Chapter 162: Treason. King Aldric dispelled the bloody bubble with a wave of his hand, allowing the contaminated water to flow away and clear the area. His expression showed no satisfaction at the interrogation’s violent conclusion. "Fanatics," he said grimly. "This confirms we’re dealing with true believers rather than mercenaries or opportunists." The extremists’ willingness to die rather than risk betraying their cause meant the conspiracy ran deeper than simple criminal collaboration. These were ideologically committed enemies who would sacrifice everything for their twisted vision of demon supremacy. "The master-level demons deeper in the facility will be even more dangerous," Noah observed, understanding that their opponents’ fanatical dedication made them unpredictable and extremely hazardous. ... They moved through the underground tunnel system with their concealment spell still active, their footsteps completely silent against the rough stone flooring. The passageway stretched deeper into the earth, branching into multiple directions that suggested a complex network of chambers and rooms. As they progressed, they encountered several doorways leading to various chambers. King Aldric paused at each entrance, extending his enhanced magical senses to scan for occupants. "Empty bedrooms," he murmured after checking the third consecutive vacant room. "The demons are either in a meeting or gathered somewhere else entirely." The abandoned chambers showed signs of recent habitation—unmade beds, personal belongings scattered about, and the lingering scent of occupancy. But every room they passed stood empty, as if the entire underground facility had been evacuated except for essential personnel. "They’re all gathered in one location," Noah observed, noting the pattern of abandonment. "Something important must be happening." Their progress through the tunnel system eventually brought them to a much larger chamber, its massive wooden doors suggesting significant importance within the facility’s hierarchy. Unlike the modest entrances to sleeping quarters, this portal was reinforced with metal bands and magical wards that spoke to high-level security measures. King Aldric paused before the imposing entrance, his expression growing more serious as his magical perception detected the energy signatures beyond. "Zephyra’s Eye," he muttered with articulation, his hands weaving complex gestures that called upon archmage-level magic. Suddenly, a translucent orb appeared behind him, floating with gentle rotation as it absorbed ambient magical energy. The sphere pulsed with contained wind essence, its surface shimmering with recorded moments that seemed to dance within its structure. Noah glanced at the floating artefact with obvious fascination, unable to contain his curiosity about such advanced magical techniques. "What’s this?" "This is a skill I’ve learned recently," Aldric explained patiently. "It’s only available at the archmage level, a technique that allows me to do the seemingly impossible." He gestured toward the floating orb with obvious appreciation for its sophisticated magical construction. "It allows me to capture moments and store them using concentrated wind and mana manipulation. With this artefact, I can review whatever was recorded, like viewing events from the past." Noah’s eyes widened with genuine amazement. An archmage spell that functioned like a camera represented the kind of advanced technique he could only dream of mastering at his current skill level. "That’s incredibly impressive," he breathed, his mind already imagining the strategic applications of such capability. "Recording evidence that can’t be disputed or altered." The implications were staggering. With Zephyra’s Eye, they could document whatever conspiracy lay beyond the chamber doors and present irrefutable proof to any authority that demanded evidence of treason. King Aldric nodded with satisfaction at Noah’s appreciation for the spell’s sophistication. "Evidence gathering at the highest level. Whatever we discover here will be preserved for royal justice." With the recording spell activated and ready to document their findings, the king’s expression changed to serious. The time for stealth and scouting had ended. Now they needed direct confrontation with whatever conspiracy awaited beyond the reinforced doors. "There’s no need to hide anymore," he declared with the authority of someone prepared for open conflict. "We have the evidence we need, and now we simply gather the traitors and enemies for punishment." Before opening the door, the king positioned their group for optimal safety and advantage. "Noah, Elara, behind us. Lady Lola and I will take point position." The arrangement placed the two most magically powerful individuals at the front, where they could respond immediately to threats, while keeping the less combat-experienced members in protected positions where they could observe and document without becoming primary targets. Noah moved behind the king as instructed, understanding that his swordsmanship skills, while advancing rapidly, weren’t yet sufficient for master-level magical combat. Princess Elara took position beside him, her own magical capabilities formidable but not quite matching her father’s archmage-level power. Lola flowed into combat position beside King Aldric. Her master-level magical abilities combined with the king’s archmage power created a front line that could handle virtually any threat they might encounter. With positions established and recording magic active, King Aldric placed his hand on the reinforced door and pushed it open with force. The chamber beyond revealed itself as a vast underground meeting hall, its ceiling supported by carved stone pillars. Magical torches provided flickering illumination, which made the place visible but mysterious at the same time. What they saw inside made Noah raise an eyebrow in interest. Approximately fifty demons filled the chamber, their ranks clearly organised by magical power and status. Most appeared to be apprentice-level demons, the backbone of any extremist organisation, while several adept-rank individuals occupied positions of obvious authority near the front of the gathering. But dominating the entire assembly was a single master-level demon whose magical aura filled the chamber with menace. His presence got the king’s and Lola’s immediate attention, marking him as the clear leader of this underground conspiracy. However, the demons weren’t the most shocking discovery within the treasonous gathering. Baron Richard stood near the front of the assembly, his large alcohol belly unmistakable even in the flickering torchlight. But he wasn’t alone among the human collaborators; several other nobles of equivalent rank had joined his betrayal of the crown. Most disturbing of all was the presence of a viscount whose higher noble rank suggested the conspiracy reached deeper into the kingdom’s aristocratic hierarchy than anyone had suspected.