Chereads / Broken Oaths: The Beginning / Chapter 10 - Underworld

Chapter 10 - Underworld

As the two young men approached the town, a raging storm raged on with a ferocity that could only be described as a force of nature. The torrential rain cascaded down upon them, and the howling wind threatened to sweep them off their feet.

Undeterred by the fury of the elements, the two men pressed on with unwavering determination. Their steps were measured and purposeful, and their eyes were fixed upon the town ahead. Despite the danger that lurked around every corner, they showed no fear, and their resolve was unbreakable.

The silver-haired samurai stood tall, exuding an air of quiet dignity despite his lack of armor and the worn, rusted sword that hung at his side. His long, flowing locks were a striking silver hue, a testament to his years of experience and wisdom gained through countless battles. His piercing eyes, sharp and perceptive, surveyed his surroundings with unwavering focus.

The young man with determined crimson eyes strode forward with purpose, seemingly unaffected by the rain that fell around him. His gaze was intense, reflecting an unwavering resolve that shone through his eyes. His steps were confident as if each stride brought him closer to his goal with unwavering determination.

In his hand, he carried a two-handed Sword that gleamed even in the inclement weather, a testament to the care and attention he bestowed upon his weapon. The blade was meticulously maintained, sharp, and polished to a brilliant shine, reflecting his commitment to his craft and his unwavering pursuit of excellence

Raden Spots the Guard on Patrol And so both of them Hide all their Weapons through Alchemy. The Line inched forward and Forward and they were getting closer to getting inside the Town. The Guards look at them And ask "What is your Purpose here?" Raden Replies calmly "We are two lowly Clerks. We plan on buying goods here and selling them in the Capital"

The guard felt it was a good reason and lets them in inside "The Clesu". The region of Clesu was a desolate landscape, with sand stretching out as far as the eye could see. The sandy terrain posed a challenging environment to navigate, with shifting dunes and harsh weather conditions that demanded adaptability and resourcefulness. However, amidst this barren expanse, there were unexpected patches of forests that dotted the horizon in the distance, creating a strange and contrasting topography that was both intriguing and challenging to traverse.

There were Markets all over and it didn't look as if people were suffering there. Ryoma was Amused seeing not a single dip of fear in the citizens of Clesu. Raden looks Around for a while and asks Ryoma to get an inn before it's Night. He claimed he had some Business to attain. Ryoma simply agrees

The markets in Clesu bustled with activity, showcasing a surprising abundance of goods despite the desolate landscape. Ryoma couldn't help but be amused by the lack of fear or suffering among the citizens of Clesu. It seemed as though the harsh environment had not dampened their spirits, and they went about their daily routines with resilience and optimism.

Raden, on the other hand, looked around keenly, his silver-haired head swiveling as he assessed the surroundings. He knew time was of the essence, and he needed to find an inn before nightfall. He had business to attend to, and he couldn't afford to delay. He turned to Ryoma, his crimson eyes glinting with determination, and asked him to arrange for lodging. Ryoma, ever the reliable companion, simply nodded in agreement, knowing Raden's sense of urgency and the importance of his mission.

As they made their way through the markets, Raden maintained his composed demeanor, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace with a keen eye. He observed the local customs and interactions, making mental notes as he navigated through the crowded streets.

Raden Sees a Shady Looking bar in the corner. He enters there and Ryoma goes to secure an inn for the Night. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of alcohol, and the atmosphere was charged with an air of secrecy. As Raden made his way to the counter, he couldn't help but notice a man sitting in a secluded corner, his demeanor shrouded in mystery.

To Not look suspicious Raden orders a drink. The man in the secluded corner came and sat beside Raden and Ordered the same thing. Raden was observing him with his peripheral vision as he felt discomfort when he was behind him.

The man in the black suit, his cigar emitting curls of smoke, sized Raden up with a shrewd gaze. Raden's unwavering personality and unique aura seemed to intrigue the man, who couldn't quite put his finger on what made Raden different from others. Raden, in turn, was cautious but determined, seeking a way to leave the continent at any cost.

As Raden posed his question about how to leave the continent, the man revealed himself as a worker in the underworld, a figure with connections and knowledge of the hidden world. He offered to help Raden, but not without a favor in return. Raden hesitated, knowing the risks of such deals, but ultimately agreed, driven by his urgent need to find a way out.

The man handed Raden a piece of paper, containing details of the favor he required. Before Raden could react, the man vanished into the shadows, leaving Raden alone with his thoughts. Raden examined the paper, his crimson eyes glinting with determination as he prepared himself to fulfill the favor, whatever it may entail.

With the promise of assistance and the weight of a favor to be repaid, Raden's path took an unexpected turn as he delved deeper into the shadowy underworld of Clesu, aware that he was now entangled in a web of intrigue and danger.

Raden Returns to the inn and tells Ryoma about what happened. Ryoma asks "So what favor does he asks?" to which Raden Replies "He wants me to Assassinate someone named Morgan Bloodfire. Ryoma was in shock. Ryoma explains that he should not think of doing it. Raden was amused seeing Ryoma so frightened and asks "who is this man?"

Ryoma's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and trepidation as he absorbed Raden's words about the notorious figure known as "The War-Torn Whisperer, Morgan." He had heard tales of this merciless knight who had struck fear into the hearts of his enemies by eschewing a blade and instead using his fists to devastating effect on the battlefield. Ryoma couldn't fathom the sheer brutality and prowess of such a warrior.

Raden's explanation about their lack of choice was met with a solemn nod from Ryoma. They were in a desperate situation, and the note from the underground worker offered a glimmer of hope with the mention of reinforcements. It seemed like they had a chance to turn the tide in their favor, and Ryoma's determination was rekindled.

KILL MORGAN BLOODFIRE

Reinforcements if needed will be supplied by The Underworld

For reaching out to me, Come to Intellect Sanctum.

Raden and Ryoma ventured into the Intellect Sanctum, a colossal library that was eerily devoid of any patrons. From the shadows, a cloaked woman emerged, beckoning them to follow her. Ryoma's hand instinctively went to his katana, but Raden placed a calming hand on his arm.

Raden took notice of the woman's magical aura, with magic cores emanating from her body. As someone who lacked a magic core himself, Raden was intrigued. The woman uttered the words "Abyssal Ascent," and a hidden passage revealed itself, revealing a lift that would take them down to the underworld.

With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, Raden and Ryoma boarded the lift, prepared for the unknown journey ahead. The woman's cloak billowed behind her as she led them into the depths, their destination shrouded in mystery.

As Raden, Ryoma, and the mysterious woman descended further into the underworld, they were met with a sight, unlike anything they had ever seen. The air was thick with the scent of oil and metal, and the surroundings were a labyrinth of towering structures made entirely of machinery.

Gigantic gears turned and cogs spun relentlessly, powering the entire underworld with their mechanical precision. Pipes and conduits crisscrossed in a complex web, pulsating with steam and energy. The clangs and whirs of the machinery echoed throughout the cavernous underworld, creating a symphony of mechanical sounds.

The landscape was dominated by colossal factories, foundries, and workshops, all working tirelessly to produce various mechanical wonders. Steam-powered trains and airships whizzed by on tracks and rails, carrying goods and passengers across the underworld. Automatons, clockwork creatures, and golems of all shapes and sizes roamed the streets, serving their mechanical purposes with unwavering efficiency.

The architecture of the underworld was a fusion of steampunk and industrial aesthetics, with towering spires made of gears, pistons, and riveted plates. The buildings had an imposing and utilitarian appearance, with gears and cogwheels incorporated into every facet of their design.

The inhabitants of the underworld were skilled engineers, tinkerers, and inventors who wielded their mastery of machinery to create marvels of technological innovation. They moved with purpose, diligently tending to the ceaseless workings of their mechanical realm.

However, amidst the marvels of machinery, Raden, Ryoma, and the woman also sensed an underlying sense of oppression. The constant noise and relentless pace of the machinery seemed to drown out any natural beauty or tranquility, and the absence of nature was palpable. The underworld was a realm of mechanical order and precision, where the pursuit of progress and efficiency took precedence over the organic wonders of the world above.

As Raden, Ryoma, and the woman delved deeper into the underworld, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the mechanical marvels that surrounded them, while also harboring a growing sense of unease about the absence of life and nature in this world of machinery.

The Woman Stops at a point and says "After this, you will have to go yourself"

Raden and Ryoma approached the final room with bated breath, their hearts pounding with anticipation. As they entered, they saw a chair in the center of the room, swiveling left and right as if someone was seated there. The figure was facing away from them, and standing beside the chair was the man in the black suit whom Raden had encountered in the bar.

As the chair turned around, Raden and Ryoma were taken aback by what they saw. The boss of the Underworld in Clesu was not a human, but a cat.

Ryoma Exclaims "Kawai!"