Chapter 232: The Boiler Room

The two boys kept going further down the Hotel, the staircase slowly going darker and darker the further they descend. As they did, Stolas would be quick in setting up a small star with just enough light to let them see, whilst having it not be too bright so they end up being spotted. When they reached the lowest floor, they could hear all sorts of machinery functioning within its bowels. Whirrs and creaks of cranks and cogs, water being rushed across the pipes, and even sounds of steam escaping from certain rooms. Such sounds were amplified, despite seeing at a first glance that the walls were solid, making sure no noise would've escaped it. The two boys began to split up, with Harvard casting a small Light of his own with his Light spell, hugging at the walls to prevent being in someone's way. Murmurs can be heard across the black depths, having the two boys lower the light in order to traverse.

Harvard and Stolas were sort of surprised when they were capable of hearing the noises and talking the more they got closer, wondering how bad the structure was. When they brushed against the wall to see why, the boys would be quick to notice that there was a giant hole made in the middle of it, perfectly clean too. Confusion began to arise, questioning themselves as to how the staff were able to make such holes without everything falling apart. The two investigated on what they say and what they're doing, with Harvard seeing one of the staff members doing some laundry through cleaning the sheets, as well as another supplying such sheets, and Stolas seeing one measure the boiler itself, providing heat by using coal to keep a fire burning. They remained silent as the staff members began to speak to one another.

"It's a bit nerve-wracking, in my opinion..." One would start. "...The boss is already starting to catch wind of who just entered. Do you think that Hermos is plotting something?" Harvard would chuckle to himself softly when he heard them use his alias.

"Possibly...He seemed a bit hesitant with his words, what with Zashin mumbling something. There's been a few words that the Boss wants them gone too..."

"That can't be right. They're guests in our abode-"

"Guests that can threaten us. Unless we want to have a headache, It is best to follow his orders."

"Must we, though...?" As soon as the guest began to ask such a question, a sharp pain was made directly on its head. An audible screech echoed across the room, catching Harvard completely off guard and forced to run in that specific direction of the sound, if anything than to see if his friend is alright. Stolas would nonverbally tell the Card Magician to lay low, pointing towards the staff member struggling to get up, screaming and howling like a dying animal, clawing at its head, struggling to get something off. Something was clearly stuck in his face, a clue given for the two children. When the screams stopped, and all that was left was mere pants and a cold sweat, the other member knelt down and helped him back up, providing him some medicine.

"Coming from what the Boss did to you, yes. We must." The Staff member would carry the other away, allowing them to rest back, walking up the stairs and making their way into the lobby. The boys look on one another, recognizing what was happening. Whatever the contract was between the King and his servants must've severed that bond completely, now being tethered by someone else. The two would nod at one another, acknowledging the answer they were given, and continued to explore the room, being careful with the other servants. Stolas would make use of his stars by slotting them in certain corners, letting them do small shimmers and sparkles to catch their attention, allowing him to slip by. Harvard, meanwhile, would set up a sigil for a monster, utilizing the boiler itself to summon his beast, attempting not to make much a sound as he brings back a monster he used before: Jury. He'd then fused the beast towards himself, taking in its anatomy, the chains wrapping around his body, his hands into mace-like spheres, the triangular-like build serving as a count-like clothing, and his face donned by a mask to prevent being spotted. Such a mask would be quick on delving its ability: Showcasing him two potential paths, as well as a specific item necessary to advance through them, that being an old shirt or a shoe. Harvard instinctively went with the old shirt, snagging one from the laundry with his newly given speed, using it as a way to throw off any Staff members that approach him, effectively being a makeshift escape tool.

Another set of paths were made with the mask again, with Stolas taking notice of Harvard's new appearance. "What's with the monster?" He'd question quietly.

"It's basically a big pick-your-adventure sort of deal. Just in case these guys have something, I got Jury set up so the path guarantees I get it." He'd whisper back, demonstrating it with his second choices: A Cart and a Pipe. Going for the latter, he'd extend his arms and began to swung it, utilizing the new mace to break it.

KLANK!!! PSSHHHHHHH!!

Steam and gas were quickly pushed outwards, having the two bolt out of the scene and wait for the Staff members to arrive and patch it up before things get hectic. As they watched and see the panicked staff, they would notice that how they entered was extremely quick, hopping down from the roof as if it was a small magic trick for them to appear. Another clue that they could use to learn more about what happened to them. They sadly weren't able to figure out how they did it, due to how dark the room was, but the idea that their style of magic gave them easy access to traverse should more than make up for it. As the staff members repaired, the two snuck around once more, going further and further into the Hotel's depths, keeping a close eye on what else awaits below.