The dungeon had gone strangely quiet. No dripping water, no distant growls. Just silence, heavy and absolute.
I didn't like it.
From deep in the tunnels, I felt vibrations—heavy footsteps, deliberate, organized. Not beasts. Too steady. Too… disciplined.
Adventurers.
But not Elara's little trio. This was a bigger group. At least six, maybe more. Their armor clanked faintly, weapons rattled against scabbards, boots striking in practiced rhythm.
I slithered up the wall, pressing into the cracks of the stone like living smoke. My senses sharpened, painting their approach in my mind.
The first one entered the chamber: a man in polished silver armor, a crest of a roaring lion etched across his chestplate. He moved with the weight of command, every step confident. His aura radiated authority.
Behind him, a woman with twin daggers twirled them idly, eyes scanning the shadows with a predator's gaze. Her stride was silent, deliberate.
Then came a robed priest, chanting softly, his staff glowing faintly with holy light. The very air seemed to recoil from it—my shadow form prickled uncomfortably at the glow.
More followed. A shieldbearer, a crossbowman, and another mage cloaked in red, her staff adorned with crimson crystals that pulsed faintly.
"Oh. Lovely. A raid party. And let me guess—"
The leader's voice cut through the silence.
"Spread out. The guild received reports of an abomination nesting in this dungeon. If it's true, this will be its grave."
He raised his blade, the silver gleaming.
"Tonight, we slay the Shadow Beast."
…Me. They meant me.
I almost laughed, the sound echoing silently in my core.
*"Shadow Beast, huh? Not the worst nickname. Still—if they think I'm some dumb"