In a hidden lair deep within the underground temple at Lantil Cemetery, Khajiit surveyed his army of zombies with satisfaction.
"More than 150 already," he muttered, admiring the power of the Orb of Death in his hand. Normally, a magic caster's limit on controlling undead would prevent him from managing so many, but with the Orb's influence, low-level zombies were easy to command.
But his calm was interrupted by Clementine's arrival, a nuisance he had grown to expect. She flashed him a cheeky smile and stuck out her tongue, unfazed by his irritation.
"Sorry~" she said, clearly not sorry at all.
Khajiit sighed, watching her with weary eyes. "You're too rough with them, you know. Even these zombies can't take that kind of abuse."
"Oh, they're just civilians. Not like they're adventurers who know what they're doing," she scoffed, her casual tone almost teasing him. "Come on, don't you know my interests by now?"
He frowned at her. "Well, I'm telling you to stop. Don't go around grabbing people anymore."
"Sure, sure," Clementine waved dismissively, but he knew she wasn't taking him seriously.
Her attention wandered, and she muttered, "Where's that kid, Enfirea Bareare? He hasn't come back yet?"
Khajiit's gaze sharpened. "Don't act recklessly. His grandmother, Lizzie Bareare, can use third-tier magic. If you draw too much attention, things could get ugly."
Reaching into his robe, he clutched a black gem and took a deep breath. This gem, and the ritual he had been preparing, would turn E-Rantel into a city of the undead—a dark spiral of death, where undead would beget stronger undead in an unending cycle.
Clementine noticed his intensity and cocked her head. "Is this the Death Spiral you were talking about?"
"Yes," he nodded. "A ritual that will bring forth powerful undead, enough to engulf the entire city. I won't let you ruin it with your games."
Clementine pouted but flashed a mischievous grin. Without warning, she lunged, dagger in hand. But her attack was stopped by a massive skeletal hand that burst from the ground, forming a barrier.
Khajiit smirked. "A weak attack. You didn't really think that would work, did you?"
She just laughed. "Oh, I wasn't even trying. If I wanted to, that strike would've pierced right through you."
"Enough nonsense, Clementine. You're skilled against the living, but I'm not alive. Besides, I have more tricks up my sleeve."
Clementine, seemingly unbothered, glanced down the passage, noting the countless undead at Khajiit's command. "Guess I'll let you handle things for now," she shrugged, sheathing her weapon under her cloak. "But I might stick around to see how this all plays out. I'll step in at the last moment, if needed. Is that alright?"
"Fine," he muttered, watching her leave. Even with her irritating personality, she was strong. Among their organization, only a few could stand up to her.
Once she disappeared, Khajiit relaxed his grip on the gem, whispering to himself, "She may be powerful, but her flaws are her downfall."
He looked up, his thoughts drifting. Both he and Clementine were among the strongest humans, likely within the top thirty. Yet, he knew they were far from invincible. For now, he could only hope that his plan would succeed, and that his careful preparations wouldn't be wasted.