Chrysalis Chapter 1708 - Reevaluate

“What kind of madness are those idiots up to out there?” Frederick barked. “If any of you lot are dreaming up some reckless, brainless charge, you’d better confess right now so I can kick you square in the teeth!”

Standing before him were the leaders of every team remaining in this wing of the Dungeon, yet they offered nothing but guilty expressions and evasive looks. Shamus was the only exception, calmly raising his hand.

A wave of hopelessness washed over Frederick. Was even Shamus plotting some stupidity?

“What is it?” Frederick grumbled, rubbing his temples in frustration.

“I merely thought I should mention, Manager, that people are unlikely to talk if the reward for doing so is a boot to the face.”

“Quiet! You think just because you’ve become as wealthy as the cursed Child Emperor that you’ve earned the right to wag your tongue?”

Several delvers cast envious, or even predatory, looks at the veteran team leader standing among them, and Frederick instantly regretted his outburst. Shamus had struck it lucky and was now due a staggering fortune, a fact that had essentially painted a giant bullseye on his back.

After all, one could certainly possess too much coin.

“Don’t lose your focus, you idiots,” the Union Manager growled, attempting to regain control of the room. He leveled a shaking finger at the assembled leaders. “How many more groups must we lose to people running off to grab a prize they have no hope of claiming? Dozens of capable men and women have already perished attempting the impossible. I realize it’s a mountain of gold, alright? But damn it, are you pigs wallowing in the muck or are you flipping delvers? Taking on monsters you can’t defeat is for fools and corpses!”

Too much wealth… that was the root of the problem. A mere shard of its carapace was worth enough for a delver to retire and live in opulence for a lifetime. Even Frederick had been momentarily blinded by avarice, trying to devise a strategy to slay the creature. It took fifty good people vanishing into thin air to snap him back to reality.

The situation was infuriating for everyone involved. The greatest prize in the history of delving was right there, so close they could almost taste the reward. It was a demonic creature for certain, having set its trap with perfection.

Had Shamus and Elsi returned with nothing but a story of the beast, many would have been tempted, but few would have actually risked the hunt. However, they had brought back that massive chunk of diamond and become obscenely wealthy. Now, the air was thick with jealousy and greed, a volatile mixture powerful enough to drive people to madness.

“Why don’t we just launch a joint assault?” a voice shouted.

Frederick spun around to see Rubia, her hands planted on her hips and a look of stubborn defiance on her face.

“This is the haul of a lifetime. Small squads will never finish the job. If we don’t all go together, then none of us have a prayer.”

The Union Manager felt a massive headache beginning to throb.

“Rubia, by the blessed Path and my own sainted mother, what are you blathering about? That thing is a tier eight mythic! Do you even understand what that means?”

He scanned the room, glaring at the others and daring anyone to support her.

“Tier. Eight. Mythic. No delver has successfully claimed a prize like that since the Cataclysm! Unless you’re hiding an entire Abyssal Legion under your tunics, you simply aren’t powerful enough to get it done!”

“The Legion isn't here, but the Church of the Path could provide suppressors, or Green Mountain might mobilize the army,” Rubia argued, refusing to back down. “With their backing, we might actually stand a chance.”

“I don’t see any of them here, do you?!” Frederick bellowed, his temper finally snapping as he threw his arms toward the ceiling. “I’m trying to keep you morons from getting slaughtered. Can’t you see that?!”

Shamus merely shook his head. As Frederick glared at the rest of the leaders, they avoided his eyes, shuffling their feet or staring at the ceiling. Only Rubia met his look with a thick-headed, obstinate stare of her own.

“Bah! Get out, the lot of you. In a few days, this expedition will be over and we are all returning to the mountain. If any of you think you're leaving camp before then, forget it! I won’t be granting any permissions.”

A few started to object, but his anger was peaking and he shouted them down before they could speak.

“I don’t want to hear a word! When you’re prepared to act like professional delvers instead of wannabe heroes, then you can come talk to me.”

As the crowd shuffled out, grumbling under their breath, only Shamus remained to brush himself off and approach the manager.

“How bad do you think it will be?” Frederick whispered.

Shamus gave a short grunt.

“Two-thirds of them will be gone within the hour.”

“Mother’s milk. I’m starting to despise that ant, Shamus.”

“Why? It isn't the monster’s fault.”