As his surroundings brightened, a surge of astonishment coursed through him.
This was an expansive chamber, more akin to a palace huneed from the mountain side than merely a cave.
The stone walls were no longer rough, and the ceiling was adorned with chandeliers of luminous stones.
The columns supporting the roof were intricately etched with exquisite designs, presenting a stark contrast to the exterior tunnel.
At the heart of this cavernous palace lay a colossal rectangular stone platform, lavishly covered with pelts.
Aside from its dimensions, it resembled a grand stone bed.
Surrounding the stone bed were heaps of gold coins and precious gems.
The glimmering treasures nearly blinded Fong, how with their brilliance, could it be? Had he stumbled upon the fabled treasure of the pirate king? The sheer volume of riches left him astounded.
After a moment of calming his racing heart, he flapped his wings and circled the cave, discovering no threats or adversaries amidst the wealth of golden jewels.
Once he confirmed the absence of danger, Fongha maneuvered the skeletal ash sparrow back outside as he dismissed his divine presence and Jia inquired, "What did you find?" "There is no danger.
The cave is filled with unimaginable wealth.
" Fong Hao replied, "Unimaginable wealth?" "Indeed, the cave is brimming with gold coins and gems.
" Fongo affirmed with certainty.
Anja furrowed her brow and touched his forehead.
"Have you consumed any mushrooms?" Not all, Fongghao confirmed, checking the light feathershort sword at his waist to ensure he was neither cursed nor mentally disturbed.
Thus, he concluded that he was not hallucinating.
Indeed, there were numerous treasures within.
Fongo opened the Lord's book and crafted a multitude of troll sutured army tents.
These tents, stitched from large animal hides, could envelop gold coins and gems for transport.
Let us proceed, Fongghao commanded decisively.
Everyone bearing the stitched hides and wielding luminous stones ventured into the cave.
After only a few meters, Domiga suddenly halted the advancing team.
With the luminous stone in hand, he crouched down.
Sir, their footprints leading outward on the ground.
Fong Hao and Anja hastened to Domiga's side, discovering the outward-moving footprints on the ground.
When Fong Ha had entered earlier, he lacked illumination from the luminous stones and had not noticed the footprints.
Now upon Ditiga's remark, he grasped the implication.
Someone had exited the cave.
Domiga analyzed.
Judging by the traces, it has not been long, merely a few days.
At this revelation, Fong called Blood Hunter.
He had seized the opportunity to ransack Enwin Fortress during the latter's absence.
Now it seemed the cycle was repeating.
Was this not oughten wealth? Fongghow rose and urged, "Hasten our pace and complete the transfer swiftly, lest we disturb their return.
" The pseudo dragon outside served as the guardian of the treasures within the cave.
With blood already spilled, the enmity had been forged.
Departing now would alter nothing.
It was better to act decisively.
"Very well, continue onward," Domiga reaffirmed his command.
The large contingent advanced briskly as they entered the deeper chambers of the palace.
The expressions of all present shifted dramatically.
A mountain of treasures lay piled high before them.
What a fortune this must be.
Fonggho mused.
Load everything onto the carts at the foot of the mountain.
Domina, you shall ride the bone dragon to transport the corpses back before returning.
Understood.
My lord, Domina replied, departing immediately.
Meanwhile, the remaining skeletal trolls and spider soldiers unfurled the vast stitched hides, filling them with golden jewels.
Then sealing the openings with spider silk, they transported the treasures to the designated location at the mountains base.
The skeletal soldiers moved in and out carrying bag after bag of loot.
As the visible jewels diminished, the group unearthed golden chests and dragon crystal from the ground.
The moment Fong how beheld the dragon crystals, he realized that the original owner of this cave was likely a true dragon.
Thus, the footprints at the entrance might belong to another human or perhaps a dragon that had assumed human form.
Previously, Domina had mentioned that many races upon becoming heroes acquire the ability to transform into human shapes.
Maintaining their original physique consumes a tremendous amount of energy.
These races predominantly manifest in humanoid forms while retaining certain inherent characteristics.
Much like the humanoid Domina who preserves her kiten and arachnid limbs, it is highly plausible that this is a dragon race capable of transforming into human form.
My lord, everything has been moved and the traces we left have been thoroughly cleared.
Domiga approached once more.
Indeed, everyone has worked hard.
Funho acknowledged with a nod.
My lord, we could depart now.
The night has already fallen outside.
It seems we shall not return to the weaver's camp until the latter half of the night.
Domiga continued, "The time spent battling the pseudo dragon guards had consumed longer than the time taken for transportation.
It was now 10:00 in the evening, and the wilderness at night posed significant dangers.
" "Wait a moment," Ana, can you write in the language of the beastmen? Fungho inquired, "That depends on what you need.
" She replied, "How about this? inscribe upon this pillar.
The treasures of my blackstone tribe lie beneath.
Dare to challenge me, you little dragon, huh? You're quite mischievous.
Ania chuckled, understanding how's intention.
She immediately began carving his words into the stone pillar.
Halfway through, she turned and asked, "How do you write challenge?" "You ask me?" Just draw a kitchen knife, he replied.
All right.
Domiga stood behind them, observing their discussion on how to replace the unwritten words.
He eventually decided to leave and began directing everyone to prepare for the return journey.
Before long, the provocations were etched in a crooked manner.
The two descended the mountain and the party commenced their return.
The large group swiftly traversed through the night.
The sounds of creatures weaving through the thickets on either side of the path could be heard following the caravan.
Fortunately, the party included a significant number of undead, providing ample manpower.
After a while, as they approached the weaver's camp, the creatures abandoned their pursuit.
Domina arranged accommodations for everyone.
Fong Hao and Anjhao were assigned to a room suspended in the air, secured by white spider silk as the arachnid soldiers did not require beds.
The two settled onto the ground.
Just as they closed their eyes, the sound of spiders scuttling outside filled the air, causing discomfort in their hearts.
On the following morning, Fungha emerged with dark circles under his eyes.
A young giant spider presented him with two roasted meats, still adorned with remnants of dark red scales.