Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Before the Storm

"So, what will you do now?"

"What's this? Are you afraid that I might run off, Kalman?"

"Something is stirring in this city. Perhaps it's just a coincidence, perhaps this is a plot by someone, but soon, there will be chaos. If you want to leave, this might just be your chance."

"Leaving this city is one thing, but escaping it is another. Sure, a few mages appear to be planning to seek out whatever lies beneath the tower, and surely, they won't be keen on sharing, but that's just a few currents underneath an otherwise calm surface. Even if I were to leave the city, if there's leeway, someone will come after me. Shaking off the pursuit of mages isn't going to be easy, especially as I am right now. What I require are the winds that will conjure up a maelstrom. Only then will an opening be revealed."

"So we'll be sticking to the plan then?"

"Of course. Besides, it's not as if you'd let me leave so easily, would you?"

"........."

At Kalman's silence, Theodore flashed a wicked grin. In his panic, Kalman had revealed a weakness. At the very least, right now, Kalman absolutely needed Theodore, a vulnerability that could be exploited if need be.

"More importantly," Theodore changed the subject, "I'm curious about the 'treasure' that's being talked about. Depending on what it is, I rather it not fall into the hands of other mages. If it is true that it would grant someone the power to rival that of the elders, then it would make obtaining the Alvan ship far too easy. The coming struggle for the ship has to last long enough for me to go far, far away from this place at least. I'd say that we're going to have to find it before anyone else and either destroy it or steal it. What say you, Kalman?"

"My goal was never what lies beneath the tower. You may do whatever you deem is best with whatever you find down there."

"It is decided then."

"So it is, but what is your plan for getting to it? We don't exactly hold the advantage in this race."

"I'll do what I always do: I put one foot in front of the other and see where that gets me."

"Surely you jest. You must have at least an idea of what to do, don't you?"

"Don't mistake my vast memories for omniscience, Kalman. There's still plenty to know about the tower and the ruins beneath the city. I can only take this one step at a time and make use of what I find. Still, there's no need to worry. With each step taken, surely, the path ahead would expand. There's no need to fear the unknown, as in the darkness lies more opportunities."

"Spoken like a true Demon Lord," Kalman commended as he considered those words. Rarely were his compliments sincere, but this time was one of those rare moments.

As the two conversed over dinner, Fiana listened in silence, feeling that there was no place for her in-between the two. From watching them, she felt ostracized and knew not where she should place these feelings.

Oblivious to Fiana's feelings, the two continued their discussion, only remembering to eat long after the food had gone cold.

***

You are reading story Demon Lord Royale at novel35.com

Twelve days since the Dandelion Mandragora was planted in the hole Theodore dug in his bedroom. Nurtured with the occasional watering, the light from the brightstone lamp, and the rich Aether provided by the enchanted bricks, the plant that was once called the Stonebreaker Mandragora had reached its full maturity and its roots had since penetrated deep into the bedding of enchanted bricks.

After spending three days pulling out all of the roots, and making sure to collect every single seed without fail, a path was revealed beyond the loose and broken bricks. So loose were the bricks, the ground had given way as Theodore was pulling out the last of the roots.

It was as Theodore had expected, the hole had led to a part of the sewers, with water flowing down the middle and walkways to the sides. Perhaps if explored deeply enough, the ruins that this was all built on top of could be discovered. Theodore would certainly hope that it would be the case.

After returning to his room via the hole, it would be three more days before Theodore returned underground. As he could not possibly anticipate what he might encounter down in this damp, dark place, there was much to prepare for before setting out.

Eventually, after spending about two months trapped within the workshop ground, Theodore finally took a step outside. Though, it wasn't quite the outdoors per se.

"Are you sure that you'll be fine alone?" asked Kalman, speaking from the mouth of the hole. As the hole was dug to incline gradually and was not straight down, the elder's face could not be seen. However, his concern could certainly be heard in his voice.

"I'll be fine. Unlike you, I'm quite confident in my nimbleness. If you tag along, you'd just slow me down. Besides, I fear that the deeper I go, the longer it will take for me to return. It would be best if there's someone to keep an eye on how things are developing up there."

"Very well then. However, if you ever feel like you need help, go ahead and ask. I may be an alchemist, but even I have a few tricks up my sleeves when it comes to fighting. If not, I'll just send Fiana to go with you. I'm sure we can get her a few days off from work."

"We'll see how it goes. In the meantime, I should look around. I ought to get familiar enough to recognize my way back at least."

"You do that. Good luck."

With that, Theodore took a step into darkness. With nothing but a pouch of potions and medicine at his side as well as a brightstone lamp in his hand, he felt in his heart a hint of excitement as the unknown stretched out before him.

"Feels like it took forever to get here," Theodore muttered to himself. "And I'll bet there's still more to come."

A smile appeared across Theodore's face, a childish smile of excitement fitting for his age. With his heart thumping in anticipation as he looked into the darkness, he saw the adventures to be had ahead.

With that, Theodore took a step forward, one foot in front of the other.

***

End of Chapter 86

***

You can find story with these keywords: Demon Lord Royale, Read Demon Lord Royale, Demon Lord Royale novel, Demon Lord Royale book, Demon Lord Royale story, Demon Lord Royale full, Demon Lord Royale Latest Chapter