I apply a healing mix salve to the leader’s wounds. He let’s out a growl as the salve singes the wound. As painful as it may be, this is the best that an average monster like me would carry. I would check the Hero, but for some reason, their body has vanished, leaving only bones in their place. The leader stands up, stretching his back out while letting out a relieved sigh. “You have my thanks,” He says as he reaches his hand down to me. I reach up, taking his hand. He then pulls me to my feet. Strange enough, my arm did not remove itself from this action.

The leader heads towards the exit of his room. “Come. Let us see if any of the Minotaur had survived this ordeal.” I follow him as we proceed through the halls. As I walk, I notice that my bones no longer rattle. I can now walk with a much more dignified posture as well. While I have seemingly improved, the leader does not act particularly satisfied. I feel animosity from him since he views this as I have stolen his kill. Although, I was merely protecting him. I don’t think he would accept that answer, though. It is better that I don’t mention anything.

We enter the Minotaur area. Blood and mutilated Minotaur are scattered like décor across the room. As we search, we manage to find several Minotaur that had survived. The halls that they were monitoring were untouched. Perhaps the Hero didn’t enter these halls at all. The remaining Minotaur gather with us in the main room of their area. There is clear frustration on their faces as they look upon their slain brethren. “How many must be vanquished to satisfy the bloodlust of these “Heroes?”” The leader looks around. “This is what Heroes do. The reason why we monsters must hide. This is also the third floor, so I’m sure the previous two are no better.”

The leader grabs my shoulder. “However, this one has done what none had thought possible. He has slain the Hero.” The Minotaur begin snorting and grunting amongst each other. “You?! How has this Hero slain so many of our kind, but the weakest on this floor has bested them?!” His words cut deep, but I agree with him. “As my father once said: A monster is as powerful as the abilities he wields.” The leader turns back to me. “I had kept a skeleton near my chambers for this exact reason. They hold the power of “Grave keeper,” which allows them to instantly kill their target so long as the attack was from behind.”

Being completely honest, I hadn’t known I had such an ability. Then again, I had never expected to be able to sneak up on anyone. The Minotaur snorts at me. “Whatever may be, I suppose you have avenged our fallen brethren. For that, we give thanks.” The Minotaur tilt their heads forward, saluting me in their own way. While I mostly am unfeeling, this moment is causing a warmth in my chest. Pride, perhaps? I suppose that’s the best word for it. “If there is anything we can do to repay this justice, be free to ask.” This is much different from how the Minotaur had traditionally treated me. I had not expected this. What would I even ask for?

The leader steps forward. “If I may. I have a task you can perform to assist our friend.” The leader grabs my hand, holding it up, and making my class chart show. The Minotaur look closely in awe. This is new for most of us to see. A monster with a divine class specialization. The leader points to my level and title. “Our friend has designated to be a Gladiator. I know the Minotaur are capable of forging weapons and armor. If you could, this would assist us greatly.” My body begins trembling. Nervousness? No, this is different. Excitement! That’s what I’m feeling! The Minotaur look around at their fallen kin. They begin collecting the remaining horns and metal plating that the Hero did not take.

“We will forge you equipment from our fallen, so that you may allow them to exact their own vengeance in death.” We proceed through the halls until we enter into a room with forging equipment. The Minotaur drop the materials before exiting. “They will collect materials from the fallen upstairs as well. However, this equipment will need a magical binder from one who still lives.” I suppose we would have to find someone with magic and is willing to part with a piece of themselves. The leader then assumes his dragon form. His scales radiate a golden shine even in the darker portions of the dungeons like this one.

The leader then grabs onto a scale from his lower body with his teeth, plucking it like a flower petal from his illustrious body. He pulls two more before changing back. His body is quite durable, but he is now bleeding from his left leg. I knew to do that must have been painful. “Will these suffice?” The leader asks as he tries to hold back a pained expression. The Minotaur lifts them from the ground, inspecting them. “Yes. The scales of a dragon are always a fine crafting material. This will be my first time working with fresh ones.”

The Minotaur guides us to the exit of the room. “I require the rest of this day to forge your armor. Please await my call for now. I will work as swiftly as I can.” The leader and I return to our areas for the time being. I find myself glancing at the leader’s wounded leg. I wish to make amends for such a burden. As we approach the leader’s throne room, I stop walking. The leader turns back to me. “Is something wrong?” I point at the leader’s wounded leg. The blood is not flowing, but even though the blood doesn’t flow, it does not indicate healing.

The leader smiles. “No need to trouble yourself. Please rest. We have much to do once your equipment is complete.” The leader proceeds into his room as I stay in the hall outside of his area. I take a seat against the wall, as I always have. Listening to the lava bubbling in the leader’s throne room, the distant sounds monsters calling out to one another, or even a freshly lit torch crackling in an otherwise silent hall. These were the extent of my life. Now, I feel impatient as I await to see my destiny unfold. This was not something I had dreamed for, nor had I ever expected anything beyond this hallway. I was content, but… is this really all I was meant for?

As I slowly fall into a slumber, I come to the realization that life… will be different… from now… on…