Armello: fate of Kings and Heroes [NSFW,violence]

@Cerebrate  
I can tell youre attached to me. I can also tell that you want me to succeed.

@Jinx  
“i have over my years had a number of students, it is impossible to not grow attached. and i do want you to succeed… you will find the cave south of here, in the depths of a ruin called the hound’s grave… the rot as you know writhes under the surface, and the swamplands and tunnels offer it vents to the surface.”

@Cerebrate  
I will return to you, know that.
 
she lifted her hammer, collapsed its long handle into the main hammer body, then attached the hammer to a small harness on her lower back

@Jinx  
Agniya had so often advised against this folding weapon trend, but it was going to happen apparently.
 
“there is no telling what state you will return in either, if you succeed, the Worm will one day call you equal.”

@Cerebrate  
with her lack of clothing, it wasnt exactly easy to store such a weapon
 
Indeed. I will see you soon.
 
with that she turned to leave, headed to the mentioned location

@Jinx  
it was not an easy trek, even if Agniya had given her a ring that would keep her save from the worst effects the marshland caused, even a fit hero of the clans would bleed before getting through normally it was very treacherous terrain.
 
finally though she spots the hound’s grave, a sprawling ruin leading into the earth, once probably a city of devotees to the worm.

@Cerebrate  
being a crocodile had its advantages, namely the tough skin and swimming, among other things.
 
upon sighting the entrance she preps to enter

@Jinx  
the winding staircase leading her down finally ends in a large underground complex, though not much could be seen of it in the darkness.
 
Worm: “so you have accepted the challenge, no going back now. in success or disaster, you are mine.”

@Cerebrate  
As was intended.
 
her night vision began to kick in, the croc looking around to see her surroundings better

@Jinx  
at a second look the city was populated, if you could call it that, beings of shadow, shaped in the approximation of armellians of all walks of life mingled about… watched over by a number of hammer wielding guards.
 
“your peers in learning, Agniya has offered them all the location, and they all went, and they all stayed, they assist me in building the potency of the rot, or in finding new entrances”

@Cerebrate  
I see. And why the guards? To keep them in, or others out?

@Jinx  
“they rotate between guard duty and digging, i cannot just let them stand around all the time, despite it being technically their punishment for failure.”

@Cerebrate  
Care to elaborate?

@Jinx  
“the cracks in the land permit my influence to move, enough to even break apart those damnable stone circles. or do you mean their punishment? try asking them about it… oh wait, they will not answer, when my essence became too much, their minds broke, there is nothing left in this life for them.”

@Cerebrate  
Then youll be able to break that “uberhenge” i take it?

@Jinx  
“it will take an immense effort, perhaps even all my strength, but yes. if you wonder why i answer so freely, you will either be unable to pass the secret along, or in time it will be no secret.”

@Cerebrate  
I came to undergo your trial.

@Jinx  
“you stand unflinching at the prospect, a promising start, enter the tunnels and follow them.”

@Jinx  
the city was soon out of sight and the surrounding darkness seemed to become more suppressive… had it always been so hard to breathe?

@Cerebrate  
upon realizing this the croc took a massivs breath, then sealed her nostrils. She could hold her breath for an hour or two.

@Jinx  
the air was probably fine, a feeling of dread however hung in it, and soon she saw why, one of the elder banes was looking at her.

@Jinx  
a good strategy, dread and bravery both agitate banes, it’s how they pick their prey.
 
(phone, if autocorrect messes things up.)

@Cerebrate  
she continued her stare
 
I respect your power, bane, however i will not hesitate to fight to reach my goal. Step aside or kneel.