Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1443 - 494: Ressero Canyon (2)

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
Vice Speaker Bertrand and the Federation council reach a reluctant compromise to include Lord Rein in the upcoming rescue operation at Ressero Canyon, despite concerns over his interest in ancient goblin technology. To secure permission for this solitary mission, Rein reveals to Prince Menia that the ruins likely hold the missing fifth layer of his Steel Heart meditation method. Menia grants his approval and provides a powerful transforming ring to aid Rein’s infiltration of the heavily guarded site. Under the cover of Councilor Trena’s invitation, Rein departs via airship to reach the dangerous ruins before the main delegation arrives.
As evening fell, Rein, Sword Saint Terrio, and the Dawn Wizard Hernandez reached the base of Ressero Canyon in Zetaya with their entourage. Rein felt a sense of confusion as he surveyed the narrow passage flanked by high walls. Typically, natural canyons carved by wind, water, or ice exhibit varying widths throughout their length. However, this particular gorge appeared unnaturally uniform. He had observed that the canyon maintained a consistent width of approximately one hundred meters for its entire dozens-of-miles stretch. Furthermore, its depth was far greater than he had anticipated. At its lowest point, the canyon floor dropped more than fifteen hundred meters. Deep within the center of the gorge where the group now stood, the sky above was reduced to nothing more than a thin blue thread. "It appears this canyon might not have been created by nature," Rein whispered to himself. "Lord Rein possesses a keen eye," Hernandez remarked with a smile, having caught the quiet comment. "Oh? Does Lord Hernandez have information regarding this place?" Rein’s interest was piqued as he returned the smile. "Indeed, I have some knowledge. Federation archaeologists believe this canyon was formed no more than ten thousand years ago, perhaps even as recently as a few millennia past. Consequently, we suspect it is the scarred remains of an ancient war," Hernandez explained. "However, because this is the New Continent, historical records are scarce, leaving us without a definitive answer," Hernandez added. Rein gave a nod of understanding. Still, as he looked out across the vast expanse of the canyon, he felt a wave of shock. 'To inflict such a degree of devastation, even a Demigod might struggle. Could a Divine being have descended here?' Rein pondered silently. Just then, an efficient Federation Lieutenant halted and gestured toward the rocky face ahead. "My lords, the gateway to the ruins lies just before us," he reported. The Lieutenant's voice snapped Rein out of his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a massive cavity carved into the nearly vertical stone wall to his left. The opening was an irregular circle, towering tens of meters high. A dim crimson radiance pulsed from within, accompanied by waves of intense, scorching heat. Despite the size of the entrance, its location at the deepest section of the canyon—combined with the infestation of prairie wolves and toxic scorpions—meant it was rarely visited by outsiders. As the party moved inside the cavern, they encountered Federation soldiers busy erecting tents and initializing various minor defensive witch arrays. It appeared they had only recently arrived, as their preparations were still in the early stages. The soldiers immediately paused their labor to show respect as Rein’s group entered. A Federation Colonel, the ranking officer on-site, hurried forward. "Would my lords care to rest for a moment?" the Colonel inquired. "There is no need. Are the ruins located further in?" Sword Saint Terrio asked, dismissing the offer with a wave of his hand. "Yes, Lord Terrio. They are just a short distance ahead." "Excellent. Lead us there and provide a quick briefing on the current status." "As you wish, Lord Terrio." The Colonel began his report as he guided them through a rock wall several tens of meters thick. Suddenly, the space ahead expanded dramatically. The silhouette of a colossal, roughly circular city materialized before them. The entire metropolis sat hundreds of meters below their current elevation, encircled by a moat of flowing, dark red lava that acted as a fiery perimeter. Between the thick volcanic fumes and the oppressive darkness, even Rein’s Dark Vision could only make out a hazy, clouded view of the massive city. It resembled a slumbering predatory beast, its blood-red maw hanging wide open. "I have an ill omen about this; something truly perilous must be lurking there," Sword Saint Terrio remarked, his face darkening as he pointed toward the urban sprawl. "I agree. Otherwise, with a man of Haleem’s power, it would be unthinkable for him to fail to send a distress signal," Hernandez added, his expression equally grim. "My lords, a basic steel bridge is located here, likely constructed by Lord Haleem’s advance team," the Colonel noted, indicating a simple structure suspended over the molten rock. "Very well. You may leave us here; we will proceed on our own," Terrio decided with a nod. ... The group soon traversed the steel bridge, officially entering the ancient goblin city. Even at the outskirts, the visibility was so poor that building outlines vanished beyond a few dozen meters. A smoke-like fog permeated the air throughout the entire city. "My lords, the trail of Lord Haleem and the two prior reconnaissance teams ends exactly here." The Federation Lieutenant leading the way stopped abruptly, turning to deliver the news. "What? The tracks just vanish?" Sword Saint Terrio asked, his brow furrowing with concern. "Yes, sir!" the Lieutenant confirmed firmly. Rein knelt to examine the ground. Indeed, the numerous sets of footprints imprinted in the dust stopped dead at a specific point. The path here was constructed from square marble tiles. While the previous sections were buried under thick dust, the path ahead was inexplicably pristine. "This is illogical. While volcanic ash might obscure human steps, Haleem was operating Prototype One. A massive Demon Statue of that scale should not be able to move without leaving a single trace," Sword Saint Terrio argued, frowning. Rein did not reply, but he stood up and stared intently into the distance.