We gathered around. Carved into a central stone slab was a stylized flower with six petals arranged in a hexagon shape, somewhat like a delicate daffodil bloom.
"A daffodil crest… The mark of the Nether King Pluto," murmured the dwarven cleric, brushing his stubby fingers over the design. "We've found it, Elfriede."
"Reaching this point without even a map—truly impressive," added the taller mercenary, his tone dripping with admiration. "As expected of a Silver-ranked adventurer! Your guidance is remarkable."
I rolled my eyes at their shameless fawning. Bootlickers. They never missed a chance to butter her up.
Elfriede herself didn't even grace them with a smile. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, clearly not one for empty flattery. "Enough," she said sharply. "The crest likely triggers a hidden door. Spread out and press every stone around it. We need to find the switch."
Immediately, the trio leapt to obey, each pawing at different sections of the wall with renewed eagerness (perhaps hoping to win her favor).
I trudged a few paces further down the corridor, feeling along a section of wall that hadn't yet been touched. Honestly, my heart wasn't in it—I was bone-tired and the pack straps dug painfully into my shoulders. Still, I half-heartedly brushed my grimy fingers over the carved stones, searching for anything that might depress or move.
My hand passed over a slightly raised block that felt cooler than the rest. Huh. I leaned my weight against it, and to my surprise, the stone sank inward with a dull click.
For a second, nothing happened, but then the ground began to tremble. A deep rumble echoed through the corridor as ancient gears, unseen, began to turn. The wall with the daffodil crest trembled… then slowly, with a grinding protest, it shifted aside, revealing a narrow passage beyond.
I blinked in astonishment. Did… did I just do that? Purely by accident?
A cheer went up from Elfriede's goons. "There it is! A hidden passage!"
"Ha! We're in!"
Elfriede turned, her red eyes seeking me out at once. I still stood dumbly with my hand on the depressed stone, hardly believing my luck. A slow, genuine smile spread across her face—a rare sight.
"Well, well," she said, almost purring. "Lucian… How did you manage that?" Without waiting for an answer, she gave a pleased laugh. "Good work. Excellent work! Perhaps I've underestimated you."
I flushed at the unexpected praise. "I-it was just luck, Mistress," I stammered, fighting a stupid grin.
"Never mind that." Elfriede strode over and clapped me once on the shoulder (quite near the spot she'd whipped earlier, but I did my best not to wince). "You've done well. You've earned yourself a bonus for this."