Chapter 176: Deeper in the Cavern

The group descended further and further into the cave, following the woman's directions in order to avoid the loop from occurring again. The more they traversed, the more they would be able to see certain details separate from the cave; The walls slowly starting to be more detailed and structured, as if a house was built within it, small piles of objects that at first they thought would be mere mounds of dirt, but upon closer inspection it's actually piles of gold pieces, surprising them in the fact such an elderly woman had such currency, and in abundance no less. Piles upon piles started to increase the further and further, scattering themselves in different parts of the new tunnel, yet before long, they would be met with a new chamber: Her own Home.

A small room of pure jewels and shiny metals, some attached to the walls as if they were decorations. The children couldn't help but look at such metals and gems, with Harvard focusing on some Diamonds, Stolas on some Emeralds, Zazel with some Rubies, and Solomon with some Sapphires. It was like a treasure trove that all belonged to one person, a bandit who managed to snag the greatest rewards all to herself. "Ohohoho! I see you're taking a fancy at my collection! It's a pretty set up, isn't it? I try my hardest to make sure this room is most appealing to anyone's eyes should they come to visit, including my favorite guest staying here!" Pygmalis would state, smiling as she sees the kids looking around the cave in admiration. Manipura and Fiona simply rolled their eyes, smiling just the same, letting them be distracted while they focus on the main situation.

"Visit, you say? You're saying it as if people have come to this specific room before.." Manipura would comment, to which Pygmalis simply nodded to affirm his suspicions.

"Well, Of course they can! It's a little trial and error, that's all! Though, I do have to be wary of those that want to steal my gold and jewels. You can never be safe with thieves, y'now." She would laugh a bit to herself as she explained her reasoning, surprising the adults in the fact that there was a logical way to even enter in such a discreet location, yet they didn't paid mind to it. She'd walk into a small area with some silk and fabric, sitting down before talking further. "Forgive me for being a curious cat but.....I feel like I know exactly why you folks are here. Your faces tell me everything, even ones as stoic as yours, young man." She'd chuckle, to which Manipura would sheepishly clear his throat.

"Right....So you should know then exactly what we need, correct?" Manipura would ask, which would catch one of the children, Solomon, towards the language being said and turning to their direction.

"Hey, hey, Hey, Hang on a minute. There something you weren't telling us?" The Biblical Sorcerer would ask, to which Manipura would sit down.

"In truth, I was trying to set up some contacts before we made our way towards the plains. I wanted to at least get some insurance ahead of time should we be pushed into a corner."

"And you didn't told us this becaaaaaaause....?" The moment Solomon sent his question, Manipura would direct the boy to the Elder Woman being fond over her own creations, watching as she would construct a clay golem of a cat, before picking it up and petting it, even talking in babyish sounds in order to coo the construct. Solomon had an expression of concern, completely understanding Manipura's point. "Ok, you got me. I can't argue against that." He'd confess, before shifting the conversation back. "So how good is she, anyway?"

"That's what I hope to learn as well." Manipura stated, before trying to catch her attention. "So, Pygmalis. Would you be willing to help us out with this problem? The main things we need are new Magic styles for two of the children, some soldiers, and lots of time to train and prepare ourselves."

Pygmalis would still be busy with her Clay Cat, scratching it by the ears, causing one of her own nails to break, yet no reaction was given, before hearing the question. "New Magic Styles, eh?? Well, as luck would have it, I believe I have EXACTLY the resources to provide you boys with it! I can help you out, but of course, for a price." The children immediately broke their focus as the Elder Woman said such words, with the entire group on edge, raising their eyebrows and being concerned with her intentions. Her friendly face almost looked menacing, as if she was preparing to take all of their lives at once.

"Exactly....what IS this price?" Solomon would ask.

Pygmalis was being deliberate with her pause, not saying a single word and letting their anxiety build. She would take a deep breath, causing everyone to be on edge, before uttering her request. "If you can, by chance, get me that nice tailor in the kingdom, that would be pretty nice. His magic combined with mines would make an EXQUISITE addition in my collection!! Ohohohoho!! I can see it now, too! His strong cloth, wrapped around with my clay structure, being able to build so many new creations for us to share! Oh, it would make my old heart relive its youth and then some! We could even pick out certain gemstones and-" She continued to ramble on and on about the man, with only the children recognizing that specific tailor. The boys couldn't help but show an expression of disbelief and concern, doing mere charades in expressing such confusion and shock. Right as they were about to leave the cave and try to get some fresh air to calm themselves down, however..

Click!

A part of the cave would open itself, showcasing a massive room. A Room where such clutter of gold, jewels and trinkets weren't available. A ground where it held a massive library, protected under a spell to ensure no damage befalls unto them. A Training center for the boys. Their eyes light up with wonder in realizing what could be given. Pygmalis would give a cheeky smirk, knowing full well of her intentions. "Well....? What do you think? Sounds like a good deal, no?" She would ask.

"Screw it! Have him! We're keeping this!" Harvard would state in joy, much to the bafflement of everyone else. With such words, the deal has been set.