Chereads / The Sacred Frontier / Chapter 55 - Act II Chapter XX

Chapter 55 - Act II Chapter XX

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Fliodan, Cambolton Palace: Underground Passage, Time: 12:35 AM

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The underground passages of Cambolton Palace formed a complex maze beneath the fortress.

Dimly lit by torches, these corridors showcased a blend of rough-hewn tunnels and intricately adorned chambers. 

Drips of water echoed through the cool air, while natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites added to the mysterious ambiance. 

The passages connected unseen areas of the palace, creating a subterranean world of shadows and echoes, where history lingered in every corner.

Amidst the vigilant guards patrolling the area, a disturbance in the water caught their attention.

Curiosity led one of them closer, only for a hand to swiftly emerge, severing his head from his body as his headless body fell into the water.

Rising from the water's surface, Rosco made his entrance, humorously remarking on the dramatic effect.

"Welp, that's for a dramatic entrance," Rosco quipped, his tone dripping with sardonic amusement.

He stepped onto solid ground, his boots creating a soft echo in the passageway.

The remaining guards quivered in the face of his fearsome presence as he unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming ominously in the dim light.

"Carnage will begin now," Rosco declared, his voice carrying an air of impending doom. The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their resolve faltering in the wake of his chilling words.

The weapon he wielded, known as The Alpha, held an aura of power and menace, further solidifying their trepidation.

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Fliodan, Cambolton Palace: The Wizard's Sanctum, Time: 12:35 AM

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The Wizard Sanctum in Cambolton Palace emanated mystic elegance. The chamber was adorned with enchanting crystals, ancient tomes, and magical artifacts. 

A central mahogany table held a pulsating crystal orb, surrounded by ornate chairs. Magical implements and artifacts were scattered around the room, and a towering bookshelf contained a wide range of tomes.

The ceiling depicted glowing constellations, while sconces added a warm radiance. This chamber was a hub for scholars and wizards to study, weave spells, and unlock arcane secrets.

The first floor of the Wizard Sanctum exuded an aura of magical knowledge and scholarly pursuits. Intricate patterns adorned the marble floor, leading to various sections. Enchanted globes floated overhead, casting gentle light on the surroundings. 

Ornate tapestries depicting scenes of ancient magic adorned the walls. Rows of bookshelves held a myriad of tomes on diverse magical subjects, from potion brewing to forbidden spells. 

A grand circular table stood at the center, where wizards gathered for discussions and studies. Elaborate diagrams were etched into the floor, serving as focal points for spellcasting. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, exploration, and the pursuit of arcane wisdom.

The Sanctum buzzed with the fervor of arcane learning. Students delved into their tomes, practicing spells, and exchanging insights.

As the lesson concluded, the Grand Wizard addressed his eager learners, "You've all made excellent progress today. Now, take a well-deserved break." 

Grateful voices chorused, "Thank you, teacher!" Everyone began packing their belongings, chatting with excitement about their newfound knowledge.

Just as the room was abuzz with activity, a shadow slipped in unnoticed.

The Grand Wizard sensed an intrusion and conjured a protective shield of ice, his eyes narrowing at the unexpected guest. "Identify yourself!" he commanded sternly. 

November emerged from the darkness, her features half-hidden by her hood, and a concealed cartridge with a hidden blade clutched in her hand.

She moved with a deliberate, measured pace, her voice laced with an eerie calm, "Relax, old man. I'm just here for a little experiment."

With a swift and practiced motion, November lunged forward, her blade finding its mark in the Grand Wizard's eye. His cry of pain echoed through the chamber as he stumbled backward, clutching his injured eye.

Students gasped and hurried to help their mentor, forming a circle around him, concern etched across their faces. But the scene would soon shift from concern to horror.

As students gathered around the fallen Grand Wizard, one brave soul leaned in closer, trying to assess the extent of the injury. In a horrific twist, the wounded eye was not what it seemed. 

Strange growths burst forth from within, resembling twisted centipedes writhing in the air. A bunch of centipedes leaking from his eye, his ears, and his mouth. A chilling silence spread through the room as shock and disbelief froze everyone in place.

The Grand Wizard's body began to convulse, green light enveloping him.

Gasps of terror filled the air as his form contorted, the once-proud mentor transforming into a giant grotesque amalgamation of centipede and fungus.

Nightmarish tendrils sprouted from his leg, flailing wildly and impaling a courageous student who had ventured too close.

Chaos erupted in the once-studious chamber. Furniture was overturned, spells went awry, and panicked screams mingled with the nightmarish roars of the transformed Grand Wizard.

Amidst the chaos, November stood at the edge of the chaos, her lips curving into a sinister grin. "This night," she mused, her voice laced with an unsettling satisfaction, "shall become a howling nightmare."

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Fliodan, Cambolton Palace: The Soldier's Dormitory, Time: 12:35 AM

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Amidst the Soldier's Dormitory, laughter and camaraderie filled the air as soldiers let loose and enjoyed some rare moments of respite.

Jokes were exchanged, friendly banter echoed, and even a hearty game of cards had begun in one corner.

It was a scene of lightheartedness and relaxation, a stark contrast to the tension that usually hung in the air.

As the soldiers regaled each other with tales and jests, one of them noticed a peculiar sight: a small black kitten with an adorably crooked wizard hat perched atop its head.

The discovery brought a collective chorus of "Awws" and "Look at that cutie!" as the soldiers eagerly gathered around, their tough exteriors momentarily melting in the presence of the feline.

"Hey, look at this little guy! Someone must've lost their adorable wizard cat!" one of the soldiers exclaimed, carefully scooping up the kitten in their hands. The tiny creature purred contentedly, casting an enchanting spell of charm over its newfound audience. 

Laughter filled the room as the soldiers cooed and fawned over the kitten's antics, each sharing stories of their own pets or childhood companions.

As the kitten reveled in the attention and affection, a mischievous glint sparkled in its eyes. And then, in a magical blink, the adorable kitten transformed into something else entirely. Before their bewildered eyes, the kitten was no more, replaced by Toodies himself, his signature hat still perched jauntily on his head.

The room erupted in a mix of surprised gasps and uproarious laughter as Toodies grinned sheepishly, his usual playful demeanor shining through.

"Well, ain't that a fun way to introduce myself," he quipped, his voice tinged with amusement. "Looks like I couldn't resist joining the party."

Laughter and astonishment filled the room as the kitten's transformation left everyone in a state of surprise.

However, the jovial atmosphere quickly shifted when Toodies, now revealed in his human form, appeared visibly upset by the reaction he was receiving.

Mocking words and teasing gestures seemed to be directed at him, pushing him to the edge.

Concerned, one of the soldiers approached Toodies, his intent genuine and friendly. "Hey, man, are you alright?" he asked, placing a reassuring hand on Toodies' shoulder.

But before anyone could fully grasp the situation, a chilling transformation occurred. 

Toodies' arms morphed into immense, bear-like appendages, complete with enormous claws that swung out with incredible force.

In an instant, the soldier who had reached out was met with a brutal blow, his body hurled against the wall and his entire skull crushed under the raw power of the attack.

The room fell into stunned silence, shock, and horror reflected on the faces of those who had been witness to the sudden escalation.

Toodies stood there, his breathing ragged and his eyes wild, a stark contrast to the playful individual they had seen moments before. The weight of his reaction seemed to hang heavily in the air, filling the room with tension and unease.

"Don't make fun of me!" Toodies' voice quivered with a mixture of anger and pain, his muttered words revealing the emotional turmoil beneath the surface.

As he gazed at the lifeless body on the floor, regret and realization seemed to wash over him. This is the first-ever kill he has done, It feels like his spirit was lifted.

The room remained silent, a heavy blanket of shock and dread enveloping the once-lighthearted scene.

Toodies retrieved a device from his shirt, one that all of Sugar's Enterprise members possessed – The Warden.

Its presence cast a chilling shadow, a reminder of the dangerous circumstances they were all entwined in.

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Fliodan, Cambolton Palace: The Ranger's Watchtower, Time: 12:35 AM

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The Ranger's Watchtower stood tall on a rocky hill, offering a strategic view of the landscape. Its stone walls were adorned with carvings and narrow windows, while inside, torches cast flickering shadows. 

Spiral stairs led to various levels, including storage and living quarters. The top platform served as an observation deck, where rangers watched over the kingdom's borders and wilderness, ready to defend against threats.

Dy'va was gleefully enjoying himself in the courtyard, playing with his skeleton army. "Home fucking run!" Dy'va exclaimed with delight as he kicked a disconnected guard's head, sending it sailing into a goal made of bones. 

The assembled skeletons erupted in applause, celebrating their master's triumphant goal, with even the goal itself seemingly clapping in approval.

"Thank you, my devoted minions!" Dy'va exclaimed, bowing before his skeleton army. 

"There he is! Surround him!" A group of soldiers approached, bows in hand, and encircled him. One person stepped forward, their intention clear.

The soldier who stepped forward seemed to be the leader of this group, his demeanor showing a mix of determination and caution. Dy'va stood in the center, his playful smile still present despite the encroaching threat.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Dy'va teased, looking at the soldier with a raised eyebrow. "Are you here to challenge me to a dance-off or something?"

The soldier's stern expression remained unchanged, unaffected by Dy'va's humor. "You're under arrest for intruding into the kingdom's premises and causing chaos," he declared firmly.

Dy'va dramatically gasped, placing a hand on his chest. "Oh no, not the dreaded chaos! Anything but that!"

The soldier's grip on his bow tightened. "You can make this easier on yourself. Surrender now and we won't use force."

Dy'va feigned contemplation, tapping a finger against his chin. "Hmmm, let me think... no."

With a swift movement, Dy'va snapped his fingers, and his skeleton minions surged forward, their bony forms clacking as they charged the soldiers.

Arrows were fired, but they simply passed through the ethereal skeletons. Laughter bubbled from Dy'va as the soldiers stumbled back in surprise.

"Give it your best shot, boys! But I must warn you, my minions have been practicing their dodgeball skills!" As the chaotic scene unfolded, Dy'va's laughter echoed through the air, mixing with the clattering of bones and the sounds of confusion and panic from the soldiers.

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