Dire Tombs II is the 32nd chapter of The Beginning After The End Novel.
Summary[]
After opening the massive rune-etched doors, Arthur’s party steps into a stunning underground meadow, bathed in glowing light from stalactites above. Grass sparkles like emeralds, trees and shrubs dot the expanse, and for a moment, the adventurers feel as if they’ve left the dungeon entirely. However, Arthur senses something unnatural and dangerous, prompting him to remain alert. The mist that drifts over the meadow thickens, and suddenly, Kriol spots a figure he believes to be Clara, his deceased fiancée, and charges into the haze. Arthur warns him of the danger, and the rest of the group struggles to navigate the illusionary mist.
Jasmine identifies the haze as illusory and magical, and begins casting a wind spell to carve a clear path for the party. However, the path reveals tentacles of vines and branches, which immediately attack. Despite their efforts, including Lucas casting fire spells and Brald using a flaming broadsword, the vines are regenerating faster than they can be destroyed, forcing the party into defensive maneuvers. Arthur and Jasmine fight back with their weapons enhanced by mana, while Reginald protects the spellcasters. Elijah and Samantha try to manipulate the terrain and moisture—creating craters and leeching water—to weaken the advancing vines, but the mist replenishes the vegetation, keeping the threat alive.
The group soon realizes that the vines are part of an enormous S-class mana beast, revealed to be the Elderwood Guardian. Towering over twenty yards tall, the creature has a humanoid upper body wielding a drill-like lance and a horse-like lower body composed entirely of intertwined vines. Even the attacks the adventurers had been fighting against were merely its toes, highlighting its immense scale and power.
The Elderwood Guardian’s first major attack captures Reginald in its lance, grinding him alive as it re-forms the weapon. Arthur immediately takes charge, lifting Samantha and Brald to escape while instructing Lucas and Elijah to block incoming attacks. However, Lucas betrays the group, casting a fire spell that knocks Arthur and Samantha backward and allowing him to escape through the door, leaving the others to face the guardian.
The Elderwood Guardian then unleashes a tsunami of grey, disassembling vine tendrils, consuming Brald and threatening the rest of the party. Arthur, recognizing the hopelessness of conventional combat, decides to use his last remaining option: releasing the dormant power of Sylvia’s dragon will. He enters Phase Two: Dragon’s Awakening, enveloping himself in a powerful aura, ready to confront the nearly invincible S-class mana beast and protect his companions.