Chapter Five

As the woman and I surveyed our surroundings near the door, it became apparent that we were situated in a hallway. This was no ordinary hallway; it was adorned with elaborate wallpapers and gilded trims that were unfortunately marred by visible cracks and extensive vines and cobwebs. Scattered throughout were several lifeless plants resting in round vases. The large windows cast shadows across the floor, revealing a storm raging outside, with flashes of lightning illuminating the darkened sky. A red rug lay beneath us, seemingly observing our presence with curiosity, as if it sought to learn our identities.

The atmosphere in the room was peculiar, a strange amalgamation of floral scents intertwined with an essence of decay. A cool breeze brushed against our skin, while the sound of thunder reverberated through the otherwise silent space.

“What is this place?” the woman inquired.

“I have no idea,” I replied, as we exchanged glances. “It appears to be the previous home of a well off individual.”

The woman scrutinized her surroundings once more, resting her hand thoughtfully on her chin. “Yes, you may be right. This must have belonged to some affluent person before those creatures overtook the kingdom.”

As I glanced down the corridor, I contemplated which direction might lead us to safety. Spotting a solitary door at the end of the hall, I decided to proceed in that direction. “This way,” I indicated, nodding toward the door.

With the woman observing my movements, she followed closely behind. My curiosity about her grew, prompting me to turn and ask, “What is your name?”

“Astoria,” she replied. “I’m anxious that I didn’t capture your name either. What is it?”

“Eldric,” I answered.

Astoria echoed my name, adding, “That’s a lovely name.”

“Thank you!” I responded, closing my eyes momentarily as I walked ahead. “I accept Astoria to be a lovely name as well.”

“Thank you, and you’re welcome.”

“You’re welcome too.”

Upon reaching the door, I attempted to open it, only to find it locked. Frustrated, I realized we had to find another way. I turned around and gestured for us to head in a different direction. "Let's go this way," I said as Astoria followed.

"So, Eldric, how did you conclude up here?" Astoria inquired. I glanced between her and the hallway, recounting my discovery of the kingdom during a sandstorm.

"I stumbled upon it, thinking it was abandoned, only to discover it was inhabited by demons," I explained.

Astoria expressed disbelief, admitting she had thought demons were mere legends. "I know what you mean," I sympathized. "How about you? How did you find your way here?”

On a particularly scorching summer day, the situation was the same, except for one thing. I was traveling with the other belly dancers when we were ambushed by bandits. They took the belly dancers as captives and... I observed

Astoria's gaze as she looked up at the ceiling and expressed her concern. "I miss them so much and I trust they're affirmed."

To be honest, I shared her frown. "Astoria... I'm truly sorry to hear that. I was also attacked by bandits just before I arrived here."

Astoria turned to face me. "Really?"

I nodded. "Yes, really. I was assisting our master with his inventions when the bandits came to attack my village and killed him, then pursued me..."

“Eldric, I..." Astoria scowled and secured her mouth with both hands. "I'm so sorry to hear that..."

"It's okay. Once we escape from here, I'll help you track down the bandits who kidnapped the belly dancers." I turned to face her. "Deal?"

Astoria turned back to me and grinned. "Deal!"

"Good.”

As I reached the front door, I attempted to open it, only to find that it was also stuck. Another door giving me trouble? Seriously? After a few more unsuccessful tries, I scanned the area to locate an exit. Struggling to make a decision, I was just about to approach one of the doors when I heard eerie laughter echoing all around me and Astoria.

“Demons here too?!” Astoria exclaimed as she surveyed our surroundings with me.

“Yes, it seems so,” I replied as I drew my dagger from its sheath. With a determined gaze, I raised my blade in front of me, readying myself for battle. I turned to Astoria. “Stay behind me, Astoria. I'll protect you as we face this threat.”

“No,” Astoria objected, “I will fight alongside you.”

“What?!” I exclaimed. As I turned around, I saw Astoria looking up at the blade of a spear, positioning it against her chest with a resolute expression. “Are you sure you're up for this?”

“I am certain, Eldric. You can trust me.”

“Very well. Stay safe.”

“I will. You too.”

“Okay.”

As Astoria and I faced forward once more, I widened my eyes to see numerous monsters emerging from the shadows and hovering in the air. With no one else in sight, the shadows remained, filled only with darkness and glowing red eyes.

Not only were their claws designed for combat, but they were also unnaturally large. As they opened their mouths, a red light emanated from within, revealing their razor-sharp teeth. After letting out a deafening roar, Astoria and I charged forward to confront our adversaries.

After successfully defeating a couple of my enemies without sustaining any injuries, I made sure to check on Astoria to ensure her safety. Upon confirming that she was unharmed, we proceeded to explore the area in search of an exit. Despite our efforts, we were unable to locate a way out until we stumbled upon a hidden room.

Upon entering, we found ourselves in a ballroom with a glass ceiling and floor, beneath dark clouds that loomed ominously in the sky. In the room stood a figure resembling a Sultan, albeit much smaller in size, with three glowing eyes that emanated a magical aura.

Realizing that defeating this entity was our only means of escape, we readied ourselves for what would undoubtedly be our most challenging battle yet. Despite the daunting task ahead, there was no other option but to confront this formidable opponent head-on.