The Overgrown Tunnels were a labyrinth of shadows and tangled greenery, the walls alive with creeping vines that seemed to pulse with an unnatural energy.

Levi's hooves echoed softly against the stone floor as he moved cautiously, the dim light of his torch casting flickering shadows that danced along the tunnel walls. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation, a smell that made his nostrils flare in unease.

Levi knew he was deep within the heart of the dungeon now, far from the sunlit world above. And after his run in with getting trapped in the crevice just before he was on high alert.

The further he ventured, the more oppressive the atmosphere became, the darkness pressing in on him like a living thing. He could feel the eyes of unseen creatures watching him from the shadows, their presence a constant reminder that he was not welcome here.

As he trotted forward, the vines began to change. They grew thicker and more twisted, their once harmless tendrils now resembling the muscular coils of a serpent. The leaves were broader, almost leathery, and the thorns that adorned them were long and razor-sharp. Levi paused, his instincts screaming that something was very wrong. He could sense a presence, something ancient and malevolent, lurking just ahead.

He pressed on, his torch held high, the flames flickering as if in warning. The tunnel opened up into a cavernous chamber, the ceiling lost in the gloom above. In the center of the chamber was a sight that made Levi's heart race—a massive pitcher plant, its gaping maw lined with jagged teeth-like structures. The plant's thick, meaty vines stretched out in all directions, their tips quivering as if searching for prey. The air was heavy with a sickly sweet scent that made Levi's stomach churn.

Scattered around the base of the plant were bones, bleached white and gnawed clean. Levi's keen eyes recognized the shapes—ribs, skulls, leg bones—all from creatures like him. The sight filled him with a cold dread. He had heard stories of the Carnivorous Pitcher, a monstrous plant that could devour even the largest of Coursers, but he had never imagined he would encounter one. And especially not alone with no one to back him up.

Levi knew he had to act quickly. The plant had not yet sensed him, but it was only a matter of time before the vines lashed out to ensnare him. His mind raced, searching for a way out. The torch in his mouth flickered again, and a plan began to form. The plant was vulnerable to fire—he had heard that much from the tales of old adventurers.

Keeping his movements slow and deliberate, Levi advanced, careful not to disturb the vines. He needed to get close enough to set the plant alight, but not so close that it could grab him. His heart pounded in his chest as he approached, the torch casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the plant’s cold, deadly presence.

Finally, he was within striking distance. With a swift, calculated movement, Levi whipped his head forward, tossing the torch at the base of the plant. The flames licked up the vines, the dry, fibrous material catching fire almost instantly. A high-pitched screech filled the chamber as the plant writhed in agony, its vines flailing wildly as the fire consumed it. The smell of burning vegetation filled the air, acrid and overpowering.

Levi backed away, his eyes fixed on the burning plant as it slowly collapsed in on itself, reduced to a smoldering heap. The bones that had once been trapped in its grip fell to the ground, free at last.

Breathing heavily, Levi turned and began to make his way out of the chamber. The flickering flames illuminated his path as he left the charred remains of the beast behind.

The dungeon had thrown its worst at him, but Levi had proven once again that he was no ordinary Courser. He was a survivor and he knew he must have his wits about him if he were to keep all body parts in tact.

The black roan quickly searched for a new torch he’d be able to use to delve further into the dungeon below.