(This chapter wouldn't be possible without the help of anonmike217, follow him)
Word has been spread that a quest for a tomb is needed to be raided. Along with another being an old mansion in the mountains. At the moment the guild had declared those two locations off limits for any adventurers to explore these two. The leaders of the guild scrambled looking for any clue or research on these two new locations only to find nothing as they appeared to pop up from thin air.
Officially these two locations were off limits, unofficially two of the kings of the opposing empires received word about the riches and potential treasures that lay beneath the abandoned places. One being the king of the Baramuth empire, Jircniv decided to use a noble as a proxy to explore the tomb near some grassy plains. At first the noble was going to use three worker teams known as Foresight, Dragon Hunt, and Heavy Masher but was beaten to the punch as the other king noble Re-Estize had a faction to fund these types of workers to investigate this mansion as it was closer to their faction. After some back and forth the teams were assembled with the Baramuth noble finding his own set of workers to explore the tomb. Both actually meet up with each other at the adventuring guild at E-Rantel.
Arche: You're going to the tomb?
A blonde girl with a brown cape and gloves talking with another girl with purple hair. Thinking her name was Emma during their brief chat with each other.
Emma: Indeed, I heard that the more dangerous the tomb is, the more riches it holds
Arche nodded, having second thoughts but shook her head.
Arche: That is tempting but I'll stick with the abandoned mansion
Emma snorted as she downed a pint.
Emma: That's fine, you have experience in robbing mansions, eh, Arche
Arche sighs. Having personal experience of robbing mansions and being a noble girl herself. Arche was about to say something but Emma was being called over by her team calling her over.
Emma: Whelp looks like our chat is over, see you later
Arche waved them goodbye.
Arche: Yeah see you...later
Putting her head on the table thinking about her argument with her parents back home.
Flashback
Arche: How many times must I say this Dad, stop spending my money!
Arche dad named Furt was slamming his fist on the table to show the last resemblance of power he had left over her.
Furt: We have to spend more money to show we are still nobles!
Arch grunted and yelled back.
Arch: The emperor will not notice you if you keep wasting money!
Furt slammed his hand on the table.
Furt: How DARE you say that to your own father!
Arche at her wits end and her mother just sitting there not resisting her father's reckless spending habits.
Arche: Fuck You! I'm doing this last job and getting my sisters out of here. Pay the three hundred coin debt yourself. You fucking Cunt!
Flashbackover
Arche: In hindsight I shouldn't have cursed out my parents like that
Arche rubbing her head on what made her go off like that. Felt like something inside of her. Something in her core wanted to hurt her father. Never before she had those thoughts and felt like she was being egged on by someone. Said person was taking her seat next to her.
Hekkeran: But in foresight, that was really funny
Hekkarn, the man who she calls the leader using the team name, named foresight over the joke. Arche groaned at that terrible pun as another of her teammates named Imina was karate chopping his head with no real effort.
Imina: That was awful and you know it
Hekkan rubbed the back of his head and chuckled for a bit. Getting the last of their team members being dressed in armored suits and robes. Being a paladin of his order. He chuckled as he took his place.
Roberdyck: Well it was boiling over to a point, you shouldn't be too hard on yourself
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. Arche sighed.
Arche: Yeah, and I tried to drink to forget about it
Arche sighed, still leaning on the table. Remembering that after that screaming match she left her house in a storm and slept here smelling like booze as she recounts her woe with the team. They chuckled at her expense as Hekkarn comforted her.
Hekkarn: Well the solution is not at the end of that bottle, but you know what we have?
Arche moved her head to the side seeing her leader being blonde of hair, blue eyes hearing the chainmail jingling underneath his regular clothing smile.
Arche: What?
Hekkarn smiled and pointed to himself.
Hekkan: Us of course
Arche looked at Imina being a half elf with purple twin tailed hair with eyes looking on the prowl. Having a slim curved body with belts and leather armor around her. Then to Roberdyck who smiled. Arche nodded her head.
Arche: Thanks guys, you are doing way too much for me and I promise to pay you back
Hekkeran shook Arche's shoulder to get her out of that funk.
Hekkeran: What are friends for?
He laughed with Roberdyck nodding his head. With Imina poking at Hekkeran.
Imina: Yeah and don't forget I'm watching you three, plus we got a place for your sisters
Arche smiled and nodded her head.
Arche: Thanks guys, hopefully after this mission I can stand back on my own two feet again
After some riding at the abandoned mansion the team foresight disembarking from their caravan and meet up with the teams that are going to accompany them on their dungeon diving. More specifically those that consist of the group known as Heavy masher, Dragon hunt, and Tenmu. Getting some friction on arrival on a human named Erya the leader of Tenmu. Calling it a team was generous as it was composed of elf slaves with their ears cut off and dressed in rags. Noticing all that money went to himself as he bought the finest samurai equipment he could have with his hair in a top knot and a ponytail.
Erya: Go ahead and lead the scouting mission Imina, I'll be right behind you
Imina not hiding her disgust as this was an excuse to look at her from behind. The tension was broken up by Gringham as he went in between them. Which was easy to do as he was short and stocky like a dwarf but was human dressed in his iron plated armor.
Gingham: Hey now break it up you two
Given Erya the death stare who only scoffs and goes to get his slaves out of the caravan. Gringham shake his head and turned to Imina
Gingham: I know you hate him, I do too, but we need his skills in this mission
Imina grunted and walked off to get ready leaving Hekkeran and Gringham to catch up.
Hekkeran: Hey, long time no see
Offering his hand. Gringham shook it back. Hekkeran noticed there were people missing from his side of the team, noticing it was half strength.
Hekkeran: Hey, notice that you're running half the crew, what happened?
Gringham shook his head and crossed his arms.
Gringham: They are on break after they completed a job, I'm doing this as a side job before resting
Hekkeran nodded, thankful that the rest of his team was still safe and found the last of the leaders being Parpatra making his appearance. Being an old man having a spear on hand from a green tusk of a dragon. Even his armor is made from the scale after their team has defeated the creature.
Parpatra: Ah I see you made it
Both nodded their heads. As Parapatra discusses the hands they have on hand.
Parpatra: Besides us, Momon went to the tomb rather than here
He sighed as he hefted his spear on his shoulder.
Parpatra: Shame too, I would have liked to spar with him
The three agreed about how it would have been beneficial getting the rumored adamantine adventurer. Despite the three sharing some doubts as that might have been propaganda. Especially during the rumored demon that terrorized the kingdom before being defeated. Parpatra shrugged and gestured to one of the adventures sitting faroff in the distance. Having robes of black.
Parpatra: At least we have another adventurer that could help us
Hekkeran looked him over and contemplated for a bit.
Hekkeran: Hmm, he looks like a solo adventurer, think we should say hello
Gringham shook his head.
Gringham: I tried, he told me he's only being paid to escort us here, after that he's gone
Gesturing his thumb to the figure only for the three to notice he was gone already. Hekkeran sighed.
Hekkeran: There goes our help
The three nodded and heard a yelp coming from Erya who was punishing one of the elves for being slow in getting out of the caravan. Hekkeran gripped his swords but was held by Gingham who shook his head. With Parpatra shaking his head.
Parpatra: Careful he's more dangerous then what he may seem
Hekkeran grunted and stood down giving his final words before they head off.
Hekkeran: We'll scout out ahead, Arche got her special eyes to scout out the place
Giving them his smile then heading off. Leaving the two leaders to nod and head off into their teams. Only to stop once as they heard a whistling noise overhead. Thinking it was just a wind and continued to gather their teams. All looking at the mansion built on a hill with the mountains looming overhead. The first one's up was team foresight as they moved ahead using the long grass and hills as cover. Finding their approach much easier than expected as this place seemed to be deserted. Getting the other team to move up further on the hills as the large grass made it a perfect cover for them.
Even managed to find what looks to be the second house clearing at the supposed road clearing. Imina touched the pathway and felt unlike any material they have felt before. Thinking it might be a combination of brick and mortar but the color of it was a dark gray like the clouds gathering overhead. Arche was getting a closer look at the mountain and mansion only to come up with a blank. Managing to get the finer details of the mansion being four story tall but inside of it felt like a giant abyss. Arche furrowed, not getting a good read on it. Even thinking it might be taking a look back she turned her eyes off and talked to the others waiting for the others to arrive.
Arche: The more I look at it, the stranger it gets, I can't tell who built this?
Hekkeran smiled, hoping to bring in some optimism on this adventure.
Hekkeran: That's a good sign because it means that we are more likely to run into something interesting inside
Robedyck nodded, scrying the place and requesting God for his guidance. Finding the place containing great evil inside yet at the same time. Said evil was snuffed out and replaced with silence. He furrowed that these two together don't make a good omen.
Robedyck: But there's also great evil in that building
He cautioned. Arche sighs as she knows the risk but she really needed the money. Wondering if the tomb team was doing much better than they are but shook it off.
Arche: I just hope it's full of money unlike my house
Hekkeran, Robedyck, and Imia then laugh at Arche making a joke. Who only blushed knowing that her situation was bad but she's going to cut ties with them so it was good fun. Imia placed her arm around Arche and pulled her in close to comfort her.
Imia: Even if we don't find anything, we still get paid well just for searching for it
Arche nodded and waited for the others to arrive as they passed through the tall grass. With Erya complaining about how this place makes his allergies act up. With Gringham sneezing to emphasize the point. All gathered at the clearing and looked up at the mansion supposedly looking decrepit but was somehow gleaming under the dark gray skies. The leaders allowed Hekkeran to take the lead. Hit his fists together to announce the others to move ahead.
Hekkeran: Alright team, let's go
The others followed with the elf slaves being somewhat behind as they heard some whispers in their mind and turned. Still seeing some of the long grass but nothing behind him. Erya was about to yell at them but was held off by Gringham who raised his arm against him and gestured down. Pointing to the team ahead being foursite managed to reach at the clearing and spotted something. Erya grunted and gestured for his slaves to follow suit. They did as command as to not get whipped again and moved forward. Never knowing that the teams were not the only ones here. For tall grass was growing sharper with every wave of the air and eyes watching their every movement.
Crawling up the hill they managed to see what team foresight was finding. Two large lizards with golden hands as they looked forward. Hekkeran was gesturing to the leaders of the group for a plan.
Hekkeran: We got two oversized lizards with oversized hands, have you seen anything like those before?
The three shook their heads no.
Gringham: They look strong, I'm not sure I can take a hit
Parpatra nodded, noticing the warriors weak points being the neck and shins looked uncovered but at the same time they were thick like scales.
Parpatra: Indeed, I'm not sure if we can take them down quickly
Pointing to the weak spots on the lizardmen.
Parpatra: Even if their neck was uncovered, their flesh is scales so it's going to need some hits before we can take them out
The three hmm at that thinking if they were to join in battle. They are not going to have more than one hit. But Erya's eyes were filled with greed as those hands were gold plated.
Erya: Still we have mages, I'll have my elf slaves to draw their attention and-
Hekkeran: No
Hekkeran interrupted as he knew this was a board clearing for Erya to get more of the elf slaves.
Hekkeran: Get the mages, we are going to cast them to sleep, if all goes well we can scout the mansion and leave our lives intact
Throwing the barb at the end with Erya who rolled his eyes and agreed with their plan. Now gesturing to all magic users to gather close. With the elf mages buffing Arche and the other human magic users along with them maximize magic at the third tier. Casting their spell sleep on the lizardmen as they smelled the air before yawning.
Eventually the two lizardmen went to the ground and slept. Crawling into balls leaving one of the gloved hands out. Seeing their plan worked they moved up and walked to the two lizards who looked extremely still. Some tried to figure out if they managed to see these types of lizards before but looked at the door in front of them. Imia breathed a sigh of relief as she rubbed the back of her head.
Imia: I can't believe that work; alright men, let's move
Imia being the first to check the door for traps. Noticing Erya was approaching the golden glove trying to grab it before stepping back as the lizardmen stirred in their sleep. Noticing their time was limited Imria quickly checked the door with the other rogue joining in to expedite the process. Both noticing the door was untrapped they opened the door. Finding an abandoned room with floorboards and dark blue walls.
The team quickly went inside and closed the door. The teams looked left and right finding a room being a living room table in front of them with hallways at the side. Opting to take the stairs to create some distance from the guards they walked up and found the second floor being hallways and another room to enter. Opening the door they found what looked like to be the second living with chairs and chandeliers. Walking sound for a bit with the rouges checking the other entrances to make sure the coast was clear.
They gathered and found some of the furniture looking to be quite expensive. Even Arche managed to find a lamp that looked much more expensive than her lamb that her parents bought back home. Turning it on by finding the thing to pull it down illuminates the area, detecting no trace of magic but finding gold inside the bulb rather than fire magic or candle wax. Erya was taking his seat while the others opted to stand. Parpatra was looking around, finding that there might be more valuables further inside the mansion yet at the same time the only exit were those two lizardmen at the entrance.
Parpatra: I have a proposal for the other teams
The other adventures listening to Parpatra proposal as he continued.
Parpatra: I and the rest of the green leaf will go out and look for any secret entrance
Ordinarily they would be confused about it but remembered the two lizardmen outside and if there was any hope to leave outside with any loot to have on hand. They need an alternate route. Parpatra continued.
Parpatra: I think it is fairly likely there are other ways inside
Gringham nodded and backed up Parpatra proposal.
Gringham: The elder makes a valid point; if providence wills it, he may find a safe passage that leads directly to the center of the tomb
Parpatra stroked his beard in order to seal the deal as he could tell Erya was about to protest as they were going to split off in trying to find treasures himself. A raise of his hand was all that was needed for Erya to stand down.
Parpatra: Well, I must say, my team will be taking a loss, so in exchange, we would like to have a share of any treasure you find; let's say about 10% from each team should do, and if there's a route to the lower levels, how about my team takes the first crack at it?
Gringhamnodded and voiced his piece.
Gringham: We don't have any problems with that
Hekkeran looked to his team who was analyzing the lamp and chairs noticing they were bolted down and would require great effort to pull them out from their places. Even the lamp and other small pisces that looked to be removable was bolted down as well. They shook their heads and Hekkeran nodded.
Hekkeran: Neither do we
Erya waved his hand and stood up from the seat.
Erya: Fine, we should split up in teams, no use in being in a large group
Pointing to the rooms where they looked to be endless hallways and rooms that looked almost the same along with different rooms ranging from small to large. Even some at the far end gleaming with gold.
Erya: Not when there is loot to be gain
With that the teams went off to the assigned teams and spread out through the mansion searching the rooms and places of exits. Making sure they don't wander off too much but that was easier said than done as the rooms looked to be expansive and everlasting.
Imina : I swear we passed this painting three times right now
Imina said as she pointed to a painting of a butler without his hair. Hekkeran looked at the painting and pointed something out.
Hekkeran: No it isn't, the painting doesn't have his handkerchiefs
Imina groaned and looked at Hekkeran.
Imina: That's the point, how many living rooms have different variations of this butler?
Hekkeran nodded, understanding they might be at a haunted mansion. With some magic user reshaping the very landscape. Opting to ask their expert on the matter Arche and Robberdyck who was scrying the place. With Arche holding her head while Robberdyck was searching for any source of light that can be pierced through. But seeing only darkness.
Hekkeran: Did you find anything?
Arche shook her head.
Arche: No not yet but I think I have the general direction
Guiding her team outside the room and into the hallway she pointed to the stairs and was the first to step on the steps and hold the guardrail. After taking a breath and taking another step the entire area around them dispelled, revealing a giant cavern with long descending steps in front of them. The team were in awe and noticed the other teams at the back were looking around noticing the spell that caused them to wander around aimlessly was actually a massive cave with tunnels at the side and below of them. Being the entrance having a tiny door where they entered. Erya groaned.
Erya: Finally we can stop wandering around
Parpatra stroked his beard and looked around not seeing this type of magic at such a high quantity before.
Parpatra: Interesting, Illusion magic?
Gringham sat down a bit tired of walking about.
Gringham: It seems so, the others go ahead, I'm sticking with Parpatra in finding another route
The Gringham and Parpatra team sat down, taking a breath and getting some refreshments. Opting to join the alternative route team because they felt like they had been walking for about an hour now with nothing to show for it. Arche sat down with her team following suit at the stairs looking down at the stairs being illuminated by the torches becoming deeper down. Arche breathed out a sigh of relief that she managed to activate the condition. Hekkeran patted her shoulder.
Hekkeran: Nice work Arche, how did you manage to dispel it?
Arche shook her head.
Arche: I didn't dispel it, I followed where the magic was the strongest and pressed it
Robberdyck rubbed his chin then snapped his finger.
Robberdyck: Activation magic
Arche nodded yeah and was hugged by Imria.
Imria: Great work in solving the puzzle, guess that imperial academy taught you something huh?
Arche laughed nervously with the others laughing in earnest. She muttered underneath her breath.
Arche: Yeah...yeah
Feeling a wave of regret that she dropped out of college. Before her teammates ask what's wrong Erya was hoving over the four with a sword over shoulder.
Erya: Alright that's enough, lead the way
Then smirking looking at Imria who was glaring at him.
Erya: I got your back
Erya chuckled darkly thinking on how to get her isolated from the group. Hekkan and Imria immediately got into arms with Robberdyck joining shortly after with Arche quickly trying to stammer onto her feet with the other teams trying to finish their brief rest.
Gringham: Hey break it up!
Came Gringham who was quickly trying to run over with Parpatra trying to stop the commotion. Erya turned with a smile.
Erya: I was just helping
Imria clicked her tongue.
Imria: More like capturing me at the right opportunity
Erya shrugged his shoulders.
Erya: If there was an opportunity to rescue you I'd do it
Then walking down the steps with his elf slaves following suit. Taking one look back and giving a harsh truth.
Erya: There are dangers down here. Only one of you may survive
Imria grunted as Erya was taking the lead as they descended down the steps. The other leaders looked at Imria who was about to tell her that she doesn't have to come down there. But she interrupted them.
Imria: It's fine, I got a friend that needs help
Arche looked down at herself before she was shaken out of her slump by Imria who took her down by the stairs.
Imria: Come Arche,we got a Slann Theocracy man to upstage
Team foresight followed suit leaving Gringham and Parpatra behind. Both looking at each other and the massive tunnels at each side.
Gringham: I'll take the east tunnel
Gringham said feeling tired from Erya's constant antagonizing of Imria. Parpatra nodded.
Parpatra: I'll take the west tunnel, we'll come back after if we either find an exit and journey downwards to pick up the others
Both shook on it and split up. Splitting their ways to take the tunnels. Both disappearing from sight. Leaving only the empty caverns and the sound of winds. After some time of silence a tunnel from up above was a maid giving her report to her head master.
Maid: The humans are taking the tunnels, you should hear their footsteps before you see them and smell them long before that
Speaking into the crystal that was given to her to report. The crystal spoke back.
Olivia: Understood, head back to headquarters
After what felt like hours of the two adventuring groups getting irritated only seeing stairs since they entered the building. Erya complained loudly.
Erya: Oi! Mage girl! How much longer!
Arche answered.
Arche: About ten to fifteen minutes, give or take
Erya rolled his eyes as Arche muttered something.
Arche: And my name is Arche
Getting patted on the head by Hekkeran. Who smiled at her.
Hekkeran: Don't worry Arche, eventually you get your chance, just like you did with your parents.
Arche groaned, still embarrassed about that while Robberdyck chuckled.
Robberdyck: Want me to cast lion's heart on you to chew out Erya
Arche shook his head no while Erya overhearing this wanted to join in on the fun.
Erya: Yeah,cast your bravery spell,it would be quite funny with your face being a tomato
He laughed with the others joining in a bit nervous as they don't like them but can't lie that Arche does look funny with her face being all read. Iminia rolled her eyes as she was analyzing the walls for traps but only found these lanterns being held up by hooks. Hekkeran noticed and spoke out.
Hekkeran: Hey Iminia found something interesting?
Imria grabbed the lantern off of its hook and held it close. Finding it looks quite foreign yet might be of Slann theocracy origin or those being from cathay.
Imria: I think so, take a look
Showing the lantern to the three who traced the emerald color of the waves around the edges of the lantern. Arche was the first to question.
Arche: Do you think the Lizardmen had a hand in this
Imria shook her head.
Imria: No from the markings and patterns, this might be from cathay
Hekkeran chuckled.
Hekkeran: You mean the trader that scammed you
Imria blows hair out of her eye and holds the lantern up.
Imria: The dragon idol was worth the two gold pieces
Hekkeran rolled his eyes as Robberdyck was deep in thought.
Robberdyck: Hmm even so, I don't think the lizardmen or cathayan would carve these here, especially so far from home
With those words said Gringham and his team were walking through the tunnels and found something up ahead. The team was approaching a pile of gold and jewelry and a flag in the middle. Gringham held his hand up knowing this was obviously a trap. Spreading out and approaching in formation. After taking a look at their surroundings, even tapping on the walls and having the mage to do a scrying and finding nothing out of the ordinary.
They checked the coast was clear. Then approach the flag having what looks like a dragon with red eyes on it. As Gringham put his hands on the flag the walls around them opened revealing dragons that were twice their size at each of the tunnels. Before they could say anything they were all burnt away in dragon fire leaving nothing but the flag and coins gleaming brightly and tunnels sealed almost immediately as the smoke cleared.
Erya: Which is why we should head deeper, think of the treasures here
Erya interjects himself into the conversation. Getting the others to nod while Arche added onto that.
Arche: Indeed, along with artifacts that we could learn from
Erya smirked, getting out of their bad graces as Hekkeran bumped Arche's shoulder.
Hekkeran: Going back to college again?
Arche nodded her head.
Arche: I would like to but I think I need to be self taught, from the book I-
Erya: Shut your mouth for a second and look at this
Erya interrupted. Arche held her tongue and followed where Erya was pointing at. The others would have defended her but they two were breathless as they found a giant vault door with five metal prongs on the top of it. Erya smiled.
Erya: Jackpot
Team Foresight would have cheered and yelled out excitement for finding a vault door was in front of them that could contain many treasures and potentially paying off Arche debt. But it was stifled when Erya pushed one of the elf slaves forward to open the door. Noticing Erya was hanging back with team foresight rather than being on the front. The elf girl looked on helplessly, having no idea on what to even do. Erya was about to yell but Arche, finally growing a backbone, moved her staff in front of Erya, almost smacking him in the face. Erya was surprised at that before laughing.
Erya: Looks like, mage girl has grown a spine after all
Arche, ignoring Erya's laughter, walked towards the elf slave who gestured to move back. Leaving Arche to do her work. Taking a deep breath in, she opened her eyes, finding the magic flowing through the mechanism could be unlocked if they were standing at the right angle. Along with mimicking the same magical frequency. After concentrating for a bit and finding the right frequency the door moved open and revealed a long cavern. Arche breathed out a sigh as maintaining that type of frequency was quite difficult for her. Imria patted Arche back and led forward using the lantern as light. The teams followed, finding nothing but darkness and the wailing from down below. Imria was unsettled by this only to be backed up by Hekkeran who walked next to her.
Hekkeran: I can take it from here
Imina was about to refuse but felt a cold shiver from the air and held the lantern close.
Imina: I would but the lantern is the only heat source
Hekkeran nodded and held his hand over Imina's hand. Who looked surprised at that.
Hekkeran: Guess we'll both take it
Imina sighs as she smiles, leaning her head on Hekkeran who smiled as they walked forward. Erya thought he might have to abandon the isolation plan as she was too firmly entrenched. Only for his thoughts to be dashed away as they came across warriors of red kneeling down in their positions. Sitting below and further up ahead.
The group cautiously drew their weapons as they counted immediately that they were outnumbered and the warriors were much taller than them. The group was unsure at first whether they should walk forward or walk backwards. Foresight thinking this might be the point of no return. The tension grew until Erya grabbed one of his slaves and pushed her towards one of the statues below. The poor woman stumbled and fell to the ground. Looking up at the side of the helmet of the warrior before she quickly stumbled back.
Erya: Slave, talk to it
The slave looked at her master as if he were crazy, but this made Tenmu angry. Before he could yell Hekkeran and Imria were at his throat whispering angrily at him.
Hekkeran: The hell you think you're doing!
Imria: If we do anything to them they might move!
Erya was about to say something before he noticed something glinting at the red statues up ahead. He pushed the two adventures to the side and held his katana out ready to meet this foe head on. Until nothing. The adventures were in battle stance with the mages at the back as they might be discovered but noticed there was nothing. Erya gestured his head forward, taking the lead having the group walk forward and following them.
Only the sound of their footsteps was heard as they approached forward. Having the red statues sit around in a circle with a clearing in between them. They stepped through finding a battlefield that could accommodate about thirty people in total with weapons and arrows on the ground. Along with a giant tree at the side having pink leaves and roots tangled above the battlefield and into the ground.
But what caught the teams the most is the giant vault door in front of them that was as black as the abyss. Robberdyck quickly opened his book and activated it. Finding the black abyss was what Robberdyck was seeing after scrying the place. The team were at a distance with Arche taking a closer look at the weaponry noticing they were much stronger then what their normal weapons are like.
Even the metal contained trace amounts of magic. Only for her eyes to widen as the magic was no longer traced but glowed following a source. She quickly looked to see where it was from but saw nothing. Arche was about to say something before she noticed Erya was about to touch the black abyss with his katana.
Arche: Wait, DO-
But her cry came too late as Erya was stopped by an arrow landing near his feet any closer that would have landed on the base of his shoe. But it wasn't just one arrow it was a hail of arrows with the workers all too helpless to defend themselves as they came to quickly all landing around them imprisoning them in an impromptu arrow cage that surrounded them. Their guards quickly went up and some tried to cut the arrows but found their weapons only bounced. Arche quickly analyzed the arrows and noticed these were not just wooden arrows. These were pure steel.
?: That's far enough
Came a voice that might be behind or in front of them. It was hard to tell. They quickly tried to find where the voice came from but saw a shadow up above them, circling and moving from the top and onto the pink tree and then finally landed in front of the adventuring party. The adventurers raise their weapons ready to fight despite being imprisoned in their arrow cage before it was lifted up and moved to the quiver of this figure. Erya quickly retreated back with the other group all getting in formation. Now having a good look at him. The figure revealed himself as he stood tall holding a bow but a bit hunched over. Looking so old with gray hair and a top knot. Even his clothes look dirty. Was this supposed to be the vault protector? The adventurers thought. Team Foresight was in battle positions hoping to talk their way out of this as that maneuver of his was a gesture of his power. Erya would have laughed but it was smothered by his frustration on this supposed vault protector who denied him his glory. He yelled out to his slave.
Erya: Slave, what type of beast is that?
Slave1: I don't know, master, I'm sorry
Erya clicked his tongue while Arche looked at him like he was an idiot. How is a slave supposed to know who this was? They would have argued but the creature walks toward the adventure, using its bow as a walking stick. The creature cleared his throat and addressed them properly.
UrVa: Greetings, young adventurers! I'm UrVa, also known as archer, the protector of the vault, I have come to warn you that if you do not leave this place, there will be a great consequence
Team Foresight looked at each other thinking that maybe they should take the warning about leaving the vault. They are going to be paid to scout but at the same time they came too far to quit now. Along with figuring out where the other teams were at. Erya laughed at this warning.
Erya: How about this, you step out of the way and I won't cut you down where you stand
Only to be shoved aside by Hekkeran who quickly apologies for his behavior.
Hekkeran: Forgive us for not enlightening you of our visit. Archer, we were actually here on behalf of the owners of this mansion to make sure this place was working properly
UrVah looked at Hekkeran and with a gesture of his hand. He moved Erya a couple of feet to the left using the sand below them to move him. Walking forward to Hekkeran being the voice of this group and by extension the elf slaves that were huddling behind Arche as she held her staff close. Both looked each other in the eyes.
UrVa: Why are you really here?
Hekkeran: We are here to loot the vault
Hekkeran answered before he covered his mouth. Wanting to know why he said that before he looked at the black abyss. It was no longer a black abyss and had pure white letters around saying"Zone of Truth". Looking to the side as the pink tree has shaken its leaves creating a pink shield behind them blocking their escape. UrVah sighs, hoping it was just a visit but unfortunately his vault duty compels him to send these adventurers to thra. Hoping mother Aughra would not be too mad with him for spilling blood at her tree again. Remembering he was hit in the head for leaving a blood stain at the root. He shook his head.
UrVa: Such a shame
UrVa then walked slowly away; he kept walking as Hekkeran quickly stammered out that there was more reason other than the tomb.
Hekkeran: Wait! Please we are going to loot the tomb but that's only to help our teammate Arche with her debt
UrVa stopped and turned around holding his bow and walking stick in one. He nodded understanding their motives. They have his sympathies. But not his surrender.
UrVa: I have to look over my own as well, Adventurer, but since you were doing this for your friend, I will end this quickly
Hekkeran protested as UrVah was writing on the ground. Arche was in a frenzy trying to figure out how to get out of the pink shield wall. With Imria and Robberdyck guarding the elf slaves. Erya had enough of this nonsense and rushed at this old man with his Katana. He yelled a warcry and landed his katana at the man. Only to see that his weapon was broken and cut into pieces all littering the ground around him as UrVah was continuing to write on the sand. Both of the warriors looked at each other before the black abyss was moving something inside and out stepped a butler that Hekkeran managed to see a few times from the paintings. Being a well dressed man with a handkerchief pocket. A suit of black jacket and pants with a black tie and white color. Having a mustache parting in the middle and hair at the back of his head but not at the top. He moved his hands, having gloves on his hands as flickers of light were moving around it.
Alfred: Hello, my name is Alfred pennyworth, ex-Freedom fighter and butler of the lizardmen organization
Moving his gloves around to tighten them. Going to have to ask the skinks to decrease its size as Erya was moving frantically trying to find a weapon that he could wield picking up a sword that was planted on the ground and retreated back into formation with Hekkeran pulling out his cutlesses as the time for talk was over. Alfred snapped back his gloves tight as he continued to walk next to UrVa.
Alfred: I answer the door, I clean up the estate, and I take out the trash
Now moving his hands outwards to show the adventurers his true weapons. Being his fists and string across his fingers that flicker in the light. Then moving it around to create an almost invisible shield to set himself up for a fight.
Alfred: And I also kill self-entitled little twats like yourself.
Erya moved his shoulders not afraid of another old man entering the field. Aiming to hype himself up and ignore that his weapon was cut into ribbons he aimed to stall for time as his elf slaves were buffing Arche who was stabbing the shield with her staff managing to get somewhere but she needed more mana and time. Erya yelled out his slaves to buff him instead and yelled out to the old man.
Erya: Well if this ain't just an rundown old folk home!
Standing side by side with Hekkeran who was covering her flank with Imira pulling out her bow and Robbberdyk his mace and book.
Erya: But guess what, we are the most experienced adventurers this land has seen and we outnumber you by six people, so you better bring an army to take us down
Alfred moved his collar on Erya trying to hype himself up before his end. He smiled.
Alfred: UrVa, if you may...
UrVa tapped his walking stick on the sand and the letters he was writing glowed bright. Needing the final component to enact his spell.
UrVa: Piertotm locomotor!
The vault statues' eyes glowed bright. Now standing up from their eternal rest to do their eternal duty once more. Moving their hands out to summon their weapons of choice onto their hands. Arche looking out of the shield was crestfallen that the way out was surrounded by an army of sentient stone golems. All of which were magical beings that overwhelmed her senses. Feeling sick to her stomach she tried to hold it in but barfed on the sand as more of the magic was covering her eyes.
Robberdyck quickly got away from formation to help Arche in her episode with the elf slaves trying to assist as well. Robberdyck cast"Lions Heart"to give her the confidence she needed but that's not what she needs right now as they all saw eight of the statues rise up from their sitting positions and held their hands out for their weapons of choice. The only saving grace was that they were a head taller than them but at the same time they were surrounded and numbered about ten.
UrVa: The vault is threatened; protect it, do your duty to your king!
The stone soldiers all hefted their weapons and moved one inch closer step by step.
Erya: Oh hell they have a stone army
He said bluntly. Before the realization got to him as one of the Stone Golems raised his sword high and slammed it down. Both frontliners dodged it just in time hitting on the ground.
Erya: OH FUCK! THEY HAVE A STONE ARMY!
He yelled while dodging the warrior stomp on his head and face to face with Alfread who quickly got up to have a one on one duel. While the other stone golems took turns fighting the frontliners and rangers. Taking great care not to hurt the elf slaves who were cowering from the battle all huddled around by Arche who wiped the barf from her lips and went to work trying to break the pink shield barrier. Praying to whoever is out there to give them the blessing to escape this dungeon.
The Dragon Hunt group finally managed to get out of the tunnel and into the open forest. Finally managing to make their exit as they saw the forest with trees and vegetation around them. The group breathed it in fresh air finally. All but one was happy they managed to get their exit as he felt they were missing out on something.
Thief: It feels like we are going to lose out on a lot of treasure
Parpatra nodded facing the thief who was moving the bandana out of his mouth to breathe in properly. Wondering why he was heating up for some reason.
Parpatra: We're getting priority on tomorrow's foray, so it won't be a complete loss for us
The thief nodded understanding the reason and took off his hood as this heat kept growing for some reason. Along with the others who were coughing and wiping the sweat off of their brow. Parpatra was feeling it too and rubbed his head thinking they should come back with more reinforcements as this might prove to be beyond them.
Parpatra: Besides, if you ask me, it's dangerous to be the first group to explore an unknown dungeon; it's best to let someone else take that risk
?: What an interesting approach
The group quickly turned trying to find who said that. Looking behind them and turned around to see a woman in the tunnels. Taking a look at her she looked to be in her late 30s. Wearing a maid's dress with a color scheme of red and black. Having horns on top of her head with weird arm garda and wings around the waist. But what's most surprising about her is the tail at her back which slammed at the ground causing a quick illumination and revealing creatures and monsters behind her in a quick second before disappearing. Parpatra, thinking this is where the heat comes from, stepped forward to address her.
Parpatra: Well, in this line of business I must for that
One of the warrior trying to fight against the heat lowered his head to whisper at Parpatra on what to do besides running.
Warrior: What do you think we should do now?
Parpatra thought for a second and had to get back to the other teams to get them out. He quickly assured them they have the number advantage.
Parpatra: Well, for one, we outnumber her 5 to 1 maybe we can take her
The maid just laughed at this.
Olivia: You really think you five can take me on.
Smiling even wider as the flames were beginning to create a minor ring around her to create a small firewall at the foot of the tunnel. She picked her finger nail looking forward to the show along with her forgetting the pleasantries.
Olivia: Oh, by the way, my name is Olivia Amber, head maid of Lord Kroq-gar and dragon queen of the lizardmen empire, now with this introduction, you all must now die.
Olivia flicks her fire magic at their feet, somewhat scorching them for a bit. The group looked at each other wanting to burst out laughing but felt lethargic and tied. Some were getting their stamina potions out and drinking them. Along with fire resistance spells on their person to fight the heat. But that proved to be more of a stop gap really as the heat keeps coming. Parpatra chuckled, still confident he can get out of this.
Parpatra: You really think you can take us all on?
Thief: And judging by this place, you've really been slacking
The thief added in to support Parpatra. Olivia didn't change her expression from his response. Instead held her hands together and smiled sending the five to the ground after being hit by a heat wave. Causing the five to burn up and quickly getting up as the ground felt way too hot to touch. Olivia sighed happily on getting at least one hit in but alas. She had orders to follow.
Olivia: As much as I love to burn you all to death, I'm afraid circumstances prevent me from burning you alive with my own two hands, Instead here's the foe you would be facing instead
Olivia clapped her hands together.
Olivia: Salamanders to your positions
Parpatra: What?
Parpatra questioned as he looked back, finding lizardmen who's scales of red and bellies of orange stepped out. Counting about five of them with the leading one being a black and red belly lizardmen. He breathed out fire from his nostrils and moved his shield and sword on each hand. Parpatra looked forward to seeing the bigger lizardmen with the golden gloves standing side by side with her with their backs being ridden on top of other maids having bits of scales and lizard eyes on them.
Oliva: Be proud, pest, you serve as the first test subject of our Saurus variant.
Parpatra looked back and forward seeing they were stuck in a hard place.
Parpatra: It seems I'm right, which means unfortunately, my efforts to avoid danger put us in a tricker place
The thief went into battle positions with the others following suit yet were surrounded and couldn't fight on both sides.
Thief: We could only break out in one direction, should we fight towards the others or flee another day
Parpatra prepares his spear discussing the battleplan.
Parpatra: We lost any chance of escape as soon as she pincered us, still I don't think she's going to fight us, so push forward! To the forests!
With the men battle cry they charred against the six men Saurus hoping they would manage to win against the battle and escape into the woods. Hoping at least one of them makes it. Oliva Hmpth that these insects managed to get some brains as one the larger ones was bringing down one of the little ones down to the ground with Oliva holding the little one hand.
Oliva: Watch closely, little one, learn how your brothers fight
Erya: Damn You! Hold still!
Screamed Erya who was swinging his sword widely at Alfred who was dodging the blows so casually. Getting him enraged as he wasn't hitting him or even making a sweat. Ignoring the cries of his slaves as they were being approached by one of the stone statues who was looking down on them. Arche yelled out.
Arche: Guys! A little help!
She screamed as she launched a fire bolt at the warrior's head who moved his head slightly dodging the attack. But backed off from the battle as Arche was continuing to move through the pink shield. Imriea yelled out.
Imina: Sorry Arche! I'm-SH-
Taking an arrow across her cheek as she was in an archery duel with the Archer. Proving his skills known as that hit was a kill shot but it moved slightly off center as the arrow went above the elf slave head and scratched Arche across the side of her stomach. Causing her to fall into one knee. The elves quickly healed her up and patched the wound allowing Arche to continue opening the pink shield thinking she almost got it. Imina let off a shot for suppression but UrVa disappeared in a blink as he was on the top of the tree letting loose a shot which Imina was barely able to dodge, getting hit by her ankle ruining her movement.
The others weren't doing so well as Hekkeran was yelling out self buffs and enchantments to keep up with another warrior who was also duel wielding still not enough to match the stone golem speed, getting cut across his chest causing him to fall down from the blow and rolled across the diving thrust. Both began the battle anewwhile Robberdyck was dodging the mace blow from the stone golem, finding an opening and taking it. But it was a feint as the stone golem spun around the blow and sent Robberdyck crashing into the wall before collapsing to the ground. The Golem was dragging his weapon across the ground to finish Robberdyck off but was blasted back by his magic glowing bright and charged again with the golem at the defensive.
Back at Erya who was at his wits end slammed down his sword only to be sidestepped. Getting smacked in the face by Alfred glove. It didn't hurt but it wounded his pride severely. Getting enraged he tried to lift his sword up but was kicked around his face forcing him to back. He opened his eyes quickly, holding his sword and ran forward swinging two strokes across his head but Alfred kept his stance as he gave a single punch right at the ruffian face. Finishing it off with a to punch combo and sending him flying to the wall. Quickly getting back up he screamed his defiance at him.
Erya: Damn you! This will teach you, ability boost, then greater ability boost!
Getting his buffs in he went into greater speeds he never had before. Now he was as fast as molasses in the eyes of Alfred. Who simply punched his nose again. Erya moved his head back from the impact. Undeterred he tried again and got hit again. Erya yelled out his fury.
Erya: Will you stop that!
Alfred rolled his eyes.
Alfred: I believe you were supposed to dodge
Erya yelled out at his wits end doing another predictable double handed strike. Alfred, thinking that was enough toying around moved his stings around the hands of this hooligan and with a simple pull, split apart his hands causing the weapon to fall behind him as he screamed out in pain.
Erya: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Looking at his bloody stumps and onto his knees. He looked back to the elf slaves spitting out bloody teeth and blood out of his mouth.
Erya : You heal me! Do it right now!
Only to be shocked as the elf slaves were smiling wickedly that their captor is being broken before their eyes. Erya was on his knees and lifted his cut off stumps. Begging and not understanding how and why they have betrayed him so.
Erya: Wha-why?
With a final punch, Erya's head exploded, coating the sand with gore. His body spurted for just a moment before being sent to the ground. The slaves being escorted by the two golems walked to their captor kicking the dead body as they surrounded it. Disturbing Alfred but not surprising him as this type of thing happens during his freedom fighting days. Still.
Alfred: Bloody Hell
Was all he could say about it as he was using the strings on his gloves to knit the elf girls a new coat for them to wear and gave the others to the stone golems who covered the elfs. Who laughed for a bit before sobbing into their respective comforts of the stone golems and Alfred who hugged them back.
Alfred: It's okay, it's ok you three, you're safe now, It's over
Giving them a pat on the back sending the golems to escort them to Olivia to dress and feed them properly. Leaving Team Foresight who were on their last knees as UrVa put away his bow. Finding Arche was bleeding from her side and the other three were put on their knees and lined up one by one to execute them. Hekkeran furrowed and cursed himself for not being strong enough to save his friends. Imina has a scratch at her cheek and an arrow sticking out of her side on the stomach and leg. With Robberdyck having a crushed metal plate around his chest.
Hekkeran: Dammit! Sorry guys, this looks like this may be it
Imina tries to hold back tears but fails as the writing is on the wall. She yelled out the last thing if this were to be it.
Imia: I'm sorry too, if these are to be my last words, I love you guys and most especially you, Hekkeran
Hekkeran nodded.
Hekkeran: I know, too bad we can't have our farm in the countryside huh
Both laughing a little as they were at the gallows being looked over by UrVah and Alfred holding off the execution to allow them some final words. Robberdyck was muttering his prayer and looked up to the sky hoping his god could hear him.
Robberdyck: God above us, if you can hear me, please allow my savings to help the kids at the orphanage, and bless Arche on her escape from here
UrVa and Alfred looked at the adventurer who was cauterizing the wound with a fire spell, managing to get her fingers through the pink shield trying to extend it but she needs more time. Finding some regret that such a young girl of her age had to be adventuring and must face death already. UrVa places his arrow on his bowstring aiming to put the girl down as quickly and painlessly as possible. Arche with blood teeth spat out her refusal.
Arche: C'mon guys, we can get out of here. Just-
Hekkeran: Arche! Only you can get out of here, use fly and get to your two sisters, find our safe bank deposits and start a new life
Arche looked back with tears in her eyes as she saw UrVa was moving his arrow away, noticing the debt was for her sisters. Alfred looked away from the whole thing as he raised his hand for the stone golems holding a long blade to execute her friends. Arche gritted her teeth and pushed with all of her might finding that the barrier was almost free. UrVa mean while was telling the magic tree grown by mother Aghrua to lower the restriction of the barrier to a mere one percent.
Giving him time to take a breath and let loose an arrow to kill her quickly and for her friends to believe they died escaping. With that loosening of the barrier Arche screamed and threw herself outside of the pink shield managing to dispel the barrier in the eyes of her friends landing hard on the ground. Now on the other side she pushed herself off the ground as the stone golems were marching with weapons in hand beginning to surround her. She spat out blood and casted fly on herself as the stone golems watched her fly overhead and forward. She heard those that she left behind laughing and cheering at her escaping.
All closed their eyes hearing the descending blade decapitated the three heads ending the execution as the sound echoed across the halls. The two watching Arche fly off hoped that was enough to let her friends rest peacefully in the afterlife. UrVa Knocked his bow and aimed at Arche who was wobbling a bit as her first aid was just patchwork and had no energy to dodge or make any complicated maneuvers to dodge the arrow shot. All she could hope was that UrVa would give her mercy or outrun him. UrVa taking a deep breath in and-
Kroq-gar: STOP!
Came at the Stone Golems, UrVa, and Alfred mind as it boomed in their ears and soul. Even seeing Kroq-gar face flash for a moment in front of their eyes. UrVa quickly put his arrow away and listened in as they could hear Kroq-gar breathing heavily in their ears and soul. Thinking this mind connection is taking a lot out of him as he was being connected to all of the stone golems and them. He cleared his breath and spoke in his mind tongue.
Kroq-gar: Let her go, let her raise her sisters far away from here
Both nodded their lords' command, watching Arche fly far away from here. Leaving the two and the bodies of her comrades on the ground. Their heads on the floor with their eyes closed and mouths in a smile. Being picked up the stone golems as they placed their heads on their bodies and moved their hands together in respect for the dead. Looking at the two and awaiting further orders from Alfred and UrVa. UrVa breathed out through his nose.
UrVa: Processed them, have their bodies return to Thra through the stomach of our warriors and the land
The stone golems went to work as they lifted the bodies and moved the bodies to the skink residents for them to be stripped, cleaned, and processed for food at the undercity of skink artisans and mages working day and night to create these warriors in both material and immaterial realm. Leaving UrVah to walk to his tree and patted the roots. Getting some of the tree feelings and energy back to him as a response and nodding.
UrVa: I'll clean up the rest of the sand, while-
Waving his hand dismissively at Erta who was being handled disrespectfully by the stone golems by picking him up by the shirt and walking off. Now looking at Alfred face to face saying some parting words.
UrVa: You take care of the rest
Alfred nodded.
Alfred: And to you as well, keeper of the vault
As the fight in the vault was wrapping up. The dragon hunt was also at death's door step. The magic caster was holding his face, being spat by an acid that was like fire and burnt his eyes. Getting dragged out of the formation and being cut down by the Saurus.
The warrior managed to hold his own with his duel with the Saurus in front of him before he realized that what he was pushing against wasn't a shield. It was his weapon and was grabbed by the leg lifting him up in the air and was punched into the ground cooking from the ground a bit. Before he could move out of the ground it was too late. the warrior screamed as the blade pierced his armor, burning his insides as the weapon he was stabbed with was coated by the Saurus fire. Killing and cooking his insides almost instantly. The cleric was having the worst time as he was surrounded by three of the Saurus. He was hitting his shield hoping to intimidate them to back off before he made a run for it to the forest. But he was disillusioned when the Saurus' throats glowed bright hot and breathed fire at the cleric whose screams were muffled as he was burnt to ash.
The only one left alive was Parpatra. He didn't last long though as he was being pushed to the ground by the leading one of black scale and red body. He tried to kick him off but felt his shoes were burning to molten leather. He grunted from the pain and to his surprise the leading Saurus bit into the spear and lifted him up to his feet and tore the weapon off of his hands and rammed him into the ground. Parpatra could do nothing as he watched his weapon made of a green dragon fang was thrown off of the Saurus mouth. Seeing the Saurus grinned he tried to run away but in a quick instant he was bitten at the side of his torso. Rolling across the ground and back again being raised up high and was burnt in half. Having both pieces fall to the ground in smokey heaps. The leading Saurus roared a victory cry with the others cheering for their victory. Olivia, who was watching the fight along with the sacred Kroxigors and little dragon pups, clapped their hands.
Olivia: Well then, I'll leave with your business; I believe you know what to do with the body's
The Saurus nodded, and gathered the bodies to form a burn pit. Turning around and clapping her hands to light up the tunnel. Revealing the skinks on the wall with some of the pups hanging on the roofs and walls. Crawling back into the tunnel holes as their duty was done. The Sacred Kroxigors were gathering the little ones and moving aside the two stone golems to bring them back to the nursery area. The stone golems being known as the Red Guard, move forward. Olivia analyzed the guard as the inner circle of UrVah. Thinking there must be more to this she questioned the two guards hoping they managed to get the voice box working.
Olivia: What is it?
The guard simply stands aside. Giving Olivia the reminder that they are still working on that. Only for her eyes to widen as she saw three elves dressed in ragged clothes and blackened coats; one had light brown hair, the other had light blue hair, and the last was a blonde. Due to her being a little taller than the other maids, which is generous as she might be as tall as a Saurus which is eight feet to seven feet. She doesn't really know as they hunch over sometimes. She moved her back a little to be on their level. Hoping she doesn't develop a back problem. She smiled and hoped to be as motherly as possible.
Olivia: Why, hello there, do you three have a name?
The three looked at each other before shaking their heads. Olivia then stood up with her hands on her hip shaking her head side to side.
Olivia: Well, that just won't do, will it? Well, then follow me, I'll heat up a bath and get you new clothes, how does that sound?
The three elves' expressions suddenly changed; they began to rapidly shake their heads yes. Olivia smiled as she looked over at the Guard being at eye level with each other.
Olivia: Thank you, you may return to your post now
The statues nodded and returned to the inner circle of UrVa with the others to begin kneeling again till they were called once more to do their eternal duty of safeguarding the treasures and lives of lizard and dragonkind.
Kroq-gar was sitting in a chamber room. Being a bit far off from any other room. For this was the office room. A room of meetings and plans to be discussed in private. Having maps on the table and walls. With writing utensils and magic quills and endless paper to write and rewrite notes and experiments on. This was one of many as there were some at the treasure hold and dragon hatchery location. Now here at New Hexotl a defense room and scenario planning to see what kind of standing force is required to defend their holdings.
Kroq-gar was looking over the map of E-Rantel and Baramuth empire thinking of how to best approach these new empires. Thinking they might need to go to war in order to expand as the mountains have been executed to a degree they need to go under the crust and potentially fight the skaven empire down here. Already a rat head was mounted on the wall from the skink tunnel fighters. Aiming to add a division known as the tunnel snakes that could slip on by the underground levels and devour them whole. His thoughts were being put aside as the meeting was about to start at the sound of a knocking of the door.
Kroq-gar: Come in
With the command Alfred, Olivia, and UrVa made it inside and took their seats as they surrounded a table having a map in front of them. Kroq-gar heard them all take a seat. Opting to stand up he held his hands behind his back and listened to what they had to report.
Alfred: Sir, the experiment has been a success, the adventuring group was spotted by our skinks when they entered the border of our mansion
Kroq-gar nodded as Olivia went through her report.
Oliva: Our Saurus crossbreeding with the salamanders was a success, along with our dragon pups transforming into dragons of moderate size
Kroq-gar nodded as the place besides being a treasure trove was also a dragon hatchery. Having Oliva and her personal group to tend to the dragons in raising the next generation of her kind. Better to have an army of dragons at your beck and call rather than outright killing them. But at times Olivia requests they stay here in the underdark or the terradons hatchery as she fears dragon hunters will raid their homes and be trained in the arts of magic and war to defend themselves.
Already written off as they have permission but they still need some bodyguards to train and match their elemental type. "Be alone die alone, Be together live together" was the mantra the dragon pups were being taught at birth. There will be times when certain groups would be at each other's throats but by the law of the land and mutual respect they will be living together sometimes. UrVah nodded his head as he was grabbing a pipe to smoke out of.
UrVah: The Red Guard fought admirably, their minds intact and they didn't have to use the return to prime function
Taking a breath in and out of his pipe. Knowing that he was the vault defender but also the guardian and overseer of the Red Guard production. Being chiseled into perfection with magical blessings and standardized magical artifacts to create the warriors against the demonic forces of chaos and the skaven empire. Having a function of remaking themselves if they sustain too much damage.
For as long as the core is intact they are unbeatable in combat. However they are weak magic lighting causing the systems inside to short circuit but that's a small price to pay. Being retested after their long slumber relying on the experience from the souls of warriors that are written down and burned into the golems core to do their duty of protecting those under threat.
Sometimes they were taken out of slumber to play some games with the little dragon pups and field trips from their school to the vault. But a matter for another time Kroq-gar pondered as he traced his gauntleted hand on the city of E-Rantel and the capital city of Baramuth, Arwinter. Noticing a pattern as the adventurers accepted a quest from one of his butlers trained in the arts of chameleon skinks in case of emergency espionage.
Posted a quest giving out gold and treasures to all those who come back alive. Thinking the quest has already been banned and outlawed due to only one making it back alive. Along with another rumor of a tomb that opened up suspiciously at the location of Nazarick having no survivors. This too has been banned and is being treated by the king of the Baramuth empire, Jircniv, to send an apology to the residents of the tomb. Kroq-gar then looks at Alfred.
Kroq-gar: I see that Oxyotl and Demiurge partnership still remains intact
Alfred nodded and put down the papers of Oxyotl and Demiurge both coordinating the necessary defensive plans and structure to maintain both of their holdings. Both thinking they might have an uneasy alliance but both shook on it as to have minimal defense as a show of good faith. Krog-gar nodded deep in thought about something. Alfred noticed his master and friend pondering spoke up.
Alfred: I know you're troubled about the girl, Arche, she is alive and managed to get her sisters out of her home
Kroq-gar nodded and looked at the location where Arche might be located. Being at the outskirts of Arwinter.
Kroq-gar: It's up to her now to make her friends' sacrifices count
UrVa and Alfred both nodded thinking how the young girl is going to take care of her two younger sisters. Leaving only Olivia to have doubts on the situation. She spoke up.
Olivia: Permission to speak freely Kroq-gar?
Kroq-gar turned and sat down on his chair being opened at the back for his tail to go through.
Kroq-gar: You don't need permission from me Olivia, say what you wish to say
Both knowing that she earned that honor a long time ago but still. Olivia fears that questioning some of Kroq-gar commands and actions might prove personal and doesn't want to open that can of worms. Having personal experience of confessing her darkest moments of tragedy and doesn't want anyone to go through with it. Tracing her wrists feeling her scars are not there but still the mental toll reminds her it will be with her.
Olivia: Why did you spare Arche life? She could come back but the chance is unlikely because she has sisters to raise
Kroq-gar breathed out, tapping his finger at the map. Gathering his words and answering Olivia's question.
Kroq-gar: Because she has a family she needs to come back to, if she dies in my vault the sisters will die also
Olivia nodded thinking about that and addressing the other people that died in the vault.
Olivia: And of the other adventurers, why do they get to die while Arche gets to live another day, they might have family and friends to come back to
Kroq-gar nodded at the noticeable flaw at his explanation and simply told Olivia about his flawed reasoning.
Kroq-gar: Simple, I don't know if they have families or friends, but in the end they arrived at the vault to take our treasures, be it selfish, personal, helping someone, or the combination of the three, we need to do our duty in defending our home, so we pick who to spare and who to not
Olivia nodding as sparing the right people will prove to be a good long term solution. That's how they managed to be friends at first. But both know it was in the book so to speak. Looking behind Kroq-gar as the quill was writing every word to be recorded in the history books for posterity sake. She got up and walked over to the quill and put it on the ink square. Holding it for a second and letting it go after feeling it for a moment. She sat back down as Alfred and UrVah knew the context as this was off the books type of question. Having those types of moments before they watch as she leaned close to Kroq-gar.
Olivia: What was the true reason, Kroq-gar?
Holding his organic hand with both of her hands. Kroq-gar tapped the map for a moment before using his mechanical one to lift them off carefully. He leaned back thinking of what to say. Taking a deep breath in and out.
Kroq-gar: I used to have a family, I used to have cousins, I used to have children...I think
Feeling the weight of the world weigh heavily on him as Olivia and the others listen on. Understanding about losing people close to him. Being reminded as he watched through the meditation chamber using Mazdamundi as conduit to watch over their performance. Brought back memories dug up from the subconscious and into his mind. Alfred and UrVa knew about it personally when Kroq-gar was in his down mood just as they are with him. Olivia nodded and let Kroq-gar continue as he stared into nothing.
Kroq-gar: I think I might have many more...somewhere but not here, but that was...a very long time ago
Breathing out his nose and leaning back.
Kroq-gar: I didn't want to rip her from her family, nor they with her, so I let her go, because she reminded me...of what I once lost, a very long time ago
Olivia nodded, content with Kroq-gar answer. Not liking to dig up old wounds. Both understanding scars run deep within their kind. Feeling around her wrists and side for a bit as the phantom pain caused those spots to itch. Olivia looked up to Kroq-gar who was staring off to the side.
Olivia: I'll see to it that the elf slaves we rescued are under care and treat this as their new home. Maybe escort them back if they so desire
Kroq-gar: Good
Kroq-gar said a lot quieter than usual. Almost like he was mumbling. Olivia tapped on the table and was considering hugging him but Kroq-gar waved his hand.
Kroq-gar: You're dismissed, I need to...reflect
Olivia was about to say something but nodded as this was a time of reflection. Along with being alone. She opened the door letting the two walk out. Both slowly at first before stepping outside of the room. Leaving Olivia to be the last one's out, taking a look at Kroq-gar who was staring off into the distance. Olivia moved past the door frame and closed the door. Olivia tracing the door frame for a moment before being patted on the shoulder by Alfred who looked at her. There were no words needed to be said as they went off to make sure the elves were acclimating to their new environment. Along with UrVa to see his Skeksis and Mystics as he feels this might be the last time he sees them again to reconnect.
Leaving Kroq-gar alone and his thoughts. Being lost in a day dream or vision of the past about some voices echoing in his mind being called something but it was positive at least. Only to sigh as he leaned back only getting the audio rather than any flashbacks that he could reflect. Spinning around in his chair to look at the map wondering where to next or what to do next. Until something unearthed itself from his mind and went over to a shelf wondering if they still have something. He smirked as he pulled out a figurine out of the shelf and placed it on the table. Getting rid of the maps and any important documents and replacing them with paper.
Pulling out the paint kit used to color in maps from the drawer and placing it at the side. Making his final checks of getting magnifying glasses that hover in the air and light. He pulled out the paint brushes used to make maps and started to paint a figurine of a standard Saurus unit colored in gray. Used to represent troop movements on the map. But today it's being used as a hobby of his that Kroq-gar thought he had forgotten about.
Kroq-gar: Miniature painting, how I missed you
Word count:12954
How did I do?