Nirar (in frustration):
"Damn… the old map showed an open passage here, but it looks like the military council sealed this sector with reinforced crystal-concrete. The way to the weapons depot is completely blocked."
Miron (striking the wall with his good hand):
"Impossible! This passage is the only lifeline to the central reservoir. If we don't get through, we're trapped in this filth until morning."
Darius (whispering as he examines the cracks):
"Pikos, do you still have those small thermal charges? We need a silent blast — or at least something to shake this foundation open."
Pikos (trembling as he holds his bag):
"Charges? Yes… but if they explode here, the ceiling could collapse on our heads and we'd drown in this filthy water. Is this the ending you imagined for us, Ortenos? Dying in the sewers?"
Ortenos (firmly):
"There's no other choice, Pikos. Nirar, find the weak point. Darius, help him. Nikos and Romilius, watch the rear passage — I don't want any surprises from the guards."
While the companions struggled against the stone underground, Rakion sat in a luxurious hall surrounded by red velvet curtains. Across from him sat a man in a military uniform decorated with golden medals — an envoy from the state of Libon.
The Envoy (placing a document on the table):
"The Great Kingdom of Frentsha will not tolerate further delays, Rakion. The funding is ready, and the electro-crystal weapons projects must begin immediately. The Darkius Alliance must become the greatest power in this world."
Rakion (with a cold smile):
"Krystalis is committed to the alliance. Belon was the architect of these weapons, and despite his death, his plans are in our hands. These weapons will not only protect our cities — they will make the Kingdom of Sota and its allies tremble at the mere mention of the Darkius Alliance."
The Envoy:
"Frentsha does not support the weak. If the rebel Miron is still free, that weakens our confidence in Krystalis's ability to protect the secret factories. Eliminate him, and we will begin shipping raw crystal tomorrow."
Far from the noise of palaces and the stench of sewers, in a small restaurant filled with the smell of cheap tobacco and bitter coffee, a mysterious figure sat in a dark corner. He wore a long black coat, a hat hiding his features, and round dark glasses reflecting the dim lights.
The man ordered only a cup of hot water. When the waiter approached, he spoke in a calm voice carrying a strange metallic tone:
"My name is Ajax. Has anyone from the Silent Division visited this place tonight?"
The waiter (nervously):
"No… no, sir. We are simple people."
Ajax left the restaurant quietly, tightening his black gloves. He noticed a lone patrol soldier walking through a back alley. He followed him coldly, like a shadow. When the soldier sensed movement and turned with his weapon drawn, Ajax was faster in an indescribable way.
Ajax did not use a sword or a gun. He pressed his hand against the soldier's forehead, and a faint purple flash emerged from beneath his glove. The soldier fell silently — not wounded, but as if his soul had been pulled from him.
Ajax (whispering while searching the soldier's pockets):
"My apologies, soldier… but I need this map more than you do."
Ajax pulled out a map sealed with the military council's insignia. He opened it and smiled faintly behind his glasses. The map showed the secret entrances to the Thermal Energy Sector — the very place Ortenos and his companions were heading toward.
Nirar:
"Get ready! I'll detonate the charge in three seconds… two… one!"
A muffled explosion shook the walls, and dust fell from above. When the smoke cleared, they saw a small opening — just wide enough for one person to pass through.
Ortenos:
"Quickly! Miron, you go first — you know the way."