Chapter 508: Return and Unexpected Events

Chapter 508: Return and Unexpected Events

The people in the Cave Camp watched the scene before them, all of them as silent as cicadas in winter.

After all, whether it was Dawn Wizard Alvin or Sword Saint Tirion, both were significant figures, and no one present had the right to mediate.

As they watched Tirion leave, Alvin's face darkened as he glanced around the group and asked in a grave voice:

"Who among you has entered the ruins?"

Without Tirion's detailed account of the Sky City Ruins' interior, Alvin would not rashly charge in. He needed more detailed information from others.

Though he was proud, he was not foolish.

Otherwise, he would not have reached the level of a Dawn Wizard.

"These... Your Excellency Alvin, a few of us followed Dean Helm into the ruins." At this, several men in wizard robes, somewhat apprehensively, raised their hands and spoke.

These men were part of the group that had been rescued previously and were now representatives of the Federation Mechanical Institute conducting research here after Dean Helm's departure.

"Oh? You are researchers from the Federation Mechanical Institute?"

"You were the ones trapped inside last time and needed rescuing?" Alvin's expression slightly eased upon hearing that they were the same group that had been trapped inside with Helm. After all, they were familiar with the situation.

He naturally knew that Helm had already left the camp; otherwise, he would have sought him out long ago.

"Yes, Your Excellency Alvin", the men replied respectfully, though they privately grumbled, 'This Alvin really doesn't know how to speak. Trapped inside? Shouldn't it be said that we successfully returned?'

"Follow me, you few. I am now in charge of the camp." Alvin then turned to the federal soldiers around him and said, before leading the researchers into a tent to gather more detailed information.

"So, the whispers inside can be avoided simply by being deaf?"

"Yes, Your Excellency Alvin."

"Simple indeed."

Alvin couldn't help but laugh.

It was certainly advantageous to come in later, with the benefit of previous experiences, sparing the need for costly explorations.

It seemed that Tirion the Sword Saint and his group had not been entirely fruitless in their efforts, at least discovering some of the Sky City's patterns.

"Those Goblin Corpses, when killed, have black insects crawling out of their heads or Black Mist floating out?" Alvin asked, focusing on the points that interested him.

"We only saw black insects", the lead researcher hesitated before responding.

"Hmm? But why does Helm's report mention Black Mist transforming into monsters below?" Alvin looked at the group with suspicion.

"We didn't see it ourselves. In fact, even Dean Helm hasn't seen it. This information was provided by the young Mr. Rayne after he explored the B2 Level alone", the researchers exchanged glances and honestly admitted.

"Oh?" This news made Alvin pause.

So that's how it was.

However, this could mean two things. One, Rayne's information was false, intended to delay the Federation's exploration of the ruins. The second, and more favorable, possibility was that Rayne's information was true, and the black insects and Black Mist could be effectively countered with his fire magic.

Once he understood this, Alvin's mood, which had soured after Tirion's departure, improved considerably.

"Your Excellency Alvin, Your Excellency Garrett has arrived", one of the four followers who had accompanied Alvin to the camp, a nimble and petite woman with a dagger, reported as she entered.

"Very well, let's go and welcome him", Alvin nodded and stood up.

At the entrance to the Cave Camp, a middle-aged man in a blue wizard robe with golden embroidery arrived, escorted by a group of female warriors in bright silver chainmail, carrying spears and shields.

His expression was warm, and he wore a smile that made people feel at ease, a stark contrast to Alvin's presence.

Many in the camp looked at him with admiration.

This was Garrett, a rare Lightning Specialist Wizard among Air Wizards, even rarer than Ice Wizards among Water Wizards.

Even compared to rare metal-element wizards like Rayne, he is no less impressive.

"His Majesty Garrett, welcome!"

"His Majesty Alvin, it's been a while."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two quickly took their seats in the main tent of the camp.

"So, His Majesty Tyrion has left?" Garrett's brows furrowed at the news.

After all, Tyrion was a Sword Saint, and the absence of such a powerful fighter would undoubtedly affect the exploration of the Sky City Ruins.

"Don't worry, His Majesty Garrett. I've already contacted the Military Department, and His Majesty Gutierrez will arrive at the camp early tomorrow morning."

"Additionally, these researchers from the Federation Mechanical Institute are survivors from the previous expedition. They were just briefing me on the detailed situation inside the Sky City Ruins", Alvin said, gesturing to the researchers nearby.

"I see. If His Majesty Gutierrez is coming, then he can certainly fill in for Tyrion." Garrett's frown eased as he nodded, reassured by Alvin's thorough planning.

Moreover, he, Alvin, and Gutierrez all had experience working in the military, so their collaboration would be smoother from the start.

"However, without an Epic-Level Warrior familiar with the situation to lead us, we still need to be cautious."

"Of course. But, His Majesty Garrett, you don't need to worry. In the previous expedition, His Majesty Hernandez's water magic was significantly suppressed within the ruins, greatly affecting his strength. That won't be the case for us."

"The three of us are the best team the Military Department has put together for the Sky City Ruins, each with our own strengths. I believe this expedition will yield more than the last."

"Indeed. I heard that the young powerhouse Rayne from the Empire is a rare metal-element Dawn Wizard?"

"Ha, perhaps. But in my opinion, the biggest advantage of a metal-element Dawn Wizard here is the ability to punch two holes directly through the metal floor of the Sky City." Alvin said with a hint of jest.

"His Majesty Gutierrez, being a Sword Saint, should be able to do the same with ease."

"Besides, with the blueprints, we can use the regular passages, even if it takes a bit longer."

"True. Since His Majesty Alvin has prepared so thoroughly, I'm at ease." Garrett nodded and smiled.

"Of course, His Majesty Garrett. I plan to set out as soon as His Majesty Gutierrez arrives tomorrow. What do you think?"

"Agreed."

Meanwhile, Rayne had already arrived in Zetaya. He was currently on the rooftop of a high-rise building with Helm, sipping Bordeaux and enjoying the vast, emerald sea view in the distance.

As for Hernandez, he had already left Zetaya and was heading to his next mission in the Andor Principality.

"Dean Helm, your insights into the common puppets and golems in ancient goblin engineering have been truly enlightening", Rayne said, raising his glass in gratitude with a smile.

Rayne was not just being polite.

He had genuinely gained knowledge.

His prerequisite for advancing to Legendary Goblin Engineer—'mastery of goblin engineering knowledge'—now showed a percentage: 28%.

While Helm may not be a formidable fighter, his research capabilities were undeniably solid.

"His Majesty Rayne, you flatter me. With your talent, you could grasp these concepts with just a little time and thought", Helm said with a smile.

In fact, he was not just flattering.

Before discussing goblin engineering, Helm had assumed that Rayne, being so young and powerful, must have devoted all his time and energy to magic and psi energy.

But after a few conversations, he realized that Rayne truly understood the subject.

When Helm mentioned some of the practical challenges in making puppets, Rayne smoothly continued the discussion, indicating that he had indeed done the work himself.

This left Helm utterly stunned!

He couldn't fathom how Rayne could possess such formidable combat strength while also being so proficient in puppetry.

"But I still want to thank you, Sir Helm. After dinner, I hope to have some time to continue discussing these matters with you."

"Of course, Sir Rayne. The officials from the Zetaya Administrative Hall have been waiting for quite some time. Shall we head to the banquet now?" Helm smiled and gestured towards the round table, where several officials had been sitting for nearly an hour and a half.

Upon seeing Helm and Rayne look over, the officials immediately stood up, smiling warmly and bowing slightly.

"Fine by me", Rayne nodded with a smile.

Although he had no interest in such social gatherings, he would attend out of respect for Helm.

However, just as the two were about to stand up, a familiar voice came from the doorway: "So you're here."

"His Majesty, Tyrion?" Rayne and Helm couldn't help but look in surprise at the imposing figure that had just appeared at the door.

"Weren't you supposed to be in the Floating City?" Helm blurted out before immediately noticing the officials from the Zetaya Administrative Hall and quickly corrected himself.

"Forget it. That guy Alvin showed up, and I didn't want to stick around", Tyrion the Sword Saint waved his hand, signaling the irrelevant personnel to leave.

"Really? Alvin is here?" Helm, of course, had heard of this person's reputation.

"Yes, and Garrett and Gutierrez are on their way. They plan to explore the Sky City Ruins in depth, so I decided not to join them", Tyrion said with a cold expression.

"Explore in depth? Are these individuals very powerful?" Rayne couldn't help but ask, his curiosity piqued.

"Not particularly. One is a fire-element Dawn Wizard, the other is a rare lightning-element Dawn Wizard, and Gutierrez is about on par with me."

Rayne was even more puzzled after hearing this.

Was the Federation being so extravagant? Sending Dawn Wizards to explore without regard for casualties?

After all, even he was hesitant to venture into Level B3.

Leaving aside other factors, just the strength of the monsters in the Prison Zone—if the three of them were as strong as Tyrion described, they might be able to defeat the Ancient Minotaur and the other two infected creatures, but they would be no match for the Mistclaw.

"His Majesty, Tyrion, did you warn them about the dangers inside?"

"Of course. Their goal is to reach Level B3, and they even want to push deeper into Level B4. Do you think they would listen to my advice?" Tyrion said, his eyes downcast.

Rayne and Helm exchanged a glance, at a loss for words.

"His Majesty, Tyrion, could refusing this mission have any negative consequences for you?" Helm asked, concerned.

"Not really. This is a Military Department-led mission, and my non-participation might actually be a good thing for them. These three have military backgrounds, and they received significant support from the Military Department when they ascended to Dawn or reached the rank of Sword Saint, which is different from my situation."

Tyrion waved his hand dismissively.

"I see." Rayne nodded.

Indeed, even among Epic-Level Warriors, there were distinctions of closeness and distance, whether in the Empire or the Federation. Epic-Level Warriors also had their own factions.

That evening, after accompanying Rayne to the banquet, Tyrion the Sword Saint took his leave.

Rayne, on the other hand, almost kept Helm talking through the night, and it wasn't until nearly two in the morning that Helm returned to his room.

Actually, if Helm's research in goblin engineering hadn't been nearly exhausted in recent years, Rayne wouldn't have let him go so easily. After all, it was hard to find such a knowledgeable person again.

Of course, the results were quite significant. Rayne's progress in mastering goblin engineering knowledge had reached 63%.

It wouldn't be long before Rayne met the requirements for his next class change.

The next morning.

Rayne, Helm, and a group of officials from the Zetaya Administrative Hall went to the dirigible docking point to welcome the Imperial Delegation.

In the western sky of Zetaya, a long, snake-like formation of dirigibles, varying in size, slowly approached, forming two columns as they sailed through the air toward the city.

Meanwhile.

At Cave Camp, a towering man with a buzz cut arrived. His sharp eyes, reminiscent of an eagle's, scanned the area with a fierce intensity.

Unlike Alvin and Garrett, the two Dawn Wizards who had arrived earlier with their followers, this man came alone, carrying a rare broadsword with a flat blade. The sword's edge was pitch black, cracked, and looked as if it were forged from some kind of raw ore. Another notable feature of the sword was its blunt tip, as if the blade had been cut off.

"Gutierrez, Your Excellency, you have finally arrived. Alvin and I have been waiting for you for quite some time", Garrett said.

"Alvin, it's been a while. Oh, and Garret, Your Excellency, you're here too", Gutierrez replied with a smile. However, his jawline was sharp, and his lips thin, giving his smile a somewhat forced appearance.

"By the way, Gutierrez, Your Excellency, you should rest first—"

Alvin's words were cut off by Gutierrez.

"No need, both of you. I'm in good shape."

"I think we shouldn't waste any more time. I've already learned the basic details of the mission on the way here. We can discuss the finer points while we're on the task", Gutierrez said, waving his hand. As the most experienced of the three, he had the authority to speak this way.

"Haha, Gutierrez, Your Excellency, you are always so efficient. You're much better than someone who turned back out of fear", Alvin said with a laugh.

Though he didn't name anyone, everyone present knew who Alvin was referring to.

"Ha, perhaps Tyrion just didn't want to exert himself", Garrett chuckled.

However, Gutierrez didn't join in the laughter; instead, he frowned slightly. He knew Tyrion's strength and doubted the other man would leave without a good reason, but he didn't press the issue.

Soon, a group of over ten people, led by three researchers, set off toward the Sky City Ruins. Before they entered, everyone except Alvin, Garrett, and Gutierrez was cast with a Deafening Spell to protect them from the whispers.

With two Dawn Wizards and a Sword Saint leading the way, the group moved quickly. They swiftly dispatched two patrols of Mechanical Land Birds and reached the temporary campsite where Helm's team had been trapped.

However, the hole Rayne had previously cut to the lower level was gone.

"Hmm? It's gone. It should be right here", one of the researchers said, looking around the ground with a puzzled expression.

"It must have sealed itself", Garrett said, bending down and using his hand, which glowed with arcs of electricity, to sense the ground.

"Gutierrez, Your Excellency, Alvin and I aren't good at cutting through such thick metal layers. We'll need your help."

"Of course, leave it to me", Gutierrez replied without hesitation.

In the next moment, he leaped over ten meters into the air and swiftly swung his black sword at the ground. Four black sword beams sliced into the metal floor, forming the edges of a perfect square.

"Bang!!"

Gutierrez then stood outside the square and delivered a powerful punch to the ground. He expected to create a square hole, but his expression changed abruptly. The recoil from his punch indicated that his four strikes had failed to penetrate the metal layer below.

"Is it that thick?"

Gutierrez couldn't help but exclaim.

"Hmm? It didn't cut through?"

Alvin and Garrett were also surprised. According to Helm's report, the young epic-level Imperial warrior Rayne had used Metallic Magic to 'melt' through the metal. They couldn't understand why a seasoned Sword Saint couldn't do the same.

"Wait", Alvin began, but was interrupted by Gutierrez.

"Be on your guard, something big is coming. It must be one of those Mechanical Octopuses mentioned in the intel."

Clearly, their delay had attracted more Mechanical Monsters.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end