My stomach gave another pitiful growl. I hadn't eaten a proper meal in, what, two days? Slave rations were meager at best, and I often skipped what little I had to save coins. Now my mouth watered uncontrollably as I stared at the succulent white meat of the giant spider.
Focus, Lucian. Focus. I shook my head, trying to clear the fog of hunger. Around me, the others were busy keeping watch for any additional threats, paying me no mind. If I were quick, I could probably tear off a small chunk of the roasted flesh and hide it… just a bite to stave off this gnawing hunger. After all, many adventurers ate monster meat. An Aracrab was basically an oversized crustacean, wasn't it? Surely it wouldn't hurt if I—
"Lucian!" Elfriede's warning tone made me flinch. She hadn't even turned around, yet somehow she sensed my hesitation. "What in blazes is taking so long? Stop dawdling and finish the job."
I bit back a curse. "Right away, Mistress!" Reluctantly, I tore my gaze from the edible-looking bits and concentrated on prying off the last intact pieces of the creature's outer shell. Using a small hammer, I broke off a particularly large chitin plate from its abdomen. It was about the size of a shield—likely quite valuable as crafting material.
I loaded the heavy spider shell and severed legs into a sack. My pack, already groaning with equipment, now bulged even more with this load of monster loot. Hoisting it with a muted grunt, I staggered back to the group.
We pressed on, deeper into the labyrinth. My back screamed in protest under the increased weight, but I clamped my jaws shut. The sooner we found this altar and relic, the sooner we could get out of here—and the sooner I could trade this cursed life for freedom.
"We're close," Elfriede announced after a while. The tunnel had begun sloping downward, and the air felt different—damp and stagnant. She raised her torch, revealing crude carvings on the walls. Weathered symbols and images, barely visible under centuries of grime, glinted in the firelight.
"There should be a crest… Everyone, look for a six-petaled flower symbol carved into the stone," Elfriede instructed. "It will mark the entrance to the secret chamber. These ruins were built in the age of the Nether King, and they often hide their altars behind false walls."
We fanned out along the corridor, running our hands over the cold stone blocks. I traced my fingers over the wall on the right. Dust and moss crumbled under my touch. Nothing.
On the opposite side, one of the mercenaries let out a short laugh. "By the Flame, Elfriede, you've led us right to it. Here's the crest—just as you said."