**********************************************
Nourtuck, The Desolate Chambers, Time: 1:00 PM
**********************************************
As Ace walked over to the unconscious body of the GP gate guard, James snapped out of his thoughts. "Come on, leader. You wanna save these people, right?"
James nodded at Ace, "Good, you better not back down from this then." Ace put his hand on the vault-like door, remembering something.
As he slowly opened it, Maxwell grew impatient, "God, you are taking way too long. What's the hold up-" Before he could finish, the vault door swung open a comically large log, barely missing Maxwell.
"That. That's why I took that long," Ace remarked as he descended the spiral staircase, with everyone following him after.
"Wah! It's kinda dark in here..." Mianne yelped as she slowly navigated down the stairs, following Ace with Maxwell on her back so he could see more distance.
"I forgot you humans don't have good eyesight in the dark like we do," Maxwell stated. He was curious about humans so this was his first time meeting one.
"You want me to light the way for you?" James said, looking back to Mianne while walking down the steps.
"If you can, yes please!" Mianne begged. As she tried to take another step, she suddenly slipped, causing Maxwell to fall off her back. In an instant, James caught her in his arms, and both of them stared into each other's eyes.
"Is it official?" Ezra asked as he looked at both of them, causing them to blush, scream, and laugh nervously.
James quickly set her down, "I-I was just helping h-her out..!" Mianne nodded quickly, trying to make this situation not very awkward.
Ezra could only watch them with a dead expression, "Uh huh."
James decided to dodge the questioning by creating a little fire on his fingertip and raising his hand a bit, making everyone able to see the stairs, "Hey. Just a question, how were you able to see the step?" Maxwell pointed at Ace.
"Uhhh..." Ace then remembered that he rolled down these kinds of stairs back then, "I have just been careful...?" Maxwell was skeptical, but he decided not to question any further.
**********************************************
Nourtuck, The Desolate Chambers: The Heart of Nourtuck, Time: 1:10 PM
**********************************************
As the group descended further into the underground, the air became cooler, and a faint echo of distant whispers could be heard. The passageway led them to a large cavern illuminated by bioluminescent plants, revealing a hidden world beneath the surface.
Maxwell, now safely on his feet, looked around with wide eyes. "This is unbelievable! I had no idea this was under the town!"
Ace took the lead, walking with purpose through the cavern. "We're close. I can feel it."
The cavern opened up to a vast underground city, revealing the extent of the Gray Phoenix's operations. Tunnels connected various chambers, and goblins hurried about their business.
The heroes stealthily navigated the bustling underground city, staying in the shadows.
As they approached a central plaza, they witnessed a disturbing scene. Goblins were loading crates onto wagons, and a group of enslaved creatures, including some humans, were being mistreated. The heroes exchanged glances, a silent agreement forming among them.
Ezra whispered to Ace, "We need a plan. We can't just charge in without knowing what we're up against."
Ace nodded, eyes scanning the area. "Let's find out where they're keeping the prisoners. Then we can strike from there."
Mianne, always the optimist, added, "And maybe we can free those creatures too!"
The group moved stealthily, sticking to the shadows as they gathered information. They overheard conversations about the Gray Phoenix's plans, the location of key figures, and the layout of the underground city.
Suddenly, they found themselves outside a large, heavily guarded structure. A chilling wind blew from its entrance, and the heroes could feel the gravity of the situation.
Ace turned to the group, his expression serious. "This is it—the heart of their operation. We need to be careful and coordinated. Maxwell, any ideas?"
Maxwell scratched his head, "Well if I were a villainous organization, I'd keep the important stuff in the ominous-looking building. Let's go there!"
**********************************************
Nourtuck, The Desolate Chambers, Time: 1:20 PM
**********************************************
The cavern echoed with the distant hum of activity as the Gray Phoenix members hurriedly prepared for the impending confrontation. The heroes, hidden in the shadows, observed the chaos they had caused.
"WHERE ARE THE INTRUDERS?!"
The Gray Phoenix members had just returned from their exhibition to find their fallen comrade on the ground and the gates wide open. Goblin slaves were missing from their posts, causing panic among the ranks.
"T-t-they went down to the bottom... Please alert the boss..." The gate guards could faintly say before succumbing to unconsciousness again.
"What's all this ruckus?" A commanding voice echoed through the cavern. The Gray Phoenix members immediately snapped to attention, saluting the crimson-armored figure who had just arrived. He wore a crimson helmet that fittingly crowned his head, and his vibrant crimson eye gleamed with annoyance.
"Commander Vink, sir! We have an intruder infiltrating our base, sir!" The gate guard reported, prompting a scoff from Commander Vink.
Without wasting any time, Vink issued orders, "I want all of the mages to send a telepathy message to our great leader, Koras." The mages, proficient in their arcane arts, immediately began meditating on the ground, focusing on sending a message to the Koras.
"All of the warriors and barbarians, go in front of me. We are preparing for this injustice." Vink, with his guards, descended the stairs with the cleric accompanying them. The remaining mages took positions in the backline, ready to support the frontlines.
**********************************************
Nourtuck, The Desolate Chambers: The Heart of Nourtuck, Time: 1:20 PM
**********************************************
As our heroes stealthily roamed through the city, they sought an opening to the heavily guarded structure.
"Okay, I think we could go with this plan then," James suggested. They all hopped into a cargo, with Mianne disguising herself in a red robe, taking the role of a delivery person. With determination, she rolled the cargo with a wheeler towards the guarded building.
The elite guard stopped her in her tracks, scrutinizing the cargo. "Madame, what's the purpose of this cargo?"
Mianne thought quickly before responding, "The bakery made some freshly baked pies for us to enjoy. May I pass through?" She asked politely, trying to maintain her composure.
However, the guard remained suspicious. "May I see it then?" Mianne started to sweat, realizing the precarious situation. In a moment of brilliance, she remembered that James had bought two crystal pies earlier.
"Here you go!" Mianne presented one of the crystal pies to the guard, both of them locking eyes. The guard opened their helmet mask and grabbed a single slice, tasting it with a discerning palate.
"Mmmm, a little too sweet for my taste, but it is acceptable. You may pass," the guard declared.
Relieved, Mianne thanked them, swiftly rolling the cargo into the building. Once inside, the heroes regrouped, contemplating their next move.
"Now then, where should we go?" Mianne inquired, seeking the best path forward now that they were finally within the confines of the guarded structure.
As the heroes navigated through the labyrinthine corridors of the guarded structure, they whispered among themselves, attempting to discern the location of the prisoners.
"Any ideas where they might be keeping the prisoners?" James asked, glancing around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
Ezra, with his keen instincts, suggested, "Keep an eye out for any signs of confinement areas or cells. We might hear some noises or find guards patrolling nearby."
Ace nodded in agreement, his eyes sharp and alert. "And if we encounter any guards, we stick to the plan—act natural until we find an opportunity to incapacitate them quietly."
Mianne, still disguised in the red robe, chimed in, "Maybe we can ask around discreetly, pretending to be a bakery delivery person looking for the kitchen or storage area."
Maxwell, always up for some mischief, added, "Or we could just follow the scent of pies. Prisoners usually don't get the good stuff, right?"
Despite the tension of the situation, the group managed to share a subtle chuckle at Maxwell's suggestion. However, their determination was unwavering as they continued to explore, looking for any signs that might lead them to the prisoners.
As they traversed the compound, they encountered various rooms, from storage areas to guard quarters. They overheard snippets of conversation that hinted at the presence of prisoners, but the exact location remained elusive.
Finally, after a series of twists and turns, they stumbled upon a dimly lit corridor. Faint cries and murmurs reached their ears. The heroes exchanged determined glances, realizing they were close.
"Sounds like we're getting close," Ace whispered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Mianne, still pushing the cargo, maintained her disguise. "Let's proceed carefully. We don't want to alert the guards."
As they entered the prisoner complex, the cries and whimpers of captives from various races filled the air. The heartbreaking sight compelled Mianne to press forward, keeping an eye out for any nearby guards. Two patrolling guards, one male and one female, soon caught sight of her.
"Hey you, what's that cargo for?" the female guard inquired, shining her flashlight at Mianne. Without missing a beat, Mianne rolled her eyes and decided to unveil their presence.
"Oh, you know..." Mianne teased before giving the signal, "Get them, boys!"
In an instant, the cargo box transformed into a flurry of action as Maxwell and James emerged. The male guard was taken by surprise, a pot over his head before being struck by James's halberd, rendering him unconscious.
Meanwhile, the female guard, anticipating an attack, braced herself for a supposed "Mianne Critical Punch," only to find nothing coming. Confused, she looked around before James swiftly delivered an uppercut, knocking her out cold.
"Alright then, let's start unlocking!" Maxwell declared, taking the keys from the guards. The prisoners, murmuring in anticipation, watched as Maxwell freed them from their cells.
As the elves stepped out, they exclaimed, "Oh, a miracle was born!" Gratitude and relief filled the air as the prisoners celebrated their newfound freedom.
Before the jubilation could fully set in, the door swung open, revealing Vink's army and marking the arrival of a confrontation.
"Men, prepare yourselves! Get those intruders!" Vink ordered, prompting a tense stand-off between our heroes and the incoming threat.
**********************************************