The human party suddenly felt small and weak; the scale of this place was mind-boggling.
The trees were easily the size of entire skyscrapers back on earth, the hill they were standing on being taller than them was almost the size of a mountain, it was only confusing as these things, despite their ridiculous siz,e looked exactly like regular trees and hills.
From behind one of the shaking trees, a large hand reached out and grabbed hold of the bark.
It seemed to be a human hand in fact, as it was covered in pinkish pale skin with small patches of hair protruding out of it.
However, what pulled itself free from the dense undergrowth beneath the massive tree struck fear into the hearts of everyone present.
The body was the same color as the hand, and also appeared human however it was clear, rather then simply a larger human or some kind of giant this was something else entirely.
The creature had a pronounced jaw with thick teeth, obviously suited for predatory use, it's skull was obviously very thick and on this skull were flared nostrils, front facing eyes and a long head of hair that had obviously never been cut or maintained.
A predator with no signs of the high intelligence of a human.
And from all around them they were coming.
More and more appearing into view.
Icarus already gave up hope of negotiations after he saw the first creatures appearance, however another member of the group shouted down at one of the creatures.
However the distance was so great it was doubtful the creature could he-
The creatures ear twitched and it's gaze shot up to the top of the mountain.
And began running up the hill
"Uh, seems a little eager to say hi don't you think?"
Icarus shuddered violently at the fast approaching titanous humanoid.
"We have to get out of here now!"
Due to its size the creature would be faster but if they could get to the trees they would have a much easier time traveling the undergrowth then the enormous titans.
Although there was only a small opening to enter the forest, as the humanoids had basically surrounded the hill.
All but three of them fled for the gap as fast as they could, Icarus had started first and was already halfway down the hill by the time someone passed him.
Even with his augmentations, he was still slower than rouges or particularly fast Warriors for now, so he wasn't surprised when he was behind four people out of the group of about ten, Bjorn was right behind him.
However, he knew that they would all be safe due to the unfortunate reality of three people who had frozen when they should have fled on top of the hill.
Moments later, he heard three screams followed by a loud slam, a squelch, and a sickening crunch.
He sneaked a look back and nearly threw up from the sight that met his gaze, before turning back and closing his eyes while accelerating as much as possible into the woods ahead.
They entered the woods in a mad dash, the sounds of enormous footfalls close behind them giving them all the motivation they needed to pick up the pace.
however it did seem that the undergrowth was too thick for the enormous creatures to pursue them, as the footfalls slowed and eventually faded out of earshot as they continued running.
nevertheless, they did not stop running for at least five more minutes, just to make sure they had distanced themselves from the abominations as much as possible.
After doing so, they all either collapsed from exhaustion and their adrenaline dumping, or simply panted with their hands on their knees.
.
.
.
eventually the fear fully subsided, and everyone had gathered to discuss the next moves they would be making.
It was a commotion at first, with a rogue suggesting trying to sneak up on the massive creatures and killing them, an archer and mage screaming at him that that was a horrible idea, and several others just staring distantly with vacant eyes.
Bjorn finally spoke, and like a beacon of hope, everyone locked their eyes onto him.
Icarus noticed this and locked on immediately. 'Seems they trust him, I suppose that's good to know.'
"As some of you may know, I once was an adventurer who explored dungeons with a group of high-ranking adventurers. Because of this, I have good news and bad news."
The group waited in anticipation of his next words and he scratched his head with a sigh.
"Well, the good news is part of the bad news, but I'll still start with that. The first floor of one of these so-called 'trap dungeons' is always a mirror of where the dungeon opened up, meaning the area should be easy enough to navigate, aside from this being much... well.. bigger."
The group had a mix of emotions on their faces, but all stayed silent.
Bjorn awkwardly scratched his head again, and with a tense voice, he spoke his next words.
"Unfortunately, 'trap dungeons' have only one exit, and that exit is only reached upon clearing the dungeon."
The group started clamoring again.
"What!? You mean we have to make it to the final floor?! God only knows how many floors there are... and if these are then enemies on floor one, we don't stand a chance!"
A priestess was clutching a locket around her neck, evidently praying.
The others had mixes of shock and anger on their faces.
Icarus spoke.
"Bjorn, why tell us this if there is no possibility of survival?"
Bjorn turned
"You catch on quickly, and I won't lie, the chance is low but..."
Everyone focused again, intent on his next words.
"If the dungeon is less than ten floors, we will survive."
The crowd all held their breath, too afraid to ask the question.
Icarus shuddered before deciding to finally say it.
"And how do we find that out?"
Bjorn smiled
"We find the way down."