Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1446 - 495: Red Flare Signal_2

Recognizing the threat posed by Rein’s companions, the creatures scattered instantly, attempting to flee in every direction.

“You think you can escape?!”

Sword Saint Terrio unleashed another devastating swing of his blade!

In a flash, a streak of silver sword light pursued every single black insect.

The swarm was annihilated in the blink of an eye. However, just as before, the severed remains of the black insects dissolved into dark smoke, vanishing without leaving a single trace behind.

“Was that thing the one manipulating the goblins earlier?” Hernandez asked, his expression growing increasingly dark.

“It seems likely. Crown Hernandez, have you encountered such a thing in the past?” Rein inquired, unable to hide his curiosity.

“No,” Hernandez replied, shaking his head.

“I recall reading in an ancient tome about a creature known as the exotic insect. Records claim they devour the brains of sentient beings to hijack their bodies. However, the physical form of the exotic insect is completely different from these beetle-like creatures we just saw. More importantly, those possess a physical shell, whereas these seem to be manifestations of some kind of evil energy.”

“I see.” Rein nodded silently.

He agreed. Initially, Rein suspected they were dealing with something akin to the Insect Race, but the lack of a permanent physical body suggested otherwise.

“Perhaps we should escort these soldiers out first. This environment is beyond their ability to explore,” Terrio suggested, glancing back at the elite troops before addressing Rein and Hernandez.

“Agreed,” Hernandez said with a nod.

“I’m afraid that won't be easy,” Rein countered, shaking his head.

“What do you mean?” both men asked, looking at Rein with visible surprise.

Rein gestured toward the path they had just traveled.

“Crown, look behind us. I only just realized it myself.”

Terrio and Hernandez turned their gaze upward. Through the thick mist, the residential buildings lining the street had shifted imperceptibly. Though they were still houses, the two men were certain they hadn't seen these specific structures before—especially a shop featuring a massive beer bottle billboard.

“Are the buildings themselves moving?” Sword Saint Terrio asked, his shock apparent for the first time.

“No, it isn't just the houses. The very ground beneath us is changing,” Rein stated solemnly.

Rein had previously caught the faint, distant sound of grinding gears. Thinking of those mechanisms, he had formed a theory.

“I suspect there is more than just dirt under this soil.” Rein knelt down, pressing his palm against the earth.

A brilliant dark silver light erupted from his hand.

The ground trembled. Suddenly, the marble pavers of the street shattered, revealing a hard object with a distinct metallic luster. Using his Metal Morphing Spell, Rein extracted a sample.

“Metal? The foundation is actually made of metal?” Hernandez and Terrio exchanged stunned looks.

If the foundation of a city this vast was entirely metallic, the level of technology hidden within this ancient goblin capital far surpassed their initial estimates.

“Yes, and it isn't natural ore. It’s a high-purity alloy,” Rein noted, examining the dark metal in his palm with a nod.

“Then we should head straight down—” Terrio began.

Suddenly, a crimson dot erupted in the sky several hundred meters away.

Even through the dense layers of fog, the faint, glowing dark red speck was visible.

“What is that?” Rein squinted, focusing on the light.

“That looks like a Federation distress flare,” Sword Saint Terrio said grimly.

While a standard flare would be far more brilliant, its dimmed state was logical given the interference of the strange mist.

“We can confirm it with the soldiers.”

There was no need to ask. The soldiers, currently under a Silence Spell, were excitedly pointing toward the sky with gestures that confirmed this was indeed the specific distress signal used by the Federation military.

“It’s close. If that’s a flare, it means survivors are still out there.”

“Indeed. It is most likely Haleem’s squad,” Rein said, his eyes lighting up with hope.

If Haleem was still alive, it was excellent news; it meant Rein’s Dawn Killing Move still had a chance of succeeding.

“Why couldn't it be one of the two previous search teams?” Terrio asked, sounding puzzled.

“Terrio, do you honestly think an elite Military Department squad could have survived those whispers we just heard?” Hernandez explained on Rein's behalf.

“That... is a fair point.” Terrio understood immediately once it was pointed out.

“Shall we proceed, then?”

“I agree. We rescue Haleem and his men, then we withdraw immediately,” Hernandez decided with a nod.

“No objections here,” Rein added.

“Very well,” Sword Saint Terrio said, though a frown lingered on his face.

Even though he had easily crushed the enemies they encountered, a shadow of unease remained in his heart. This place filled him with a deep sense of discomfort.

The group quickly adjusted their path, advancing toward the location where the red flare had been fired.

Despite being under the effects of the Silence Spell, the elite Federation soldiers resumed their scouting duties. Using specialized combat sign language, they communicated flawlessly, proving that being unable to speak or hear did not hinder their effectiveness in the field.