Lord of Mysteries 2: Circle of Inevitability-Chapter 115 Legend
The catacombs' main entrance was tucked away in Place du Purgatoire, close to the Intisian observatory. The structure enclosing the entrance was supported by grand pillars, crowned by a dome adorned with intricate stone carvings, reminiscent of a miniature memorial hall or the base of an immense mausoleum.
As Lumian approached, he noted a crowd of 20 to 30 people already assembled near the stairs leading down. Their attire varied, but most were dressed formally, both men and women alike.
A man in his thirties, sporting a blue vest, yellow pants, and a thick beard, stood before the crowd. His brown curls framed upturned eyes, and he held an unlit iron-black carbide lamp.
Addressing the gathered group, he announced loudly, "I'm Kendall, one of the catacombs' administrators. I'll be guiding you through the ossuary today.
"Does everyone have a white candle? If not, please let me know immediately."
Tourists? Lumian's eyes swept over the stone staircase behind Kendall.
It plunged down into impenetrable darkness, its end hidden from view.
Beside Kendall stood a massive wooden door, half of it emblazoned with the Sun Sacred Emblem in gold, while the other half was adorned with an intricate triangle filled with symbols of steam, levers, gears, and more.
Upon receiving confirmation, Kendall ignited his carbide lamp and led the group into the depths below. The tourists trailed behind him, some bearing lanterns.
Lumian followed, keeping a four to five-meter distance. Clutching the carbide lamp he had obtained from Ramayes, he descended the staircase at a steady pace.
Thanks to his Beyonder-enhanced hearing, Lumian easily heard Kendall's informative spiel at the front.
"After 138 steps, you'll find yourselves 26 meters below Trier's streets, surrounded by the remains of nearly 50 generations of Trieriens.
"That's a conservative estimate. In truth, the history of some of these ossuaries can be traced back to the previous epoch…
"Forty-seven years ago, there was no more space for the dead in Cimetière des Innocents or Cimetière des Prêtres. White bones lay scattered, and the stench drove nearby residents to protest daily, demanding the relocation of the cemetery…
"Ultimately, City Hall opted to go underground. They repurposed graves from the Fourth Epoch and adjacent underground quarries, creating a vast tomb… Today, you'll be visiting but a mere fraction of it…"
Kendall's voice echoed through the silent, never-ending staircase, imbuing the atmosphere with an eerie sense of foreboding.
As Lumian continued downward, a path lined with stone pillars and walls came into view.
This passage, unlike other subterranean areas, was well-maintained and frequently repaired. It was smooth, wide, and unnervingly sinister. An icy breeze occasionally swept through the corridor.
Gas lamps were strategically placed along the path, casting a dim, yellowish light that allowed shadows to mingle with the illumination, stretching into the darkness.
Kendall, clad in his blue vest, warned the visitors once more, "Stay close and don't wander off!
"There are countless underground areas we know little about. If you get lost, it'll be nearly impossible to find you.
"Do not stray from the path once inside the tomb. There are passages that lead to deeper, more sinister chambers. The Fourth Epoch's malevolent spirits lurk within that darkness. Praise the Sun and the Light. By adhering to the routes endorsed by the padres, we can avoid all perils."
Some visitors outstretched their arms in praise of the Sun, while others traced a triangle over their chests.
After trailing Kendall and the others for nearly 200 meters, Lumian caught sight of the subterranean tomb.
Before him lay a natural boulder cave, modified over time. Its walls were adorned with intricate reliefs of skulls, skeletal arms, sunflowers, and steam symbols.
Above the entrance, two Intisian inscriptions commanded:
"Halt!
"The Death Empire lies ahead!"
Kendall, the catacomb administrator, turned to address the visitors once more, "Extinguish your lanterns and light the white candles. Everyone must do this!
"If you'd rather not enter the catacomb, feel free to explore this area, but don't stray too far. It's all too easy to lose your bearings, and that would be a problem.
"Should you find yourself separated from the group inside the catacomb, don't panic. Locate a road sign. If there isn't one, look above and follow the black line drawn on the tomb's ceiling. It will guide you back to the main entrance…"
Soon, the lanterns were snuffed out, replaced by the flickering glow of orange candlelight.
The visitors hoisted their white candles and trailed Kendall into the catacombs.
Lumian observed from a distance, watching as the yellowish flames merged into a stream that meandered into the darkness.
He refrained from entering. Grasping his carbide lamp, he circled the tomb's entrance, intent on locating the phony warlock, Osta Trul.
A few minutes later, Lumian discovered a small bonfire.
Beside a pillar, damp moss clung to the stone wall above. Google search 𝐟r𝑒ℯ𝘄𝐞𝙗ｎov𝚎𝙡. 𝑐𝘰𝘮
A man was seated on a rock behind the fire, garbed in a hooded black robe. His high-bridged nose and dark brown eyes were framed by a flaxen beard that obscured his chin. He stared intently at the dancing flames.
