Chapter 314 — Into the Depths
The Hollow's council chamber buzzed with quiet conversation as Kael strode in, a leather ledger tucked beneath his arm. His boots echoed on the stone floor, silencing the room. Each council member sat in their accustomed place, eyes turning toward him with expectation.
"Let's begin," Kael said, placing the ledger on the table and opening it to the neat rows of names and numbers. "The two hundred newcomers have settled in, and we must finalize their assignments."
He read aloud from the pages.
"Seventy have joined the militia. Most are young, eager, and hungry for a chance to defend what they now call home. Rogan and Thalos will oversee their training."
Rogan grunted approval. "They'll need hardening, but I'll turn them into fighters worth their weight in steel."
"Fifty have chosen to work in agriculture," Kael continued, "assisting in expanding the farms and ensuring our food stores remain secure. Lyria, you'll see to their integration."
Lyria gave a quiet nod, already jotting notes in her own book.
"Forty have gone into crafts—blacksmiths, tailors, carpenters. They'll support Selina's workshops and the growing demands of our caravans."
Selina smirked, her eyes glinting. "I'll see what they're capable of. If they can't keep up, they'll learn fast or be left behind."
Kael went on. "Twenty have joined the miners, willing to work the tunnels, the forges, and—eventually—the dungeons. Ten healers, under Azhara's watch, offering both medical aid and alchemical skill. And the last ten have chosen general labor—messengers, couriers, and builders."
The room sat in a thoughtful silence for a moment. For the first time, the Hollow had structure—layers of people filling roles, working toward something larger than survival.
Kael closed the ledger. "This is a beginning. Not perfection, but progress. Make use of them wisely."
A short while later, in his private chamber, Kael penned a note onto parchment with quick, purposeful strokes.
Thalren,
The first shipment of iron, mana crystals, and a measure of magisteel is enclosed. Inform me if more is needed. Keep me updated on your progress with the prototypes. Our people's future depends on it.
He sealed the letter with black wax and pressed his signet into it, then handed it to a courier along with the crates of materials.
"See that this reaches the Ocean Kingdom without delay," Kael instructed. The courier bowed and departed, the sound of wheels and hooves soon echoing from the gate.
That evening, Kael reconvened with the council, but this time his tone carried more weight.
"There's another matter." His gaze swept over them, lingering on Zerathis before he spoke again. "Our dungeon has been partially mapped, but only its upper levels. We've been careful, cautious. Too cautious. If we are to build an economy from what lies within, we must know what truly rests in its depths."
A hush fell across the chamber.
"You propose sending a party deeper?" Zerathis asked, folding his arms.
Kael nodded. "Deeper than any have gone before. Not just to fight. To chart the terrain, identify resources, and prepare for future expeditions. The dungeons are dangerous, yes, but they are also our lifeblood. Every herb, every ore vein, every beast core could turn into wealth or strength for the Hollow."
Varik's brows knit. "The deeper you go, the stronger the monsters. You'll need more than a handful of men swinging swords. You'll need strategy."
Selina leaned forward, eyes bright with the thrill of the idea. "And you'll need collectors—people who know what's valuable, what's rare. Send warriors alone and they'll come back with nothing but blood."
Azhara raised a hand weakly, her voice steady though her body still carried the marks of her ordeal. "And healers. If they're to survive what lurks below, they'll need healers. Otherwise, the deeper floors will chew them up and spit them out."
Kael listened to them all before answering. "Then we'll build it properly. A party balanced in arms, skill, and knowledge. This will not be a reckless dive into darkness. It will be our first true expedition."
Zerathis's lips curved in the faintest shadow of a smile. "At last. Something worthy of our strength."
The council murmured their agreement, though unease and anticipation mingled in the air.
Kael leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "We've fought wars. We've carved a home out of stone and shadow. Now we must learn what lies beneath it. The dungeon is ours to claim, and with it, the power to ensure no enemy ever threatens the Hollow again."
The flames in the braziers flickered as if stirred by his conviction. And though doubt still lingered among them, none could deny the truth in his words.
The Hollow would go deeper. And what they found would shape the future of their people.