As I walk toward the next floor, I lift my staff and speak firmly.

  "Purify and Restore!"

  A soft glow surrounds me, soothing my aches and sealing my wounds. Much better.

  This time, there are no stone stairs. Instead, a simple wooden door stands in front of me. It’s different from the heavy gates I passed before.

  I grab the handle and push it open slowly. Inside, the room is empty except for one thing.

  A chest.

  "Whoa! Finally, some loot!" I grin and walk toward it, excitement buzzing in my veins.

  The Spire is full of treasures, but I know better than to rush in blindly. My notes warned about cursed weapons, poison traps, and even mimics disguised as chests.

  But I need better gear. I need to get stronger.

  I hesitate for just a moment before flipping open the chest. Inside, a single scroll rests on a bed of dark velvet. My fingers brush over the leather binding, carefully undoing the strap. As I unroll it, my eyes widen.

  A flame symbol.

  "A fire spell!" I gasp, barely containing my excitement. "Yes! Yes! Finally, something useful! What is it? Fireball? Flamestrike?"

  If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  I eagerly read the inscription, tracing each rune with my finger. The words pulse with magic as I speak them aloud.

  "Embers hidden, flames await! Ignite upon trespass, burn their fate! Ignis Vinculum!"

  The symbols glow, rising from the parchment before slamming into my chest. Heat flares through me as the knowledge of the spell etches itself into my mind. I clench my fists, feeling the new power humming beneath my skin.

  "Ignis Vinculum, huh? Hope it’s a good one."

  I turn my attention to another wooden door behind the chest. My excitement hasn’t faded. I can’t wait to test this out.

  Pushing the door open, I step onto the new floor.

  The air changes immediately. The scent of aged wood fills my lungs, but something else lingers beneath it. Something wild.

  Claw marks scar the wooden walls and floor. Deep gouges, some still fresh.

  Then, a low growl rumbles through the room.

  A massive iron gate at the far end creaks open, and a giant gray wolf steps forward. Scars crisscross its thick fur, and its yellow eyes lock onto me with predatory focus.

  A boss.

  I smile, raising my hands with confidence.

  "Come at me, you big dog!"

  The wolf snarls, muscles coiling.

  I brace myself, channeling the spell. This is my chance to see its power.

  "IGNIS VINCU—"

  I stop.

  My eyes flick around the room. The walls. The ceiling. The floor.

  All wood.

  A fire spell here would burn everything—including me.

  Too late.

  The wolf lunges.

  I barely raise my staff in time before its massive paw crashes down. Claws like blades carve through the wood, slicing clean through my weapon.

  The red gemstone at its center shatters, the pieces scattering across the floor.

  For a split second, I just stare.

  Then, pain explodes through my leg.

  I cry out, stumbling back as blood soaks my boot. The wolf’s claws had torn through flesh, just barely missing the bone.

  I push myself back, gasping. The wolf watches me, slow and deliberate, licking the blood off its fangs.

  I can’t believe this.

  This wasn’t a trap.

  I did this to myself.

  I was greedy.