The throne room of the Nameless Dungeon was quieter than usual, the kind of quiet that only existed before something inevitably went sideways.
Kai sat on his obsidian throne, one leg crossed over the other, his chin resting on his fist as the Pillars gathered before him.
Each one had been dispatched on separate assignments, and now it was time to hear what they had accomplished.
Lyra was the first to step forward.
She walked with that signature mix of elegance and purpose that she always carried, stopping at the base of the throne before lowering her head in a bow.
"My Lord, I have returned from Rambosa with the information you requested."
"Let me hear it."
"The Black Magic Crystals, as we suspected, hold significant value on the open market. I spent two days gathering information from various merchants, traders, and even a few shady dealers who specialize in rare materials." She pulled a folded parchment from within her sleeve and held it up with both hands.
