The area where Vorian's quarters were located was at the heart of the Citadel of the Magi, an imposing main tower carved from gleaming stone that rose towards the clear sky.
In the middle of this vast hall, which happened to have a bed and was therefore called a chamber, there was a large varnished oak table, where Vorian pointed to a detailed map of the Citadel.
"Before we go into action, it is essential that you understand the layout of the corridors and the path you will follow. This map will do the trick, remember it well." Vorian said and pointed to a specific region marked 'West Wing'. "This is where you'll find the statue of Maelora I mentioned. The hidden corridor that leads to the library is just behind it."
The aforementioned wing was surrounded by winding corridors that stretched in various directions across the map. Each corridor was filled with secret chambers, magical rooms and research laboratories. The immense complexity of the Citadel became clear to everyone as they observed the intricate design of the map.
The plan was simple, but dangerous. Vorian instructed them on how to get around the watchful eyes of the Sentinels, avoiding areas of high concentration. He also highlighted a series of corridors that would lead Kaizen and the others to the West Wing. However, the path was far from straightforward, and the risk of encountering Sentinel patrols protecting other Elders' quarters was still very high.
Kaizen looked at Alina and said:
"It's too risky to go all at once. Before, we needed everyone in the City of Tears to get as much information as possible, but now it's all too risky. You and I are going, and we'll still need one more in case everything goes wrong."
Alina put a hand to her chin and began to think: "You're right. If there are six of us, we'll be easier to spot and I won't be able to hide our mana completely."
Og'tharoz then raised a hand. "Not to belittle the others, but I believe I'm the second or third strongest in the group. And I don't trust this man, I'd rather stay here with the others and be Plan B." He declared, looking at the Elder, who smiled cunningly.
"You're right, it's better that I stay here to be the front line for the others. So, if that's the case, I want Jayaa to go with us, is that all right with you, Alina?"
The golden-haired mage nodded.
"What?! I-I? Why?"
"Why not?" Kaizen asked, looking a little confused.
"I m-mean, I'm the weakest of them all and, well, I'm a bard. How could I help in a tavern?"
"Weren't you training that Musical Skill for mind control? I thought it would be interesting to use that skill in case a Sentinel is in our way."
Jayaa was surprised that Kaizen had remembered, but his fear of getting in the way was still great. However, at that moment, he remembered the conversation he'd had with Kaizen when he was asked to join his guild, so he clenched his fists and nodded firmly. "All right, I can do that."
Kaizen smiled. "Thank you, Jayaa. Alina and I are counting on you."
With the decision made and the roles distributed, the thick air of responsibility hung over the small group in that candlelit room.
Jayaa, the bard, felt a mixture of anxiety and determination flow through his veins, like musical notes dancing in the air before a big performance. He looked at Alina, whose yellow eyes sparkled with the seriousness of the moment. She seemed confident, but Jayaa saw a spark of concern in her gaze.
Kaizen, the leader of the group, exuded an aura of calm and focus, as if he already knew what was going to happen. Og'tharoz, on the other hand, maintained a rigid posture, his muscles tense under his scaly skin, ready to act at any moment. This was Jayaa's main skill, knowing how to observe people and react to how they react, and Kaizen had already told him that this was why he admired him so much.
Vorian, the Elder, watched them with an intrigued expression, as if he were silently evaluating each of them. His dark eyes shone with a mixture of cunning and expectation. Jayaa felt a shiver run down her spine as she met the Elder's penetrating gaze, as if Vorian could read her deepest thoughts.
"It's time to leave," Kaizen announced, breaking the brief moment of tense silence. His voice was firm and determined, echoing through the room. "We will move cautiously and quickly. Our goal is to reach the West Wing without attracting the attention of the Sentinels. Vorian will lead the way, clearing the Sentinels out of the way."
With a nod, the others nodded in agreement. Jayaa felt the weight of responsibility intensify as he mentally prepared himself for the challenge that awaited them. He took a deep breath, searching for calm within himself, like a musician tuning his instrument before a big performance.
Soon, they left the main hall and entered the labyrinthine corridors of the Citadel.
The Citadel of the Magi was a labyrinth of winding corridors and imposing halls, each light stone pulsing with a unique magical energy.
The map Vorian had described was etched in Kaizen's mind, but even so, the grandeur and complexity of the Citadel made the journey challenging. White walls adorned with magical runes and enchanted paintings made up the landscape. Statues of ancient Elders, immortalized in stone, silently watched the footsteps of the intruders.
Contrary to what Kaizen had expected, there were no magical objects everywhere and the corridors were very standardized, perhaps as a form of security too. Turning the place into a labyrinth for those without a map is a great tactic for hiding what they don't want to be found.
Arriving at the west wing without any problems, Kaizen and Alina found themselves in front of a majestic statue of Maelora, an Elder who had once ruled the Citadel with wisdom, which is why she had such an imposing statue. Her stone eyes seemed to penetrate the soul, and a shiver ran down Kaizen's spine when he noticed the sculpted figure's austere expression.
"This is the place," whispered Alina.
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