The euphoria of their victory over the beast had long since faded over their wanderings, softened by the reality that would see them die should their wounds be left untreated. Even for the clean shaven man, the one who struck the last blow, the triumphant feeling he'd gained from landing the strike had turned to a gnawing doubt. He only managed to strike that blow because of the others distracting the beast, and he hadn't exactly sacrificed as much as the others did either. He didn't feel like he deserved it, although the fact of the matter was, the beast was dead and he'd struck the finishing blow.

The clean shaven man trudged along with the group, holding his torso where the beast's fangs had penetrated his flesh. His wounds weren't as bad as the bearded man, who'd received a wound he would likely never recover from. And he still had his stone, unlike the woman, whose stone had shattered on contact with the rocky walls around the area where they'd fought the beast. Overall, he was one of the luckier of the group. They'd all expended a lot taking it down but some came out with more than others. And while took everything they could get, it wouldn't last for that long.

The clean shaven man's stomach rumbled. He hadn't had a decent meal in a long time, a feature he was sure that he shared with the rest of the group. The blood loss also left his body cold, and their lanterns could only do so much to help. What they needed was somewhere to rest, so they could make use of their spoils. But as he mused on his misfortunes, a light flickered into view ahead and he saw an answer to his prayers.

As they drew closer to the pillar of lanterns the clean shaven man began to feel more comforted by their presence, more safe. It was as if the light of the lanterns warded off more than the darkness, like the pillar's luminance was a barrier against the danger of the tunnels. And as his body bathed fully in the warm light, he suddenly realised that he was thinking in ways he'd never thought of before. The light had seemingly turned the gears in his head, like it had been a key to a locked door that opened a new world for the clean shaven man.

But what would he do with it? What could he do with it? As the strange but familiar thoughts swirled in his head, he wondered if it would be best to reveal it. He didn't know what would happen. But the light of the lanterns melted his doubts and loosened his tongue.

He opened his mouth and spoke.
"...Hungry..." He said.