The Sinister Covington Family

Devin was deep in thought as he replayed the scene in his head. "City Lord, time is of the essence. Let the guards secure this place while we interrogate the grandmasters. They might have a better understanding of the magic circle than us," he suggested.

Phillip nodded, issuing orders for the guards to keep everyone away from the Kramer house and to arrest all members of the Kramer family.

Returning swiftly to the City Lord's mansion, they invited the grandmasters to join them for a discussion on the magic circle.

"I've been wondering why this magic circle feels so familiar," one of the grandmasters mused.

"Enough with the mystery. Just get to the point," retorted old Finn.

The grandmaster rolled his eyes. "If you would let me finish, I would," he replied.

City Lord Phillip interjected, putting an end to their bickering. "Old masters, time is of the essence. Please continue with your story," he urged.

The grandmaster continued, delving into the lore. "Legends speak of two ancient magical circles, each possessing a unique source of power. The first is known as the Node Circle, emitting an extraordinary energy that surges through the ley lines of the land. It serves as a focal point, drawing upon the natural essence of the earth and channeling it into a concentrated force."

He paused for effect before moving on. "The second circle, called the Attuned Circle, has the ability to receive and harness this concentrated energy. Positioned not too far away from the Node Circle, it acts as a receiver and conduit. It channels the raw power, weaving it into intricate spells and enchantments, transforming it into tangible manifestations of magic."

He emphasized the importance of proximity between the two circles. "If the circles are too distant, the connection weakens, causing the enchanted flow to fracture and dissipate. This renders the Attuned Circle ineffective."

However, he then introduced cautionary tales. "As promising as this theory appears, history also reveals the disastrous consequences of disrupting the ley lines. The energy required to power such a connection is immense. In fact, it necessitates so much energy that it becomes practically unattainable."

Everyone present absorbed the gravity of the situation. Finding the real magic circle was crucial to prevent the potential catastrophe that awaited.

"No wonder they needed so many sacrifices. I have a feeling the artifact those masters were creating has something to do with this," Alex shared, connecting the dots.

Devin turned to the City Lord, seeking his input. "City Lord, since you know the city best, can you bring us a map? We need to investigate the surroundings of the Kramer mansion," he suggested.

Philip retrieved an old, detailed map of Serene City as they began examining potential locations.

After careful deductions and analysis of the map, they discovered a hidden grove nestled within an abandoned mine, which was owned by the Covington family.

Devin's eyes widened in realization as he recalled the name Arthur Kramer had mouthed before his demise.

"City Lord Philip, I know who is behind the existence of the second magic circle," Devin exclaimed.

The City Lord and everyone else present turned their attention to Devin. "Who is it?" City Lord Philip inquired with anticipation.

"It's the Covington family," Devin announced, revealing the ominous truth.

"They've been playing us for fools, acting neutral while pushing the ostentatious Kramer family to the forefront, all the while carrying out their true plan," Philip analyzed, a mix of anger and frustration evident in his voice.

Muriel chimed in, his voice filled with realization. "I've always wondered why the Covington family didn't cease development in that abandoned mine. Now we know."

Philip quickly acted on their newfound insight and called in one of his trusted guards. "Go and scout the Covington house," he ordered.

The guard swiftly departed on his mission, leaving the group in anticipation. It didn't take long for him to return with his report. "There's no one from the Covington family present, only unimportant servants."

The realization sank in. The Covington family had been operating in secrecy, manipulating events from behind the scenes while keeping themselves out of the limelight. It was now up to the City Lord and his team to uncover the depths of their devious plans and put an end to their treachery.

"They must know we're onto them. Order the guards to surround the Covington house. I want a thorough search, from top to bottom. There must be clues somewhere," commanded the City Lord as they all made their way towards the Covington residence.

The people of Serene City grew alarmed, puzzled by why the city guards were heading towards both the Callan and Covington families.

Muriel stayed behind to handle the affairs of the City Lord and calm the anxious populace, particularly those who were inclined to stir up trouble.

Upon reaching the Covington house, they discovered it to be truly empty, occupied only by servants and weak guards. All of the important members of the Covington family had vanished without a trace.

"The Lady of the family was last seen at the Kramer house and they didn't leave through the city, so there must be a clue somewhere here. They must have disappeared from their own house. Let's spread out and search meticulously," suggested Devin.

One of the guards reported, "We have questioned the servants, but they claim to have no knowledge of the family's whereabouts."

Philip commanded, "Continue interrogating them. We need any information we can find."

As the search continued, Devin proposed a different course of action. "City Lord, it might be wise for you to lead a team of guards and attack the grove. While it may seem like a diversion, it could also provide an opportunity for us to infiltrate the premises from the back."

The strong warrior hesitated, understanding the potential danger. "I don't doubt their preparedness. They won't make it easy for us, but it's still better than a frontal assault."

Phillip agreed, realizing the logic in the plan. The Covingtons were cunning and would have likely set numerous traps. Even if they found a way out of the house, it would most likely be booby-trapped as well.

As the search persisted, Alex noticed a peculiar statue and turned its nose, triggering a unlocking sound within the room.

"These bastards dug a tunnel from here to the abandoned mine," Philip exclaimed, a mixture of frustration and determination in his voice.

Senior Ingram, the experienced warrior, took the lead to check for any potential traps. "It appears to be safe for now," he called out.

Philip considered the suggestion made earlier. "I will take a group of guards with me and approach the mine. Even if it serves as a decoy, it will provide an advantage for infiltration."

"Alright, be careful," said Devin

Devin and Alex jumped into the tunnel one after the other, followed by the Senior Ingram. The trio cautiously traversed the underground passage, with Senior Ingram illuminating their path using a crystal ball.

Footprints on the ground indicated that people had recently passed through the tunnel, further confirming their suspicions.

Meanwhile a room in the mine was filled with their sinister plans, Lady Beatrice, Declan, Frank Covington - the head of the Covington family, and the enigmatic Soul Eater Elder convened in the depths of the abandoned mine. The air was heavy with malevolence, and the aura of darkness permeated every word they spoke.

The Soul Eater, a towering and enigmatic figure shrouded in shadowy robes, extended his gnarled hands to pour himself a glass of rich, crimson wine. His eyes, black as the abyss, fixated upon Lady Beatrice with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "Beatrice, our trap is nearing completion. The unsuspecting fools will soon meet their ill-fated demise," he spoke in a voice that seemed to echo from beyond.

Lady Beatrice, ever the sycophant, responded with obsequious flattery. "Yes, father. No one can stop your brilliant plan this time. It is only a matter of time before your rise within the organization becomes a reality."

Declan, filled with contempt for the fallen Kramers, added with disdain, "Grandfather, if not for those pathetic Kramers, their incompetence turned them into nothing more than disposable pawns. True loyalty and intellect seem to be rare commodities these days."

Head of the Covington family, Frank Covington, let out a wicked chuckle that sent a chill down their spines. His voice seemed to dance with malevolence as he spoke, "Oh, how delightful it has been to watch the Kramers stumble through our carefully laid traps. Their loyalty was as fragile as glass, and they crumbled under the weight of their own treachery. Such a pitiful excuse for a family."

Lady Beatrice's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, basking in the glory of their dark endeavors. "Their arrogance led them to believe they could rise above their station and align themselves with darkness. But little did they know, they were mere pawns in our grand design."

The Soul Eater's voice dripped with malicious intent as he spoke, "The Order of Shadows will soon rise to prominence. The inherent darkness within our souls will sweep across the world, feasting upon the fear and despair of the weak. Our enemies will bow before us, unable to resist the seductive allure of our power."

In unison, the three figures in the room bowed down, their voices blending in a chant that praised their dark Lord. "The Dark Lord shall reign supreme, forevermore."

Satisfied with their devotion, the Soul Eater issued a chilling command. "Go, prepare the sacrifices. It is time to unleash the full force of our dark intentions."