Ibeos: What If? "Lost in My Own Fantasy"

Chapter 10. Strength of Will

33,200 C. Aeris 66

The shadows of the tunnel seemed to close in around us as we trudged forward. We were a month into our journey through the tunnels, and the novelty of our adventure had long worn off, replaced by a weary monotony. The damp, earthy smell of the underground was a constant companion, and the air was chill enough to see our breaths misting in the faint light. Thilo, leading with the map, kept a steady pace, his eyes frequently scanning the parchment then matching it incredibly to the amount of steps we were taking.

As we navigated the seemingly endless twists and turns, I could see the fatigue etched on Thilo's face, his usual enthusiasm for historical revelations dulled by the oppressive environment. It mirrored my own feelings—a mix of exhaustion and a creeping doubt about what we might actually find at the end of this path.

"It's just a bit further to what should be the border under Antonia," Thilo murmured, his voice carrying softly in the confined space. "These tunnels haven't been mapped by anyone from Greca for centuries, if ever. We're walking a path few know exists."

As the days wore on, the monotony of the tunnel was broken only by the occasional drip of water from the ceiling, each drop echoing like a tiny bell in the vast silence. Fatigue was beginning to take its toll, and the weight of our packs seemed to grow heavier with each step.

"Jane, take a look at this," Thilo called out, stopping abruptly. He pointed to a series of marks on the tunnel wall that I almost walked past. Unlike the historical markings we'd grown accustomed to, these were crudely etched, fresh and distinctly out of place.

"These aren't old," I noted, running my fingers over the rough scratches. "They look recent. Do you think someone else has been down here recently?"

Thilo's brow furrowed as he examined them closer. "It's possible. Or maybe it's the Seacurians... We need to be cautious. If they're using these tunnels as well, we could literally run into them."

The thought of encountering anyone else in this claustrophobic, underground world sent a shiver down my spine. We moved on, now more alert and wary, our senses straining for any sign of movement or sound other than our own.

Just as we rounded another bend in the tunnel, the subtle shift in the air stopped us. A cold draft swept through the passage, bringing with it a faint, musky odor that was distinctly out of place. Thilo paused, his lantern held high, the light flickering uncertainly as if it too sensed the looming threat.

"Something's wrong," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the thumping of my heart. The normal sounds of our passage, the scuff of boots against stone, seemed overly loud in the sudden silence that enveloped us.

Without warning, the darkness ahead churned, and a massive shape detached itself from the shadows. A Tunnelstalker, its skin rippling to match the stony walls, lunged toward us with terrifying speed. Its eyes, a piercing silver, locked onto ours as it barreled down the tunnel.

Thilo reacted instantly, throwing up his hands to cast a shimmering barrier of energy—a basic shield spell that shimmered into existence just in time to intercept the creature. The impact shook the shield, the force of the creature's attack testing the limits of Thilo's magical defense.

"Behind me!" Thilo shouted, straining against the power of the beast. The Tunnelstalker reared back, preparing for another strike, its limbs coiled with the tension of a predator poised to kill.

I scrambled for any advantage, my mind racing. Remembering the rocks scattered along our path, I grabbed a handful and hurled them towards the far end of the tunnel. The clatter echoed, magnified by the confines of the space, drawing the creature's fleeting attention.

Seizing the moment, Thilo strengthened his shield, the magical energy flaring brighter under his concentrated effort. "Now, Jane! Do something!"

Heart pounding, I pulled the dagger from our Bag of Holding, the weight of it both foreign and reassuring in my hand. As the Tunnelstalker turned back to us, momentarily confused by the noise, I saw my chance. With a shout, I charged, aiming for the underbelly of the creature, which seemed to be its most vulnerable area.

The beast snarled, its attention snapping back just as the point of my dagger sank into its flesh. A howl of pain filled the tunnel, echoing off the walls as the Tunnelstalker thrashed, its movements becoming frantic as it tried to dislodge the unexpected threat.

Thilo, seizing the opportunity, chanted quickly, his words a blur of magical incantations. The air around the beast shimmered, and bands of light wrapped around its limbs, slowing its movements. "Hold it, Jane! Almost there!"

Gritting my teeth, I twisted the dagger, the creature's blood warm on my hands. The Tunnelstalker's movements slowed further under the magical constraints, its howls turning to whimpers.

The Tunnelstalker, driven by primal rage and pain, suddenly surged with a burst of strength. The bands of light binding its limbs flickered under the strain as it snapped violently towards me. I barely managed to evade its lashing tail, which smashed into the tunnel wall where I had been a second before, sending stone chips flying.

As I staggered back, the creature's tail caught me with a glancing blow, sending me crashing into the opposite wall. My head hit hard against the rough rock, stars bursting across my vision. Dazed, I slumped to the ground, my ears ringing and my head throbbing in sync with my racing heart.

Lying there, disoriented, I felt a strange sensation—a whisper of air swirling around me, almost as if responding to my frantic heartbeat. For a moment, it seemed as though the very air wished to lift me or push me away from danger. The sensation was fleeting, puzzling, but it sharpened my focus, pulling me back from the brink of unconsciousness.

Thilo, meanwhile, was shouting, his voice sounding distant through the haze clouding my mind. "Jane, get up! We're not done yet!" His hands moved with desperate speed, casting another spell to reinforce the faltering magical bindings as the Tunnelstalker thrashed against its restraints.

Forcing myself to my feet, I shook off the disorientation and gripped the dagger tighter. The Tunnelstalker was weakening, but it was still dangerous, its eyes burning with feral hatred. I moved cautiously, circling to its side while Thilo distracted it with a flurry of magical sparks.

With a deep breath, I charged again, ducking under a wild swipe and driving the dagger deeper into the creature's side. This time, the blade hit something vital, and a gush of dark blood followed the withdrawal of the dagger.

The beast faltered, its movements becoming sluggish as its lifeblood pooled on the stone floor. Thilo's spells finally took hold, the light bands tightening mercilessly. With a last effort, I thrust the dagger once more, aiming for the spot I had hit in its side.

The Tunnelstalker let out a final, shuddering breath and collapsed, its body going limp. We both stood back, panting, the silence after the beast's death feeling louder than the struggle that had filled the tunnel just moments before.

"Is it... is it over?" I gasped, wiping the back of my hand across my brow, smearing sweat, blood, and dirt.

"Yeah, for now," Thilo replied, his voice steady but his eyes wide with the adrenaline of the fight. He glanced down at the creature, his expression a mix of reassurance and pain.

I nodded, as a sharp pain shot across my head, my injury showing itself despite the adrenaline. As I glanced back at the lifeless Tunnelstalker, relief washed over me. Despite feeling woefully unprepared for the threats lurking in these depths, I couldn't help but feel a surprising surge of resolve. Maybe, just maybe, I was stronger and more capable than I had given myself credit for.