Adventures Beyond The Void [Season 1]

Chapter 32: Secrets of the Dungeon

3RD POV

BOOM!!!

   Criminal 2: - AGAIN!!

Another mage collapsed, unable to keep powering the weapon. The plump criminal let out an annoyed sigh. All that effort and still not enough to breach the massive doors. The cannon was a clever solution, but it came at a cost. Only flame mages could fuel it, and they had precious few: two warriors from the Colorful Beasts, and a handful of captured mages from the surrounding area. Now, they were spent. Even under Scorlu's poison, their bodies had limits. If this continued, they'd need food... and time. Neither of which they had.

   ???1: - We need more power.

   Criminal 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!!

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

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

A ripple of laughter broke out amongst the criminals. The wind mage was moments away from blasting the dirty man to oblivion, but was stopped by a rough hand on his shoulder.

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

The criminal gaped at him in disbelief. 

   Criminal 2: - ...You're joking.

   Scorlu: - Do I look like someone who jokes?

   Criminal 2: - Do you want me to answer, honestly?

The others snickered. A vein visibly throbbed on Scorlu's forehead.

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

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

The tallest among the wind mages scoffed, his face half-hidden beneath a silver-lined hood.

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

   Criminal 2: - Nah. They simply make sure they can still fight in case some cowards try stabbing them in the back.

He growled lowly. Several wind mages tensed, but Scorlu raised a hand before things could escalate.

   Scorlu: - I understand your caution, my friend.

He placed a hand on the criminal's shoulder. 

   Scorlu: - In our line of business, trust is expensive, and betrayal is cheap. You believe once we crack the treasury open, they'll turn on you. Take the loot. Leave you bleeding in the dirt.

He glanced over his shoulder.

   Scorlu: - And frankly? I don't blame you for thinking that. I've seen worse done for far less.

The cloaked mages bristled at that.

   Scorlu: - But listen, we don't need much. Just one or two flame mages will do. That's all. Let the cannon finish its job. 

He gestured toward the towering golden doors. Their lower half was a mess, scorched edges, deep cracks spider-webbed across its surface.

   Scorlu: - We're so close. This whole operation has been dangerous, costly, months of planning and weeks in this pit. All for this. Not to mention, the captain of the Colorful Beasts could order his squad to return at any moment, exposing our operations. Don't you want it over with?