Adventures beyond the void

Chapter 32: Secrets of the Dungeon

3RD POV

BOOM!!!

    Bandit 1: - AGAIN!!

Another mage collapsed, unable to continue powering the canon. The short, plump bandit sighed in annoyance, rubbing his temples with his muddy fingers. Despite all the progress they had made, it was still not enough to break through the giant doors. The canon was indeed a brilliant alternative, but it came at a cost. Only flame mages could power the weapon, and there were not many in their possession right now. Only two magic warriors of the Colorful Beasts who could activate it, and a few other captives from around the area. Unfortunately, they did not have more mana to spare and thus, they collapsed from exhaustion. Despite being controlled by the Scorpion guy's poison, the limits of their bodies and cores could not be surpassed. If they were to continue, they needed to be fed and received a lot of rest. Looking up, the bandit watched as some of his comrades used their magic to stabilize the cave and seal the cracks that were forming inside the stone.

    ???1: - We need more power.

    Bandit 2: - Yeah, no shit smart guy. Unless you've got a secret stash of flame mages hanging around, I'd appreciate it if you shut the fuck up!!

The robed figure turned sharply, offense practically radiating from the folds of his fancy white cloak.

    ???2: - You insolent filth!! Do you have any idea who you are talking to?!

    Bandit 2: - My sincerest apologies your Graciousness. I shall insult you more formally from now on.

The plump bandit let out a snort, as did many of the other bandits who tried to stifle their laughter. The wind mage gritted his teeth, enraged by the sheer disrespect he received. He was moments away from blasting the dirty man to oblivion, but was stopped by a rough hand on his back. He looked back to see the beast mage glaring at him. Swallowing down his rage, he lowered his fists and took a step back.

    Scorlu: - If there are no more prisoners that can activate the canon, then use your men.

The bandit gaped at the beast mage in disbelief. He could hardly believe his ears.

    Bandit 2: - You're joking.

    Scorlu: - Do I look like someone who jokes around?

    Bandit 2: - Do you want me to answer honestly?

The other criminals snickered, holding in their laughter. A vein visibly throbbed on the scorpion guy's forehead, a clear sign of his rising anger.

    Scorlu: - I thought your top priority was to get inside the treasury.

    Bandit 2: - It is our top priority, but you're asking us to burn our own strength just to do it.

One of the cloaked mages scoffed. The tallest among them, his face half-hidden beneath a silver-lined hood, stepped forward, arms crossed.

    ???1: - Are your men truly so weak or just lazy?

That earned him a sharp glare. The bandit stepped closer, his voice a low growl.

    Bandit 2: - Nah. They just want to make sure they can still fight back in case some cowards try stabbing them in the back.

A tension sparked in the air like a flint stone. Several wind mages tensed, cloaks fluttering despite the still air, but Scorlu raised a hand before things could escalate. He stepped between them with the ease of someone used to playing mediator among vipers. His voice dropped into something smoother. Calmer. Almost.....sympathetic.