Buildings laden with gothic architecture littered the surrounding area, not too much of a departure from the corridors of the crypt they'd been traversing moments earlier; though still otherworldly in nature. While similar enough to some cities Ilvir recalled seeing on the surface, the presence of ethereal geometric lines etched onto the stone streets beneath his feet caused an immense feeling of unease to stir within him; the symmetrical patterns shimmering with a mix of eerie violet and crimson light.
Despite that, he couldn't deny the sense of utter magnificence he felt by simply standing in the center of the various buildings; which happened to utterly dwarf him and Erviel. It seemed more in line with an esteemed capital than a base for Corruptive entities, no thanks in part to the sheer magnitude few of the tower-like structures exerted.
Of course, his unease roused by the patterns lining the stone streets of this underground citadel soon overtook his awe for its scale; as the citadel in question appeared to be decimated, if the various piles of strewn rubble and sight of demolished buildings were any indication alongside the complete lack of people. Coupled with the black void above them, he would've likened it more to a nightmare. Remnants of what appeared to be various shops and the like littered the area around them, which gave the impression they were currently in a small plaza.
"S-So…" The black-haired paladin stammered as he turned to face Erviel, knowing full well fear had no place in his heart. "Are you positive we weren't led astray? You're absolutely certain this is that cult's base of operations?"
"I mean, couldn't get any more conspicuous than this." Erviel being replied smugly, pointing a claw at the geometric lines snaking through the stone underfoot. "Not to mention that small group entered from the corridor leading here. It's pretty obvious at this point."
"Ah… yes, that's a good point…" Ilvir scratched at his head, glancing about the ruined plaza. "Even so, how exactly do you presume we'll be able to find their base? This city appears to be endless. You wouldn't happen to know the layout, would you?"
Erviel's clawed feet tapped against the floor to attract his gaze, finger pointing once more to the magic-infused lines coursing through the stone. His maw lifted to the black sky and the various tower-like buildings, tugging at his hood. "Like I said, real obvious. These are obviously coming from somewhere. If they aren't, we keep walking until we find something."
"...Noted." Ilvir shook his head in doubt of his words, even if the logic was sound in some sense. "And if we come across cultists?"
"The hell kind of question is that?" Erviel's eyes glared at him in clear exasperation. "Are you really a Paladin? I don't have to explain what happens. Shut up and stop asking questions you already have answers to." He spun to face a path leading out of the plaza and ruined shops to the run-down gothic buildings lining the seemingly endless street beyond, craning his neck and wordlessly gesturing.
Ilvir followed without further comment, knowing full well he'd displeased his superior. As already gleaned from the plaza, the streets of the gothic citadel were indeed, void of any civilians. He had to admit, the thought of a place like this once being inhabited made his stomach churn. While the architecture was similar enough to the crypt, said crypt's own architecture was outlandish compared to the rest of the cities and other ruins throughout Teilune. He couldn't have been further from his kingdom than now, forced to serve a creature of the very essence he'd pledged to destroy.
The very essence he'd given into so long ago.
Their footfalls resounded through the endless corridor of buildings as they pressed on in silence and ignorance. The glow of Ilvir's palms dimmed with each step whilst the rose-like stone hanging from Erviel's choker shimmered with a new luster.