On The Borders Of Safety

You launch at the beast, the guide at your side. The two of you struggle and fight the monstrosity.

You try your best, but the worm's wrath is too much. The last thing you remember is the swath or worm viscera and the shadows ebbing at the edge of your vision.

You wake up some time later where you first began, the guide next to you injured, but not in any serious way. They seem excited that you are awake, and flash you a smile despite their own pain. Though they haven't suggested it, you know that your mission has failed. You take a moment to look over yourself and besides the raging headache, you notice the left side of your ribcage is bleeding, but it seems as though it will heal, leaving a barely noticeable scar. After the guide catches their breath, they nod and bid you farewell, limping away until you blink and they are gone, only a few fireflies buzzing lazily where the guide once was.