Chapter 113: The Destruction of Menzoberranzan (Part I)

Confronted with the chaos engulfing Mosobles, Matriarch Banrei could no longer remain idle. Though Ro’s had always favored disorder, the Dark Elves required a long-lasting and stable rule just as much. Maya had thrown the entirety of Mosobles into disarray, having slain several matriarchs and high priests, which had severely weakened its fighting strength. The Dark Elves were not without threat in the Underdark; without sufficient high-tier power, Mosobles’ future looked bleak indeed.

Under these circumstances, Matriarch Banrei was compelled to summon Maya, inviting her to the Banrei household to discuss the current state of Mosobles—after all, this was the city under Banrei’s dominion.

Maya accepted the invitation without hesitation, as if she had been awaiting this moment all along. Soon, she departed from the Dinaphor family’s quarters with Zane and Verna, traveling aboard a hovering magic disc to the seat of the Banrei family—the largest and most illustrious clan in all of Mosobles.

Standing upon the magic disc, Zane gripped his staff tightly, narrowing his eyes to scrutinize the Banrei estate before him. It was magnificent and intricate, surrounded by spiderweb-like adamantine fences, towering stalactite pillars, and hundreds of elite Dark Elf warriors marching in perfect formation across the plaza. All this spoke volumes of the Banrei family’s might, not to mention that Matriarch Banrei commanded sixteen priests and a legendary mage—this was the greatest threat Zane faced on this journey.

Fortunately, he was not unprepared.

The magic disc silently drifted into the Banrei compound. The Banrei clan members merely cast cold glances at the floating vessel before resuming their patrols without a word.

Disciplined and ruthless—the reputation of Dark Elf warriors was well-earned.

The disc passed over the square and halted before the grand gates of the Banrei estate. Maya, Zane, and Verna disembarked, soon met by three high priests.

Verna visibly tensed upon seeing them. It was no wonder—before this, she had been nothing more than a minor martial instructor, never granted access to the Banrei estate. The three high priests before her each possessed the power to become a clan matriarch. Within the Banrei family, they were content to be pawns rather than players—or perhaps, merely waiting for their chance to become the players themselves.

Compared to Verna’s unease, Zane was calm, his gaze fixed downward as if admiring a flower upon the ground. Maya, however, radiated confidence and vigor. As a matriarch who had swept through several Dark Elf families and wielded formidable power, her demeanor was fitting.

“The Banrei Matriarch awaits you.”

Led by the high priests into the audience chamber, Zane and the others soon saw the Banrei Matriarch seated upon a lofty dais.

Unlike the fair countenances of other Dark Elf women, the Banrei Matriarch was not beautiful. This was unsurprising—no matter how lovely a face once was, age and wrinkles could dim its allure. Yet no one underestimated her. Due to the peculiar customs of the Dark Elves, few lived to see three generations coexist. She had, ruling over this dark and malevolent city with the greatest power and authority. She had lived for more than a century, yet her position remained unshaken. Rumor had it that even the city’s destruction would not topple her reign.

Now, it was time to put that rumor to the test.

“Greetings, Matriarch Dinaphor.”

While Zane assessed the Banrei Matriarch, she, in turn, scrutinized the trio. As the true ruler of Mosobles, she knew this city intimately. She recognized Verna—the unique “rebel”—and Maya. The latter had indeed displayed surprising “talent” at the priest academy, enough to astonish the Banrei Matriarch. Yet she had never expected that this young Dark Elf could so swiftly transform her “talent” into genuine “power.”

“Greetings, Matriarch Banrei.”

Maya showed none of the reverence other Dark Elves reserved for the aged matriarch. She returned the salute calmly, then took the spider chair across the round table—the seat traditionally reserved for the second-ranking family, which before today had always been occupied by the former Matriarch Dinaphor.

But now, everything had changed.

Banrei’s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam as she observed Maya’s composed expression. She had expected the young Dark Elf to be radiant after a string of victories; instead, Maya appeared remarkably steady and astute. Even the previous Dinaphor Matriarch likely lacked such composure.

“I have heard of all that you have accomplished in Mosobles,” Banrei said bluntly, “and I must admit, the Dinaphor family has admirably displayed its strength and secured the position it rightfully deserves.”

Without the usual formalities, Banrei cut straight to the heart of the matter. Mosobles had grown fragile; she needed to remind this young matriarch of her place. Though the Dinaphor family had grown strong, Banrei had yet to regard them as a true rival—they could not contend with the Banrei family.

“Thank you for your compliments, Matriarch Banrei.”

Maya nodded in acknowledgment. To Banrei’s surprise, Maya displayed none of the expected reactions. Instead, she gazed at her with a bright, innocent smile, as if a daughter basking in her mother’s praise. There was nothing improper about it, yet it struck Banrei as peculiar. Other Dark Elf matriarchs strove to appear formidable, yet this one resembled a newborn child, openly thrilled by her own admiration for Banrei. By all logic, such a Dark Elf should never have risen to high rank, yet here she was—a matriarch.

Frowning, Banrei suppressed her unease and continued.

“But as you have seen, Matriarch Dinaphor, your actions have caused considerable disturbance to Mosobles. I have heard repeated complaints from other matriarchs that you have overstepped boundaries. I believe it is time to end this unrest…”

“Unrest?!”

Banrei was stunned when Maya, once smiling, suddenly flipped her expression and stood, shouting angrily. She slammed the table, glaring at the elder matriarch without a trace of fear.

“You call this unrest?!”

“Is it not unrest?”

Banrei hesitated at Maya’s sudden outburst but raised her voice to assert her authority.

“Mosobles is on the brink of chaos. The clans are anxious. You have sufficiently proven the Dinaphor family’s strength; now it must end. Do you think any Dark Elf family dares to challenge the Dinaphor family now?”

Except the Banrei family.

Banrei left the threat unsaid, but her meaning was clear. Maya, however, showed no sign of intimidation. Instead, she widened her eyes and stared fiercely at the elder matriarch.

“This is not unrest—it is a purge!”

“What?”

Banrei was taken aback. She stared at Maya, baffled by her audacity. In Banrei’s family, in all of Mosobles, a matriarch dared to speak so arrogantly? Had she lost her mind? Yet Maya’s expression grew more fanatical.

“They have forgotten their duties, abandoned Ro’s teachings, hiding in darkness to cling to life. This is a grave desecration of the Spider Queen’s faith! Mosobles has been too calm for too long. Were it not for the decline of the Dinaphor family, this peace would have persisted. But this is not what the Spider Queen desires—we need ample sacrifices to offer her!”

Watching Maya’s fervent speech, Banrei’s brow furrowed deeply. This matriarch seemed increasingly unhinged. From the start, her behavior had defied expectations. Now, her words grew stranger still, unsettling Banrei further. From experience, such signs appeared only in two types of people: madmen or those blessed by the gods. Dark Elf matriarchs would go to great lengths to earn Ro’s favor. Could Maya truly be favored by the Spider Queen?

Before Banrei could settle her doubts, Maya sneered and spoke again.

“And all of this is because of the Banrei family!”

“What did you say?!”

Banrei finally lost her composure, rising with a dark scowl to face Maya. Yet beneath her anger, she trembled inwardly. Indeed, Ro’s loved chaos and betrayal. Mosobles had been too peaceful for far too long. The Banrei family, with sixteen high priests and a legendary mage, held nearly all the fighting power of the top five clans combined. This was the foundation of their rule. But this was not what Ro’s wished to see. The Spider Queen despised stable order. The Banrei family thus tread lightly, preserving their strength within Ro’s tolerance. Had they unknowingly crossed the line?

Glancing at Zane, head bowed and silent beside Maya, Banrei felt fear for the first time. This was the difference between priests and mages. A mage’s power stemmed from their own pursuit, but a priest’s strength came from divine favor. Banrei’s power was formidable, capable of contending with a legendary mage—but that relied on Ro’s blessing! Without it, her might would vanish instantly, reducing her from a tempest-wielding force to a mere weakling, unable to best even a lowly foot soldier.

Could it be...

Before Banrei’s thoughts could settle, a sudden roar filled her ears. The sanctuary trembled violently amid explosions and shaking. Outside came screams and piercing rumbles. Banrei’s face turned grim.

“You dare...!”

“In the name of the Spider Queen! The Banrei family’s history ends today!”

Before Maya’s words faded, a roaring blaze erupted like a fierce beast with gaping jaws, lunging straight at Matriarch Banrei! (To be continued.)