Chapter 63, "Shadows Beneath the Mine":
The forest gave way to a rocky clearing where an old, weathered mine stood, half-hidden by overgrown vines and moss. Its entrance was sealed with heavy wooden planks, reinforced by iron bars. Alarcus frowned, crossing his arms. "This is it? An abandoned mine?"
Camilla nodded, her expression calm. "It's not just any mine. Watch."
She stepped forward, cupping her hands around her mouth, and let out a series of sharp, melodic bird calls. For a moment, the forest remained silent. Then, with a low rumble, the ground near the mine's entrance shifted. A hidden staircase slowly emerged, descending into darkness.
Alarcus raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Cute trick. Let's hope what's inside is worth it."
A man stepped out from the shadows at the top of the stairs, armed with a worn but sturdy blade. His eyes scanned the group warily before landing on Camilla. His stance relaxed as recognition dawned. "Camilla, you're back. And you brought... guests?"
"They're with me, Niall," Camilla said with a small smile. "We're here on important business. Let us through."
The man hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. "Welcome to our humble base."
As they descended, the air grew cooler, the scent of damp earth mingling with faint traces of herbs and medicinal salves. The tunnel opened into a cavern illuminated by flickering lanterns. Makeshift cots and beds lined the walls, most of them occupied by the injured. Men, women, and even children lay in silence, their pale faces etched with pain and exhaustion. A few rebels moved between them, tending to wounds and offering bowls of thin broth.
Alarcus's face twisted in frustration. "This is your rebellion? It's a hospital, not a stronghold."
Seraphine, standing beside him, surveyed the scene with a critical eye. "They're survivors, not soldiers. But this isn't what I expected either."
Camilla turned to them, her tone defensive. "We're doing what we can. This is one of many bases—we focus on keeping people alive here."
Before either could respond, a gruff voice called out from the far end of the cavern. "Camilla, it's good to see you again."
A tall man with a muscular frame and a heavy axe strapped to his back approached them. His armor was dented and scratched, but his stance exuded confidence. His sharp green eyes darted between Alarcus and Seraphine. "Who are your friends?"
"Seraphine, a holy knight," she introduced herself. "And this is Alarcus, a mage."
Camilla added, "This is Eirik, one of the rebellion's leaders and the only adventurer strong enough to hold a B-rank here."
Eirik grinned wryly. "Strong enough, sure, but most of my time's spent keeping these people alive. Camilla's been our doctor and more reliable than half my fighters."
Seraphine stepped forward. "We don't have time for pleasantries. I would be more then happy to join and help you but we're tracking a demon—a sloth demon. It's already caused immense destruction, and we have reason to believe it's close."
Eirik's expression darkened. "A demon, you say? That's beyond our capacity, but if Camilla says you're trustworthy, I'll help however I can."
Alarcus, however, was growing impatient. His fists clenched at his sides. "Enough talking. We need to move. Every second wasted is another chance for that thing to—"
A deafening crash interrupted him. The ground shook violently, and distant screams echoed from the mine's entrance. Everyone froze. Eirik grabbed his axe, his expression grim. "Stay here!" he barked at the other rebels before rushing toward the sound.
Seraphine and Alarcus followed, their weapons ready. As they neared the entrance, the metallic tang of blood and the acrid smell of burnt flesh filled the air.
The sloth demon stood amidst the burning wreckage, its massive shadowy form crackling with lightning. Tendrils of darkness spiraled around it like writhing serpents, merging with the arcs of electricity that scorched the ground beneath its claws. Its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Seraphine, and its twisted mouth curled into a vicious snarl.
"Well, well," it hissed, its voice a low, guttural growl. "If it isn't the insolent little knight who dared to stain my honor."
Seraphine's grip on Excalibur tightened, the holy blade glowing faintly in the demon's oppressive presence. "You've brought enough suffering. This ends now."
The demon stretched lazily, its claws flexing as it let out a long yawn, completely unfazed by her words. "You humans and your speeches... Always so tiresome." Its maw stretched wide in another exaggerated yawn. "It was you who ruined my feast, dared to wound me with that accursed sword, and sullied my pride by hiding among these pathetic mortals."
Lightning arced across its massive form, scorching the stones beneath it. The shadows swirling around it grew denser, creeping toward the edges of the cavern like living tendrils.
"You should've died that day, knight," it growled, its voice dripping with malice. "But now, I'll correct that mistake—and feast on your flesh!"
Seraphine raised Excalibur, the blade's light intensifying. "Your pride blinds you, demon. I escaped because of the strength of those who believe in me. That strength will end you."
The demon let out a booming laugh, the cavern shaking under the weight of its malice. "Strength? Don't flatter yourself. You're just a lucky pest." Another yawn escaped it, and its claws raked lazily across the ground, leaving scorched grooves in the stone. "Though I'll admit... the chase was mildly entertaining."
Before the demon could speak further, Alarcus stepped forward, Zetsuei trailing behind him like a silent sentinel. His voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Do you remember me, you arrogant beast?"
The demon's glowing eyes flicked to Alarcus, its head tilting slightly. "Hmmm... let me think... No."
Alarcus's jaw clenched, fury radiating from him. "You destroyed my home. You killed my family. And now you're going to pay for it!"
The demon tilted its head, the shadows around it twisting erratically as it smirked. "Ahhh, yes. One of those nameless villages. Such delicious despair." Its voice grew mocking. "But you? I didn't even notice you."
Magic flared around Alarcus, a fiery aura crackling with power. "You'll notice me now!"
The demon laughed, the sound like thunder rumbling through the cavern. "Insects, all of you! I'll crush you like the vermin you are!"
Seraphine stepped closer to Alarcus, glancing back at Zetsuei, who stood ready, its glowing eyes locked on the demon. Her voice was low but firm. "Alarcus, listen. Can you hold him off? This might be your best chance for vengeance, but there are still people here who need saving."
Alarcus turned to her, his face a mix of rage and resolve. "You're asking me to fight this thing alone?"
"I'm asking if you're strong enough to do it," she replied, meeting his gaze. "If you can, I'll make sure these people live to tell the tale of your victory. If we both stay, we risk losing everyone."
Alarcus hesitated, then glanced at Zetsuei. The golem's glowing eyes met his, and it gave a slight nod, almost as if understanding the burden Alarcus was about to bear.
"I'll do it," Alarcus said finally, his voice steady. "I'll hold him off. Just make sure they get out alive."
Seraphine nodded, gripping Excalibur tightly. "You have my word. Don't die on me, Alarcus. I've seen too many lives lost to this monster already."
The sloth demon's laughter echoed once more, louder and darker. "How touching. Splitting up like this only makes you easier to devour." Its shadows surged forward, twisting and writhing, while sparks of lightning illuminated the cavern in bursts of blinding light.
Zetsuei stepped beside Alarcus, its mechanical arms shifting into combat-ready positions. Alarcus took a deep breath, his magic flaring even brighter. "This isn't just about me anymore," he muttered. "You're going down, no matter what."
As Seraphine sprinted to rally the injured and guide them to safety, the sloth demon roared, its shadows converging into jagged spikes and its lightning crackling in a deadly storm. Alarcus and Zetsuei braced themselves for the fight of their lives.