Chapter 94
The Underking
The dark tunnel winded around in a series of dizzying turns. Levi strode confidently through the maze forcing Sonic to jog to keep pace with him. The commotion in the marketplace had ignited a fire within the fox, who wasted no time directing Sonic through the city. Sonic barely had a chance to take in the sights before he and Levi were heading back underground, with Levi giving no explanation and seeming uninterested in answering questions.
As they journeyed through the tunnel, the air became tainted with the smell of mildew, rot, and rust. Sonic did his best to ignore his discomfort and followed the faint silver trace ahead of him, marking Levi's presence.
After about an hour, a dim light illuminated the path ahead. Levi paused, leaning against the tunnel wall, clearly out of breath. Sonic, curious, asked, "What is this place?"
After an hour or so, a faint trace of light illuminated the path ahead. Levi paused and leaned against the tunnel wall. The fox was out of breath and held his injured stump up against his chest. "What is this place?" Sonic asked.
"This is The Burrow," Levi replied, gasping for breath. "These tunnels form a vast network just beneath the city. In the days of the old empire, a criminal syndicate operated from here as their headquarters."
"Why come here?"
"Because we need help. Empires come and go but the criminal element somehow always survives. If there is anyone who will know how to break into Mesto's prison it will be the Underking." Levi gestured towards the light. "Be on your guard, these are not rebels. If they think there's a reward, they'd sell you out to the empire in a heartbeat."
Motioning for Levi to lead on, Sonic followed as they approached the light source, which turned out to be a generator sparking and humming with activity. They followed the generator's power lines deeper into the tunnels, eventually reaching an illuminated space powered by the generator. The smell of mildew faded, replaced by the enticing scent of cooking meat.
"That's far enough."
Sonic and Levi stopped dead. The voices had come from behind and in front. Figures in black robes had seemingly materialized out of the walls. Each of them held an intimidating blaster rifle.
"We have come to have an audience with the Underking," Levi announced.
The robed figures laughed dismissively. "The Underking does not meet with any vagabond that wanders into our hole."
Levi slowly retracted his hood, revealing his identity. "I am not just anyone. I am Levi, Captain of the Guard of the Church of Solaris. Tell your master that I have come to treat with him."
The robed figures lowered their weapons, unsure of how to proceed. Sonic observed their hesitation, and they eventually said, "Very well. Come with us." More robed figures appeared out of thin air, forming a ring of armed guards around Sonic and Levi. They were then herded deeper into the tunnels.
After a few minutes, the walls of the tunnels receded, revealing an expansive crater. Hallways spiraled around the crater like rings, burrowing deeper into the ground. Sonic peered over the edge, but there was no visible bottom. "This way," one of the robed guards directed Sonic, leading them on a long march around the rings. They had left the dark tunnels behind and were now traversing an underground city of sorts.
The narrow, dimly lit passages were congested with a motley crowd that pushed through the labyrinthine streets. Stale smoke hung heavy in the air, hovering like a mist over the parade of illicit activities. Toothless vendors proffered black-market goods out of secretive shops while, gangs of muscle-bound thugs sought refuge in the dilapidated homes that lined the shadowy alleys.
In this clandestine realm, rowdy dives echoed with the clinking of glasses and hushed conversations, their patrons seeking solace and anonymity amidst the chaos. The air buzzed with whispered rumors and muttered secrets, while discreet gambling dens pulsed with tension and the allure of ill-gotten gains.
The denizens of the Burrow observed the procession with only fleeting curiosity. Despite dwelling underground, a sense of opulence prevailed, as cloaked figures adorned themselves with extravagant attire and indulged in luxury.
"How do they avoid the empire?" Sonic whispered to Levi.
"They don't." Levi smirked, sensing Sonic's confusion. "The known criminals are less dangerous than the unknown ones. The empire doesn't actively hunt them down, but they can't operate openly either. It's a delicate balance. There are criminals here, but if you notice, there are no Thirteens amongst them."
"But why let them operate at all?"
"They serve their function to the empire, and as long as they don't become a nuisance, they're tolerated. Lord Mesto fancies himself a master of statecraft, playing a careful game. However, deceit has a way of setting traps for itself."
Levi was cut off from further explanation as they reached the end of the road. The guards squeezed them into a cramped elevator which descended down into darkness with a loud groan. When the doors opened, Sonic's eyes were dazzled by a parade of vibrant yellow light. He was pushed forward, and as his eyes adjusted, he was left speechless. The chamber evoked a majestic cathedral, with its towering walls and the play of light reflecting off vibrant stained glass windows. Piles of gold and treasure adorned the sides of the chamber, forming a pathway that led towards the center.
The hull of a magnificent vessel emerged from the sea of gold, forming a grand dais, where a massive throne now stood in the place of the one-great wheel.
The creature perched upon the throne stood in stark contrast to the room's beauty. Sonic did not need to be told that this was the Underking. An aura of low-cunning menace surrounded the Cat. He had sallow gray fur and a disturbingly oversized head. His eyes were expanded to grotesque proportions which matched his general larger than life appearance. Despite his grotesque features, the creature adorned itself with an excessively extravagant crown that hung over his brow. Clothed in a simple purple robe, the Underking allowed his enormous belly to spill onto the floor, creating a repulsive sight.
Beside the throne, a bowl brimming with foul-smelling fruit leaned precariously. The Underking greedily shoveled heaps of the ripe pieces into his mouth, crunching loudly while the juices dripped onto his dirty and matted fur. Sonic resisted the urge to belch as he and Levi were led to the foot of the throne. With hungry, bloodshot eyes, the Underking scrutinized them.
"And who are you?"The Underking's voice did not match his appearance at all. It was stately and refined, exuding the air of a seasoned aristocrat.
Levi threw back his cloak, shedding the remnants of his disguise. Oblivious to the tension, the Underking continued to stuff his mouth with fruit, chewing loudly as he spoke.
"Was that supposed to mean something?" he asked dismissively, juice dripping from his lips.
"I am Levi, Captain of the Guard of the Church of Solaris."
The Underking remained unfazed, his hand aimlessly searching the fruit bowl. "There is no Church of Solaris," he retorted. "So it seems you are no one of consequence. I hope you have more to offer, for stumbling upon our hideout means you cannot leave."
Levi maintained his composure, inclining his head respectfully. "Your majesty, we have crossed paths before. I led an operation to root out this den of yours, though we came up just short."
A wicked smile curled across the Underking's face, revealing yellowed teeth stained with purple juice. "Many have 'nearly' rooted us out," he sneered. "You'll have to be more specific." CLANG! The Underking slammed the empty bowl down, bellowing, "FILL THIS UP!" His voice transformed, shedding its political charm and descending into bestial rage. The nearest guard recoiled in fear, scrambling to fulfill the command.
Without missing a beat, the Underking reclined in his throne, leisurely licking the pulp off his fingers. "Is there something you want, Levi, captain of nothing?" he taunted.
"I need a way to break into the Hive," Levi asserted.
The Underking paused, feigning indifference. "And what makes you think I could help you with that?"
"If you can't, then you really have no business calling yourself a king."
SLAM! The Underking slammed his hand against the armrest of his throne, his voice dripping with venom. "Careful now," he hissed. "You dare enter my kingdom and insult me?"
Levi pretended to survey the room with a mocking smile. "You call this a kingdom? This is a den of rats, you are simply the fattest."
The Underking's eyes bulged, almost bursting from their sockets. He lunged forward as if to attack but settled back into his throne, erupting into hearty laughter. "You're bold, I'll give you that. Clearly, you have no intention of leaving here alive. So, tell me, why do you think I know a way into Lord Mesto's little fortress?"
"Insurance," Levi replied simply. "I know you're not content serving as Mesto's lapdog. He allows you to run your little schemes as long as they don't disrupt his grand plans. But tell me, how many of my people have you helped imprison in Mesto's dungeons?"
"People? You Thirteens are nothing," the Underking sneered. "Why should I shed a tear for aiding Mesto in rounding them up? It's a profitable arrangement."
"But that's not the extent of your ambition, is it?" Levi pressed. "You're a king, after all."
"Indeed, I am."
"Then you wouldn't make deals with Mesto unless you had sufficient leverage. You must possess the means to truly disrupt his plans, ensuring he won't double-cross you. Otherwise, why bother making a deal at all?"
"For the sake of argument, let's say I do possess such means. Let's say I know a way into Lord Mesto's tower. Why should I tell you? What can you offer me?" the Underking challenged.
Levi's response was sharp and unwavering. "Your life."
The Underking and his guards burst into laughter, mocking Levi's audacity. "You truly think you can threaten me?"
"It's not a threat, it's a fact. If you want to live, you should help us. The emperor is not who he claims to be. He will bring destruction upon Arvana, and you, along with everyone else on this planet, will perish," Levi stated firmly.
The Underking leaned forward, his expression turning sour. "Such a vivid tale. And pray tell, how does our esteemed emperor plan on annihilating the entire planet?"
"Solaris," The name hung in the air, causing a visible unease among the guards. The Underking straightened in his chair, his face contorted with displeasure.
"Are you still so deluded? Do you continue to cling to faith in your little god? How much more must your people suffer before they see the truth?"
Stepping forward, Levi maintained his composure. "Believe it or not, it doesn't matter, it is the truth. The emperor is draining this world's energy, and sooner or later, the wrath of Solaris will ignite. The Flames of Disaster will consume everything. But even if that doesn't happen, the world will still perish as its energy is drained away."
The Underking rolled his eyes dismissively. "Enough with your lunacy. Do you have nothing to offer me?" With a subtle gesture, the Underking commanded his guards. Sonic sensed the tension behind him as the guards readied their weapons. He prepared to react, but Levi held him back, gripping his arm tightly. Just in time, the dome's roof erupted in crimson flashes. Hundreds of turrets aimed down at Sonic and Levi.
"You come here with demands, yet all you offer are delusions. You are living proof that your people have no place in this world," the Underking declared.
Levi's hand inched toward his sword hilt."Will they stop me before I reach you?" Levi challenged.
The Underking did not flinch. "Will your strike be enough to kill me? You had better hope it is."
Sonic's senses heightened as the world around him seemed to slow down. Various possibilities raced through his mind. He could dodge the laser fire easily, but could he reach Levi in time to save them both? Just as he was about to act, the Underking burst into laughter.
"Fortunately for both of you, I have a proposition," the Underking announced, abruptly ending the threat. The guards lowered their weapons, and the turrets melted back into the shadows. "You've called my bluff, well done. But not everything you say is entirely accurate. The empire's vigilant reach does not extend everywhere. We can no longer operate freely on the surface, so I have expanded my ventures elsewhere. With the power of the Sol Gems, I've been able to send my agents to different worlds. Recently, one of my main chieftains came across an item of immense power and beauty. When I ordered its return, the chieftain turned traitor, hiding deep within a well-fortified burrow with his band of rebels. It would cost me hundreds of soldiers to root them out. So here's my offer: go to this chieftain, retrieve the item by any means necessary, and bring it back to me. If you accomplish this, I promise to assist you in breaking into the Hive."
Levi hesitated, his hand trembling slightly as he unwrapped the cover over his right arm. He held up his stump, revealing his disability. "I am in no condition to take on such a formidable challenge," he admitted.
"He may not be, but I am," Sonic interjected, stepping forward to face the Underking. "I'll retrieve your precious jewel and have it back in no time."
The Underking leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Sonic. "And who the hell are you?" he demanded.
"I'm Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog,"