Captain Zhen moved through the stronghold's lower levels, looking for the main thermal vent that fed heat to the eastern section. The corridors here were narrower, carved directly from the volcanic rock, with pipes of molten stone carrying superheated water throughout the structure.
"Here," Captain Zhen said to himself, pointing to a junction where three major thermal pipes converged. "If I rupture this central feed, it should create enough steam and chaos to cover Lin's escape."
The main line was as thick as his torso, with pressure valves that glowed red-hot from the thermal energy flowing through them.
Captain Zhen positioned himself. He could hear the battle raging above them through the volcanic stone—roars of dragons, the crash of weapons, and the distinctive crackling sound of Lin's ice magic.
"It's now or never." Captain Zhen said.
