AN1: Hello All and what a double upload, not really it just I was inspired by NeonZangetsu who puts previews of things to come. So I decided try it out as each little section will be a snippet of coming chapters. Thank to Everyone for their support and I am still taking mini arcs because as of the upload of chapter 12, I am nearly finished with chapter 19.
Summon
シーンブレイク(Scene Break)
Memories
"Speaking or Thinking"
[..Pause ...Long Pause]
Disclaimer: I own Nothing
Chappy Previews
"Did you hear about the factory district?!... What about it?!... They brought in this huge lion beastman.. Never seen anything like it before... Really?!... Don't know the details but I heard it's causing quite a stir" the guard speak amongst themselves, as their voice fade while moving further down the tunnel. Naruto, mio and nazira remain still while processing what they have overheard.
"I think they're gone.. But that information about the factory district might be useful" naruto whispers, turning back to his companions.
"A huge lion beastman?!.. That sounds interesting.. Do you think could aid us with freeing the factory workers" mio says, her eyes widening with curiosity.
"It could be a coincidence but in my experience.. There's rarely such a thing in places like this.. We should investigate further once we're out of these tunnels" nazira comment with her arms folded.
"Let's wait a bit longer to make sure the coast is clear.. Then we'll continue on.. The longer we stay in one place, the higher the chance of being discovered" naruto says, nodding in agreement.
"Agreed but we need a plan.. How do we get to the factory district from here.. And more importantly.. Where can we hold up until the Morningstar launches his siege" nazira says, shifting her weight and her brow furrowed in thought.
"Good questions.. The factory district should be to the northeast of our current position.. If the map is still accurate.. As for a safe house..." naruto trails off, unsure and his mind racing through possibilities as he runs his fingers through his hair. Mio's eyes lit up suddenly, "Allow me" she said softly, holding out her hand with her palm up and closes her eyes in concentration. Naruto and nazira watch in fascination as a small but delicate spider slowly descends from the ceiling on a thin strand of silk, landing gently on mio's outstretched hand.
"What are you up to" nazira asks, her voice a mix of curiosity and caution.
"I can communicate with spiders remember.. They're everywhere in this city.. Seeing everything but noticed by no one.. They can be our eyes and ears" mio says after opening her eyes, a smile playing on her lips.
"That's brilliant Mio!.. Can you ask it about safe routes to the factory district" naruto says, his eyebrows raised Mio nods with her focus returning to the tiny arachnid on her palm. She whisper softly to it, her words too quiet for even nazira's keen ears to catch and after a moment, the spider scuttles in a circular pattern on her hand but then went still.
"It says there's an old maintenance tunnel that runs parallel to the main sewer line.. " mio reports and her voice is hushed but excited, "It's rarely used and should take us most of the way there.. As for a safe house... There's an abandoned warehouse near the edge of the factory district.. It's been empty for months but the spiders say it's structurally sound" she adds after a pause, listening to something only she could hear.
"Well I'll be damned.. That little critter's more useful than half the informants I've worked with" nazira says, letting out a low whistle.
"Good work Mio.. That's exactly what we needed" naruto says, a smile spreading across his face.
"Well.. It's not like we have a lot of other options.. I've learned to trust Mio's instincts.. If she says the spider's legit.. I'm inclined to believe her" nazira says, a wry grin on her face.
"Alright then.. Let's get moving.. Mio can your little friend guide us to that maintenance tunnel" naruto said, his voice low but filled with determination.
"It says it can lead us there but we need to be careful.. There's another patrol route that crosses our path about halfway there" mio says, the spider now perched on her shoulder.
"We'll deal with that when we come to it.. For now.. Let's focus on getting out of here without being spotted" naruto says, his hand instinctively going to his weapon. Nazira eases the door open and peers out into the dimly lit corridor, seeing it clear as she motions for the others to follow. As they slip out of the room and into the unknown dangers of auBerst. The tiny spider on mio's shoulder points the way with one of its legs, guiding them towards their next challenge in this perilous mission.
Mordred pauses with a calculating look in his eyes, "Mercy?!.. Perhaps.. But at what price I wonder?!.. What say you gentlemen.. How shall we deal with these... Unfortunate souls" he says and turns to his advisors, who stand silently at the side of the room. As the advisors begin to murmur among themselves, a movement at the edge of the throne room catches mordred's eye. He turns his gaze to three figures standing off to the side, their presence commanding yet somehow unobtrusive until now. Sofia and mitsurugi stand next to a man that towers over most in the room, their master Angron. Though dressed in a priest's robes, his muscular frame is impossible to disguise. His wiry, copper-red hair curls away from a high brow and pale eyes sit deep behind cheekbones that angle down like axe-strokes to an aquiline nose and a broad, thin-lipped mouth.
"My loyal advisor Angron.. What should be done about these traitors" mordred says, his lips curling into a cold smile as he addresses them and his voice dripping with malice. Angron steps forward with his massive frame casting a shadow over the kneeling family. His pale eyes sweep over lady canmore and her children, a predatory glint in their depths. His voice is a low rumble but like distant thunder when he speaks, "Perhaps the mother's head on the wall would suffice.. Or she could be made to be whipped through the streets naked" he suggests, his tone casual as if discussing the weather. Lady canmore lets out a choked sob, pulling her children closer to her. The young boy's face pales but he sets his jaw defiantly, while his sister whimpers in fear.
"Interesting proposals my friend.. Tell me more" mordred says, now back on his throne and clearly intrigued by angron's suggestions.
"The public humiliation would serve as a potent reminder of the price of failure.. Your Majesty... It would strike fear into the hearts of any who might consider betraying you" angron said, his thin lips twisting into a cruel smile. Sofia steps forward with platinum hair gleaming in the light, "If I may Your Majesty.. why choose between the two?!.. We could have both.. The mother's head on the wall and the children paraded through the streets" she says, her voice soft but filled with venom.
"It would send a powerful message Sire.. No one not even children are exempt from the consequences of treason" mitsurugi says, nodding in agreement with his twin. The young boy suddenly breaks free from his mother's grasp and lunges towards the king, "You monsters!" he shouts, tears streaming down his face. Guards quickly restrain the boy and force him back to his knees. Mordred rises from his throne and his eyes glitter with malice, "It seems the boy has his father's spirit.. Perhaps we should start with him.. To teach the mother the folly of defiance" he says, his voice cold.
"Please Your Majesty.. I beg you!.. They're just children.. Punish me if you must but spare them.. They're innocent!" lady canmore shouts, throwing herself forward and prostrating herself before the king.
"Innocent?!.. There is no such thing as innocence in the face of treason Lady Canmore.. Your husband's blood tainted you all" mordred says, contempt etched on his gaunt features. He pauses with his cold blue eyes sweeping over the terrified family. A cruel smile twists his thin lips as he comes to a decision, "Very well.. I have decided your fates" mordred announces, his voice ringing through the throne room. Lady canmore looks up, hope and fear warring in her eyes. The king's next words shatter any remnant of hope she might have harbored.
"Off with the boy's head.. Let his rebellion be silenced forever" mordred declares, pointing a bony finger at the defiant young son. The boy's eyes widen in terror and his earlier bravado crumbles "Mother!" he cries out, struggling against the guards who hold him.
"No!.. Please Your Majesty!.. I beg you!" lady canmore shouts, while letting out an anguished wail and reaching for her son.
"As for the mother and daughter.. They shall be whipped through the streets" mordred continuing his proclamation, while ignoring her pleas.
Naruto and mitsurugi are locked in a fierce duel amid the steady downpour in the factory district and on the roof of a factory. The clanging of their blades echo across the industrial landscape, mixing with the pitter-patter of raindrops and the distant sounds of explosions and chaos. Naruto ducks and weaves with his blond hair plastered to his forehead, his movements fluid and precise as he avoids mitsurugi's conjured blades, despite the slippery surface beneath his feet. The swords cut through the rain, leaving trails of disturbed droplets in their wake and missing naruto by inches to embed themselves in the factory roof with dull thuds, sending up small splashes of water.
"You've improved.. But it won't be enough to save you" mitsurugi comments, his cold eyes narrowing. Naruto's lips curves into a determined smile, "I'm full of surprises" he replied, his eyes gleaming with confidence. The air around naruto crackles with energy as three elemental blades materialize, one of flickering fire that hisses as raindrops hit its surface, another of solid earth that seems to absorb the water and the third of crackling lightning that sends small arcs of electricity through the nearby puddles. They hover around him, responding to his will as if they were extensions of his body. Mitsurugi's eyes widen slightly with a flicker of surprise crossing his usually impassive face, "Impressive.. You know the basics of Magic" he admits grudgingly but still mocking. An explosion echoes as their eyes drawn to the plume of smoke rising in the distance. The rain seems to part around it, creating an eerie scene against the grey sky.
"It seems Sofia is putting Eldritch Essence to good use.. I hope you said your goodbyes. Your friend won't survive this day" mitsurugi said, his voice tinged with cruel amusement. Naruto's blue eyes harden his grip tightening on his sword, "I could about to say the same thing to you.. I hope you said goodbye to your sister because Mio is very protective of me" he retorts, his voice low and dangerous. Without warning and naruto lunges forward, his body a blur of motion. The rain parts around him as he moves, leaving a momentary dry path in his wake. Mitsurugi's eyes widen slightly, caught off guard by the sudden attack. He quickly recovers, sending a volley of conjured swords hurtling towards naruto. The air around them fill with the whistle of flying blades but naruto moves with inhuman grace. He twists and turns, dodging some swords while parrying others with his own blade and using brid swords as well. Sparks fly as steel meets steel, the clang of metal on metal echoing across the rooftop.
"There are others who have shown great valor in our time of need.. I would honor a group of heroes who have fought tirelessly for AuBerst" morgan says, her voice is ringing out and silencing the cheers. Naruto feels a sudden tightness in his chest as the queen's gaze sweeps over him and his companions.
"First… I call forth the White Wolf.. Ser Naruto Uzumaki" morgan continues, her voice clear and strong. A hush falls over the crowd as naruto steps forward but could feel countless eyes upon him and for a moment, is transported back to his days in konoha and always under scrutiny. But this was different as these were looks of admiration, not suspicion and want to prop up his twin brother while he kneels before morgan.
"Ser Naruto.. Your strength and leadership have been invaluable to our cause.. You have shown us that true power lies not just in might but in the ability to inspire others" morgan declares, her blue eyes shining with admiration.
"Thank you Your Majesty.. I am honored to help AuBerst and its people" naruto says while bowing his head, humbled by her words.
"Next.. I honor the Angelic Healer Isane Kotetsu" morgan continues, her gaze shifting from naruto to his silver haired beloved. Isane steps forward with her blue gown flowing around her like water. Her usual calm demeanor is tinged with a hint of nervousness but her steps were steady as she approaches the queen.
"Lady Isane.. Your healing hands have saved many lives.. Your compassion is a beacon of hope in these trying times" morgan said warmly, as isane kneels next to naruto.
"It is my duty and my joy to help those in need Your Majesty" isane says, bowing her head and her voice soft but clear. Morgan nods with a soft smile and looks amongst the crowd, "Lady Tomoe who personally slayed Angron.. Please step forward" she says, her gaze falling on tomoe. She moves with fluid grace with her face a mask of calm but confident to kneel next to isane, "Your skill in battle is matched only by your unwavering loyalty.. AuBerst owes you a great debt for your role in defeating Angron" morgan says, her voice says with a note of awe and next calls mio resplendent in her spider-theme dress.
"Lady Mio.. Your cunning and resourcefulness have been invaluable to our cause" morgan said, her tone warm.
"Thank you Your Majesty.. I am honored to help AuBerst in any way I can" mio says, bowing her head while kneeling next to naruto on his left. Next is brienne striding forward with her head held high, despite her discomfort in formal wear and kneels behind naruto.
"Ser Brienne.. Your steadfast courage in the face of adversity has been an inspiration to us all.. You embody the true spirit of knighthood" morgan proclaims and brienne's heart swells with some pride.
"I live to serve Your Majesty" brienne says, bowing her head with a smile. Cedric is called next with his fiery hair a beacon in the crowded hall and his only eye blazes with determination as he approaches the dais to kneel behind tomoe.
"Ser Cedric.. Your fiery determination has lit the way for many in our darkest hours.. Even if with the loss of your eye" morgan said, her voice carrying a note of admiration. Cedric bows his head low and a grin spreading across his face, "I'll keep that fire burning Your Majesty" he replies, his voice filled with enthusiasm. Nazira soon follows with her muscular frame cutting an imposing figure even in her formal attire but there is a beauty to her a few thought.
"Ser Nazira.. Your unbreakable spirit has been a pillar of strength for our forces.. You have shown us that true strength comes from within" morgan addresses her and nazira nods her head solemnly.
"It is an honor to lend my strength to AuBerst Your Majesty" nazira says, her deep voice resonating through the hall as she responds. Tia is last called with the dark elf moves with fluid grace, her emerald dress complementing her olive skin. Her aqua green eyes survey the room with quiet alertness as she approaches the queen.
"Lady Tia.. Your exceptional archery skills have saved many lives in the city.. Your precision and quick thinking have turned the tide of the conflict in our favor" morgan said, her voice filled with gratitude. Tia bows her head elegantly with her golden blonde hair catching the light, "I am honored to have been of service Your Majesty" she says, her voice was soft but clear. Morgan's gaze sweeps over the assembled heroes and eyes fall upon ghost, "And we must not forget Ghost.. The loyal companion whose bravery has been a comfort to many" she says, as ghost pads forward and his white fur gleaming in the lights of the hall. Ghost sits regally before the queen and behind isane, his intelligent eyes fixed upon her. A ripple of affectionate laughter passes through the crowd as the wolf gives a soft bark in response.
"These heroes have shown us the true meaning of courage and loyalty. Let their deeds be remembered in song and story for generations to come." morgan declares to the crowd once more as the group rise to their feet. The hall erupts in thunderous applause lead by grendel as naruto feels a surge of emotion as he looks at his friends, each of them wearing expressions of pride and humility. As the cheers begin to subside, a servant approaches morgan while carrying a carefully wrapped item. The queen raises her hand and gently silencing the crowd. Her eyes sparkles with anticipation as she turns to address naruto and his companions once more.
"Naruto Uzumaki and your valiant comrades.. Your heroic deeds have not only saved our kingdom but have also inspired hope in the hearts of our people. Such extraordinary service deserves extraordinary recognition" morgan begins, her voice clear and strong. Naruto feels a flutter of curiosity in his chest as he glances to isane, who looked equally intrigued. Morgan nods to the servant and they carefully unwrapped the item as the cloth falls away, it reveals a beautifully crafted banner. The queen takes it in her hands and her fingers tracing the intricate design with reverence, "Heroes of AuBerst.. I bestow upon you this heraldry.. A coat of arms befitting your valor and unity" morgan continues, her voice filled with warmth. She raises the banner for all as gasps of admiration ripple through the hall when the design is revealed. Against a backdrop of deep midnight blue is a majestic wolf stood howling before a stylized mountain and above is a crescent moon cast its gentle light over the scene.
"Behold.. This coat of arms is for the Lunar Wolves.. A newly recognized order of knights!" morgan proclaims, her voice carrying to every corner of the grand hall. Naruto feels his breath catching in his throat as his companion have their own mixture of surprise and honor reflecting in their faces like. Grendel's eyes were wide with wonder in the crowd as his friends were recognized heroes while ceras wears a small but proud smile.
Naruto settles down to enjoy his own portion of the venison but a sudden snap echoed through the clearing. His body tenses instantly, hand reaching for the mithril dagger at his belt and ghost's head snaps up, a low growl rumbling in his throat. Naruto's eyes scan the treeline while searching for any sign of movement. The forest had gone eerily quiet, the usual nighttime sounds muted as if holding their breath but then a figure emerges from the shadows between two ancient oaks. To naruto's surprise it is a goblin stepping into the firelight, his green skin reflecting the orange glow. What struck naruto most is the goblin's attire of leather armor that looked like it has been pieced together from various adventurers' gear and a well-worn axe hanging across his back. The goblin raises his hands in a gesture of peace and his yellow eyes reflecting the firelight as he spoke, "Greetings strangers.. I smelt the venison over the pungent smell you're wearing.. Quite the interesting mix I must say" he said in a gravelly voice that carried a hint of amusement.
"Who are you" naruto asks, his voice steady but cautious and his hand remaining on his dagger. Ghost has ceased his growling but stays alert, his blue eyes while fixed on the newcomer. The goblin chuckles with the sound like pebbles in a tin can, "The name's Grik.. It's been a while since I've had a decent meal and I thought perhaps we could... Trade" he replies, taking a step closer but stopping when ghost tenses.
"Trade.. What could you possibly have that we'd want" naruto says, intrigued despite his wariness.
"Information my friend.. Information about the forest.. About the other goblins.. About things that might be very useful to a pair of travelers like yourselves" grik says with a grin, revealing a row of sharp teeth. Naruto exchanges a glance with ghost and seeing his own curiosity reflected in the direwolf's eyes.
"Alright Grik" naruto said and gestures to a spot across the fire, "Why don't you join us.. We can discuss this... Trade of yours over dinner.. But I warn you…" he adds while trailing, his voice took on a harder edge.
"Understood stranger.. You have my word.. For what a goblin's word is worth to you" grik says, nodding solemnly but there is a glimmer of amusement remaining in his eyes. Grik reaches out and grabs a piece of venison from the spit, his yellow eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he takes a bite and naruto does the same.
"So.. Grik.. What can you tell us about the goblins in Trinor Forest.. Specifically the ones in the mine" naruto begins, watching the goblin closely. Grik's expression darkens and he lets out a heavy sigh but chews thoughtfully for a moment before swallowing, "Those ones.. They're a nasty bunch.. I'll tell you that.. Yellows as we call 'em.. Mean as they come and twice as vicious" he said, his gravelly voice tinged with disgust.
"Yellows" naruto says, remembering what nazira told and makes a note to buy her a flagon. Grik nods while taking another bite of meat, "Yeah on account of their sickly yellow skin.. Different from us Greens or Reds and Grays.. They're always looking to kill or breed anything that crosses their path.. Not much for talking or trading.. If you catch my drift" he explains, gesturing to himself. Ghost growls softly while picking up on the tension in grik's voice but naruto absently reaches out to pat the direwolf's head, his mind racing with this new information.
"I take it you're heading there to deal with them" grik asks, his sharp teeth glinting in the firelight as he grins knowingly.
"Something like that.. Eastwatch has been having trouble with them" naruto says while nodding, weighing how much to reveal.
"Trouble's putting it mildly.. Those Yellows.. They've been raiding and pillaging for months now.. Getting bolder too from what I hear" grik says with a snort, a sound somewhere between amusement and disdain.
"You seem to know a lot about them Grik.. Why aren't you with them" naruto says with a slight frown.
"Not all goblins are the same stranger.. Some of us... Well let's just say we don't agree with their methods" grik says and naruto could see a flicker on the goblin's face. Naruto nods thoughtfully while his blue eyes study grik with newfound interest, "You're right.. It's unfair to judge an entire race based on the actions of a few… Tell me Are you perhaps an adventurer" he said, his voice softer now. Grik's expression brightens with a hint of pride gleaming in his yellow eyes, "Indeed I am.. C-class at your service" he replies, his gravelly voice tinged with satisfaction.
"Come.. We shall return to Hrothgar.. There is a tradition among our people for warriors who prove themselves worthy" buliwyf said, his voice filled with warmth. They make their way back to the hidden city and naruto could feel the change in the way buliwyf's men regarded him like nods of respect and friendly claps on the back. Buliwyf leads naruto to a small but smoky building near the center of hrothgar and inside, an old man with intricate designs covering his arms and face greet them with a knowing smile.
"This is Ulfgar.. Our most skilled Runemaster… He will mark you as a true warrior of Hrothgar" Buliwyf explains, as the blond looks around the markings on a few warriors. Naruto spent hours under ulfgar's careful hands over the next few days. The process is painful one but naruto endured it stoically, understanding the honor being bestowed upon him. On his right arm is a magnificent sleeve of swirling patterns and ancient symbols stretching from his wrist to his shoulder. Each design holds meaning of strength, courage, loyalty and protection. His left arm receives a more minimalist yet equally powerful design of a howling wolf, its form sleek and fierce, standing proudly against the backdrop of stylized mountains. A crescent moon hang in the inky sky above the howling wolf and the tattoo captures the essence of ghost.
"These marks tell your story Naruto.. They speak of your strength.. Your spirit and your place among us as an Honorary Warrior of Hrothgar.. Wear them with honor" buliwyf says, his eyes filled with pride. Naruto nods as he admires the intricate designs on his skin in a polished shield while buliwyf clasps his shoulder, "There's one more thing.. Come with me" the warrior said, a glint in his eye. Naruto follows buliwyf with a curious look through the winding streets of hrothgar. They stop in front of a small wooden building with smoke curling from its chimney as the scent of herbs and oils waft through the air.
"Hilda!" buliwyf calls out as they enter. An older woman with silver-streaked hair and kind eyes emerges from behind a curtain, "Ah Buliwyf.. And this must be the young warrior I've heard so much about" she says with a smile, her gaze falling on naruto.
"Naruto... Hilda is our most skilled hair-crafter.. I thought it was time for a change befitting your new status" buliwyf says with a nod and stroking his head.
"A haircut" naruto asks, running a hand through his unruly blonde locks and suddenly self-conscious.
"Not just any haircut lad.. A warrior's cut" hilda says with a chuckle, gesturing to a chair. Naruto settles into the chair and hilda begins working her magic. Her fingers moving deftly through his hair, snipping and shaping with practiced ease as naruto could feel the weight of his hair lessening, cool air brushing against his neck.
"An undercut.. It'll keep you cool in battle and show off those new marks of yours" hilda explains as she works.
"And the rest.. We'll start a braid.. It's a tradition among our warriors.. Each victory and each battle survived.. You add a new section to the braid" buliwyf adds while watching with approval. Hilda soon finishes and holds up a mirror for naruto to see his reflection. His hair is now cut short on the sides and back, the top longer and pulled into the beginning of a braid that hangs down his neck.
Boruto stands in one of konoha's many training ground as his body trembles with exertion while trying once again to tap into the kyubi's power. Sweat drips from his brow and his teeth grit in frustration as he feels the familiar resistance from the fox within.
"Come on you stupid fox!.. Give me your power!" boruto snarls, his voice echoing across the empty field.
"Pathetic.. You're no closer to controlling my power than you were six months ago.. Your brother probably would have mastered it by now" kyubi says with disdain and a mocking laughter echoing. Boruto's fists clench with his nails digging into his palms, "Shut up!.. I'm not that Loser Naruto!.. I'm better than him!" he roars, his chakra flaring erratically around him. Jiraiya appears at the shout with a mixture of concern and disappointment, "Boruto.. That's enough for today.. You're pushing yourself too hard" he calls out, his voice stern but not unkind. The young shinobi whirls around and his eyes blazing with frustration, "No!.. I can do this!.. I have to be stronger!" boruto insists, his voice cracking with desperation.
"Strength doesn't come from forcing it.. You need to learn to work with the Kyubi.. Not against it" jiraiya says, placing a firm hand on boruto's shoulder.
"Easy for you to say.. You're not the one with this... This thing inside you" boruto says, shrugging the godaime's hand away as he turns away in shame and anger. As they made their way back towards the village, an uncomfortable silence hangs between them. Jiraiya clears his throat and his tone shifting to a more lighthearted one, "So are you ready for tonight's celebration" he asks, trying to change the subject. Boruto's face is a mix of emotions but his shoulders relax at the mention of the party, "The engagement party.. Yeah I can't wait" he said, his voice brightening. Boruto and jiraiya part ways as the blond heads to his apartment, his steps were light and his heart buoyant. The prospect of the engagement party fills him with a sense of excitement and anticipation as he enters his place.
"I bet your brother has more women than you" kyubi taunts, its voice dripping with malice. Boruto halts in tracks at the bathroom door, "Shut up fox!.. That loser has no one!.. I bet he's just some beggar now.. Probably living in a gutter somewhere" he shouts, his voice reverberating off the walls. He enters the bathroom and sees his reflection in the mirror, "And when he dies.. Only fleas will mourn him" he mutters, his voice low and filled with venom. The kyubi's laughter echoes in his mind, a chilling sound that sent shivers down boruto's spine. He shakes his head while trying to clear the fox's voice from his thoughts and turns on the water of the shower. As he stands under the warm shower, his mind wandering to his two fiancée hinata and shizuka.
Naruto turns to face the entrance to durin's hammer and the dark opening seems to swallow what little light remains, while promising untold dangers within.
"We should move quickly.. Whatever did this might still be nearby" naruto said, his voice low and determined.
"Agreed.. May the light guide our path in the darkness ahead" petyr says, his earlier cheerfulness replaced by a grim resolve. Naruto leads the way but pauses at the threshold of the yawning darkness, "Wait.. Why would a necromancer come to Durin's Hammer.. What could they possibly hope to find in an abandoned dwarven city" he said, turning to father petyr.
"I know not why necromancers act as they do Naruto.. Their minds are often as twisted as their dark arts… However if I were to hazard a guess.. Perhaps he seeks the corpse of a powerful monster" petyr says, stroking his chin and further considering the question.
"A powerful monster.. In a dwarven city" nazira says, her eyes narrowing at this suggestion.
"Ancient dwarven strongholds often held more than just treasure and forges.. Some say they kept fearsome beasts as guardians or trophies of great hunts.. If such a creature perished here.. Its remains could be a tempting prize for a necromancer" petyr says, nodding solemnly.
"You mean we might face not just a necromancer but some undead monster too" kiran says, shuddering visibly.
"We'll face whatever comes Kiran... Together.. But let's hope it doesn't come to that.. Our priority is finding Zephara and uncover what's behind the attacks on Kuldahar" naruto says and turns back to the dark entrance, his blue eyes scanning the shadows. The group continue through the entrance of durin's hammer and the air is heavy with the weight of years past. Naruto uses his flame brid to form several orbs, casting a warm but orange glow on the ancient stone walls.
"Amazing" kiran whispers, his eyes wide with wonder. Naruto nods with a soft and guides a few to light the old torches that hadn't seen flame in decades or maybe longer. They move forward but also down as the passage slowly widened, revealing intricate carvings etched into the stone. Dwarven runes and elaborate geometric patterns decorate the walls, telling silent stories of a once-thriving civilization that is before them. Nazira's eyes dart around while taking in the vast expanse of the underground city, "How big is this place" she asks, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space.
"Durin's Hammer was once home to a mighty dwarven clan.. At its peak.. It could easily sustain a thousand souls or perhaps more.. And that's just the upper levels.. The mines... They go much deeper" petyr says, his expression solemn as he runs his hand along a nearby wall.
"That's a lot of ground to cover.. We'll need to be methodical in our search" naruto says with a frown at this information. They press on with the group maintaining a tense silence, broken only by the occasional crackle of the newly lit torches and the soft echo of their footsteps. The air grows thicker with dust and the musty smell of long-abandoned halls but suddenly naruto halts with his hand on the hilt of his sword. His senses have picked up something like a faint sound, almost imperceptible, coming from somewhere ahead.
AN2: These are events that coming down the pipeline. Tell me what you think and Thank you for the continued support, it inspires me to write and Would. You. Kindly. Review.