The Red Chains began to mobilize their forces in preparation to capture Matthew. A scouting group was assigned to wait near the only passageway that led back to the central region of the underground mountain.
"No word from the scouts?" The Battle Mage asked.
"No. There haven't been any movements from that region. They are hiding and even stopped using torches and are waiting in a pitch black area."
"Good. Have them stay there to seal off any possibility of that Green Mage or the late king's son passing by!" The Battle Mage ordered.
Meanwhile...
Deep inside the underground path leading toward Matthew's hideout, Thane and Esau continued their coordinated hunt and battle against the beast. The air was thick with humidity, each breath carrying the scent of moss, bat guano, and the faint metallic aroma of mana-rich stone. Their footsteps echoed softly across the cavern floor, distorted by the jagged walls and twisting tunnels.
"Attack it!" Thane ordered sharply as he stepped aside.
