With Justin in the lead, they discovered a chamber beyond the stone slab.

A stone table dominated the space, and lying upon it, comatose, was what Justin assumed to be the real form of Theric Wren, thinner and more haggard than he remembered. Justin's monocle now read Level 35 Dungeon Delver. His breaths came in shallow, labored gasps.

"It's alive!" Tennyson whispered.

Justin shook his head. "This isn't the vampire. This is the real Theric."

"Of course," Myrelle said. "I've read that vampires can take on the appearance of their victims, even gaining access to some of their abilities and memories."

"That raises the question," Tennyson said. "How could a Level 19 vampire overpower someone of Theric's caliber?"

Justin considered this. "Maybe part of the vampire's story was true. Maybe Theric really came here alone and intoxicated."

"And without enchanted gear," Celine added.

Justin saw she was right. Theric only wore the same undershirt and pants as the vampire.

"That, too," Justin said. "The vampire already has magic that can put people to sleep. Maybe it was strong enough to overcome Theric's defenses."

"Perhaps," Celine said. "What do we do now? Is there a risk he's infected with the vampiric curse?"

"Not with the master destroyed," Myrelle said. "He should recover naturally, though slowly. I imagine the vampire kept him weakened by draining his blood almost to the brink of death, then used his identity to lure in victims."

"That would explain the miners," Justin said.

"And the creature may have detected our presence and positioned itself accordingly," Tennyson theorized. "But it was operating in daylight! I thought vampires were restricted to darkness."

"It was never directly in sunlight," Justin recalled. "That boulder was a good size, providing shade, and the trail down into the quarry remained shadowed as well." Justin suppressed a shudder at how close they had come to being fooled. "Let's see if we can revive him."

He approached Theric's side, keeping one hand ready on his cane. Without access to Sapphire Aegis, he had to be careful, but something told him that rescuing Theric was crucial to completing the Vault.

He gently shook the older man's shoulder. Theric's eyes fluttered open—the same brilliant blue Justin remembered, though now they seemed unfocused and distant.

"It's all right," Justin said. "The vampire is dead."

Theric tried to speak but was too weak to form words.

Justin nodded to Myrelle, who produced the same potion she had used for Celine. Theric managed a few swallows, and within seconds, color returned to his cheeks.

Theric coughed, then sat upright.

"Are you—?" Justin began, but Theric waved him off.

"Netherfucking hell," Theric muttered. "Never again." He looked at his rescuers, studying them with suspicion. "And how did you get here?"

"We were investigating the mine," Justin said. "As I mentioned, the vampire is destroyed."

"You're welcome," Myrelle offered with a smile.

Theric scowled. "I would have handled him. Eventually."

He stood on unsteady legs, stretching and cracking his back.

"Did you really try to clear this Vault alone?" Celine asked.

"And without any equipment?" Tennyson added.

"And drunk?" Myrelle asked.

Theric seemed uninterested in conversation. He looked at Justin, noticing the flames for the first time.

"Huh. Vorthak's Flame, unless I miss my guess. Haven't seen that ability in a while. The Fire People in Uxmal sometimes manifest it."

Justin nodded. "We should get back to the entrance."

"Why hasn't the Vault registered completion yet?" Myrelle asked. "Are we missing something?"

Justin looked directly at Theric. "You're not the Vault Master, are you?"

"Gods, no. I imagine we just need to reach the entrance and leave."

"So, this place was a Vault when you entered it, too?" Celine asked.

"Yes." He cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Level 15."

"Level 19 now," Justin said.

"Huh."

Theric began hobbling back toward the main chamber, moving beyond the reach of Justin's fire. Like the vampire who had mimicked him, he had dark vision.

"You're welcome, I suppose?" Celine asked with sarcasm.

"Come on," Justin said.

When they reached the main chamber, Theric was kneeling beside the pile of dust that had once been the vampire.

"Where's my blade? Bastard took it from me, I imagine."

Justin produced the curved sword from his pack. "Is this it?"

Theric grabbed it, then scowled upon examining it. "Bastard. Corrupted it beyond recognition. He must've used those blood crystals to enchant it with something foul." He shook his head. "Better than nothing, I suppose." His eyes moved to the empty crystal container, then back to the party. "You took all the blood crystals?"

Justin shrugged. "We were worried they might fall into the wrong hands."

"Smart thinking. Might still happen if we don't evacuate quickly."

Tennyson watched Theric strangely. Apparently, the real version was less impressive than the vampire's charismatic impersonation.

"What do you mean?" Myrelle asked, alarmed. "Are you suggesting Death Worshippers could be approaching now?"

"Could be?" Theric replied. "They probably are. That vampire was acting under someone's authority, and when his master realizes the death mark has vanished, they'll come investigating." He frowned. "Now, which direction was the exit? It's been a while..."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"This way," Justin said, taking point. "Would you consider joining our party temporarily? We could use your Delver's Light."

It wasn't just about the Delver's Light; it was also to ensure that Theric wouldn't work against them. While it hadn't helped with the vampire, it was a step in the right direction.

Theric studied him. "Fine, temporarily. Don't expect any permanent arrangements, though."

[Theric Wren has joined your party. You are enlightened by his Adventurer's Guile, enhancing your ability to detect traps and hidden dangers.]

As Justin led their evacuation, he let Vorthak's Flame fade. The return journey was quiet, with Justin focusing on navigating the tunnels back to the main passage.

"So, Mr. Wren," Tennyson ventured after several minutes of silence, "what happened here? How long were you imprisoned?"

The old adventurer shrugged. "Got ambushed. Vampires are cunning. They can surprise you even when you know every defensive technique. As for the duration..." He trailed off. "I entered this place on March 20th. What day is it today?"

"Almost six weeks, then," Justin calculated.

Theric cursed under his breath. "Six weeks! By the gods, I'll never live this down..."

"We should hurry," Myrelle said. "I don't want any Death Cultists discovering us here."

"Sound reasoning, lass," Theric agreed.

"Mr. Wren," Tennyson persisted, "in Chapter 22 of your Guide—'Wards and Warnings'—you state to never attempt a Vault solo, regardless of level. Why did you violate this rule? Is there an exception not covered in your writings?"

Theric chuckled. "Tennyson—that's your name, right?"

"Yes?"

"In Vault-running, there's only one rule: the gods create the Vaults, but it's fools who keep entering them." He looked at the young noble. "That's what I am, Tennyson. A fool."

"But you're Level 35," Tennyson insisted. "Just five levels from 40. And if you discovered a Prismatic Core, you could go higher."

Theric barked a laugh. "I'm too old for such dreams. Sometimes I attempt a Vault like this for nostalgia. Well, it's not your concern, Tennyson." His attention sharpened. "Look. The entrance."

By the time they reached the entry chamber, Justin noticed four treasure chests arranged near the green barrier, each inlaid with gold and radiating light.

"There's your loot," Theric said.

Justin approached the nearest chest, knowing it didn't matter which one he chose. Each would contain items tailored to its opener.

He lifted the lid and was surprised to find a complete clothing set rather than the promised gold-tier weapon. It was, in theory, a better benefit, but he'd have to examine it to see. Likely an influence of his Prismatic Core and cologne.

The outfit resembled traditional monster-hunting gear: a long black greatcoat with silver threading along the shoulders and cuffs. Beneath it lay a vest of leather reinforced with steel plates, practical trousers, and sturdy boots. The ensemble was completed by a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a silver band and a pair of leather gloves.

Shadowhunter's Regalia (Gold-tier Set)

Attribute Bonus: +8 Charisma, +4 Spirit, +4 Endurance, +4 Intellect, +4 Power

Shadowhunter's Insight: The wearer can sense undead creatures within a moderate distance. Undead creatures of equal or lower level are highlighted with a faint crimson aura, even through walls or concealment.

Silverward: Clothing burns undead upon contact with the Flames of Life.

This was exactly what he needed for his mission, and it rivaled his Founder's Regalia in power and utility. He bound it immediately to his core and used his ring to swap it out.

But that wasn't all. Justin was not surprised to find the gold ascension crystal, too. He had contributed the most of any party member to their victory, so it was well earned.

He absorbed it without hesitation, channeling its power to upgrade his Cane of Valoria.

[Your Cane of Valoria has ascended to gold-tier! It now confers the following benefits:]

Attribute Bonus: +2 Charisma, +2 Intellect

Gentleman's Rebuff (Improved): Automatically deflects the next attack directed against you. (Cooldown: 5 minutes)

Gentleman's Valor: Felling an enemy grants all party members +1 Charisma for ten seconds. This effect stacks up to six times.

Justin nodded. This was a significant improvement over the cane's previous enchantments. Gentleman's Rebuff had evolved from a once-per-day ability to something that could trigger every five minutes. The Charisma bonus for the party was useful.

This might become his main weapon unless situations required the ranged capabilities of his Cane of the Drake. He could start encounters with Drake's Breath before switching to this cane for its defensive capabilities and party buffs, or he could simply start with this cane to be covered from any surprise attacks.

The others collected their rewards: Myrelle received a black umbrella with a spike, which she wielded; Tennyson received a new polearm; and Celine discovered a shortbow and matching arrows.

"All finished?" Theric asked.

Justin nodded. "Time to leave."

"I just wonder why you got a full armor set," Tennyson said. "Seems unfair."

"Vault rewards can be variable, in my experience," Justin said, hoping that would end the conversation.

Thankfully, he didn't press the point.

As they approached the green barrier, the System Voice entered Justin's mind.

[The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds.]

[The Trial of the Vault is complete!]

[Experience Gained: 2,500]

[Your experience stands at 11,750/37,000]

"Yes!" Celine said. "A new level!"

"For what?" Tennyson asked with a smirk. "Getting ambushed by a tentacle monster and needing rescue?"

The jibe fell flat, met with silence from the group.

Justin turned to Tennyson. "Celine showed courage when it mattered. She agreed to enter this Vault despite her reservations and provided intelligence about the blood crystals." His gaze hardened. "Perhaps you should focus on your performance before critiquing others."

Tennyson's smirk faded. Justin knew Tennyson would prove no ally after this, but he couldn't tolerate the noble's arrogance. Celine and her family represented a valuable connection to cultivate, anyway.

Celine nodded, and Justin caught the grateful look she sent his way.

As they stepped through the barrier, Justin was surprised to find evening had fallen. This Vault hadn't suspended time like others had, meaning it had taken a total of four hours. They should have been home by now.

Justin was grateful that everyone had survived. The expedition had proven productive—he had gathered intelligence and established a lead on the Cult of Morvath.

As for Theric, he was already hiking up the trail toward the forest above. Once everyone had gathered on the quarry's rim, he turned to face the group.

"Well, this is where we part ways, I'm afraid." He cleared his throat. "I would appreciate it if word of my... predicament didn't reach anyone. It would ruin what remains of my reputation."

"You don't need to worry about that, Mr. Wren," Justin assured him. "I'm just glad everyone is—"

At that moment, Justin was filled with a strange sense of dread. He instinctively understood that it was a result of his new Shadowhunter's Insight enchantment.

The feeling didn't stem from the quarry or the surrounding forest.

It was coming from the sky, above the forest on the other side of the quarry.

"Take cover!"

He sprinted for the treeline, and the others followed without hesitation. As soon as they reached the forest canopy and dove for concealment, something massive appeared above the quarry.

The beast swooped down with powerful wingbeats, its massive form disappearing below the quarry's rim. The stench of rotting flesh filled the air. Justin caught sight of it for a moment, holding back a gag.

"Undead dragon," Theric whispered. "It seems the vampire's master has returned."

"Stay still," Celine said urgently. "I have Hunter's Concealment. It will hide our party as long as no one moves."

Shadows deepened around them as her skill took effect, blending them with the forest undergrowth.

Justin nodded, fighting the urge to creep forward to get a good look. Whoever had landed in that quarry had enough power to control an undead dragon—possibly someone above Valdrik in the hierarchy. The chance for intelligence gathering was almost irresistible.

But it was also suicidal. Justin didn't have access to Sapphire Aegis until tomorrow.

The best he could do was report this intelligence to the Templars.

"Well, we're in deep now," Theric muttered after about five minutes. "If they knew we were here, they would have attacked already. I suspect they're in the cave system, but if we wait around, we'll be caught in the open." He rose from cover. "I'm leaving. Not a word of this to anyone, understood?"

Without waiting for an answer, he walked into the darkness, leaving the original party members staring at each other.

[Theric has left the party.]

"All right, I'll admit it," Tennyson whispered. "This is not the adventure I was expecting."

"We can reach Belmora within the hour if we move quickly," Justin said. "This situation is beyond our capabilities."

"And what if that cultist intercepts us?" Myrelle asked. "Shouldn't we stay hidden until we're sure they've left?"

"They're not leaving," Justin replied. "Once they realize those crystals are missing, they'll begin a search. I don't want to be around when that happens."

"You don't need to convince me," Tennyson said, preparing to move.

"Quietly," Justin cautioned. "Let's put some distance between us and this place before summoning our mounts."

They did just that, moving through the forest for ten minutes before daring to summon their steeds. To Justin's relief, Atlas had recovered enough, but he topped him off with another aether crystal just in case.

They fled west toward Belmora at full speed.

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