3RD POV
BOOM!!!
Criminal 1: - AGAIN!!
Another mage collapsed, unable to keep powering the weapon. The short, 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. Mana drained, muscles failed, exhaustion winning. 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!!
Another robed figure turned sharply.
???2: - You insolent filth!! Do you have any idea who you are 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 gritted his teeth, enraged by the sheer disrespect. He 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 around?
Criminal 2: - Do you want me to answer honestly?
The others snickered. A vein visibly throbbed on Scorlu's forehead, a clear sign of his rising anger.
Scorlu: - I thought your top priority was to get inside the treasury.
Criminal 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?
Criminal 2: - Nah. They just want to make sure they can still fight in case some cowards try stabbing them in the back.
He growled lowly. Tension sparked in the air. Several wind mages tensed, but Scorlu raised a hand before things could escalate, his voice dropping into a calmer tone.
Scorlu: - I understand your caution, my friend.
He placed a hand on the criminal's shoulder. Gentle, but firm.
Scorlu: - In our line of business, trust is expensive, and betrayal is cheap. You believe once we crack the treasury open, the wind mages will 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 wind mages bristled. One clenched his fists. Another took a step forward, but Scorlu didn't even look at them.
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. Look.
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Adventures Beyond The Void (Season 1)
FantasíaNicholas Blackwood is a fifteen year old boy who always thought his life would be deprived of any form of happiness, condemned to be constantly neglected by his parents, bullied by his peers and uncared for by the world. One day his parents decide...
