Back to a short while earlier, when the group of adventurers, together with Dorn's soldiers and the people from the church, had just met, two figures were, from afar, tailing them.
One of them spoke, voice tense:
"How's it going?"
Hearing the question, the other replied:
"No good, my centipede can't follow them any deeper. There's a mist-like barrier in that area."
"A large group of adventurers secretly leaving at dawn, and now setting up a barrier to block others from approaching—this is far too unusual."
"Of course, I know that."
"Could it be that our presence has been exposed?"
"Possible. After all, that bastard's disappearance still has no clue."
"Should we immediately contact the priest and retreat?"
"If they're truly targeting the hideout, then trying to contact and retreat now would be too late. Luckily, I already reported the anomaly yesterday. They should be prepared."
"And what about us now?"
"Wait and keep watching... Oh, there's movement. That mist is shifting... Damn it, it's heading straight toward the hideout."
"Follow quickly."
* * * * * * * * * *
After about twenty minutes of marching, Will ordered everyone to halt and informed the three Priests from the Solvaris church:
"According to reports, it should be in this area. Please check."
The three nodded and moved forward under the protection of the Holy Knights.
Various magics were cast. One even took out an item bearing the Holy Emblem.
Though only a few minutes passed, for the group waiting, it felt much longer.
Then the three turned back and nodded in confirmation.
Instantly, tension spread everywhere. Even now, many still found it hard to believe that behind Dorn's peaceful façade lay such danger.
Imagining friends and family in peril, many clenched their teeth and gripped their weapons tightly.
"At the count of three, we'll break the barrier here," one Priest declared.
Will immediately responded: "Right after, my men and I will advance first. Please support from behind."
Erik: "And I, with the adventurers, will guard the rear. Ed, go with Will to watch for traps ahead."
The named adventurer nodded and moved quickly.
Will also carefully separate five soldiers to remain outside the cave for guard duty.
Thus, positions were clearly assigned.
Three Priests would stay protected in the center to conveniently support the group.
"One... Two... Three." As the final count rang out, several magics were unleashed simultaneously.
A large cave appeared before them. Its entrance was wide enough for four people abreast. Inside, the cave was dark, damp, and deep, exuding a chilling, eerie aura.
Some with sharp senses frowned slightly, detecting a faint smell of fresh blood.
Will: "Form four lines and advance. Rear lines ready crossbows." He ordered his soldiers forward to lead the way.
The group began entering one by one.
* * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, deep inside the cave, unease was evident.
Nine figures in black cloaks gathered to discuss.
"Priest, the outer barrier has been destroyed. Intruders are coming, seemingly with Solvaris church members. What should we do?"
The Priest, cloaked with an embroidered eye symbol, calmly replied:
"Let them enter the altar chamber. We'll slaughter them all here. Prepare to activate the statues. And you, help me ready the sacrificial altar."
"Yes, we'll begin at once."
The Priest stood, eyes filled with fury, muttering:
"Heretics dare trespass here—none of them will leave alive."
* * * * * * * * * *
Too quiet. Since entering, the group faced no resistance. Even the soldiers ahead encountered no traps.
If not for the cave's careful concealment, one might doubt it was even used as a hideout.
Liv: "Could they all have fled?"
Coris: "Don't hope too much. Mira, any info?"
Maintaining a detection spell, Mira answered:
"After the next turn, there's a vast open area. Large enough for all of us. Also..."
Coris: "Also?"
"There are many stone statues." Will's front group and Mira spoke simultaneously.
Deeper inside, countless human-shaped stone statues were carved into the cave walls. Each statue was only the upper body, faces twisted in terror and agony.
"What do you think?" Will asked the church group.
At a Priest's signal, a Holy Knight struck one statue.
With a metal-gloved punch, its head shattered easily.
The broken head fell, revealing nothing unusual.
After a brief inspection and a Priest's nod, Will ordered the group forward.
Soon, they reached the vast chamber Mira had mentioned.
Here, even more statues lined the walls.
Mages began casting reconnaissance spells.
"There's a group ahead."
"There's a barrier."
"Enemies hiding in the walls—be cautious."
Warnings echoed. But with their mission, retreat was not an option.
They pressed forward, quickening pace. Soon, they confronted a massive, imposing statue at the cave's end, with cultists gathered below it.
They surrounded a stone table. Upon it lay a living child, bound. One cultist stood, dagger raised high.
Seeing this, many shouted:
"Stop him!"
"Damn it!"
Arrows and spells flew, but were blocked by a magic barrier.
The cultist cried out:
"Servant, I invite you to descend here, to punish these heretics!"
And with that, he plunged the dagger down mercilessly.