Spirit Game

"So, if a siege doesn't work, what do you propose we do?" Rain asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

Golly stroked his beard thoughtfully. "We need to think outside the box. Clockwork City's defenses are built on predictability and routine. We must disrupt that routine, create chaos where order reigns."

Helliana stepped forward. "Perhaps a two-pronged approach — while the Orcs and Goliaths engage the city's defenses, a smaller, stealthier group could infiltrate from within."

Rain nodded. "We could use our skills and abilities to navigate through the city's underground systems or hidden passages. There must be ways into the city that aren't guarded as heavily."

Golly affirmed. "There are. The reason why Santi insisted on seeking your help is because of the Ebizos," he began, his gruff voice echoing in the hall.

Rain was taken aback. "The seadwellers?" he asked, eyebrows raised in surprise.

Santi nodded solemnly. "When we received the Orc's letter, we couldn't respond immediately because we had our own pressing issues. However, after several days without success in penetrating Clockwork City, we decided to reach out to the Orcs for assistance."

"That day, I gathered soldiers and rushed south to aid you. But then I saw you battling King Kraggul with your lives on the line. And I saw nearly a thousand Ebizo soldiers at your beck and call," Santi recounted.

"So, you need the seadwellers to do what exactly?" Rain inquired, trying to grasp the plan.

Golly unfurled a large map across the table, displaying a complex network of pipelines that crisscrossed the city. "There's a way for us to penetrate the city by using these pipelines," he explained, tracing a path with his finger.

"Clockwork City might appear invincible from the outside, but inside, it's controlled by a vast mechanism. Gorm's minions are likely manning the control room while Gorm himself performs his dark rituals underground. Naturally, they've sealed off the water pipes, vents, and every conceivable access point to prevent any infiltration."

"But," Golly continued, his eyes narrowing as he pointed to a particular line on the map, "there's one line they couldn't shut off, no matter what."

He paused for dramatic effect. "The energy line that powers the entire city. Since we're in the barren wasteland, we use a special machine and magical runes to convert seawater into energy to power the entire city."

Rain's eyes widened in awe. The idea of harnessing enough power to sustain an entire city was astounding. He was already envisioning a future where he could persuade the gnomes to share their blueprints and replicate such an ingenious design in his own territory.

However right now, Gorm must be addressed first.

"He can't shut it down, or the city would lose power, and its defensive capabilities would be rendered useless. But these pipes run deep into the ocean, making it impossible to traverse with ordinary means, not to mention the sea monsters lurking in the depths."

Santi chimed in, "That's why our best bet is for the Ebizo to infiltrate deep into those pipes and enter the control room to shut it down. Once the defensive mechanisms are deactivated, we can finally breach the city."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just destroy that pipeline?" Rain suggested without thought.

"NO!" Golly exclaimed vehemently. "You can't destroy any of the pipes. If you do, seawater will flood the city, drowning our underground mines and the city itself! You fool!"

Rain felt a flush of embarrassment. "S-sorry. I thought we could just destroy it or something."

"The safest way is to have a few Ebizo enter undetected and take over the control room," Santi reiterated. "Meanwhile, the main force will keep the front occupied so they wouldn't know a thing."

Rain finally grasped the depth of her insistence on the Ebizo's whereabouts. Their plan was now crystal clear. It wasn't a bad strategy, but . . . Rain couldn't shake the thought of the dangers lurking within the city for General Varlox and his troops.

Who knows just how many enemies are inside there.

They could always retreat back into the waters but . . . the idea of sending them inside the den of an evil being was unsettling. He really didn't want anyone of his troops to die this time.

"Do you know where the Ebizos are right now?" Helliana asked Rain.

Rain nodded and brought up the map on his screen. Since General Varlox and ten other Ebizos had become his troops, their location could now be displayed on his map.

"They're moving fast in the ocean, but they're slower on land," Rain explained. "I instructed them to wait here, intending to fetch them with carriages. But I suppose that won't be necessary now."

"Time is of the essence," Santi urged. "We must meet them immediately and relay our plan. It's crucial they get it right. Golly, do you have a gadget that would allow the Ebizo to locate these pipes underwater, as well as the control room?"

"I already have." Golly produced bracelets out of his large tool box and demonstrated their use to Rain and the others. "I've created this after thinking about this plan. Just finish it yesterday. All you have to do is wear these, and pressed this button. A screen will appear, displaying your location, the pipes, the city, and the control room."

Helliana moved from her spot and commanded, "Well then, let's go. We can't waste time here anymore."

"I will go with you!" Golly declared, his voice broke no argument.

"Are you sure?" Helliana asked, glancing at Santi. "We're heading into a warzone."

"I don't want to wait here for news. I might not be of help on the battlefield, but I know the city more than anyone else," Golly insisted.

"It's better we take him," Rain added, shrinking slightly under the weight of everyone's gaze. "Well, you know . . . communication would be easier if he's there with us."

Santi took a deep breath, weighing her options. "The truth is, there's a possibility that Golly might be the last master artificer left in here, and we don't want to risk losing him. But like you said, he's the only one who knows the city now, and his insight is vital to our success."

The group exchanged resolute nods before setting off to rendezvous with General Varlox and his forces. Everyone steeled themselves, preparing for the challenges that awaited them ahead.