Chapter 19: A real dungeon
The forest's oppressive gloom gave way to the demon's lair, a yawning cave mouth carved into a rocky hillside, its edges jagged like broken teeth.
Leon's heart pounded as he followed Saria and the party inside, the air growing thick with the stench of sulfur and damp decay.
Glowing fungi clung to the walls, casting an eerie green light that danced across the stalactites overhead.
The smooth stone in his satchel felt heavier, a faint pulse of magic reassuring him even as his sneakers slipped on the slick cave floor.
This is it, he thought, his breath shallow.
A real dungeon. No checkpoints, no save files.
Terya's worsening curse weighed on him, her pale face and labored breathing a stark reminder of why they were here.
Saria led the way, her black ponytail swaying, her sword drawn and her fiery aura flickering in the dim light.
Her face remained a stoic mask, her dark eyes scanning the shadows for threats.
Terya followed, her blonde hair dulled by sweat, the web-like curse on her cheek pulsing faster, her steps unsteady but defiant.
Tila, the young archer, kept her shortbow notched, her brown eyes wide with nervous excitement, while Boren, the grizzled spearman, brought up the rear, his spear gleaming and his scowl deeper than the cave itself.