Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 82 Underground

In a luxurious mansion, the large living room was a blend of modern extravagance and timeless elegance. The room was expansive, with a vaulted ceiling that created an airy, open atmosphere. A crystal chandelier hung from the center, casting a warm glow over the space.

The floor was covered with a plush carpet that contrasted with the sleek, marble tiles extending into the hallway. The walls were adorned with a mix of contemporary art pieces and a classic Victorian design, lending a touch of old-world charm.

Despite the refined decor, there was an ominous edge to the room—strategically placed along the walls were various weapons, swords, spears, and axes, each displayed as if they were art pieces themselves.

Three stunning women lounged on the lavish sofas that framed a large flat-screen TV. The centerpiece of the room, the television, was currently displaying the news, though the subject matter was anything but engaging.

A tall, graceful maid stood quietly to the side, her posture perfect as she awaited instructions. Amena, dressed in a traditional black and white maid outfit that accentuated her slender frame, had her brown hair tied back neatly, and her blue eyes were sharp with awareness.

The reporter on the screen droned on monotonously, her voice devoid of any real enthusiasm.

"In local news today, the city council has announced yet another round of talks regarding the budget allocation for public transport. Despite ongoing debates, there has been little progress. Residents express growing frustration with the delays, citing the continued issues with overcrowding and outdated infrastructure..."

A young woman with fiery red hair shifted restlessly on one of the sofas, her impatience palpable. She was dressed in a pair of loose, boyish shorts and a hoodie that was clearly not her own—it was too large, the sleeves hanging past her hands. The hoodie bore the unmistakable scent of its owner, Alicarde, and the woman wore it like a prized possession.

Her vibrant amber eyes flashed with irritation as she finally spoke up.

"Why are we watching the news?" she demanded, her voice laced with frustration.

This was Argint, a spirited and feisty individual whose temper matched her fiery hair. Her youthful features were striking, though her current expression was one of annoyance.

A delicate, mocking laugh came from the woman seated across from her. This was Elizalina, a silver-haired beauty with piercing grey eyes that seemed to see right through anyone they rested on.

She was dressed in a form-fitting red dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure, the fabric clinging to her like a second skin. Her demeanor was one of calculated elegance, every movement she made exuding a cold, sophisticated grace.

"It is understandable that someone of your nature may find it challenging to comprehend the actions of those who operate on a more elevated level of intellect and sophistication," Elizalina began, her voice dripping with condescension.

"But even an individual of your... limited faculties should be able to appreciate the importance of staying informed. Knowledge, after all, equates to power, though I fear such a notion might elude your grasp."

Argint's eyes narrowed, her fists clenching in her lap as she prepared a retort. Before she could lash out, Amena interrupted with her usual calm efficiency.

"Mistress, I have just received access to the databanks. It appears that Alicarde was successful in retrieving the information," Amena announced, her tone even and composed as she addressed the room.

She raised her wrist and lightly tapped it to create a floating hologram screen in front of her. Lines of data flowed across the screen, each reflecting a wealth of information.

The third woman in the room, who had thus far remained silent, finally spoke. She was an aloof beauty with long, dark hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves, her violet eyes sparkling with an intelligence that seemed almost otherworldly.

She wore a sleek, black dress that highlighted her seductive figure, the fabric shimmering slightly in the ambient light. Her voice, when she spoke, was smooth and commanding, carrying a tone of regal authority.

"Excellent," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I expected nothing less from my Alicarde. With access to the government's database, we now hold a most valuable asset. This information will undoubtedly prove instrumental in furthering our plans."

Argint tilted her head, confusion flashing across her face.

"Wait, what... what are you guys up to?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Elizalina couldn't resist the opportunity to taunt her.

"Oh, my dear," she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness, "it is almost endearing how you struggle to keep pace. I suppose it is a challenge for one of your... rudimentary intellect to comprehend the intricacies of what we are discussing."

Argint bristled at the insult, shooting back, "At least I don't spend all my time sitting around like some overgrown ornament, pretending to be a queen. Maybe if you actually did something, you'd know what it's like to get your hands dirty... parasite."

Elizalina's smile didn't waver, but her eyes darkened.

Carrisa allowed a small, calculating smile to cross her lips. "The aim is to assert control over Evergreen City," she stated.

Argint's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You don't mean... the nexus. I see. You wish to establish this place as your territory and lay the groundwork for your return to the Demiplane."

Carrisa's plan wasn't difficult to discern. She intended to establish the nexus here in the mundane world, where she could steadily build her forces and reap its benefits. However, there were complications.

The Demiplane, though dangerous, was rich in resources. If Carrisa desired resources here, she would have to acquire them through theft or conquest.

Elizalina placed a hand on her chin, her expression thoughtful as she spoke in a calm, measured tone.

"A nexus... I see you are pursuing the one I recently sensed emitting waves. By my estimation, every major power in this world will covet it. Should you secure it, you will require a substantial force to defend it."

"I have already amassed an army," Carrisa declared confidently.

"You are referring to the Nightshades?" Argint questioned, her voice laced with both acknowledgment and skepticism.

Elizalina's curiosity was piqued. "The Nightshades?" she inquired, her tone still composed yet tinged with genuine interest.

"The Nightshades are a tribe of warriors and assassins, banished to the wastelands," Argint explained.

"They somehow ended up here due to Wrath and the nexus."

Amena, ever precise and efficient, provided additional context for Elizalina.

"The incident that led to Alicarde obtaining Wrath involved the Nightshades. They were transported here by the nexus's power."

Elizalina nodded slowly, her expression contemplative.

"I see. I have heard tales of their prowess as assassins. From what I understand, they surpass even the dark elves in stealth and lethality, while also being formidable warriors. Quite a formidable combination."

Argint, her mind racing with this new information, asked, "Is that why we aren't assisting Ali with his revenge quest?"

Carrisa nodded. "Indeed. He has his role to play while we handle the repercussions. His vendetta will likely lead him to target key government figures associated with Zagarath. Our task is to replace them with our own."

"I understand, but we are still somewhat undermanned," Argint noted. "Unless you bring the Nightshades here. Which raises the question—why are they not here already?"

"The Nightshades have currently ventured to a place in this world called the Underground to refine their combat skills," Amena explained, her stoic demeanor unwavering.

"The Underground? Where is that?" Argint asked, her curiosity piqued.

Carrisa's expression was one of calm authority as she elaborated.

"It is a concealed realm beneath the earth, where numerous supernatural creatures and flora remain hidden from the mundane surface world."

Amena tapped her hologram, displaying a few images.

"Have you heard of the novel Alice in Underground, written by a mage inspired by some accounts concerning the Underground?" she continued.

Argint nodded, recalling the children's book that had gained popularity in the mundane world.

Elizalina, ever the voice of cold pragmatism, added in a calm tone, "I have heard some tales. It is akin to the wastelands—dangerous, teeming with many monsters and horrors, though not quite on par with the wastelands. I suspect many of them have already perished by now."

"My mistress did supply them with the bulk of what little potions we had left," Amena added. "In hopes of increasing their chances of survival."

"Let us hope they are not all dead. Now then, what is the plan?" Argint questioned Carrisa.