Chapter Four

As the woman and I scoured for an exit, she grimaced and trembled, her hands clasped over her mouth. Goblins perched atop mountains laden with golden treasures, bellowing at us while brandishing their swords. Their ashen skin glinted in the light emanating from the riches, their crimson eyes gleaming as they fixed their gaze on us, jagged teeth protruding from their mouths.

When they leaped and cavorted on the coins, they seemed to defy gravity, their clawed feet unscathed by the sharp edges.

“There are so numerous of them,” the lady howled, “We must elude immediately!”

“Agreed,” I concurred, “Just stick close to me and follow my lead, alright?”

The lady gestured, her expression grave as she lowered her hands. “Okay!”

I sprinted ahead, the woman trailing behind. When the creatures attempted to impede our progress, I swiftly turned to her, grasping her hand and propelling her forward. We evaded the obstacles and pressed on.

Though relieved to have eluded the danger, the monsters turned back, roaring in pursuit. They were not merely chasing us; they were gaining ground faster than our previous adversaries.

As they closed in on us, the woman wept even more fervently, her face contorted in distress. “The monsters are drawing near! What shall we do?!”

“That is precisely what I am contemplating at this moment,” I replied, redirecting my gaze to her before scanning our surroundings. Determined to stall the creatures and buy us time, I pondered our next move.

I searched high and low, racking my brain for a solution, but unfortunately, I couldn't find anything of use. Feeling desperate, I pushed myself to keep thinking, but when I glanced behind me, I saw the shadows of the monsters drawing closer.

"They're closing in on us!" the lady shouted, her face carved with stress as she turned to me. "Have you come up with anything yet?"

I nodded, avoiding her gaze. "Not yet."

"Please, hurry!"

"I'm doing my best!"

Despite my efforts, I couldn't find a way to slow down or incapacitate the monsters. My energy was waning, and I was unsure how to protect the woman from the impending threat. Just when I thought all hope was lost, I noticed a hole in the wall with a tube sticking out. A glimmer of hope sparked within me as I realized we had found another escape route.

As the monster's shadow loomed over us, the woman's expression grew even more distressed and she let out a gasp. I turned around just in time to see the monster raising its sword, ready to strike. Without hesitation, I pulled the woman in the opposite direction, urging her to follow me.

"This way!" I called out, as she looked back and forward between me and the drawing nearer creature. Fortunately, the monster missed its mark and struck only air. It let out a roar and turned towards us. Our hearts raced and sweat drenched our bodies as we ran as fast as we could, finally reaching the safety of the tunnel, panting.

After peering into the tube, the woman and I were met with nothing but complete darkness. I turned to face my enemies, then her, and said, “You go first. The monsters are closing in on us and you're defenseless. I don't need you to urge harm, understand?”

The woman looked at me and smiled. “Got it.” She prepared to enter. “I hope to meet you on the other side.”

“I will.”

As she ventured into the tube, her screams reverberated as she slid down it. Once her voice faded into the distance, I was about to follow suit. However, all of my enemies appeared right beside me just in time.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I raised my dagger and glared at my foes. Assuming my battle stance, I alternated my gaze between the tube and the monsters. I hoped to hold them off long enough to escape and reunite with the woman. It seemed impossible to not only fend them off, but also defeat them all. The odds were stacked against me.

I needed to devise a plan to eliminate them, and suddenly, an idea struck me. With a smirk, I waited for one of my enemies to raise its sword and strike downwards at me. I bided my time, aiming to redirect its attack towards its comrades. This plan had to succeed. I couldn't afford to linger in this perilous situation.

When the opportune moment arrived, I swiftly redirected the blade towards another enemy's chest. As blood spurted from the wound, the injured foe retaliated against its attacker before vanishing into thin air.

The other monsters redirected their focus towards the one that had attacked its ally, slashing its claws sideways and inadvertently hitting the two others nearby. As the monsters clashed and caused each other to disintegrate into dust, I breathed a sigh of relief and turned towards the tube. I was pleased that the plan had succeeded.

Finally. About time.

I stepped into the tube and slid down, letting out a scream. Despite the darkness inside, I couldn't help but wonder where it would take me. I needed to ensure the safety of that woman and avoid any harm. I had to investigate for myself.

Upon reaching the end of the tunnel, I surveyed my surroundings and was relieved to find myself unscathed. The stony walls, black bars, chains hanging from the walls, and scattered hay on the floor all seemed to watch me with curiosity. The room's unpleasant odor assaulted my senses, while the sound of thunder reverberated through the barred windows. The cool air brushed against my skin.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" The commonplace voice of the lady, whom I trusted was the same one from prior, resounded from the other side of the room. As she peered out from the corridor, relief washed over her face, and she covered her smile with her hands. "Oh, you made it!" She rushed towards me and embraced me. "I'm so glad to see you're still alive."

I returned her hug with a smile. "I'm equally relieved to see you safe." And with that, we made the decision to leave the place and escape from this oppressive kingdom once and for all.