Heroes Always Seek Glory

A subtle golden glow filled the darkened tunnel lined with glowstone. The blood under the young adventurer had pooled, but the bleeding seized and his breathing steadied.

“You’re going to be alright,” Maria said as the radiance of her divine magic settled.

“T-Thank you.”

The young adventurer’s voice quivered as he introduced himself as Felix. He was one out of a few groups of rookie adventurers. A lucky one that had gotten away thanks to his companions.

“A few days ago,” he said, “the ground shifted beneath our feet. The tunnels we traversed tremored, and we somehow found ourselves on a straight path that led to the boss chamber.”

Celeste’s eyes widened at the words.

“And the others?” Thomas asked.

The boy turned his head. “Inside the boss chamber… it was overwhelming.” His voice cracked. “The few experienced ones gave us an opening to flee. But we didn’t get far.”

Kaelan returned from scouting. “A few more ahead.”

“They’re alive?” Maria asked.

He narrowed his eyes. “With those injuries, not for long.”

“Then we should hurry…” Maria helped Felix up. His hands trembled.

“We marked out a safe path back,” Thomas said.

The young adventurer had his injuries fully mended, but his face tensed as he leaned against the wall.

“Should be clear of monsters,” Celeste added. “I made sure to defeat any on our path!”

Young Felix nodded with a strained smile, yet he remained frozen.

“...Are you able to head back?” Maria asked.

“Yes… Thank you,” Felix said.

Maria watched in silence as the young adventurer struggled to take a step forward.

“I-I’m sorry…” His pupils shook, dilated. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“His body is mended, but his mind isn’t…” Thomas muttered.

Maria’s gaze lingered forward toward the darkness, then back at Felix. The poor boy tried repeatedly to move, but his legs failed him.

“There’s no time, Maria,” Kaelan said.

“R-Right, but then…”

Celeste’s sapphire eyes looked like gems as they remained locked on whatever lay beyond the dark tunnel. But she broke her stare with a sigh.

“...Come on.” She placed a hand on the young adventurer’s shoulder. It almost made him jump. “You don’t have to walk alone.” His strained expression finally softened.

“You sure?” Kaelan asked.

Celeste nodded. “You might still need to scout ahead, and those ahead are surely praying for a miracle. One that Sister Maria can provide.”

“Celeste…” Maria smiled softly.

“And Thomas… he’ll ‌also need to go. For whatever reason.”

“Hey!”

Celeste chuckled. “They’ll need your sharp mind.”

“Right.” Thomas nodded with a smile.

“Just be sure not to defeat the boss without me!” Celeste pointed a finger at the group. “I won’t be long!” She walked off with the young adventurer, offering him a shoulder, which he accepted with a smile.

“Thank you…” Maria whispered. The two faded into the dark tunnels behind.

***

The heavy scent of iron became prominent in the cool air as the group pushed forward. Maria’s chest tightened. She’d come to learn what such a strong smell implied. The dungeon opened to a clearing where slain monsters filled the ground. To the side, bloodied and battered bodies lay motionless.

Maria feared the worst as the group rushed to their side.

Kaelan pressed an ear against a young man in torn leather armor. “He still breathes.”

Thomas did the same with another who still weakly gripped a chipped sword. “This one, too.”

Maria looked over the rest; they were young adventurers. It was an accessible profession regardless of standing; Maria understood that, but she just wished they didn’t have to take such risks so early in life.

Their breathing was weak, but they lived. She wasted no time mending injuries, filling the space with a divine magic spell that healed them until their eyes fluttered open.

“Thank the gods we made it in time,” she said, past heavy breaths.

The rookie adventurers showed their heartfelt gratitude, leaving Maria fidgeting.

One adventurer, a boy whose chest plate was too big for his own good, spoke. “Another group…” He pointed down a path that descended steeply. “In the boss chamber.”

Thomas and Kaelan glanced at each other.

“But I don’t know if they’re still…” a young adventurer woman said, with words trailing.

“Don’t worry.” Maria gave a reassuring smile. “They’ll be okay.”

The group of adventurers were a brave bunch. Once they heard young Felix was safe and had made his way out of the dungeon, they trotted off, following in his footsteps.

“Stick to the marked paths!” Thomas called out a last reminder as their echoed steps faded down the tunnels.

Maria glanced back with an unsure expression.

Kaelan nudged her side. “They're stronger than many give them credit for.”

Maria smiled slightly and nodded.

The three turned toward the narrow path the group had pointed it. A sense of unease filled Maria as she stared deep into the darkness, but regardless, she took the first step forward.

***

Massive stone doors stood before Maria and the others. It was open just a crack; the clanging of steel and heavy pants echoed from within.

“They’re still alive!” Maria said. But before she could step in, a hand on her shoulder held her back.

“Something isn’t right.” Thomas halted her. “These kinds of chambers always seal upon entry.”

“But the remaining group of adventurers. We can hear them inside.”

“Exactly…” Thomas briefly paused in thought. “The others had a chance to flee.”

“Do you think it's a trap?” Kaelan asked.

Thomas nodded. “Whatever is in there, keeping those adventurers occupied… wants someone to hear.”

From the darkened tunnel behind, a familiar figure sprinted forward.

“There you all are!” Celeste arrived, panting.

Maria smiled at the sight of her. “Glad to have you back.”

“Wait…” the eager young knight glanced around. Her eyes locked onto the towering stone door. “Did you defeat the dungeon boss without me!?”

Kaelan smirked. “And if we did?”

Her eyes watered at his words.

Kaelan sighed. “Calm down, we haven’t. Don’t you hear what’s going on in there?”

Just as quickly, her teary eyes turned sparkly. “Good! Then I can still prove my heroic worth!” She rushed forward.

“H-Hey, wait!—” Kaelan’s words were too late.

Maria pouted. “You’ll get hurt if you keep rushing ahead!” She chased her in.

“Not you too…” Thomas tightened his grip on his silver staff. Sharing a quick, frustrated glance with Kaelan.

“There’s no choice!”

Maria glanced back mid-run, apologizing as the two followed behind.

Her stomach tightened. It felt like it sank with every step she took through the dark corridor. A subtle light loomed at the end, which opened up into the chamber. Panicked voices echoed within, and clanking steel reverberated in the air along with a growing sense of dread.