Chapter 98: The Magma Chambers
The dungeon, as Soltair had often called it, began in the colossal circular chamber centered around the crystal. Two towering iron doors loomed on the far side, standing as the only way forward. Commands filled the air, directing the army into formation and allowing Riven a few minutes to study the crystal.
A path cleared as I moved toward the archmage. The soldiers parted respectfully before me, giving loose salutes. The attention made my horns itch, and I gripped my skirt, trying not to meet any of their eyes.
Riven glanced up as we approached, offering a welcoming nod. His forearms were covered in intricate magic circles. Threads of magic sprouted from the circles, tying them to the surface of the crystal. He stroked his chin, eyes locked on the crystal for some time before dismissing the spell with a sharp nod.
"It seems we need only touch this to be sent outside. I wonder why the demons are unable to do it."
"Their souls are different than ours, right?" I ventured. "Maybe the realm barrier rejects them, and they can only break through once the dungeon breaches."
His nodded. "That’s as good a theory as I’ve got. Until we find differently, we’ll act under that assumption and begin the attack."
His hand swept up, releasing a flourish of magical sparks. At his signal, Lord Griffon ordered the advance. Soltair led, sword ablaze as he strode towards the doors. Although handles jutted from the doors, the Hero could never begin his first dungeon with so mundane an approach.
His sword met iron in a burst of brilliant light, emitting a shockwave that stirred my insides. The iron screamed at the impact, caving in around the center seam. The sun magic raced from his blade into the gap, followed by a blinding explosion of light. As I blinked the spots from my eyes, a fresh blast of heat swept through the room, flooding from beyond the gaping doors and flushing away the dust and debris. The doors hung askew on their hinges, gaping just wide enough for five men to pass through at once.
"Charge!" Soltair’s voice thundered, a blinding aura encasing him as he surged forth.