The path stretched endlessly before them, and the six adventurers sprinted with all their might, uncertain of how much time had passed before they realized the dreadful footsteps had ceased.
Their terror slowly subsided, and they began to slow, gasping for breath. Only Charmion refused to halt and continued to press forward.
In the dim light along the wall, one could see the determination in his eyes, as though something he had long yearned for awaited him ahead.
The group moved in silence, no one daring to speak. Perhaps they should have celebrated their narrow escape from death, but a question lingered in each of their minds: How did Charmion know the beast would not enter the stone gate? And judging by his demeanor, he knew precisely what lay at the end of this passage.
Perhaps it was the black staff. Or perhaps it was that which even the beast dared not approach.
The passage reached its end, opening to yet another stone door, unlocked.
Charmion reached out and pushed the door open with effort, and they all stepped inside.
What splendor awaited them!
A grand hall, crowned with a domed ceiling. Beneath it lay countless treasures of gold and jewels, filling three-quarters of the hall, rising like mountains.
Every face shimmered with golden light, each person dazzled, holding their breath in disbelief, Charmion included.
Wesley, trembling, approached the pile of jewels and collapsed atop them, too overcome to speak. On either side of the hall were three additional doors. Roderick casually opened one, and with a clatter, he was engulfed by a cascade of jewels—a room filled with them.
Thal dashed to the treasure, shedding his burdens and hurling everything aside to seize handfuls of jewels. Nia and Uni clung to each other, chanting breathlessly, "Oh, great goddess of light, oh, Laima…"
Charmion closed his eyes, calming himself, and in a heartbeat, his expression was again composed.
He began to chant incantations softly, sensing the surrounding energies. Suddenly, his heart thudded violently, as if jolted by a familiar force.
A force he knew well, from the dark realms.
His gaze settled on the second door to the left.
Unnoticed, Charmion made his way to the door, opening it quietly.
It led to a small stone chamber, barren save for a single azure stone at its center, upon which stood a black staff.
A staff identical in color to Charmion's black robe.