Chapter 2: Max

Right as we approach the weird ruin, I feel like this won’t be our normal hack and slash assignment. Reagan have always been a good leader, and I do hope that will be enough. I trust him and myself to make it out of almost any situation, and I hope this isn’t a wildly unexpected one.

“Max, gather 2 squads and send them in” Reagan calls out, not bothering to look behind him.

“Yes sir” I respond, already pondering who I should send in to what feels like a trap. Hopefully a dead and too old trap to work. I call out to Captain Ulrian and Vivienne to gather their squads. They know how to be cautious and not do anything stupid. Probably our most level-headed captains. The Trusted Steel Company do have a lot of hot headed fools. They are useful in certain situations but as always, coming home alive is more important than the assigned mission.

As we come closer, I realize that the temple is bigger than I expected, the roof at least 5 men in height. The entrance large enough for ten people to go in shoulder by shoulder. After having given the orders I start to move back to Reagan. I see him speaking to the old priest. As I come closer I hear the last part of their conversation.

“… kind of protection are we talking about?” Damn, boss does not look happy about this.

“As I have said, these protections should not be active anymore. These are ruins now, protected more by this remote location than anything else”

“But still guarded by some Khalex elites. I know you want to keep all this secret, but any information you can give us will help us, and by extension, help you to actually make it out alive”

“Hiring you was more of a precaution Reagan, from bandits and the like than for the imagined threat you think this ruin is.” That would have convinced me a few days back but now? The boss does seem to share my thoughts, as I can see him frowning and mulling that over. I don’t think anyone could think this place was normal. Ruins are thought after by adventurers for their treasures. And never have I heard about a defenseless ruin or dungeon. And it is logical, if all the magic has disappeared with time and no traps work any longer, the remaining higher than average mana will attract monsters who will make nests there. So finding a dungeon or ruin empty of danger is exceedingly rare.

“I’m no mage but even I can feel that there is something magical about this place. And you want us to go in without knowing anything?” His voice is calm, but tension can be felt in the air. He is not happy about it.

“We have already payed you a hefty sum for your services, do you mean to back on your word now?” Not much to say to that, a mercenary’s word and reputation is essential for it to be successful. And the Trusted Steel Company has a pretty good reputation. Reagans hatred for mages crippled us for some time in the beginning, but when he got his first major Skill, it really helped us build up a solid reputation.

“Maybe promise a bonus for us going the extra length against unknown risks ? You do know we could legitimately tell you our mission is now done. We haven’t helped you retrieve whatever it is you are seeking, but as you said, we were hired to guard you, and guarding you we have. Plus, if there really is no threat in there, you won’t need us to scout for you.” Well said boss, bleed em dry ! I nod in approval behind him, showing that the company shares his point of view on the matter.

While the priest is considering this, the boss’s face is the very mask of calmness. His sharp nose, short cropped brown hair and mildly attractive face could have made him appear imposing, but his lack of height and slim frame makes it hard to achieve. It is a fact he hates his short stature, that ain’t no secret. But also something he uses very efficiently, for he is far more dangerous than he appears.

After pondering for a while the priests finally gives in. “It would seem you are correct on all accounts. I promise to reward you depending on the threat level found here. Does that sound acceptable?” Sly old man, so if there really isn’t anything, we won’t get any bonus. I guess it’s fair, but as a mercenary, fair really isn’t a concern.

“Alright, send them in Max” I acknowledge and order the two veteran squads to scout out the building. I really hope I’m not sending them to their deaths but I do believe they are smart enough to handle this.

As they slowly go inside, we organize the rest of the squads should anything happen. But after some time, they come back out, not a scratch on them.

“Report” I ask them sternly.

“We found no traces of battle, or most of anything except dust and footprints. The only place we did not scout was some passage underground that have been opened by someone before us. What is slightly disturbing is that the different footprints we found seem to be from vastly different time periods. Some relatively recent, some barely visible any longer.”

Good, they did not explore further without telling us about the situation. Happy about picking smart squad leaders, I walk up to Reagan and explain the situation. After thinking it over for a bit he finally shares his thoughts.

“I’m thinking the real problem won’t be to find this artifact or whatever, but actually getting out without the Khalex killing us. But that they are willing to let us get it and kill us after doesn’t make any sense. Thoughts? ”

That is a hard one. Boss has always been smarter than me, but balling his ideas helps him see more clearly. Might as well throw out crazy theories, maybe one will fit better than I think.

“Maybe the Khalex enjoy the thrill of the hunt?”

Ignoring me completely he continues.

“It doesn’t make sense. If they want to protect it, they would have killed us. If they want it gone, they can move it themselves, and if not, they wouldn’t kill us if we moved it for them.” He ponders it for a bit longer.

“Maybe they want us to destroy it? But then again, why not do it themselves?” Trying to make sense of Khalex action might not be smart. No one truly knows them. As I say as much Reagan looks at me, then pauses for effect. “I guess you are right and it’s about time to get going. I’ll take point on this one. Get the men ready”

“Yes boss!”

As we get inside, I wonder how old this place is. I mean the amount of dust in some corners is impressive. As our scouts have said, we are not the first to step into this place. I spot the fresh trails made by our own, but I can also see that there have been small and large parties to make it underground here.

Reagan seems to be thinking that it’s the Khalex that will be a problem going out, but I’m not so sure. If a party as large as I can guess from the dust trails went down there, and the artifact is still there, isn’t something incredibly dangerous down there?

“Max, first squad, with me” I hear Reagan call out from the front. The first squad is made up of only the best veterans, so the boss is definitely being cautious. But it makes sense as the stairs that go down are not very large, and only about 2 or 3 men can stand side by side. Meaning quantity won’t matter as much as using numbers becomes meaningless.

As we slowly descend, I notice the walls are remarkably smooth here. The only sound the echo of our company. It’s suffocating, I can hear the blood pumping in my veins with how silent this place is. Very unnatural. I catch Reagan glancing behind him at us, and somehow it feels like he is thinking exactly the same thing. Probably not. Nobody dares break the silence, and I can feel that It’s making me tense, but I can’t force myself to relax at all even knowing this.

The stairs down are long, but finally something changes, the stairs are at an end and a huge room greets us in complete silence. There is a big statue in the middle of the room, and it does not look friendly at all. A man deformed by fear and rage. Huge pillars are strewn about at regular intervals around it. It’s breathtaking. The level of detail and work is awe-inspiring. Used to the place being ruined and damage, I finally notice that there has been battle here, but I don’t see any corpses or even blood. But some of the damage is… familiar in how it was made. A slashing skill used there, a deep impact here. At least a few skilled people have fought here.

We inspect the room slowly, and by the time we check most of the room, the rest of the company except the 2 squads guarding the exit are down here. Behind the last squad coming down I see the priest’s walking in. They seem excited about this while our group is almost completely silent and focused. This is not the kind of place to let your guard down.

I follow Reagan as he walks towards the priests. “We have checked most of this room except the statue in the middle. There is too much magic coming from it, and does seem to be what is dangerous. As long as we do not trigger it somehow this place is safe”

“I didn’t know you could sense magic Reagan?” the old priest answers. I don’t like how satisfied of himself he seems. Like everything is exactly how he wants it to be. Really gets on my nerves.

“I can’t, but I have an artifact that helps. You do know we have no mages to detect magic in our company, so we make do with artifacts.” And a very strong anti-magic weapons in Reagan’s case, but I guess they don’t need to know that.

“Yes, well there is no need to fear, what you feel is powerful indeed, but of no danger to us.” I really hope that us includes non-priests because the way he said it I’m not so sure.

“I could go into more detail, but what you feel is merely leaked power from a demon.” I fucking knew it. Priests of Kathar are known to have no limits when it comes to become more powerful. It’s not the first time they try something with demons. I see Reagan frown at this, but he remains silent. Was this not that unexpected for him?

“Fear not, for the artifact that contains him is here, and whatever is guarding this place from burglars does not seem active. Maybe he corrupted the traps in this place or the time have simply taken its due.” The priests all seem very excited now. Like some new toy to unwrap. I do think I understand why the Khalex are guarding this place now. They don’t want demon tainted to roam their land, but if we somehow can move it without going insane, they would probably be happy. Or if we destroy it. As long as we leave them alone they seem pretty content.

“I’m not so sure there is no trap here. All that power could be masking a trap. And there have been battle here, even if it seems to be a long time ago now.” I nod to Reagan’s statement. I just hope these lunatics can listen to reason.

“We will be careful Reagan, now, we have lost enough time.” He turns his head to his accolytes. “Get in position.” He turns back to Reagan, now serious and all business. “Please keep out of the way and be sure we are not disturbed, understood?”. Reagan rolls his eyes and nods halfheartedly.

The priests form a circle around the statue, and before long start chanting in low voices. The air hums and I can feel every hair on my body stand on end. The empty globe is in front of the old priest. Do they intend to contain it inside that? That does seem incredibly dangerous. The men all stand back, fear on more than one face. Some try to appear calm and collected but betray some sort of tick of nervousness.

Reagan seems to be as restless as I am. He is pacing back and forth while I just stare at the ritual. Time passes slowly as we wait. This wait is horrible. I am no mage but even I can feel the currents of power emanating from the center of the room. After what must have been an eternity, they finally stop the ritual. I don’t understand why, because nothing has changed.

I see the priests gathering around the statue and Reagan walking up to them. I hurry along to back up Reagan just in case he needs me. As I come up to them I quickly understand the situation. The priests merely located the artifact. It seems to be inside the statue. They claim there are no traps at work here and want to destroy the statue to collect the artifact. Reagan is against it, claiming he just knows there is a trap and they missed it, that he can feel it in his gut. The discussion continues for a while, getting nowhere.

I can’t say I don’t agree with Reagan but they are the magic experts and maybe he is a bit paranoid on this one. He usually is extra touchy when it comes to magic. I understand why but in this case I do think it might be unnecessary. This place still gives me goosebumps but I’m not as afraid and everything after being here a while.

I spot one of the priests pick up a hammer from a backpack and walk up to the statue. Neither Reagan nor the old priest seem to notice him. As he positions himself with the hammer to break the statues foot, both notice him. The acolyte stands in position, waiting for the go ahead. The old priest nods to his apprentice as Reagan draws his sword, getting into battle position. Paranoid until the end it seems.

As the apprentice hammer hits the statue and breaks its leg, everything changes. I feel a torrent of vicious emotions swirling up inside me. By reflex I grab my head and hunch over. It’s too much. It’s so much and so violent the emotions hurt. From the corner of my eyes I can see others going completely insane. One plucking out his eyes and throwing them away while laughing. Another cutting of his hand and give it to another person. One of the acolytes is actually chopping a guy up while humming.

It’s hilarious! I laugh so hard I have to hold my ribcage. It’s wrong. Something is wrong but maybe that’s what makes it so funny! I roll around on the floor laughing as I see someone scream as hard as he can while pulling out his guts, measuring how long they are. No, something is wrong and I know what it is. Reagan and the head priest are not funny. They are so serious, looking at the fallen statue’s rubbles. Huh, I didn’t notice it fell. Hahahaha ! Why is it funny? Why wouldn’t it be? I don’t know and that’s really funny! I stop laughing suddenly.

No, this isn’t fun if everyone is not having fun. I stalk towards Reagan hopping from behind cover and hiding behind corpses, creeping forward, a huge grin on my face. This is going to be hilarious! Almost everyone has joined in on the fun now, fighting, bleeding, laughing. I notice a large black marble in the statue’s rubble, and I feel like it is pulsing at the same time as my heart. Is that the source of all this fun we are having? I bet Reagan is resisting just because of his anti-magic sword, wouldn’t it be a good joke if he suddenly lost it? Yes, I think it would be a very nice prank!

Fighting, Reagan and the priest are having trouble keeping acolytes and mercenaries in check without killing them. But can’t they see? They all want to die and die with you! So mean of them to deny them this last request. Suddenly, this isn’t fun and games anymore, and I can’t stop this blood red rage from welling up inside of me. Hate for Reagan and the priest. So much hate. They have to die. Die, DIE.

I barely notice that they have started killing the people around them and I charge forward, sword in hand behind them, drool leaking as I feel my muscle stronger than ever before. Suddenly I’m already behind them, and I swing down my weapon at Reagan’s back. He notices at the last second and deflects the blow. Already surrounded by 10 men screaming in rage now, I notice the head priest bleeding out beside him. Good, but Reagan still stands. So much hate.

“DIEEEEEE!” I yell at the top of my lungs as I lunge at him again.

I can barely register his movement as I see his body move unnaturally fast suddenly. The hateful man used his best skill on me? His friend? How dare he. How I loathe him for all his crimes, all the misery he inflicted on us all. My hate cannot be stopped, it will consume you.

I roar again as I bring down my weapon on him, only no weapon is swung. I suddenly notice my right arm is missing. I seem to be bleeding an awful lot from my gut too. I fall to my knees, and my vision starts to darken. Why did I hate Reagan so? Why did he kill me? I’m suddenly confused, unable to understand what happened in the last minutes of my life.

Laying on the ground, bleeding out, I make one last effort to understand. I try to look up, and see that Reagan is by the shimmering black stone. Muscle strained even though nothing is pressing against him. But he seems to be struggling to even stand right now. Slowly he raises his sword over it. With a visible effort, he brings the sword down and shatters the marble. I can see Reagan visibly recoil from something, but I have a hard time seeing what’s happening anymore, but I hear screams and laughing.

As my vision fades, clarity comes. I understand what happened. I can feel that I’ll die in a matter of seconds now, but time does not flow like it usually does. Slow, so slow now, but somehow frighteningly fast. As I try to open my eyes one last time before I leave this world, I think I glimpse Reagan hovering above me, a tear rolling down his cheek. Heh, I try to smile at that before the darkness consumes everything around me. Goodbye friend, I’m sorry.