Chapter 496: Dungeon (1/2)
By what seemed to be an eternity, Julius took long breaths and gathered his thoughts. The fair-skin paled into oblivion, there were times his aura didn't seem normal, times where the presence felt more than just a prince. Igna paused and waited in anticipation. Éclair would have usually triggered a sort of notification on what was to be discussed. At this moment in time, the spirit remained silent, as is a normal ethereal being.
”Ok,” the brows lowered, ”-Lady Mother is ill. Not physically… more mentally,” he'd pause and stutter. The vocabulary seemed to fail him, ”-I can't find the proper word,” he turned hopelessly for answers.
”Take your time,” said Igna, ”-how about a summary instead?”
”Sure,” the pressure alleviated. ”I'll say it how I remember, is that fair?”
”Alright with me.”
”The Queen of Arda has been fighting hard for the past few years. After my father's disappearance, the noble faction as well as the public sector have gone and tried to lay waste to the monarchy. The newer generation of houses aren't pleased by the merit system. They argue that our culture is vanishing per the visit from Oxshield. I know, it's stupid, we children of the throne, have fought to keep the peace. To a certain extent, the rebelling factions were dealt with by Phantom or the Blood-King's Faction. The nightwalkers single-handedly brought all to the norm. Still, nothing is as easy as it seems. The noble party tried to assassinate young Lizzie at some point. Needless to say, I personally handled the affairs. The internal matters are more convoluted, point is, the queen is tired from all the fighting. I'm proud to have her as my mother,” the grandeur of his intonation, the way the emphasis was on how great of a person she was had Igna anxious. ”Now, cousin,” he moved closer, ”-this is between us.”
”What's the matter?” he reached ear first to Julius.
”Ever since father vanished, a certain man came to our mother's side. He's been there for the longest time; a man of god-level beauty, a man of charisma, and a man of power. In a way, I guess mother sees the father in him. I don't know their relationship as of yet, it's been behind closed doors and I think, it might be for the better. Father shows no sign of coming back…”
”This man,” voiced Igna, ”-how strong is he?”
”Very,” he smiled, ”-I vaguely sensed his mana, and from what I've seen, it's amazing. The tier is far beyond platinum.”
”Cousin, do you see this man as an equal to your father?”
”No, of course not,” he slapped his knees, ”-no way close. The similarities are there… I wasn't charmed. Princess Eira shares a close bond, as for Lizzie, she doesn't care much. Her focus is on music, it's the remaining memory of father.”
”The Queen seems to be alright then.”
”For now,” whispered Julius, ”-for now. It's getting late. Have dinner and be ready for tomorrow. The expedition is soon approaching.”
”Thanks, cousin,” a private elevator headed to the lower hall.
'There are not that many people around,' he rambled about, following the map displayed by Éclair, '-a hotel of this magnitude…'
”For visiting guests,” said Éclair, ”-anyone who deals with Phantom is free to stay for however long they want. Comes as a show of goodwill.”
'More like showing off their gains.' A buffet of deliciousness aroused the hunger-beasts. Like a magnet to metal, the nose locked onto the juiciest, mouth-watering, dish. As if the mountain of goodness didn't suffice, a fountain of flowing champagne was on the side.
”Over here,” wave Cole sat on a brown-color bench.
”Quite a peculiar spot,” said Igna holding his food, ”-the view of the garden sure is nice…”
”Are you being sarcastic?” interjected Ila.
”No, I'm being serious…”
”Nice,” she veered away, ”-there's no point talking to you, is there.”
”Don't look away so quickly,” said he holding half a smile, ”-I noticed how the eyes glimmered when talking to Cousin Julius. Are you perhaps a fan of his idol days?”
”Not just any fan…”
”What you say?”
”I SAID,” she turned, ”-NOT JUST ANY FAN,” a necklace burst out her top.
”Talk about creepy,” said Cole in jest.
”I mean,” said Leonard, ”-lovers do keep pictures of one another as a reminder.”
”Do you have a picture of Jen?” asked Igna.
”Yes, matter of fact, I have a lot,” he proudly showed the phone.
”Cool,” shrugged Ila. ”Igna, I know we don't get along. Still, I need a favor.”
”An autograph?”
”How did you know?”
”Already have one,” he handed a handkerchief, ”-Julius gave it to me earlier.”
”GIVE ME,” she snatched it, ”-his scent,” the eyes mellowed as if a cat, ”-it's on here.”
'You learn things everyday…'
Away from Rotherham, preparation for the expedition went underway. A hangar opened to house a cargo helicopter equipped with the AFR. Supplies for a prolonged battle were stored, elite members of Xenon made the trip to the base. Those trapped in the dungeon reached the last sliver of the fight. Food ran out, a decision had to be made, survive, or perish in this vile place.
The next day, on the 21st, one of the many airfields became active. Engines groaned subtly; the ever-stretching landscape came as a shock. The landing strip went for a mile's on end, bear in mind, it was only one of the countless more. Troupes in black jogged rhythmically.
”How powerful is Phantom?” wondered Cole standing shoulder to shoulder with Igna.
”I don't know,” he shrugged, ”-the company is massive, that's for sure.” Gunshots muffled from the firing-range, small explosions simulating a tough battle.
”Hello everyone,” said Prince Julius climbing atop a crate. Those hurdled inside the hangar approached. One holding a massive rifle and another with swords at his back. Following them were two more, two ladies, one wearing a magical robe and the other holding pistol and daggers, ”-please gather around.”
The hand behind their back, the rising sun mischievously blinded him. ”Today's operation comes per the request of my cousin, Igna Haggard. I've called on the top four fighters in our guild. Please,” he gestured to the students, ”-introduce yourselves.”
”My name's Ko,” said a broad figure, ”-I'm a gunner. Long-range or short, it doesn't matter. My rank is Tier-2 Gold, from the Ardanian Guild,” bald cut, tribal tattoos on the face till the neck. An armored chest-piece, black gloves, and an evil smirk.