Dungeon

CHAPTER 16 - ECHOES IN THE MUSEUM

"Dumbass flight! Ruined my beautiful mullet as a whole!"

Ethan strode out of the private jet onto the runway and was busy smoothing his blonde mullet. He looked towards the bright Barcelonian sky, gave a disgusted look, and walked towards the cab stand. So much to bring in a lot of tan!

The cab driver looked least impressed to find his customer. ¡Estúpido inglés! He motioned for Ethan to get inside his cab. He couldn't help but gaze deep into his scar, which was now marked on his cheek. "Cómo te hiciste esa cicatriz?" How did you get that scar?

"Eh what?" Ethan looked at the cab driver as if he were nuts. The cab driver mimicked the scar across his face, and his anger boiled up to the brim. "Shut up and drive in front unless you want to be dead meat!" I can't believe that I must deal with dumbasses right now.

"What do you say?" The cab driver jerked his eyebrows and looked at the incredulous English person through the rear view mirror. Ethan stared back with patience, losing his ball in the court. "Shut up! Drive! Or be tomato sauce!"

"¡Estúpido inglés! Esta es la segunda vez que me llaman salsa." Stupid English people! This is the second time they have called me salsa.

On the other side of the city, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya was buzzing with tourists and locals. Bryan was trying his best to move past the busy crowd along the entrance of the museum. "Discúlpame, por favor." Excuse me, please.

As he stepped inside, he was greeted by the fusion of traditional architecture with cutting-edge technological advancements that created a three-dimensional view of the entire museum. The crowd was amazed to see such a marvel, and slowly, the museum was filled with the clicks of cameras.

The security guard came running, started bashing out at the excited crowd, and motioned for them to put down their phones. "No se permite hacer fotografías!" His fellow mates came up and snatched a phone or two, which silenced the crowd. Suddenly, an ethereal but computerized voice filled the museum entrance, which awed the crowd.

"Welcome to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, where art meets innovation! Step into a world of wonder and creativity, guided by the whispers of history and the echoes of artistic genius. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through time and imagination as you explore our extraordinary collections. Let the past weave its tales, the present ignite your senses, and the future inspire you. Get ready to be captivated as art comes to life in ways you've never imagined. Your adventure begins now!"

Bryan looked up and was stunned to see the entire museum shrouded in a light show. His mind wanted to wander along with the crowd to breathe in each and every inch of this place, but something panged inside his mind, which pricked him to the core. I need to concentrate! Time's short!

"Uhm...hello? Where do I find The Apse of Sant Climent de Taüll?" His eyes looked forward to seeing a welcoming guide, but instead the same old automated voice echoed through the museum, which startled him. What the hell!

"Take a sharp right, a left, and another right, and experience a vision of revelation and the end of time. If you have any further questions, feel free to click on the virtual keypad before you, and I will assist you right away."

Bryan's mind rummaged to keep the instructions in place. Don't forget...I don't want to hear that creepy voice again!

He walked through a dimly lit corridor, which descended into a huge hall that looked like a church opening. A few windows dimly illuminated the small hall, which gave off an eerie vibe to the entire place. Bryan walked towards the center, where the illuminated lights from the window shone on a specific spot. His eyes took time to adjust to the feeble light, and when they did, he gaped in wonder as he took in the marvelous sight before him.

A striking image was located in the semi-circular space behind the small, dark altar. There he saw a majestic image of Christ looking down at him. He was seated on a throne, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Bryan took a step closer, but suddenly the image before him vanished, and he was shrouded in complete darkness. He took a step back to the same illuminated spot, and the image hovered before him. It looks like the illuminated spot is the only way I can see the image.

He strained his eyes to find the minute strokes in the extravagant frescoe before him. His eyes took in the intricate details, and his mind was churning inside him to decipher the meaning between each and every element in the fresco.

Christ hovered above the altar and was seated on a band decorated with gold foliate motifs inside a blue mandorla. His head is framed by a white halo, and his facial features are elongated and symmetrical.

Bryan's eyes were diverted to Christ's raised right hand and an open book on his left. What does the right hand mean? Think! Born with no one to teach him about religion, this new-found decoding of religious paintings was more like a herculean's task for him.

What do Christians believe by raising their hands? Ugh! Think! Suddenly, his mind seemed to strike a chord within himself. Bless! The raised hand suggests Christ blessing his faithful! He smirked to himself, and his eyes diverted to the letters engraved in the open book on Christ's left hand.

"SCIENTIA EST LUX MUNDI? What does that even mean?" He knew that he was running short of time, and he quickly took out his phone and snapped a few pictures of the painting. He was about to leave when a floral scent filled the small hall.

"Not too soon, darling! Impressive indeed for deciphering this far."

Bryan was half expecting to hear a murder verse and a deep voice, but the sweet, quirky tone of a woman caught him by surprise. Who is she?

Before he could turn around, a steel surface met just inches away from his neck. He could feel her presence just a step away from him. "One move, hon, and your neck will be spliced into two. Don't play the smart cop here."

Bryan's mind clamored inside him to act quick before something drastic happens. His eyes caught a small sensor blinking red just a few yards from him and trained his mind to catch up on what he was about to do.

He gave a small laugh that echoed throughout the small hall. "It looks like I might have a huge life span etched in my stars."

Before the lady could react, he took out his phone and snapped a flash light in the direction of the sensor. Before the lady could react, the blaring sound of an alarm filled the small hall. Shit! Photography sensor!

She tried to dash out through the main exit, but a sharp tug pulled down her scarf, which covered her face. Bryan took a good look at the woman before him, but his mind seemed to register her face already. "Elena Carter?"

How does he know? Before he could speak further, she dashed out through the main exit. A group of securities blocked her way, but she kicked one in the torso and dashed out through the exit.

Bryan dashed out after her and jumped across the guards. He spotted her just a few yards away, and he knew that he must act quickly. "Sorry! But I'm taking this!" He took a keypad from the wailing guard and jammed it hard onto the door blocker.

Before Elena could make it past the door, the automated doors shut behind her. Shit! Fuck the door!

"Got trapped so soon, huh? Should know how to escape better next time."

Elena turned around, and her eyes took in something that she would need so badly in this situation. She smirked and blew a kiss toward Bryan.

"The run's not over, hon."