Chapter 218: Lair of Madness

Chapter 218: Lair of Madness

He knows! He knows Im the Akh Nara. Cold chills crept down Virs back. His grip on his katar tightened.

Saunak had known all along. And yet, the mad thaumaturge had said nothing. Hed revealed nothing. Was it because he simply didnt care? Or was there more going on here than met the eye?

Vir turned around slowly, scanning his surroundings. Immediately, several smaller automatons caught his eye.

Were there this many just a few minutes ago?

Well? Out with it! Saunak said, his eyes full of anticipation. What did it show you?

Oh, uh. Not much, Vir said tersely, doing everything he could to maintain a calm voice. Just scenes of some people I care about.

Ah, yes, Saunak said, nodding. This seems to be a common theme.

Um, Cirayus? Vir called. He locked eyes with the demon. I think we should leave.

Saunak appeared mortified. But why? Youve only just arrived! Why not stay longer? Theres no rush.

Vir turned to Saunak, hoping to bluff his way out of this sticky situation. With as perceptive as the thaumaturge was, hed have to put on his best act to have any hope of deceiving him. Even then, Vir didnt hold out much hope. Itd have been best to minimize how much he said to the demon from here on out, but that was equally likely to raise his suspicions.

I saw something in the Ink of Clarity just now, he lied. It showed me demons in the Demon Realm who were in danger. I think Cirayus and I should make haste to head there. Peoples lives might be in jeopardy.

Saunak hung his shoulders. Very well, then, he said in a deflated voice. If youll follow me, I can recalibrate your Artifact.nove(l)bi(n.)com

He actually bought it? Vir thought incredulously. Virs shoulders sagged as the tension flowed out of him.

The thaumaturge continued, muttering something under his breath. Vir only caught bits and pieces of it. Such a shame. So long But what if? Oh yes! Yes, that could work!

Saunak perked up visibly after his conversation with himselfsomething that put Vir on edge.

Vir sidled up next to Cirayus, whispering. We need to get out of here as soon as he fixes the orb.

Cirayus nodded, sensing the urgency in Virs voice. He had the tact not to inquire any further, lest they be overheard.

Saunak hummed to himself as he led the two to another, smaller room. This, too, was constructed of pure white floors, walls, and ceiling, all of which emanated a cool glow.

Artifact, please! Saunak said, opening his palm to Cirayus. The demon handed over the orb, and the thaumaturge inspected it from every angle.

Yes, this should be a simple affair, Saunak said, placing the orb into a receptacle that looked designed for it. The moment he did, the black metal stand glowed white with life, illuminating the orb.

Several images popped up above the table, resembling the tables Ashani had used to craft Virs Artifact chakram. Saunak peered at them intently, muttering to himself.

Cirayus, can you be a dear and lend me a hand? he asked.

The four-armed demon approached reluctantly, but Saunak held a hand up. Over there, if you please. You see that panel?

Cirayus walked over as instructed. Aye. What of it?

Push the black button on there, will you?

Cant you do this yourself?

I am needed here, Saunak said, staring at the diagrams that floated above the table.

Cirayus shrugged, then pushed the button.

The instant he did, he disappeared.

Vir spun on reflex, katar in hand, Prana Current flaring.

And that gave him leverage. Knowing the mad thaumaturges motives allowed Vir to predict his actions.

Why would I let you do this? Vir asked. Whats in this for me? And before you tell me I have no choice, you should reconsider. Ive been to the Mahdi Realm. I understand Imperium magic, to a degree. While I might not be able to escape, I am quite confident I can ruin your little tower here.

It was only partially a lie. Vir did have some knowledge of Imperium magic, both from Ashanis memory transfer and from his own experience. Using that to bring down the tower, though? That was altogether different.

Oh, really, now? Saunak said with bemusement. Why dont you show us, then? Hmm?

Virs expression hardened. Hed figured Saunak would want some proof. As a bluff, it was incredibly easy to call. But if he could somehow back it up well, thatd allow a more even bargaining field.

Saunak waited patiently, a smug smirk plastered across his face.

But Vir hadnt been idle. Hed been studying the inscriptions covering the Imperium metal walls that had slid into place and found them similar to the ones at Mahdi, albeit on a much smaller scale. The runes were different, too. In fact, they more closely resembled something hed seen before. Something familiar.

The box in the Yaksha vault.

For whatever reason, the inscription patterns on Saunaks wall were nearly identical to the rune ribbons covering that box.

I wonder

Vir extended a hand to the wall, placing his fingers on its script. He reversed Prana Current, purging his bodys dense prana into the surroundings, leaving him dry and empty.

Ignoring the wave of weakness that passed over him, Vir spun up a Current loop in his fingers, pulling Ash prana from the section of wall.

Energy steadily flowed into him, but after a few moments, Vir could tell it wasnt enough. The vault boxs inscriptions were both smaller and had been on the verge of failing. To trigger the same effect here, hed need to pull more.

A lot more.

Vir pressed his other hand to the wall and doubled the current loops in his fingers and palms.

Itll take more than pushing on the wall to defeat it, Im afraid, Saunak quipped.

Vir ignored him. Still, the current amount of pull wasnt sufficient, so he created a Current loop that coursed through his whole body. Its pulling potential was immense, but as it stood, itd pull prana from everywhere, not just the wall.

To counter this, Vir formed Prana Dam near his skin, saturating his blood cells everywhere except for his hands.

The effect was an almighty pulling pressure that sucked prana only through his fingers.

The inscription grew dimmer and dimmer until it flickered and finally died.

Vir stepped away, anticipating what would happen next.

Sure enough, the Imperium metal began to rust visibly, crumbling in on itself in just moments.

W-what!? Saunaks panicked voice came through the speaker.

Vir calmly extended his prana claws and slashed. His strike passed right through. He struck again with his other hand, forming an X.

Finally, he kicked through the wall, revealing a panic-stricken Saunak on the other side.

Vir Blinked to the demon, smashing his solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him.

What did you say about pushing, again? he asked innocently.

Saunaks mouth opened and closed, but no words came.

Grabbing his waist, Vir sunk into the shadows.

Saunak screamed for mercy. He screamed for the help of his automatons. But he was too late.

You showed me a prison of light. Now let me show you what a real prison looks like. A prison where you cannot breathe or move or feel. Welcome to my prison of darkness, Vir whispered theatrically, sinking into the Shadow Realm along with Saunak.

The mad thaumaturges screams crescendoed before silencing. The darkness had swallowed him whole.