[ System Notification: Pathways Unsealed ]
The moment the notification flashed, a strange, mournful sound echoed through the dungeon's cavernous walls—a soft, weeping cry reverberated in the eerie silence after the brutal fight.
All heads turned westward, where a dimly lit tunnel stretched into shadows. From its depths emerged a small, huddled figure, barely illuminated by the flickering greenish glow of the fungi-lined walls.
"Is that...crying?" Aria whispered while fixing her gaze on the tunnel.
"Odd place for a sob story," muttered Xyron, already unsheathing his greatsword.
His fingers itched to end what he assumed was another enemy. The figure slowly came into view, revealing a small, young ogre girl—no more than three feet tall.
Her head was lowered and her thick, brawny shoulders trembled as she wept, clutching a ragged piece of cloth.