A powerful, pungent scent hit Storm's nose as he reached the bottom of the ladder. Causing him to gag in response.
"I warned you!!" Said Leyocan.
"What.... what is that?!!"Asked Storm.
"Arcadia built a sprawling network of tunnels underneath the main city to drain out all the waste.
Unfortunately, in order to conceal the hideout from the authorities, the clan had to build their hideout into these waste tunnels, hence the smell.
You get used to it after a while, and it gets better once you enter the hidout, but it's especially pungent for newcomers. " Explained Leyocan.
He changed to his true form, then made his way to one of the walls and lighted a torch that revealed a long narrow tunnel straight ahead of them.
Without another word, he took the lead and walked down the tunnel.
A strange slime covered the walls on either side and the sound of dripping water was especially annoying to Storm's ears.
A scream echoed down the tunnels, causing everyone to freeze for a moment.
"Do people stay down here?" Asked Aurora.
"The Nogitsune do.
As well as some other criminal organizations and outcasts that society has turned their back to.
There is an undercity market run by several of the criminal organizations in the city where you can buy almost anything also located somewhere in these labyrinthian tunnels, but I don't know how to find it.
Crime and danger is at an all time high in these tunnels and most people avoid this place.
The tunnels around the hideout should be safe though as long as you're a friend of the Nogitsune. " Explained Leyocan.
After an unknown amount of time, the tunnel opened into a small room.
The room lacked any furnishings except for an old chair that fell apart the moment Storm nudged it with a foot.
A large grating secured with a padlock lead out into the remainder of the tunnels.
A large canal could be seen on the other side that helped channel the waste out of the city.
Leyocan ignored the grating and walked over to the far wall.
He brushed away the slime until he uncovered an unknown sigil.
As he pressed it, another hidden passage opened up and a strong gust of hot air struck them.
The strong smell of incense could be smelled in the air as the gust reached them.
A single Nogitsune guard in a black cloak and hood with 2 tails was waiting on the other side.
He eyed Leyocan's five tails, before bowing his head.
"Welcome honored elder, to our humble sanctuary! We've been expecting you. "
Leyocan nodded his head in response.
"It is of great importance that I speak with your Sensei immediately."
"He is already waiting for you, please follow me."
The guard turned around and began leading them through the rooms.
Storm immediately noticed that this clan seemed to have a much different style of fighting than Onyx's clan.
A style of fighting that relied on fast reflexes to use their enchanted blades to destroy incoming magical projectiles before they struck it's owner.
Before countering with magic of their own or more mundane projectiles like throwing knives.
Much to Storm's suprise, the guard didn't lead them to an audience chamber or meeting hall.
Instead they entered what appeared to be some kind of training room.
Several magic crystals were spread out across the room and a single Nogitsune with 5 tails was standing in the center of the room.
Storm and the others waiting until he finished whatever he was currently doing.
His sword was drawn, and he was standing in a combat ready pose with the sword raised vertically in front of him.
His eyes were closed but his pointed ears were constantly twitching around searching for sudden sounds
One of the crystals behind the Nogitsune suddenly brightened before firing a magic bolt at high speed.
Fast as a snake, he twisted around and slashed the bolt in two. The other crystals around the room came to life and began firing in quick succession.
The Nogitsune sensei struck each bolt as it came in range.
At times when there were more than a single bolt firing at him, he'd using a throwing knife to destroy the one bolt, before slashing the other with his sword.
After 5 minutes, the glow from the crystals died down as they lost power.
He spun his sword by his side, before returning it to the scabbard strapped to his waist.
"Still as sharp as ever I see, Lucius!"
The Sensei turned towards Leyocan and scowled when he recognized him.
"Leyocan! Your brother's message didn't say that it was you who was coming to see me!"
"Are you disappointed?"
"No, I would have simply put my men on high alert! Your arrival tends to breed chaos wherever you go!"
"Nothing out of the ordinary has happened yet!" Defended Leyocan.
"The day is still young!" Replied Lucius.
He gestured towards a table that was set at the far side of the room where one can watch the participants train.
As they made their way to the table, another Nogitsune stepped forward and took his place at the center of the room.
As they all sat down, an attendant brought a glass of water for each of them
Lucius took a sip of his own drink, before waiting for the others to do the same.
"I am curious what kind of business brought the Sensei of the Frozen Wastelands to my realm?" Inquired Lucius.
Leyocan put down his drink, before addressing the reason for their visit.
"My two dragon companions are seeking several missing kinsmen that have reportably been brought here for some unknown purpose by a cabal of mages who may, or may not be affiliated with the Arcanium.
One of them is an family member that has been investigating the Arcanium and have been smuggling supplies to their clan before his disappearance.
We don't have any leads to follow in orders to track him down.
No name, no idea what his position was, we were hoping that you might." Explained Leyocan.
Lucius leaned back in his chair.
"I see. And what makes you think I know anything about this mysterious dragon?"
"Don't play coy with me, Lucius!! If he was smuggling large scale supplies, then he would have most likely worked with you!
You have an hand in almost the entire Arcadian criminal underworld!
There's no way you weren't at least aware of what he was doing!" Exclaimed Leyocan.
Lucius grinned in response.