Prian crouched low, his keen eyes scanning the dimly lit tunnel ahead. With a slight nod, he signaled to his team of scouts to proceed cautiously. The ten of them moved with practiced stealth, their footfalls barely audible on the rocky terrain.
Prian's grip tightened on his bow as they approached a side tunnel, its dark maw yawning ominously. He raised his fist, halting the group, and gestured for two scouts to investigate the offshoot. They slipped into the shadows, their movements fluid and silent.
Moments later, they emerged, shaking their heads to indicate the path was clear. Prian allowed himself a small sigh of relief, but his focus remained unwavering.
As they continued their advance, Prian's gaze flickered between the map in his hand and the tunnel before them. The parchment, marked with the established trade routes to Kelthane, was their guide through this treacherous labyrinth.
With each step, Prian's senses were heightened, alert for any sign of danger. He knew the importance of their mission – to secure a safe passage for Wolf Company and ensure no ambushes lay in wait. The weight of responsibility rested heavily on his shoulders, but he was determined to succeed.
Prian signaled for another halt, and the scouts immediately took up defensive positions. He motioned for two more to investigate a side tunnel, their movements swift and precise. As they disappeared into the darkness, Prian's fingers traced the map, mentally calculating their progress and the potential risks ahead.
The scouts returned, nodding to indicate the path was clear once more. Prian allowed himself a moment of relief, but his vigilance never wavered. With a silent gesture, he urged his team onward, their footsteps echoing softly in the cavernous tunnel.
Prian nodded to two of his scouts, gesturing for them to take up positions and keep watch over a side tunnel they had just passed. With a silent salute, the pair melted into the shadows, their eyes peeled for any sign of movement.
As his team grew progressively smaller, Prian felt the weight of responsibility intensify. Each decision he made could mean the difference between success and failure, between life and death for his comrades. He pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the steady rhythm of his footsteps and the cycling of his mana.
With each inhalation, he drew the energy into his core, envisioning the lush forest that represented the essence of his power. The verdant trees swayed gently, their leaves rustling in an unseen breeze. At the heart of this tranquil glade stood a towering oak, its bark etched with an intricate glyph that called to him in a way he had never felt before.
As Prian exhaled, he channeled the mana throughout his body, feeling the surge of energy coursing through his veins. His senses heightened, his muscles thrummed with newfound strength, and his mind sharpened to a razor's edge. The power of the sixth tier flowed through him, and he reveled in the exhilarating rush.
Prian increased the pace of his cycling, eager to unlock the full potential of the glyph that beckoned to him. With each breath, he delved deeper into the forest, drawing ever closer to the ancient oak and the mysteries it held. The glyph seemed to pulse with a life of its own, its intricate lines glowing with a faint, ethereal light.
As he moved, Prian's footsteps became lighter, his movements more fluid and graceful. He felt as though he could sense every shift in the air, every minute vibration in the rock beneath his feet. The world around him seemed to slow, granting him an unparalleled awareness of his surroundings.
Two of Prian's scouts emerged from a side tunnel, their hands flashing the urgent signals for combat. His heart rate quickened as adrenaline surged through his veins. In a fluid motion, he gestured for the remaining six scouts to take defensive positions.
Prian's eyes shone with a mixture of excitement and determination. Like the captain, he grinned in the face of danger, relishing the opportunity to put his skills to the test. The thrill of battle coursed through him, and he could feel the mana pulsing within, eager to be unleashed.
A low rumble echoed from the darkness ahead, growing louder with each passing second. A herd of crystalline stalkers materialized, their grotesque lizard-like forms illuminated by the eerie blue glow emanating from their bodies. The creatures charged forward, their razor-sharp spines glistening in the dim light.
Without hesitation, Prian signaled for his scouts to open fire. "At will!" he barked, his voice echoing down the tunnel.
Nocking an arrow, Prian infused it with his mana, the shaft glowing a verdant green. He drew back the bowstring, his muscles straining with the effort, and channeled the energy into his weapon. The bow thrummed with power, its limbs pulsing in sync with the beat of his heart.
As the first stalker closed in, Prian loosed his arrow. The projectile streaked through the air, trailing a vibrant emerald contrail, and punched through the creature's tough crystalline shell with a sickening crunch. Ichor sprayed from the wound as the stalker collapsed, its body dissolving into a puddle of viscous fluid.
Prian didn't pause to savor the victory. He nocked another arrow, infused it with mana, and let it fly, felling a second stalker. A third and fourth fell in rapid succession, their bodies joining the growing pool of ooze on the cavern floor.
As the herd closed in, Prian shouldered his bow and drew his sword, the blade flickering with verdant energy. With a rallying cry, he charged forward, leading his scouts into the fray.
Prian surveyed the aftermath of the battle, his gaze sweeping over the dissolving remains of the crystalline stalkers. A fierce pride swelled in his chest as he watched his scouts dispatch the last of the creatures with lethal efficiency.
"Well fought!" he called out, sheathing his sword. "Take a moment to cycle and recover."
The scouts nodded, their chests heaving from the exertion of combat. They spread out, finding spots to sit or lean against the cavern walls. Prian watched as they closed their eyes and began the rhythmic breathing pattern that accompanied mana cycling.
He followed suit, settling into a cross-legged position and drawing in a deep breath. The verdant forest materialized in his mind's eye, and he lost himself in the tranquility of the glade. With each exhalation, he felt the fatigue ebbing from his muscles, replaced by a surge of rejuvenating energy.
As he cycled, Prian's thoughts turned to the stalkers' ichor. He recalled the Thoiri's warnings about the potent toxins contained within the creatures' blood. Carefully, he examined his body for any cuts or scratches, running his fingers over his exposed skin and armor.
Satisfied that he was uninjured, Prian rose to his feet and surveyed his team once more. They seemed refreshed, their mana reserves replenished and their determination unwavering.
"Ten minutes," he announced, his voice carrying in the narrow tunnel. "Then we press on."
The scouts acknowledged his order with nods and murmurs of assent. Prian took the opportunity to study the map once more, tracing their route with his finger and mentally calculating the distance to Kelthane.
As the minutes ticked by, he could sense the growing anticipation in his team. They were eager to continue their mission, to press forward and secure the path for Wolf Company's advance.
Finally, the allotted time had passed. Prian rolled up the map and secured it in his pack. "Let's move out," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
The scouts fell into formation, their movements fluid and practiced. Prian took the lead, his bow at the ready and his senses attuned to the slightest disturbance.
With purposeful strides, they advanced deeper into the tunnel, their footfalls echoing in the oppressive silence. Prian's gaze darted from side to side, ever vigilant for any sign of danger.
The path ahead was shrouded in darkness, but Prian felt no trepidation. He knew that his team was up to the challenge, and he trusted in their abilities implicitly. They were the eyes and ears of Wolf Company, and they would not fail in their duty.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
* * *
Nelson grinned as he hefted the crate of repaired armor and weapons onto his broad shoulders. The weight was nothing to a man of his stature, honed by years of intense training and battle. As he turned to leave the forge, a familiar face caught his eye – Gormuk, the grizzled Thoiri smith who had taken him under his wing.
"Big man," Gormuk called out, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I've got one more surprise for ye."
Nelson's brow raised as the smith retrieved a wooden crate, the contents rattling ominously. Gormuk lifted the lid, revealing a collection of intricately carved runeblaze charges, their surfaces etched with arcane symbols.
A broad smile spread across Nelson's face as he recognized the fruits of their collaboration. "By the Mad God's beard, you've outdone yourself, Gormuk!"
The smith chuckled in response.
Nelson rubbed his hands together eagerly, already envisioning the explosive potential of their latest creation. "Miser's gonna love this," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Gormuk nodded, clapping Nelson on the shoulder. "Die well, soldier."
Nelson grinned, shouldering the crate of runeblazes alongside the armor and weapons. "Don't you worry, Gormuk. I've got a special spot in mind for testing these beauties."
With a wink and a wave, Nelson made his way out of the forge, his mind already racing with ideas. He knew better than to let Amelia in on his little surprise – the lieutenant would likely disapprove of such reckless behavior. No, this was a secret he would share with Miser alone.
As he navigated the winding tunnels of Aethelwurn, Nelson spotted a secluded side cavern, its walls pockmarked with centuries of erosion. A perfect testing ground.
Grinning like a child on their naming day, Nelson set down his burdens and retrieved one of the runeblazes. With a deep breath, he channeled his mana into the intricate runes, watching as they flickered to life with a crimson glow.
"Alright, let's see what you've got," he murmured, hurling the charge at a nearby boulder.
The explosion was deafening, a thunderous roar that shook the very cavern itself. Nelson threw his head back and laughed, his booming voice echoing through the tunnels as the boulder disintegrated into a cloud of dust and rubble.
"Oh, Miser's gonna love this," he chuckled, already eager to show his brother the fruits of their labor.
* * *
Lews carefully packed the contents of his field hospital packs, ensuring that every item was securely stowed and easily accessible. The weight of the packs was a comforting reminder of the resources at his disposal, a far cry from the meager supplies he had grown accustomed to on the surface.
"Seka, hand me that bundle of silverleaf," he said, gesturing to a neatly wrapped package on the table before them.
Seka complied, her eyes wide with curiosity as she observed Lews's methodical movements. "What is silverleaf used for?"
"Silverleaf is an excellent coagulant," Lews explained, gently placing the bundle in one of the packs. "It helps stop bleeding and promotes clotting. We can grind it into a powder and apply it directly to wounds or brew it into a tea for internal injuries."
Seka nodded, her fingers tracing the delicate leaves. "And what about this one?" she asked, holding up a cluster of small, purple flowers.
"Ah, those are nightshade blossoms," Lews said, a hint of reverence in his voice. "They have powerful analgesic properties. When prepared correctly, they can dull even the most excruciating pain."
As Lews continued to pack, he took the time to explain the uses and applications of each herb, root, and mineral. Seka listened intently, her eyes shining with fascination as she absorbed the knowledge like a sponge.
"You're a quick study, Seka," Lews said, offering her an encouraging smile. "With your grasp of the healing arts and your understanding of the human body, you'll be able to put these supplies to great use."
Seka's cheeks flushed with pride at the compliment. "I have a good teacher," she replied, her gaze meeting Lews's with gratitude.
As they worked, Lews couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the resources available to them. The Aethelwurn merchants and herbmothers had proven to be invaluable allies, providing substitutes for ingredients that were impossible to find in the depths of the earth. It was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Thoiri people.
* * *
Amelia stood before her assembled Wolf Company, her gaze sweeping over the faces of her brave and dedicated comrades. The weight of leadership rested heavily on her shoulders, but she drew strength from the unwavering determination that burned in their eyes.
"My friends," she began, her voice ringing with conviction, "we stand at a crossroads, facing a challenge that will test the very depths of our courage and resolve. The city of Kelthane, our Thoiri allies, is besieged by the dreaded Lord of the Depths, Tremor, and his fiendish horde."
Amelia paused, allowing the gravity of her words to sink in. "We have been entrusted with a mission: to march through the treacherous tunnels and bring aid to our allies, no matter the cost. It will not be an easy path, for the shadows conceal untold dangers and perils."
She raised her chin, her fiery hair blazing like a beacon in the dim cavern. "But we are Wolf Company, forged in the fires of battle and tempered by the bonds of brotherhood. We have faced overwhelming odds before, and we have emerged victorious, our spirits unbroken."
Amelia's gaze swept over her soldiers, each one a pillar of strength and valor. "Captain Alton has instilled in us the values of bravery, dedication, and honor. In his absence, it falls upon us to uphold those virtues, to carry the torch of his legacy into the heart of the darkness."
She gripped the hilt of her mana-infused sword, the blade humming with power. "We march not for glory or conquest, but for the survival of our homeland, for the preservation of all that we hold dear. Let our footsteps echo through the tunnels, a resounding declaration that Agorra will never surrender to the forces of darkness!"
Amelia raised her sword high, the blade casting a brilliant radiance over the assembled company. "Wolf Company, we march for Kelthane! For Agorra! For the Mad God!"
A thunderous roar erupted from the soldiers, their voices echoing through the cavern like a mighty battlecry. Amelia turned, her crimson cloak billowing behind her, and led her company towards the eastern tunnel, their footsteps resounding with purpose and determination.
As they emerged into the open, the residents of Aethelwurn lined the streets, their faces etched with awe and respect. They cheered and waved banners, offering prayers and blessings to the brave warriors marching to the aid of their beleaguered kin. Amelia held her head high, her heart swelling with pride, as Wolf Company once more ventured forth into the unknown.
Amelia's heart pounded in her chest as she led Wolf Company into the eastern tunnel, the echoes of their footsteps reverberating through the narrow passage. Despite her outward display of confidence, her palms were slick with sweat beneath her gauntlets.
"That was quite the rousing speech, Lieutenant," Seka's voice drifted up from beside her. The young woman's eyes sparkled with admiration.
Amelia felt a flush of heat creep up her neck. "Thank you, Seka," she murmured, grateful for the dim lighting that concealed her flushed cheeks. "I must confess, I spent half the night practicing it. I was sweating beneath my armor the entire time."
Seka chuckled, her laughter like a gentle melody amidst the clank of armor and gear. "A speech made you more nervous than facing down great fiends and beasts? Truly, the pen is mightier than the sword."
Amelia couldn't help but grin at the woman's teasing tone. "Perhaps it is," she conceded with a shrug, her shoulders brushing against the confines of the narrow tunnel.
As they pressed deeper into the depths, the passage grew increasingly constricted, forcing Wolf Company to march four abreast. Amelia found herself flanked by Miser at the vanguard and Nelson bringing up the rear, their armored footsteps echoing in unison.
A faint jingling sound drew Amelia's attention to Nelson, and she noticed a peculiar bag slung over his shoulder, its contents shifting with each step. Curiosity piqued, she contemplated ordering him to reveal what lay within, but thought better of it. Nelson had always been one for surprises, and she trusted him to share his secrets in due time.
Instead, Amelia focused her thoughts on the task ahead, her grip tightening around the hilt of her sword. Kelthane awaited, besieged by the terrifying Lord of the Depths and his fiendish legions. Wolf Company would answer the call, no matter the cost, for they were the vanguard of Agorra's defiance against the encroaching darkness.
* * *
Alton stood in the frozen tundra, the icy winds howling around him. He had lost track of time in this ethereal realm, his focus solely on mastering the immense power that coursed through his veins. As he cycled the dense mana, a familiar presence manifested before him – the Wolf.
The Wolf's piercing gaze met Alton's, and he could sense the weight of its words before they were spoken. "Your time here is up, Alton. If you linger any longer, you risk losing yourself to this realm."
Alton felt a pang of disappointment, but he knew the Wolf spoke the truth. He had made great strides in harnessing the power of the eighth tier, but there was still much to learn.
The Wolf seemed to sense his thoughts. "You have made remarkable progress, but it will not be enough. The challenges that lie ahead will test you in ways you cannot fathom. You must continue pushing yourself at every opportunity, for the fate of Agorra rests upon your shoulders."
Alton nodded, his determination unwavering. He knew the weight of the responsibility he carried, and he would not falter.
"My presence within Fang grows stronger as your power increases," the Wolf continued. "We are inextricably linked, our essences intertwined. Together, we will unleash a fury that will shake the foundations of this world."
Alton felt a surge of energy coursing through him, as if the Wolf's words had ignited a fire within his soul. He gripped Fang tightly, feeling the blade's thirst for battle.
The Wolf turned, beckoning Alton to follow. "Come, we shall walk together one last time before you return."
Alton fell into step beside the Wolf, and together they ventured into the swirling blizzard, their footsteps leaving no trail in the frozen expanse.
In the blink of an eye, the frozen tundra vanished, and Alton found himself back in the familiar surroundings of the barracks. He blinked, his senses adjusting to the dim light and the scent of burning candles.
Beside him, Jonah slept in a chair, his head lolled to the side, a book resting on his lap. Alton felt a surge of gratitude for his old friend, who had undoubtedly kept a vigil by his side.
As he took in the sight of the barracks, Alton knew that his journey had only just begun. The Wolf's words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. But he was ready, his resolve tempered by the trials he had faced and the power he had harnessed.