Emperor of Soul Pets

Chapter 39: Infiltrating Lazuli Caverns

Early the next morning, before the sun rose, Denuchi led the suicide squad through the wastelands. Initially, the team chatted amongst themselves, some making dark jokes about the mission. But, they then grew increasingly quiet as they approached the tunnel. By the time they reached the tunnel, the party was utterly silent, and a heavy atmosphere hung over the group as each one came to terms with their potential mortality.

Rao Wu was affected by the dreary atmosphere. By this point, he knew for sure his life would be in danger once the mission began. He would be on his own for most of the mission without anyone to call for help. If he succeeded, then all was well, but if he failed, his life was forfeit.

Denuchi, as the leader, was no stranger to this atmosphere. He did not waste any words on encouraging his men. Instead, he chose to keep their minds focused on a singular task. An engaged mind was less likely to ponder on stray thoughts. "Alright, team, we're here," said Denuchi as Akeme pulled away the sand-covered cloth they used to hide the tunnel. "The main force will be attacking in the next thirty-odd minutes. So, once we enter that tunnel, consider the mission as started." He paused and then glanced at Rao Wu. "Everyone remembers their tasks, right?" When the crew nodded, he sighed and then said, "Good. Then, I hope to see everyone back here in one piece. Is that clear?"

Boss!"
Following the unanimous shout, Akeme took out a few vials from his bag and handed them to each person with a grave expression. "There's enough venom in there to kill thirty people. If you get caught, drink it." He paused in front of Rao Wu, then, after a moment's thought, also handed him one. "I hope you never have to use this."

Rao Wu accepted the bottle and then flashed a pleased smile at Akeme. "Thanks. Also, don't worry. I won't get caught."

With the suicide drinks handed out, Denuchi jumped into the tunnel and then called out, "Mission Start!"

Rao Wu was fine, but Lekun needed to duck to fit into the enclosed space.

As Rao Wu followed the Burrow Mole-Rat, he asked, "How come it took so long for you guys to build the other tunnel? He seems pretty fast."

"Building a small tunnel like this is very different from building one for an escape route," explained Lekun. "We expect heavy resistance, so we had to ensure we reinforced the walls to withstand impacts from fights or projectile weapons. This one, on the other hand, is easily collapsible. When fleeing, I suggest you either come here 'after' losing your pursuers or run very fast, else it might bury you inside."

"Really?" Rao Wu jokingly swallowed a lump. "No pressure at all."

Lekun, thankful for the child's sense of humor, chuckled, "Yeah, no pressure."

Fortunately, the duo did not have to remain in the tunnel for too long. Roughly fifteen minutes after they split off, the Burrow Mole-Rat stopped, indicating it had reached its destination. Only a thin layer of earth remained between them and the beastkins' channel.

Lekun recalled the Burrow Mole-Rat and then looked at Rao Wu. "You're on your own from here on out. I'll be returning to the squad. Good luck. I hope we see you soon."

"Thanks. Tell the Boss I said good luck," replied Rao Wu, who then waved as Lekun retreated into the tunnels. The child waited for Lekun to recede from sight and then transformed with Phase-Shift, into a gray kafu.

Rao Wu admired his furry form as he flexed his fingers. "At least I still have a thumb." Rao Wu's fingers were meatier and thicker in his kafu-form, but fortunately, he still possessed an opposable thumb that allowed him to grasp and hold objects.

Rao Wu pulled out his bone dagger and then chipped away at the wall until it softly crumbled. Fortunately, the falling sand did not raise much noise, allowing Rao Wu to walk into the tunnel unchallenged.