Deshulth ultimately restrained the impulse to rush forward and slay both the vampire and the Lothandar priest: he could certainly do so, yet he had not forgotten that he was still evading pursuers, necessitating caution above all else. While eliminating the Lothandar priest would be simple, attracting the attention of unrelated parties would complicate matters significantly.
Thus, he refrained from taking action. Furthermore, having witnessed Lynn and the others engaging in their intrigues, he was eager to try his hand at being the schemer himself. While Lynn sought to play the role of the unsuspecting prey, Deshulth aspired to become the predator lurking behind the unsuspecting bird, ready to reap the rewards at the last moment.
Consequently, he returned to Lynn's side—when Lynn awoke the following day, he remained blissfully unaware that his familiar had ventured out for a nocturnal escapade.
After a restful night, they inched closer to the main force: Eirich had promptly dispatched scouts to gather information about the route and had learned of the path ahead. The narrow passage through the mountains culminated at the foot of the Morgoth Mountains, where it ended, leaving no further road ahead.
However, this did not signify their arrival at their destination; rather, the impending threats loomed larger. At the mountain's base lay the mines that dwarves had once excavated, and it was within these caverns that the vampires concealed themselves. While the vampires outside still had to be wary of the sun, the darkness of the mines became their true domain.
"My suggestion is that we all proceed together. Even if the cavern is complex, we can explore it gradually without rushing into danger. Splitting our forces in perilous territory would render us vulnerable to being picked off one by one, a mistake we cannot afford to make, lest we give the vampires an opportunity to exploit our weaknesses."
Eirich offered his perspective on how to explore the caves. Although his idea was not particularly ingenious, it was certainly the most prudent. The adventurers raised no objections, recognizing that a methodical approach was indeed wise.
Lynn also found no reason to disagree, noting that Eirich's caution was not only a precaution against the lurking vampires but also a defense against potential treachery from within their ranks. He had not forgotten that they were being manipulated, and by insisting on collective action, Eirich aimed to safeguard against further machinations as they progressed.
His thoughts were thorough; each member of the party was assigned a suitable task, and with the assistance of divination spells cast by the mages, along with torches and garlic for illumination, Lynn was exceptionally well-prepared.
However, shortly after they entered the cave, they encountered a problem: having dismissed two forks in the path and pushed onward for some distance, they came upon a vertical shaft that descended straight down. At the opening, a small minecart designed to accommodate seven or eight people awaited, operated by a mechanism that allowed it to ascend and descend—a clear handiwork of the dwarves.
Eirich's exhortation against splitting the party quickly lost its significance in the face of this peculiar terrain.
"This is part of the Taziyamar mining system, utilizing the fire of burning stone as a power source to propel the minecart back and forth. We cannot all ride together; this contraption has limited power, and attempting to accommodate everyone would surely lead to disaster."
Eirich's dwarven companion provided an explanation but offered no solution. The cart could only carry a few individuals, forcing the vampires to compel them to split their forces in a bid to conquer them in detail.
"We must divide into three groups, each containing warriors, priests, and mages. During our brief separation, remain calm: I possess an item capable of facilitating transportation. Both Tederick and I each hold a portion, allowing us to support one another." Eirich paused momentarily before continuing, "However, if there is no pressing need, please refrain from sending messages: my item has limited uses, and it cannot be deployed recklessly."
Utilizing items to resolve problems is a method often employed by the affluent; however, this approach was indeed effective. Yet, when it came to assigning teams, Eirich deliberately split Finn, Lynn, and Matty into different groups, clearly harboring suspicions toward them.
This move was rather astute, and Lynn felt fortunate to have been placed in Eirich's group. He harbored no concerns; had Matty been with Eirich, a mere intimidation might have caused him to spill everything.
Teaming up with Eirich felt far more secure. Moreover, their group included Imory, and Eirich's team, audacious and bold, dispatched their members while he led Lynn and several adventurers to take the forefront.
The first group to descend faced the greatest peril, yet Eirich's willingness to lead the charge alleviated many concerns. Lynn did not oppose this proposition; in fact, he found himself contemplating in silence—the question lingered: if they encountered vampires and the situation turned dire, should he collaborate or betray Eirich?
Of course, his answer was simple: he could not betray until they secured the necessary provisions.
Thus, the first group of seven boarded the minecart and, with a cacophonous clatter, began their descent.
"Tell me, if vampires can transform into bats and fly, why do they need this minecart? Surely it isn't a trap designed to send us plummeting to our demise?" An adventurer seated beside Lynn suddenly voiced his concern. The others around him stirred uneasily, but another promptly countered.
"Vampires do not require this contraption, but others do. They maintain contact with the outside world, even aiding smugglers in storing their goods—after all, smuggled contraband cannot sprout wings and fly; they need a means of transport."
"Furthermore, the vampires have dwelt here for centuries without disturbance. This is their home; they have no need to set traps." Eirich interjected, "I suspect that traps here are few in number; the vampires have enjoyed their safety for too long, and they may not possess a keen sense of vigilance. However, as undead beings, their lair may still harbor all manner of troublesome surprises, and those could prove challenging for us."
"Vampires are generally quite elegant; what peculiarities could their lair possibly harbor?"
Amidst the chatter of the adventurers, they reached the mine's depths. The surroundings were eerily silent, yet as the minecart ascended once more, a rustling sound emerged from the surrounding darkness.
Without hesitation, an adventurer hurled a daylight flare into the gloom, revealing a scene that sent chills down their spines.
Not far ahead, a mass of creatures resembling rats skittered grotesquely toward them. These rodents, numbering in the hundreds, bore a striking resemblance to zombies, their bodies riddled with decay.
"Rat corpses," Lynn recognized the creatures immediately, readying himself for battle.
These vampires were proving to be more formidable than he had anticipated.