As Daniel's group sped through the long, dimly lit tunnel, the ground sloped upwards towards the exit. A burst of sunlight streamed in, the harsh light of the late afternoon sun (around 4-5 pm) illuminating the tunnel's interior.
Emerging from the tunnel, they remained hot on the trail of the leader behind the attacks on his family. The sky overhead was a vivid blue, dotted with wispy clouds. This idyllic scene, however, stood in stark contrast to the hellish landscape that unfolded before them.
Daniel and his companions were greeted by a horrific sight – a vast concentration camp teeming with shackled, haggard slaves. Alongside it stood several massive sacrificial altars dedicated to Greek gods. But unlike the traditional offerings of goats, these altars were stained with the dried blood of human sacrifices.
Blood trails littered the camp grounds, adding to the gruesome scene. High above the center of the camp, a large, bloodstained dreamcatcher floating suspended in the air. Its white, bony texture hinted at the bones of some unknown creatures. It seemed to collect and trap the unspeakable emotions and agonizing souls of the enslaved humans below.
Each prisoner within the camp bore the unmistakable signs of malnourishment. Oppression and torture had clearly driven them to the brink of insanity. Yet, they were kept alive – just alive enough to work but too weak to fight back.
Within the camp, men toiled in designated work areas. Some dug a massive grave that might one day hold them. Others, under the watchful eye of the wardens, polished human and creature skulls to an unnatural sheen. The women weren't spared either. Inside a tent, they endured a gruesome form of labor – bloodletting, their life essence collected in a large glass tank.
"What in the world is this place?" Daniel's voice was tinged with anger as he clenched his teeth, looking at the gruesome scene.
"This... appears to be where the Alchemont clan produces their magical ingredients, using virgin women for their blood and men for polishing bone and skull materials for magical ritual," Montgomery explained, his voice tinged with disgust.
He feeling disgust at this place, sure, he is also a mage who are juggling his own loyalty between Path of Knowledge and Magic Harmony
"What about that thing floating above the camp?" Daniel gestured towards the bone dreamcatcher. Having stopped his hoverbike amidst the concentration camp, he and his group were ignored by the people there, likely mistaken for wardens themselves.
"I'm not sure," Montgomery replied, shaking his head.
Just then, one of the wardens patrolling the camp approached Daniel's group as they parked their hoverbikes nearby.
"Sir, may I check your identification?" the warden asked Daniel. Daniel glanced at Montgomery, expecting him to handle the situation given his recent association with the wardens.
"Oh, this is my identification. You can check," Montgomery said, handing his mage circle identification card to the warden for verification. True to his nature, this slippery eel indeed had an identification card.
Daniel decided to wait for the verification to finish before making his move to catch the leader. If he couldn't capture the leader, then he would gather as much information as possible and leave. While he wanted to help the enslaved people, unfamiliarity with the place made him cautious. He planned to return with reinforcements later to rescue the slaves.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The beeping sound came from the guard's cell phone, and he quickly checked it. His expression changed to one of hostility, signaling trouble. Daniel sensed danger looming.
"Lord Owl order! All people wandering here besides lord Owl himself is intruders, and must be eliminated on si—"
A sudden downpour of blood erupted from above, drenching the camp in a grotesque crimson rain. Primal instincts screamed a warning within Daniel. Reacting with lightning speed, he activated one of his spell cards.
—
Card: Sanctuary of Light
Picture: The image depicts a holy sanctuary resembling a grand cathedral, crafted from pure light, shielding an entire army from a sea of hellfire.
Rarity: Rare
Type: Quick Spell
Mana Cost: 1 Light, 2 Non-element.
Description:
Creatures you control gain [Indestructible] until the end of the turn.
Flavor text:
"In the darkness of hell, a grand cathedral of light arose, shielding the faithful crusaders from the wrath of the lord of hell."
—
Suddenly, a magnificent cathedral of light materialized, expanding rapidly to encompass nearly the entire concentration camp. It enveloped the slaves within a radiant sanctuary, a stark contrast to the grotesque rain of blood pouring down from above.
The crimson deluge struck the protective barrier, dissolving harmlessly into motes of shimmering light. A breathtaking display of holiness and protection unfolded.
Outside the sanctuary, however, a horrifying scene played out. The blood rained down on the unprotected ground, instantly eating through the earth like a potent acid. Trees withered and melted upon contact, the rain's destructive power can kill even the toughest hydra.
The sight of their newfound salvation contrasted sharply with the horrifying fate of those left outside. A wave of awe washed over the slaves. Some, devout followers of the Christian faith, fell to their knees in fervent prayer, their eyes fixed on Daniel. In their minds, he had become a messianic figure, a divine messenger sent to deliver them from this nightmare.
The Grand Cathedral of Light held out for more than 30 minutes, while Daniel remained seated on his hoverbike without moving, his eyes closed as if he were sleeping. In reality, he was preparing the card he would use in case he confronted the person behind this stunt.
Montgomery watched Daniel with a hint of worry, observing the canopy of the Grand Cathedral of Light above. He feared it might vanish, leaving them vulnerable to a gruesome fate. Meanwhile, Vlad and Hermes were in stark contrast; they were nonchalance, engaging in a game of chess, using board and pieces that Hermes transmuted from soil, while waiting for this abominable rain to end.