What happens in the Dire Tombs dungeon raid The Beginning After the End?
If you’ve been following The Beginning After the End, you probably remember the exact moment when the story stopped feeling like a typical power fantasy and started hitting a lot harder. For me—and for many fans—that turning point was the Dire Tombs dungeon raid.
Up until then, Arthur Leywin’s journey had its dangers, sure, but nothing that truly hurt. The Dire Tombs changed that. It wasn’t just another dungeon run—it was a brutal wake-up call.
A “Simple” Mission That Was Anything But
On paper, the mission sounded routine: explore an AA-class dungeon in the Beast Glades. A solid team, experienced leadership, and even some promising newcomers. What could go wrong?
Well… everything.
The expedition was led by the seasoned adventurer Brald Landon, and the group included a mix of veterans and younger fighters:
- Arthur Leywin (as Note) – hiding his identity, but already far stronger than he lets on
- Jasmine Flamesworth – calm, skilled, and one of the most reliable members
- Elijah Knight – loyal, kind, and still somewhat mysterious
- Lucas Wykes – arrogant noble with more pride than courage
At first, things go smoothly. The dungeon is eerie but manageable. Then comes the first red flag: undead-type monsters that don’t drop mana cores. That alone should’ve been enough to signal that something was seriously off.
The Hidden Path That Sealed Their Fate
The real turning point came when the party discovered a hidden passage—one that even Brald, despite his experience, had never seen before.
And honestly? In fantasy stories, hidden passages are never good news.
This path led them straight into the domain of something far beyond their level: the Elderwood Guardian.
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The Elderwood Guardian: A Fight They Were Never Meant to Win
Let’s be clear—this wasn’t just a strong boss.
This thing was a mutated S-class beast, completely out of line with the dungeon’s supposed difficulty. The moment it appeared, the raid stopped being a mission and became a survival scenario.
What made the fight terrifying wasn’t just its strength, but how it fought:
- It used the environment to trap and isolate targets
- It picked off members one by one
- It created constant pressure, leaving no room to regroup
And then… came the moment that still makes fans furious.
Lucas Wykes: Cowardice at Its Worst
When things fell apart, Lucas did what no one in a raid should ever do—he ran.
Not a tactical retreat. Not a regroup.
He abandoned everyone.
That decision directly contributed to the deaths of multiple party members. It’s one of those moments where you don’t just dislike a character—you remember what they did. And honestly, the story never lets you forget it either.
The Cost of Survival
The raid turned into a massacre. Even experienced adventurers couldn’t hold out against the Guardian.
The casualties hit hard:
- Kriol Masser – killed in the chaos
- Reginald Bastion – another veteran lost
- Brald Landon – the leader who stayed until the end
These weren’t random extras. They were capable, experienced people—and they still died. That’s what made this arc different. It showed that strength doesn’t guarantee survival.
Arthur’s Breaking Point
Up to this moment, Arthur had been holding back, carefully hiding his true abilities. But when everything collapsed, he had no choice.
This is where he used the Integrate Phase of Sylvia’s beast will.
And it was intense.
For the first time, we see Arthur truly step into the role of a protector—not just someone strong, but someone willing to risk everything to save others. He manages to defeat the Elderwood Guardian, but it doesn’t feel like a victory.
Because it isn’t.
Why This Arc Hits So Hard
What makes the Dire Tombs arc unforgettable isn’t just the action—it’s the aftermath.
Arthur wins the fight, but:
- People are dead
- The team is broken
- The illusion of safety is gone
This is where the story matures. The stakes become real, and Arthur’s journey stops being about growth alone—it becomes about responsibility and loss.
Foreshadowing Something Bigger
Another detail that fans love to discuss is how strange the dungeon actually is.
The undead monsters, the lack of mana cores, the mysterious structures—it all hints at something deeper. Many readers believe the Dire Tombs are connected to the Relictombs, which later become a massive part of the story.
At the time, it’s subtle. But looking back, it feels like the author was planting seeds for something much bigger.
Quick Breakdown of the Dire Tombs Raid
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dungeon Rank | AA-Class (Undead Type) |
| Final Boss | Elderwood Guardian (S-Class Mutant) |
| Major Casualties | Brald Landon, Kriol Masser, Reginald Bastion |
| Key Moment | Arthur uses Integrate Phase |
| Lasting Impact | First true losses, tonal shift of the story |
Final Thoughts (From a Fan’s Perspective)
If I had to point to one arc that defines The Beginning After the End, this would be near the top.
The Dire Tombs isn’t just about a difficult fight—it’s about consequences. It forces both Arthur and the reader to understand that strength alone isn’t enough to save everyone.
And honestly? That’s what makes it so memorable.
It’s painful, frustrating, and at times even unfair—but that’s exactly why it works. From this point forward, you read TBATE differently. You stop assuming things will turn out okay.
Because now you know—they won’t always.
