Finding Esther

A dim light flickered in the immense darkness far into the hallway as I traced my steps. It was the first thing that was different since I left the second room, there really isn’t any other place that I can go right now. There haven't been any more doors or torches for a while now.

The doors I passed before had vanished, replaced with bricks that blended in with the walls. The torch holders were gone too, as if the rooms never existed.

At the end of the hallway, I spotted two marble doors with a torch on each side. Past experience dictated that this had to be the boss room.

Without hesitation, I pushed the doors open. I didn't want to think anymore; this whole experience was exhausting, and I just wanted to end it. To my surprise, the doors moved easily without the need for extra ****. And that's when I saw her.

“Esther!” I flew to my party member, hoisting her up from the floor and laying her in my arms. “Esther! Are you OK? Wake up!”

Esther was drenched in slime, her clothes slightly torn in some places and revealing skin. I felt a rush of hot blood flooding my head with embarrassing thoughts flashing through my mind. I quickly realized that I needed to calm down and focus on helping Esther. After a quick slap to my cheek, I muttered, “calm down, she's your teammate.”

I lightly placed my index and middle fingers on the side of her neck. There was a pulse, but it had an erratic rhythm. Her muscles were tensing sporadically, and her breathing was rough. Once I knew that Esther was alive, I finally allowed myself to take a deep breath and look at my surroundings.

I was lucky that there wasn't an active trap when I rushed into this room like a headless chicken. The interior of the room was wide yet vacant. A stone chest sat open in front of us, and a gold door was behind the chest. Whatever was in there probably attacked Esther and ran away. I had no knowledge of a monster that would leave their victim in a state like this. However, there was no sign of any enemies in the room, the only signs of life were me and Esther. The creature was still alive and out there, and I had to stay cautious to make sure I didn't meet the same fate.

A loud rumble followed as the golden gates started opening. I pulled Esther closer towards my chest, with one hand grasping the handle of my claymore. I stared at the opening. The gates revealed a gold chest, a sign of good loot, and also a sign of the boss monster being subdued in one way or another.

I maneuvered Esther onto my back and stood up with my hand propped on the empty stone box. Step after step, I approached the chest. Bright light blasted out as I lifted the lid, and as it dimmed down, a pile of gold and gems stood in its place.

“Holy shit.” Holy shit is right, this much gold is enough for my entire party to never have to work again. We barely make one silver a month, with this much we could live free till we die and do some jobs occasionally for fun.

I caught Esther before she completely fell onto the ground, the treasures revealed had left me awestruck. I expected equipment, weapons, or potions from the unknown alchemist, but this is more gold than I've ever seen in a single stash. I opened up my adventurer's pouch, and it, disproportionately, sucked all the treasure in.

Another magic circle glowed under me, but this time the pattern was familiar. After I made sure both Esther and my Adventurer's sack were securely situated on me, I closed my eyes and let the magic take me.