It took mere hours to transpire the transfer between the candle to the council and mere days to their next mission abroad, mostly due to the location of such a mission being far away from the lands they stay in. Rather than being in a standard location around the kingdom itself, the next mission took place in a large cavern, one labeled as "The Whispering Mines." It was once a land that was filled to the brim with valuable stone and possible jewels to collect and make into well-earned weapons and decorations, yet ever since a certain rumor has been made, not even the strongest miners would dared wish to intervene in its sleeping chamber, proclaiming it as "their own home" for some.
That rumor which spread into the city of Oaking was about a powerful creature who roams in the mines of the cavern. A Creature made up of solid stone, with a body similar to that of the first man ever lived, Adam. A creature concocted by an elder woman who wished to recreate the proper husband she desired, most likely out of loneliness for her very own life. A creature that was given life by God himself through magic, but when being brought to life, it wouldn't share the same feelings the woman shared. Such feelings are what caused it to run away, only hearing the mere whispers of the creature across the land, begging to turn back to stone. Begging to be returned to solemn peace. Back to the inactive unconscious state he once was, as he was in fear of being brought upon such a world granted towards him. Those rumors culminated when a recent discovery was made in one of the mines on Oaking when gathering minerals and materials. A whispering sound that pleaded "O God....Please God....Take me back home...This world is not mines to stay in.....I want to go home.....O God....Please God....Take me back home..." Such whispers scared the locals, backing away and telling the tale regarding the monstrosity, reaching at every point in the kingdom, and marking it as a landmark only for those of the superstitious to investigate.
Such a discovery was made into a quest, and such a quest is what intrigued Harvard to investigate, at the expense of course for another dark setting to enter into. While Harvard was seen brimming with excitement, being like a detective when trying to find such a construct, Zazel was however not. He'd use his Asmodeus sigil again to light up the scene, now fully prepared after a well-earned rest from the both of them from their last encounter. "Harvard, why...EXACTLY are we going immediately to another dark location?" Was the demon's question. While not exactly a large issue, it was odd as to why he instinctively went to such a setting where they need light again.
"Easy! Its to get familiar with our surroundings! It helps us understand more on what's going on by exploring something we already know, but with a few tweaks that makes it different. Sure, the experience could be lackluster, but-" Harvard's mouth would be covered by Zazel's hand, seemingly already hearing enough of his explanation.
"Alright, Alright, I get it. Sheesh, you REALLY want to be a hero so badly, huh?" Zazel asked, although having a bit of a smirk when he noticed such enjoyment being apparent. Harvard replied with an enthusiastic nod, before having the demon's hand pulled away, as he kept exploring. What's a bit more different, and thankfully more satisfying, was that there were some leftover torches stabbed in the walls. Igniting such torches, it grants them back proper sight in the mines, finally able to see what's going on. Such mines were littered with tape, branching paths with signs that explains what it holds, warning labels and pickaxes laid out, showcasing the effectiveness in digging out the entire location. Had it not been for the golem, the mines would've left enough space and paths to possibly find the finest of gems that may have possibly been buried here. Riches beyond one's wildest dreams, or at least, that was the main goal when doing such excavations.
Harvard would be seen entranced by the layout, while Zazel was more focused on locating the voices in general, signifying the difference between the two. "Zazel! Look! Shiny stuff! You think if we gathered enough of it, we could have enough money to just BUY kingdoms?" Harvard would ask with such enthusiasm, sliding his fingers across the walls, imagining to himself such wealth beyond his wildest dreams. Zazel, however, quickly shut it down.
"Please, if that was the case, pretty sure you humans would go bankrupt! Besides, I'm pretty sure someone would've just murdered you on the spot if they found out you got what's essentially millions of bucks worth of diamonds."
"Ahh, Right! Right...Good point, Zazel. Bad guys do always be like that sometimes." He would state, before hearing something. It wasn't much like a voice as one would imagine, but rather a cool breeze. A soft hum of air that blows across the area. Intriguingly enough, there would also be sounds of what can one only assume are birds. Chirping of such creatures coming from the sides of the mines. "Hey! Come here! Listen in!" The boy did a gesture to the demon, asking for him to follow, pointing at the walls that Zazel can listen in.
Sure enough, it was indeed that sound: Chirping of birds, followed by a cool gust of wind, only this time he also hears what seemed to be running water. Zazel was a bit perplexed at this notion. "There's NO way that's an entire ecosystem there, right?" He'd ask, before noticing that Harvard seemingly left that spot. "Harvard? Harvard??" The Demon looked around, quickly noticing the child, already coming up with a plan
"Only one way to find out!" He says, card in hand, aiming towards the wall.
"Wait, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, HARVARD DON'T-" Zazel would warn, but it would be too late.