"Death and Sacrifice?" Alan repeated, echoing the confusion and rising fear shared by others. He turned his gaze towards Longiseus, who stood with a locked gaze at the etchings on the door, frustration and disappointment evident in his clenched fists and grinding teeth.
Alan approached him, about to speak, when suddenly Father Zeneth darted through the group, sprinting. He pushed aside Alan and Longiseus and quickly climbed onto one of the carts, his face contorted with terror as he yelled at the driver, "C'mon!!! Run!!"
"WAIT!!!" The driver, startled by the horror on Father Zeneth's face, didn't immediately heed his command. He put down the reins on Longiseus's order, then climbed out of the cart, eliciting a confused look from the terror-stricken Father Zeneth, whose flushed face now held tension as Longiseus approached him.
Before Longiseus could utter a word, Father Zeneth raised his voice, sharp and panicked, anticipating Longiseus's accusations. "Please, my liege! Do not ask of me what is beyond my will right now. After what I have seen, after the horrors I have witnessed…"
He glanced back at Armis and his friends, who returned his look with apprehension and confusion.
Turning back, Father Zeneth picked up the reins of the Lacerpull and continued, "I may be a disciple of the Almighty, described as fearless, disciplined, even counted among the strongest…but." Tears of frustration and fear streamed down Father Zeneth's face as he went on, "I am just a human, a mere mortal. I may possess extraordinary abilities, but my liege, I do not have the heart of a warrior. I lack the courage to face horrors beyond the imagination of the living. It's too much for my meek mind. You must forgive me, despise me if you would, but I cannot go any further with you. I want to return to Pompeii, to my home. My love for them is far greater than my courage to continue this journey."
Father Zeneth retrieved a small book from the inner pocket of his robe, handing it to the silent Longiseus. "Please, take this. It contains ways and teachings that could help you decipher inscriptions in the ancient language if you find more on your way towards...certain death."
"Thank you for this, Father Zeneth," Longiseus said, placing the book in the pouch of his utility belt. He looked at Father Zeneth with a stern gaze and continued in a calm tone, "I did not stop you to convince you to come with us. That is your own decision, and the same goes for all of you!"
Longiseus turned to his group and Team Goliath, his voice rising in command. "If anyone is feeling scared or having second thoughts, you are free to return to Pompeii with Father Zeneth. None of you are under any obligation to endanger your life for this mission. But if you wish to stay, understand that if the warning in the etchings is true, once we enter, there will be no turning back. We can only move forward until we find our way out."
His commanding tone gradually shifted to one of hopefulness as he finished, directing his piercing gaze at Alan and his group, giving them the chance to back out while there was still time.
Alan turned to Poduria and Lyco, matching their gazes. "So, guys? Still want to tag along?"
Lyco contemplated Alan's words, then exchanged a look with Poduria. Their initial tinges of regret quickly turned into a resolved determination. Lyco held Poduria's hand, Relecta draped her arms around Poduria's neck, and Aurelia placed her hand on Lyco's, speaking with a smile and a soft tone to lift everyone's spirits. "Well, if you two decide to come along, remember we will all be together, no matter what difficulties we face."
"Yep, and don't worry about any insects. Pisshead and I will take care of it," Armis declared proudly, placing a hand on Arian's shoulder.
Arian initially appreciated the gesture, but the nickname made him shove Armis's hand off. He moved towards Lyco and Poduria and, in an attempting strict tone, said, "You two have already screwed up by defying your big brother's orders. But I'm not going to punish you. Just don't jump into danger like fools. Let your big brother handle it first. It's my duty to protect you two, after my allegiance with the commander, of course."
Lyco and Poduria smiled at Arian's supposed encouragement. Their resolve turned into determination as they looked at each other. Lyco then turned to Alan and, speaking with conviction, said, "We're not going to regret what we've chosen. Yes, we're coming with you, leader."
Alan nodded, confirming their decision. He turned to Longiseus and, with a nod, conveyed their commitment. Longiseus, seeing the resolve in their eyes, nodded back and then addressed Father Zeneth in a stern tone.
"Very well, Father. Let me bid you farewell. I appreciate all that you have done for us. If Roiran wills it, we shall meet again." Longiseus bowed before Father Zeneth, who felt a pang of desperate helplessness, realizing that only his fear separated him from the brimming resolve of the young raiders. He tried to change Longiseus's mind, speaking with a warning tone.
"You do understand, Master Longiseus, that there might be no return once you all set foot inside. Do you still wish to stride forward?"
"Yes!" Longiseus replied, his resolve and determination radiating from him. "I chose this profession and this mission knowing that any moment, any breath I take, could be my last. I've conveyed the same to my subordinates. There is no question about our decision. We are going in, and that's final. All I ask is that you pray for us to the Great Roiran and the Higher Gods. And one more thing…"
Longiseus leaned closer to Father Zeneth, speaking in a low tone. "I want you to relay this message to the elites and the Almighty Pope." He whispered something in Father Zeneth's ear, causing the priest's face to deepen with concern and horror.
"Are you sure, my liege?" Father Zeneth asked.
"Yes. Now please, you should get going," Longiseus replied, turning back to his team and calling out with authority, "Leotrus! Orioros! Unload the supplies from the wagon."
On his command, Leotrus and Orioros swiftly moved to the wagon, retrieving three knapsacks filled with supplies. Once they finished, Longiseus instructed the wagon drivers. The drivers, along with Father Zeneth, boarded the wagons and began moving out of the clearing, heading back toward the Grand Cathedral.
As the wagons disappeared into the distance, Father Zeneth's concerned gaze lingered momentarily before he vanished from sight. Longiseus turned to face the enormous wooden gate. Alan stood beside him, their eyes locking in a mutual understanding. With resolute voices, they issued their commands.
"Armis!" Alan called out.
"Bretren!" Longiseus commanded.
On cue, Armis and Bretren approached the gate, placing their hands on its weathered surface. With a coordinated effort, they began to push. The immense wooden gates resisted initially, but after a tense moment of exertion, they gave way. To everyone's surprise, the gate didn't swing open traditionally but instead fell forward like a drawbridge, slamming onto the ground with a thunderous crash.
The air was filled with the echo of the impact as everyone peered into the revealed chamber, eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The path ahead lay open, the next step of their journey beckoning ominously.
The reek of burnt ground and charred leaves wafted out from the chamber of Floor 49, filling the air as the Crimson Army and Team Goliath hesitated at the threshold. Their faces were etched with a mix of fright and anticipation as they gazed into the dimly lit chamber made of stone and rock, the walls dripping with what appeared to be water. The eerie atmosphere was accentuated by the chamber's unwelcoming echo.
Alan peeked inside, trying to mask his apprehension with a jest, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Any last-minute second thoughts?"
Before anyone could respond, Leotrus gave Alan a firm push, causing him to stumble inside. "Wait… this isn't that big," Leotrus remarked, his voice echoing as well. The sound of shuffling feet followed as the others cautiously stepped into the chamber, their movements illuminated by the sunlight streaming in from outside.
They found themselves in a space consisting of a withered and damp stone floor, stretching out about fifty feet towards another gate. The light revealed two large torches embedded in the brick wall, their flames almost nonexistent. As everyone spread out to examine their surroundings, Artereia glanced around and spoke in a calculative tone.
"Hey, is it just me, or does this place look like an e—"
Before she could finish, the gate behind them began to close, slowly at first, causing the light to fade from the chamber. All eyes turned to the moving gate as its speed increased, slamming shut with a thunderous crash. Darkness enveloped them as Artereia completed her sentence in a hushed whisper, "...entrance of a castle."
As the group blinked in the sudden darkness, a flicker of embers glowed in the air. To everyone's surprise, the once extinguished flames of the torches on the walls ignited and burst into light, dispelling the gloom and revealing the chamber in which they stood.
The bright illumination from the torches unveiled the chamber's structure, built from brick and stone but marred by foliage and scorch marks.
The liquid dripping from the ceiling wasn't water, but a rusty-hued substance, suggesting the unsettling possibility of it being blood. A new, eerie sound filled the chamber as the group's eyes fell on a large, wooden door at the far end. This door, unlike the previous one, bore marks of acid burns and charred stone.
The surface of the door displayed another set of etchings, but it wasn't these that drew the group's apprehensive gazes. Instead, it was the drops of green liquid falling from patches on the ceiling above either side of the door.
Each drop, upon hitting the floor, sizzled and burned through the dirt and stone, leaving charred black marks and filling the chamber with the acrid smell of burning. The repeated sound of the drops falling and hissing punctuated the heavy silence, heightening the tension in the air.
Silence draped over the group for several minutes as their gazes turned back towards the door they had entered from. The sudden realization of the danger they had stepped into clutched at their minds. Fearing being trapped in the enclosed space, Aurelia, Artereia, and Orioros dashed towards the door, banging on it with all their might. The chamber boomed and echoed with their frantic knocks.
When those failed, they tried to destroy the wooden obstacle preventing their escape. Orioros covered the door in fire, and Artereia attempted to suck moisture from it. Bretren and Armis punched at the wooden panels, while Longiseus and Lady Roartad hurled blows with their weapons. Poduria and Relecta joined forces, and Lyco pulled a slab of stone from the floor, searching for mud beneath it. Finding only more stones, Lyco gritted his teeth in frustration and yelled, "MOVE!"
Relecta, Poduria, and Arian teamed up, creating a water and air vortex around the slab of stone, turning it into a powerful projectile. They shot it with full force towards the gate. The projectile collided with a deafening explosion of water droplets and debris, filling the chamber with sound and scattering shrapnel.
As the view cleared, everyone watched with anticipation, which quickly transformed into frustration. The wooden gate stood still, unmarred and unyielding, with not a single scratch upon it.
Aurelia's frustration burst forth in anger as she stomped hard on the ground, yelling, "What the hell is up with this gate? It's made of wood! It should be obliterated right now!"
Her emotions resonated in the hearts and
eyes of everyone who watched helplessly at the undeterred obstacle standing tall in their way out. Arian and Lyco approached the gate, placing their hands on the wooden panel. They pondered for a moment before remarking, one after another, in tones filled with profound apprehension.
"It's ancient magic," Lyco exclaimed.
"Dark arts…" Arian added in a low, disappointed tone.
"Magic? What are you two talking about?" Alan asked, moving through the group to place a hand on the gate as well.
"I've read about them. These are the arts that existed well before wielding and marks," Arian replied, backing away from the door as he continued. "It was said that these arts, this magic, were blessings given to King Roiran by the Higher God Jupiter. He used them to pull Pompeii out of the mouth of devastation. They are far more powerful and mysterious than any kind of wielding and marks."
As Arian's words began to settle upon the group, Longiseus moved forward, his eyes filled with apprehension and eerie wonderment as he remarked, "But they were supposed to be legends..."
"Yes. By the looks of it, I am sure now that the words of the inscription and generational manuals told the truth," Arian replied. Before he could continue, Alan spoke. His stern tone, filled with apprehension and a tinge of fear, reignited a sense of dread in everyone.
"Then that means we are stuck here, and the only way out is..."
Alan's words trailed off as his gaze, together with everyone else's, turned towards the gate at the end of the chamber, which emitted an aura of disturbing horror.
As a horrifying silence veiled the chamber, Longiseus clenched his fist, knowing the moment called for conviction and action. He moved forward from the group, all eyes turning to him. Holding his head high and filling his lungs with air, Longiseus bellowed, "ATTENTION!"
At his sharp command, every set of eyes blinked, and all bodies jolted into action, standing tall, feet close, and hands clasped together under his authoritative aura. Longiseus began to speak, "I understand that fear has gripped your minds. We entered at risk, on a bet, but now the outcome has fallen to our disadvantage. It is hitting our hearts and souls with all possibilities of death. It is frightening; I understand because I feel it too. But RIGHT NOW!"
As Longiseus's words resonated with their emotions, his voice crackled with command, becoming sharper. "Now is not the time to be afraid, to be scared like children trapped in an empty room. Now is the time to move forward with the same conviction and resolve that led you to take this next step in our dreadful journey! I will not promise that we will be fine or that we will make it out alive. No. Right now, all I can promise is that I will fight! Fight alongside each of you until my last breath. In return, all I ask is for you to give me that same courage as we move forward towards the journey, the impending battle that awaits us. So, who is with me?"
Longiseus's encouraging and realistic speech filled each heart with newfound conviction, momentarily making them forget that any careless breath could be their last. As the echo of Longiseus's voice dissipated in the chamber, a unified vigor filled the air as they all yelled out, "YES, COMMANDER!"
"Very well then." Hearing their vigorous reply, Longiseus nodded sharply and turned to lead the way toward the gate, with everyone following behind.
As Longiseus led his team and Team Goliath forward, Alan moved through the group to walk beside him. With a stern gaze and a mild smile, he remarked, "Nice speech. I'm somewhat certain of others and, of course, myself. But what about you? How much did you convince yourself? Got any plan that could solidify this newly established hope?"
Alan glanced back at the group, where some walked silently, hiding their anxiety and fear under conviction-filled eyes, while others repressed their emotions, exuding only their resolve and pride for the upcoming obstacle.
Turning his gaze ahead, Alan listened as Longiseus began to speak in a low volume, audible only to him.
"It doesn't matter what I feel," Longiseus said. "I abandoned any personal opinions long ago when it comes to following orders and commands from the Almighty and the Elites. They have maintained the stability of our society for far too long to be doubted. As for a plan, if the consistencies and patterns of Relic Castle discovered thus far apply here too, then after defeating whatever awaits inside, we should get some time to strategize for the journey ahead. But..."
"But none of what we've seen so far aligns with anything we know about this place, right?" Longiseus's words trailed off with a sigh filled with doubt and concern. Alan picked up from his words, continuing, "And I'm sure I'm not the only one who noticed those inscriptions on the door ahead. With all the other welcoming features adorning this structure, I'm not sure whatever awaits us inside will greet us with loving hospitality."
Alan's voice, laced with sarcasm, tried to uplift the mood in the air filled with the grimness that surrounded them as they closed in on the gate with every step. Longiseus turned his gaze on Alan, attempting a mild smile to reciprocate Alan's effort. But his words soon turned his smile into a frown, his tone tinged with grimness and sternness.
"That's a fair deduction, which is why I wanted to tell you something," Longiseus began, his frown matching the seriousness in his voice. "Remember last night when you said we'd have to prioritize keeping everyone alive? And again this morning? Well, with these new circumstances, I'm not sure I can promise that. So..."
"Don't worry," Alan interjected, picking up from Longiseus's trailing words. He reissued his smile, looking at Longiseus with hopeful eyes. Stretching his arms ahead after a groan, Alan continued, "You focus on taking down our gracious host. I'll make sure our friends survive its hospitality. If we're going to work together as a team, it's only natural that we share responsibilities, right?"
Alan's words of support turned Longiseus's frown into a genuine smile this time. Chuckling, he replied, "The makeshift terminology is growing on you, isn't it?"
"Well, it's one of the ways I cope with anxiety, and it's pretty funny as well. It does two jobs at once, keeping my mind light while preparing it for what lies ahead," Alan replied. Both of them turned their gazes ahead, stopping just a few steps away from the door. Their eyes locked on the giant slab of rock, with no visible opening or discernible way to open it.
The rest of the group stopped behind them, taking in the eerie view of the structure, their eyes scanning up and down before collectively stopping on the inscription written on the charred and withered surface of the gate.
Alan squinted, trying to make out the text, which suggested the language of the etching was the same as the other one, written in the ancient language of Pompeii. Though not understandable at first glance, the etching still sent shivers and waves of apprehension through all of them as they stood in anticipation of the dangers these words might reveal.
"Arian, Lyco!" Longiseus's commanding voice called out, prompting the two to move forward beside him. Longiseus continued, "Since we won't have Father Zeneth from now on, do you two think you can decipher the ancient language for us?"
Lyco and Arian exchanged stern gazes before turning their attention to the etchings on the gate, diving into contemplation and thought for a few moments. Arian spoke, "I'm not sure, commander. It would have been a little easier if I had some of my textbooks, but right now I—"
"Here, see if this helps." Longiseus swiftly retrieved the book given to him by Father Zeneth and presented it to Arian and Lyco, eliciting wide-eyed surprise from them, even causing Alan to lean in for a closer look.
Arian took the book from Longiseus's hand, opening it and flipping through its pages. As he did so, Longiseus began to explain, "It's an ancient manuscript given to me by Father Zeneth. He said it might help us understand and decipher the language."
"Yes! Lyco, get a feather, ink, and paper, and copy what is written on the gate," Arian instructed after taking a look inside the book. Lyco swiftly followed his orders, retrieving the necessary items from his knapsack. Arian then sat down with Lyco before finishing his reply to Longiseus, "It might take a little time, Commander, but I am sure my brother and I can make it work."
"Very well. Take all the time you need while we see if we can open this thing by force," Longiseus said, nodding towards Lyco and Arian as they began their work to translate the ancient language.
Longiseus moved towards the wall, gesturing for Bretren to join him. As Bretren approached the gate, following Longiseus's unspoken command, he carefully placed his hand on the door and began to exert his strength in an attempt to open it.
Meanwhile, Alan approached the silent group sitting on the steps structured before the gate. Poduria sat near Lyco and Arian, offering her assistance if needed. Artereia, still visibly frustrated, sat beside Armis and Aurelia, who remained silent with Aurelia's head resting on Armis's lap. Orioros and Leotrus sat below, with Orioros engrossed in a book and Leotrus meditating beside him, each coping with their anxiety in their own way.
Alan noticed Relecta sitting on the upper step, waving at him with a smile. He walked over and sat beside her. As soon as he settled down, Relecta pulled him closer and leaned down, placing her head in Alan's lap as he clasped her hand. Looking into Alan's eyes, she tried to hide her fear behind a stern gaze. "Darling... are we going to die?" she asked softly.
Alan's heart felt heavy, but he took a deep breath and turned his revealing frown into a reassuring smile. He placed his other hand on Relecta's temple. "No, we are not," he replied gently. "Why would you even think that?"
"Because we're stuck in a terrifying chamber, sandwiched between two unyielding gates, with one blocking our only exit and the other likely concealing a deadly threat waiting to strike the moment we enter? Alan, she may be younger, but she's not naive."
Aurelia's sarcasm sliced through Alan's attempt to dispel the anxious atmosphere, reigniting fear in Relecta and the others. Alan frowned at Aurelia's negativity, countering with firm words, "Come on, Aurelia! We need to stay positive. Succumbing to negative thoughts will only make our situation worse."
"And how exactly will staying positive help, leader?" Armis challenged, fixing his stern gaze on Alan.
"And what good does arguing about it do?" Leotrus interjected, breaking his meditation to join the debate.
"We need to stay vigilant and prepared for anything, as the commander instructed," Orioros added, closing his book.
"Yeah, really? Even if it kills us?" Aurelia challenged Orioros sharply, but before she could continue, Artereia crept up beside her, locking eyes with her as she replied in a grim tone, "Yes, even if it kills us."
Aurelia's fear turned to anger as she prepared to retort, but everyone's attention shifted as Lyco and Arian erupted in triumphant yells. Rushing to join them, the group huddled around as Arian stood with a paper in hand, facing the gate. He exchanged determined nods with Longiseus, and Bretren stepped back.
Locking his gaze on the paper, Arian began to read aloud, his voice echoing through the chamber, each word pronounced with precision:
"Cave..Terrorem sub terrae….laqueos,
Cervi minantes bellum…hostes insanum!
Praecipites,…tenebris virentibus…se circumscribunt!
Periculosus latet cujus furor dormit…in tenebris."
Pausing to catch his breath, Arian continued, his voice captivating all who listened, their eyes fixed on the etched text ahead:
"Fulvum colla flammae! centumque capita minantur!
Ira vasta….quae per…caliginem cernetur.
Rogo te…ne progrediamur audacter…
Sed caute et timide…ambulamus,
Quia…periculum insanum et exitiale
In castrum occultum latent sub maledictione!"
A hush fell over the group as Arian finished speaking, his words lost on many. Armis's voice cut through the group, urging Arian to translate in a language they could all understand, his words laced with insult.
"Yeah, didn't understand a word of it, in a language we can understand, genius!" Armis taunted.
Arian growled at Armis, ready to retort, but Longiseus intervened with a cough to gain Arian's attention. "Arian, please translate it for everyone," Longiseus requested.
"Yes, commander!" Arian replied, taking another look at the paper. He mumbled under his breath before speaking aloud, "I'm not very confident in this translation as I didn't have much time, but it says:
'Beware…The terror… beneath the earth's snare.
Threatening…the stag, foes…with..madness declare.
Precipitous…..they encircle in verdant dark,
Danger lurks! whose fury slumbers in shadow's…mark.
Flame…touched…necks, and heads a hundred glare!
Vast wrath! seen through the gloom's despair.'
As Arian's broken words echoed in the chamber, cracks began surfacing over the etchings. With sudden shock and apprehension on their faces, the cracks emitted a crimson glow, spreading all over the giant slab of stone, deepening with each moment. As fear filled the air, everyone began backing away, but Arian remained oblivious to the twist of events, continuing to read aloud:
'I beseech thee…venture not boldly,
But walk in…. caution and fear!
For perilous and fatal danger...'
Before Arian could finish, the gate crumbled into debris, falling to the floor. Arian backed away quickly, his eyes widened in sudden terror, yet his lips continued moving as he finished the last sentence in a low tone filled with shock and frightful confusion.
'Lies in the hidden castle under the curse.'"
With the gate now reduced to debris, the chamber resounded with the thunderous echoes of its destruction. As the echoes faded, a sudden hush fell over the group, leaving them all vigilant and on guard.
They peered into the darkness beyond the once imposing door, now a gaping opening. The smell of burnt rock and ash wafted out, sending shivers down the spine of each person present. The darkness within seemed to peer back at them, carrying the fear of the unknown within its depths.
Slowly and cautiously, with hearts pounding in their chests, the group entered the newly revealed chamber.
The collective sounds of their breaths and heartbeats filled the air, echoing in the oppressive silence. As the last person stepped inside, a flash of crimson light flickered behind them. They turned just in time to see the debris and rocks that had once been the gate begin to rumble and shuffle. The gate, once reduced to dust, reassembled with a blinding flash of crimson light, revealing for a moment the silhouette of crimson eyes.
Fear and apprehension gripped those who witnessed the giant slab of stones and rocks forming back into an unyielding gate. But for those who glimpsed the terrifying crimson orbs, their hearts sank in dread.
Horror spread across their faces as they stumbled back, bumping into each other. The shuffling of feet ceased, replaced by a flicker of embers in the air. Suddenly, with a blast of flames, the chamber was illuminated, dispelling the darkness and revealing the source of their terror.
Before them stood the Lord of the Monsters of Floor 50, a creature of unimaginable horror. Two sets of crimson eyes embedded in a lizard-like face glared at them. The beast's long neck was attached to a giant, muscular body draped in hard, murky green skin and patches of scales.
Its three sets of heavy lizard feet, adorned with menacing claws, anchored it to the ground. Standing at least fifteen meters high, the creature exuded raw terror, its very presence a nightmare made flesh.
Seeing its horrifying form suddenly revealed, many in the group screamed in terror, their cries drowned out by the creature's bellowing roar.
The beast opened its massive jaw, filled with rows of sharp, infinite teeth capable of biting through anything in its path. However, it wasn't just the sight of its jaw that instilled horror in their minds and souls. The true terror emerged when the roar intensified tenfold, shaking every brick of the charred, acid-scarred walls and each stone of the floor, which was covered with small streams of burning green acid.
With a burst of raw power and terror, ten identical necks emerged from the one previously visible—five on each side. Their collective roar widened the eyes of all who witnessed, freezing them in their steps.
"What the hell is that?!"
"A lizard?!"
"A Lacerpul?!"
"With ten heads?!"