Dire Tombs is the 31st chapter of The Beginning After The End Novel.
Summary[]
Arthur and his party, including Brald, Jasmine, Lucas, Samantha, Elijah, Kriol, and Reginald, descend into the Dire Tombs, a dangerous and unique dungeon filled with undead mana beasts that can reanimate after being killed. Unlike most dungeons, the undead creatures here do not have mana cores, reducing the potential monetary rewards and making the dungeon less popular among adventurers. Brald warns the group that the first level is filled with numerous weak enemies, and the party prepares for combat.
In the first underground cave, they are immediately ambushed by Batrunners, bat-like undead with exposed ribs and hollow bodies. Lucas impulsively casts Fire Cyclone, incinerating most of the enemies and allowing the group to conserve mana. However, the party quickly discovers the unique danger of the dungeon: the undead reanimate, rising from ashes or reforming their bones and flesh, reinforcing the peril of the Dire Tombs. The group moves on, using an earthen wall conjured by Elijah to block the reanimated bats from pursuing them.
As they traverse a narrow corridor, traps appear in the form of metal spikes fired at Samantha. Arthur instinctively protects her, while the party realizes the spikes are controlled by mana beasts rather than mechanical traps. They proceed cautiously to the next chamber, a larger cave riddled with holes that emit extremely hot, acidic gas. The trembling floor signals the emergence of a massive worm-like mana beast with a glowing red hide and rows of sharp teeth. The creature surprises the group by not immediately attacking but instead burrows into the walls, creating more deadly holes that release scalding gas.
Oliver, the party’s healer, recklessly advances without protection and is killed instantly by the acidic gas, leaving behind only his charred bones and the emerald gem embedded in his staff. Arthur salvages the gem to improve Samantha’s weapon. The worm then blocks the exit, forcing the party into combat. Through a combination of water barriers, earthen bindings, and mana-infused attacks, the group manages to injure and temporarily repel the creature. Arthur uses mana rotation and fire-enhanced sword techniques to cauterize wounds and fend off acid attacks, with Jasmine delivering decisive dagger strikes.
Despite overcoming the immediate threat, the party suffers severe injuries: Brald loses most of his right arm while protecting Samantha, Kriol and Elijah sustain burns, and morale is shaken by the death of Oliver and the intensity of the dungeon’s hazards. Arthur takes command, asserting order and reprimanding Lucas for recklessness, emphasizing the need for coordination to survive. The group rests briefly before moving forward, reaching a large double door etched with unfamiliar runes, far sturdier than expected, suggesting that even greater challenges await deeper within the dungeon.