Twar had been patiently searching the surrounding area; they had found nothing particularly revealing—if anything, only the absence of everything. No recent traces, no clear signs, not even forgotten remains.
???: Strange...
One of the dwarves spoke in a deep voice, slowly stroking his thick, rough beard.
Twar: Perhaps... they evacuated?
It was a reasonable explanation—more than reasonable. In its simplicity, it explained everything. But it also meant they had been left behind. No warning, no time, no company.
Twar: ...
He had been thinking about it for a while now, silent, brow tense. Where should they go? The sensible destination was the surface—far from the dungeon, far from the heat and darkness. Perhaps the others were there, seeking shelter, fleeing the demons, gathering however they could.
Twar: Call the hero. We're leaving this place.
He turned to walk away with firm steps, but suddenly the whole cavern trembled. A sharp, drawn-out howl rang through the air, followed by several more that echoed across the stone halls.
The dwarves grouped together almost by instinct. They knew that sound far too well.
Twar: Hellhounds.
Creatures of lava and hunger, always traveling in savage packs. It was strange to see them here, but not impossible. They usually dwelled in deep, scorching caves. Perhaps the rising heat had driven them upward, and by some cruel twist of fate, they had ended up here.
Twar: Where is the hero?
The dwarves looked in every direction, tense and alert. Nothing. No shadow, no footsteps, no answer.
Twar: Prepare to collapse the exit.
The dwarves began digging with fierce urgency, striking stone and dirt. At the first sign of a pack rushing through, they would bring the entrance down.
???: I see him!
There he was—wearing that strange mask, and glowing underwear that shone in the darkness.
Froggy: Wait!
He ran with all his strength at an almost nonexistent speed, clumsy and desperate. On his shoulder rode the lizard, only its restless tail visible, its head turned backward toward the approaching pack.
Lizard: Faster, mortal!
Froggy: I'm... doing what I can.
The hounds closed in, chasing them with burning jaws snapping at their heels. Those infernal beasts did not tire.
Froggy barely reached the entrance and leapt forward awkwardly. The dwarves brought the tunnel down with a thunderous crash, but one hound slipped through before it sealed shut.
They surrounded it immediately.
Twar: Want to finish it yourself?
Froggy: I'll leave that honor to you.
Froggy answered with visible modesty—and exhaustion. He had nearly died again.
One of the dwarves gripped his heavy axe and charged. The beast bit him before it fell, sinking fire and fangs into his arm. The dwarf twisted in pain and fury, but endured it. His arm was already blackened and burned.
One alone was easy enough to kill.
A whole pack was another matter entirely, especially given the savage loyalty they held for one another.
Lizard: We must leave, mortals.
Twar: We will.
Froggy: Ask them if they found anything. Where did everyone go?
Lizard (translating): My servant asks where everyone went.
Twar: Tell Lord Idiot it's possible they evacuated.
Froggy: Evacuated?
Lizard: That is what they say, human.
The others were waiting near the main entrance, gathered and uneasy. They had heard the commotion and stood ready with weapons and tools in hand.
???: What happened?
Twar: It's possible they evacuated.
???: They left?
A strange mixture of relief and sorrow spread through them all. At least... if it were true, everyone might be safe. Far away, perhaps lost—but safe.
Twar: Then we'll go find them.
???: Yes.
They answered in unison—some with conviction, others simply because they needed to believe it.
Twar: Does anyone know where the surface exit is?
???: To the south.
???: No, north.
???: I think I went there once. It was west.
Froggy: The surface?
Lizard: You've never been there, mortal?
Froggy: I've heard of it... not much more...
Twar: No one knows?
A brief, awkward silence followed. Some avoided looking at each other.
The lizard raised one paw with studied arrogance, straightening atop Froggy's shoulder like a king on his throne.
Lizard: I know where it is.
Twar eyed him with obvious distrust.
Twar: Better than these lot, I hope.
Lizard: Far better. I saw light before it was light. I felt magma's heat before the earth was formed. I have walked places beyond your imagination.
Twar: ...If you know, then lead us.
He answered with confusion. That was an incredible amount of ego for something so small.
Lizard: I shall... once my mount stops panting like a beast.
Froggy: Give me... a moment.
From behind the collapsed tunnel came distant pounding, scratching, and muffled growls. The pack was still there. Their howls confirmed it.
Twar: We have to move.
Everyone nodded.
The dwarves began marching with disciplined haste. Twar looked one last time at the blocked tunnel, then into the darkness of the opposite path.
Twar: Surface...
No one argued with that choice.
Lizard: Follow me. I shall guide you to the surface.
And so they all began walking—upward through the tomb-like depths, toward the world above.