workers hauling ore in small carts. Adam and Galiene began walking deeper, Galiene keeping her hood low to avoid recognition.

After several minutes and a ride down the lift, they arrived at the third layer. Adam walked while scanning the area, with Galiene following and also observing her surroundings. Still, Adam could not spot the man he was looking for—until suddenly he heard someone complaining loudly about lunch.

“You’re crazy! Eating hot soup down on the third layer? You’ll sweat yourself to death!”

Recognizing the familiar voice, Adam approached, and sure enough, there was Roger among the other workers.

“Roger?” Roger turned immediately at the sound of his name.

“Whoa, Adam! What brings you here?” Roger stood to greet him, his hands filthy with dirt.

“Umm, do you have any sulfur in stock I could buy?”

“Huh? Didn’t you just buy some three days ago? You need more already?”

“Something like that.”

“Alright then, follow me to the top, I keep my goods there.”

Roger set down his tools and asked a colleague to cover his work for a while before heading toward the lift.

“Hey, Roger, have you noticed anything strange in the mine lately?”

“Strange? Besides weird rocks for my collection, the strangest thing I’ve seen was you lying knocked out and waking up all dazed on the lowest layer back then.” Roger grinned.

“Come on, that’s not what I meant.”

“Oh yeah, well, I also heard a rumor. Down on the sixth layer, the new one they’re exploring, workers say they’ve heard screams, like someone being tortured. Creepy, right?”

“But still, a rumor’s just a rumor. Best not to think about it if you want peace of mind working here.” Roger shrugged casually, a crooked smile on his face.

Adam touched his chin, lost in thought, until suddenly Galiene tugged at his coat, snapping him back.

“What is it?” Adam looked at her, but instead of her usual composure, Galiene’s face was grave.

“…I sense something evil in this mine. It’s the same feeling I had when my homeland was destroyed.”

“Then the rumor’s true? Could there be creatures infected with Blaeath down there?” Adam whispered.

“Yes. I’m certain of it. But this time, I feel so many of them below us.”

“....How many?” Adam asked, his expression tense.

“…Enough to reach into hundreds.”

“Hey! What’s with you two? Whispering behind my back,” Roger said with an annoyed face.

“Roger, can you take us down to the sixth layer of the mine? I’m curious about that rumor.”

“Strange of you to be interested in rumors. Not like you.”

“Just take us there.”

“Fine! Just don’t make me wait around like earlier. I’d rather be mining than standing idle.”

“I promise it won’t happen again.” Adam and Galiene rushed into the lift after Roger. After a few minutes, they reached the sixth layer and found no workers near the lift entrance.

“Where is everyone???” Roger muttered in confusion, seeing no activity in the mine was unusual for him as an observer.

“Roger, hold the lift here. Don’t let it go back up.”

“Hey, I can’t be selfish—”

“JUST DO IT!” Adam barked. Shocked, Roger relented, he had never seen Adam like this.

“…Five minutes, that’s all I’ll give you.”

“Hold it as long as you can.” Adam and Galiene sprinted out of the lift into the mine. As they ran, Adam noticed screams echoing from deeper inside, and he was certain Galiene heard them too.

“I’ll take the lead,” Galiene said. “Watch my back.”

Adam nodded in return and let her pass, drawing his sword. Galiene unsheathed her blade as well. The deeper they went, the more the screams mingled with the roars of beasts. They quickened their pace and soon found a worker slumped against the mine wall, his eyes wide with terror. They followed his gaze, and saw a pitch-black figure covered in dark thorns, tearing apart a worker’s body. The creature noticed them.

“NO, NO, NO!!!” the worker shrieked hysterically. Without hesitation, the figure lunged. Galiene directing her sword to the creature direction, a light flaring from the blade and piercing the creature, dropping it into spasms.

“WATCH OUT!” Adam warned as another shadow burst from a side tunnel, charging at them with claws raised. But Adam was faster. His blade sliced through its arms before it could strike. Planting his foot as a pivot, he spun with speed like the wind and drove his sword straight into where a human heart would be, then pulled it free and kicked the creature down.

“Thank you, Adam!” Galiene called, relieved. She rushed to the terrified worker and shook him.

“Are you alright? Where are the others?”

“…They… they…”

“WHERE???”

“THEY’RE IN THE GATHERING HALL!!!” the worker cried in panic. Galiene lifted him to his feet.

“Hurry to the lift. If you find anyone else, take them with you!”

“O-Okay!” The man ran back the way Adam and Galiene had come.

“Galiene!” Adam called, running to her side. He showed her a parchment map of the mine sealed in a glass case.

“Let’s go!” Galiene said, and Adam followed behind.

They ran toward the gathering hall, when the sound of footsteps approached. They halted, taking combat stances, Galiene facing forward, Adam covering the rear.
“UWAAAAH!!!” Two workers stumbled into view, panting heavily, startled to see them.

“What happened in there?” Galiene asked.

“They… they’re all dead, Nelson, Oliver, Godfrey, they…”

“Run to the lift. Someone will be waiting there.”

“O-Okay!”

The workers fled past them.

“We need to check that hall, Galiene!” Adam said.

“Agreed!”

They charged forward and reached the gathering hall, only to find it littered with mutilated corpses. Some of the workers’ bodies twitched, dark patterns and black thorns spreading across their skin. More shadowy figures were inside, still ripping apart the fallen.

“This is…”

One of the dark figures lunged at Galiene. She raised her hand toward the hall, flames bursting in her palm and glowing bright red.

“SPREAFIROW!”

A massive blaze roared forth, spreading left and right, scorching every wall. The fire converged at the center and shot upward toward the ceiling, the hiss and crackle deafening. The force of it drove Galiene back, forcing her to stomp down to steady herself. Adam rushed to brace her from behind, gripping her shoulders.

Seconds passed before Galiene released the flames, her palm smoking. She turned to Adam.

“We need to find survivors elsewhere!”

“No.” Adam’s reply caught her off guard.

“Didn’t you hear those roars? Whoever’s ahead of us won’t survive. Listen.” As he spoke, beast-like howls drew nearer from the front. But the thick wall of fire between them blocked the shadow creatures’ advance.

“The best thing we can do is seal off this entire layer, and the fifth as a barrier.”

“But—!”

“I know. It’s frustrating. But this is the only right choice!”

“…AAAAAHHHH!!!!” Galiene screamed her frustration. But she knew Adam was right. Adam gripped both her shoulders, looking her in the eye.

“Come on. You can vent your anger at home,” he said. Galiene nodded and ran with him.

-

Inside the lift, Roger handed a worker some water, then stood and glanced around, searching to see if anyone else would arrive—and hoping it wouldn’t be one of those creatures that had driven them into fear.

“There…” In the distance, Roger spotted Adam and Galiene sprinting toward the lift.

“HURRY UP! WE’RE GOING UP!” Roger shouted at them.

“WAIT FOR US!” Unlike Galiene, who continued running, Adam suddenly stopped. He pulled out three brown packages, placed one at each tunnel entrance, shoved fuses inside them, and connected the cords together. The fuse was long enough to give him some time to light it and run.

“Adam!” Galiene, already in the lift, called out to him impatiently. Adam flicked open a lighter, ignited the fuse, and dashed forward at full speed.

“Get this lift moving, now!” Adam ordered as soon as he jumped inside. Roger slammed the button, and the lift rumbled upward. From below, a violent explosion erupted, shaking the shaft and sending bits of earth crumbling down around them.

-

“How about the entrance at gate number three?”

“All set, sir Roger!”

“Good. Everyone, fall back!”

Roger waved his arm to signal retreat. The workers guarding the lift’s entrance with pickaxes scrambled backward. Once he was certain everyone was clear, Roger lit the fuse himself and ran. Ten seconds later, a series of blasts tore through the mine’s entry points, collapsing them.

“All secure, sir!” Just as one worker reported their success, a faint growl echoed from behind the rubble. Quiet, yet enough to chill the workers to their core.

“……Fine. Let’s head to level four.” Roger pressed the button, and the lift ascended, leaving level five behind in a cloud of dust. After ten tense seconds, they arrived. Outside the lift, Adam and Galiene stood waiting for news.

“Well?” Adam asked as Roger stepped out with the others.

“I followed your advice. The access tunnels to level five are destroyed. Hopefully that’ll hold the monsters back.” Roger glanced around at the crowd, relieved workers whispering, though the sight of trembling survivors from level six wrapped in blankets shifted relief into guilt.

“Hey.” Adam walked over to him. “There’s nothing more we could’ve done for the ones on level six.”

“I know… but still.”

“Look at it this way, you saved everyone above level five from being slaughtered. That’s a victory in my opinions.”

“…..You’re right, Adam. And I should thank you both as well—for saving those who remain.”

“You’re welcome.”

“EVERYONE, LET’S GET OUT OF THIS MINE!” Roger bellowed. The workers nodded in agreement, carrying the survivors of level six out with them.

-

The last of the workers left the mine, followed by Adam and Galiene cloaked in their hoods. Outside, rows of tents surrounded the site, laden with food and drink. Supplies once meant for mining had been repurposed to bring comfort. Adam walked over to a stall, grabbed two cups of water, and handed one to Galiene.

“Thanks, Adam,” she said, draining it in one gulp.

“…Good work, Galiene,” he replied, setting his empty cup aside.

“Should we head home now?” Adam asked.

“Not yet. The towns guard should’ve been here to secure the site. Where are they?” Galiene frowned.

“You’re right… where are they?”

Moments later, the sound of galloping hooves thundered closer. Soldiers appeared, clad in chainmail with swords at their sides, mounted on sturdy horses. At their front, a tall, broad-shouldered knight with cropped blond hair dismounted and approached the workers.

“Who’s in charge here?”

“I am.” Roger stepped forward. The knight scanned the scene and sighed with relief at the sight of so many survivors.

“Well done. You’ve saved countless lives today.”

“Oh, don’t thank me. Thank those two adventurers over there. They carried the evacuation.” Roger gestured toward Adam and Galiene.

“I see.” The knight strode over, extending his hand toward Adam.

“My thanks to you. Because of your efforts, we avoided a catastrophe in this mine.”

“…….Glad to help.” With a faint smile, Adam shook his hand.

“I’m Curth Stifel, commander of the Thirty-Sixth Cavalry of the Orpalian Kingdom. And a guards of Spiritforest town, a pleasure to meet you.” Curth’s voice carried a hint of hesitation. Adam caught it and helped him along.

“Adam Newman. And that over there is…” Adam glanced at Galiene. She sighed, then gave a reluctant nod.

“…Galiene Chanceler,” said Adam quietly, just low enough that the workers wouldn’t hear.

“Oooh, the gladiator. No wonder my soldiers had been asking after you. So you really retired.” Curth smirked.

“Something like that,” Galiene replied flatly.

“In any case, I owe you both. I’ve sent word for rewards to be delivered to those who served in the rescue. Please, take them if you wish.”

“I’ll consider it,” Adam said. Curth turned back toward his men.

“SOLDIERS! TODAY’S TRAGEDY WAS AVERTED BECAUSE OF CITIZENS WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES FOR THE SAFETY OF MANY. HONOR THEM, BY ENSURING THIS PLACE REMAINS SECURE!”

“YES, COMMANDER!” the troops roared in unison.

The knights marched in formation toward the mine while workers stepped aside to let them pass. Seeing that their part was done, Adam signaled Galiene, and the two slipped away, heading toward their horses tied in the open field.

“Wait!”

Roger jogged over, carrying a fairly large wooden crate.

“This is the stock you asked for. Take it, as thanks.”

“Much appreciated, Roger.”

And with that, Adam and Galiene began their ride back to Spiritforest.

                                                                                      -

Night fell, replacing the bright sky with stars and moonlight. Smoke curled from Adam’s chimney, proof of the fire burning inside to ward off the biting cold. He stepped into his bedroom and found Galiene already fast asleep, turned to her side. Careful not to wake her, he walked over to the travel bag beside his bed and pulled out a power bank, its charge at 100%, attached to a magic stone etched with lightning runes. Detaching the stone, he connected the power bank to his smartphone, its battery showing only 20%.

Unlocking his phone, he opened the notes app. A list of dates appeared, and he crossed out one of them. His expression eased at striking it off, though the others still lingered.

12/07/1134
30/08/1134
05/09/1134

…and more dates beyond.

Adam set the phone aside and walked over to the window. Moonlight streamed in, bathing him in silver glow. He let out a weary sigh and gazed at the moon.

“Can I really do all this?”

The words slipped from him in a quiet voice, his face clouded with worry.