Chapter 139

Chapter 139

What is that, the third one? I grumbled, seeing an undead troll patrolling up and down the tunnel.

More like the fifth, Raven grumbled. He promised this place was dangerous, but its safe enough for a baby.

The path out of the dungeon to Tehomal actually quite well maintained. Despite Vitos warning, the undead monsters in the area were killing everything that wandered into the space. Seems a little overprotective of you, Maxwell chuckled.

I guess so, I agreed.

The initial tunnel leading from the dungeon spiraled down quickly before it opened into a series of tight tunnels and caverns that wove into a maze. Fortunately, Vito had clearly marked the path. I expected it to be nearly pitch-black, but various plants growing on the floor and ceiling provided ample natural light. The dim light was irrelevant to us.

Early on, we passed the tunnel that led to the altar of creation that Maxwell and my sister had used. It wasnt deep into Tehomal and was guarded by a powerful death knight left there by Vito.

I rode on Shadow. It had a long time since Id taken him out. Maxwell and Raven sat on the back of Snappy. Theyd thought about bringing their horses, but decided against it, worried about Vitos warnings. The giant kurmor, a death biome snapping turtle, would be a tough customer for anything that decided it looked tasty.

It took us half a day to reach Vitos fortress. It was built within a larger than normal cavern. Lichen growing on the ceiling gave it an eerie glow that cast faint flickers off the stream of water winding its way through the floor of the cave. We entered via a tunnel larger than the rest.

The castle was at the far end of the cavern. Though several months had passed, I was still impressed by the amount of work he accomplished. While the wall facing the cavern wasnt high, the fortress itself was built up onto the cavern wall behind.

In the cavern, which was the size of two soccer fields, I spotted various monsters both living and undead. The ceiling was supported in several places by large pillars of stone surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

The trail we were following wound its way through the center, where it joined up with the stream. As we approached the fortress, we crossed onto something I recognized. It was the mycelium network the micilium needed to exist. Vito had taken several who were strong enough to survive off the network with him and they had established a new colony.

I bet this is why Jessica could take that race, I said. Creatures inside of a dungeon dont normally count towards things like that.

I had thought it was a little strange that she had access to it because of the dungeon, Maxwell said. I had forgotten Vito had taken some with him and set up a colony.

Vito, I dont want to wipe out another city. I stopped, making Vito turn to look at me. We were inside a tunnel cut into the stone walls of the cavern.

We wont. Well just conquer it, Vito explained. Theyre not the only city in their nation, but they are isolated.

Now youre picking a fight with not just the city but with an entire nation? I glared at Vito.

Yes, Vito said flatly. I am securing a stronghold to serve as your refuge. He partly understood my hesitation, but he believed I was being soft. Maybe he was right.

I let out a long sigh. Okay, Vito, Im not going to massacre civilians, but if they resist us, then I guess it is what it is. Vito smiled at my words, his vampiric canines showing prominently.

I trusted Vito. He may not understand my dilemmas, but he respected them nonetheless. Ive reached out to the Order of Equinox as well. Vito gestured for us to continue following. They have expressed interest, at the very least in setting up a presence in your main base of operations.

How did you get a hold of them? Maxwell asked. Are they down in Tehomal?

I do not know that. I dont see why not, Vito said. I was able to get in touch with them because I know a vampire who is a member.

They let vampires be members? Maxwell gave Vito a surprised look. Arent you a little He paused, looking for the word before giving up. Not neutral.

Both Vito and I stopped and looked at Maxwell. Really? I asked.

No, youre different, Maxwell stammered. Vito isnt Im just goanna shut up.

Vito chuckled. It is a fair assumption. The man I know is a soul vampire, to be fair. I knew that the difference between regular vampires like Vito and normal soul vampires was not simple, regular vampires were devolved soul vampires. Vampires can be neutral like soul vampires, but its more challenging.

Maxwell nodded. I might have heard that mentioned before. Sorry for any offense I dealt, none was intended.

Worry not, Vito shrugged. It is a common misunderstanding.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.