Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1480 - 508: Return Journey and Upheaval (Part 3)

"I certainly did. However, their modest aim is to reach the third underground level, and they are even contemplating pushing further into the fourth. Do you honestly believe they would pay any mind to my counsel?" Terrio remarked, his gaze shifting downward.

"This..."

Haleem and Rein exchanged a quick look, both finding themselves momentarily speechless.

"Lord Terrio, will your refusal of this assignment result in any negative repercussions for you?" Haleem inquired, unable to hide his apprehension.

"Not particularly. This operation is under the Military Department's jurisdiction. My absence is actually a benefit for them. Those three individuals all possess military backgrounds. Furthermore, when they ascended to the rank of Dawn or reached the level of Sword Saint, they were granted immense resources by the Military Department—a stark contrast to my own path."

Terrio dismissed the concern with a casual wave of his hand.

"I understand," Rein said, nodding.

It was just as he thought; even among those at the epic level, there were clear circles of influence and favoritism. Factions existed among epic powerhouses regardless of whether they were in the Federation or the Empire.

...

That evening, following a formal banquet with Rein, Sword Saint Terrio departed.

Rein, however, practically coerced Haleem into a late-night discussion by candlelight, keeping him occupied until nearly two in the morning before allowing him to return to his quarters.

Truthfully, had Haleem not nearly exhausted his current knowledge of goblin engineering, Rein wouldn't have permitted him to leave so soon. Such chances to learn were far too precious to waste.

The effort yielded significant gains, as Rein's progress in 'mastering goblin engineering knowledge' successfully climbed to 63%.

It wouldn't be much longer before Rein fulfilled this specific requirement for his job change.

.....

The following morning.

Rein, Haleem, and several officials from the Zetaya local government gathered at the airship docks to receive the Empire Delegation.

High in the western skies of Zetaya, a long formation of airships in various sizes appeared, flying in two parallel rows as they drifted toward the city.

At the same time.

A robust man with short hair and piercing, hawk-like eyes arrived at the cave encampment.

Unlike the Dawn Wizards Elvin and Garrett, who traveled with retinues, he arrived solitary. He carried a peculiar, flat-tipped greatsword with a black blade riddled with cracks, appearing as though it had been carved from raw, unrefined ore.

A notable detail of the greatsword was its tip; it was completely flat, as if the point had been sheared off.

"Lord Guiterrez, you have arrived at last. Garrett and I have been anticipating your arrival for some time."

"It has been a while, Elvin. Ah, Lord Gatler is present as well," Guiterrez said with a smile.

With his sharp jaw and thin lips, he possessed a very rugged look. Even his attempt at a smile appeared somewhat stiff.

"By the way, Lord Guiterrez, perhaps you should take some rest..." Elvin started, but Guiterrez cut him off.

"There is no need, gentlemen. I am in peak condition."

"I believe we should not dally. I reviewed the primary mission objectives on my way here. We can go over the finer details as we carry out the operation," Guiterrez said, waving a hand dismissively.

Being the most senior member among the three, he held the authority to speak in such a manner.

"Haha, Lord Guiterrez is certainly a man of action, far more resolute than that person who retreated out of cowardice," Elvin laughed.

Though he didn't name names, everyone present understood exactly who Elvin was mocking.

"Haha, perhaps Lord Terrio simply didn't wish to exert himself," Garrett added with a chuckle.

Guiterrez, however, did not participate in the mockery, his brow furrowing slightly instead.

He was well aware of Terrio’s true power and suspected there were deeper reasons for his departure, but he chose not to probe the matter at this time.

Shortly after, a team of over ten individuals, guided by three researchers, began their trek toward the Floating City Ruins.

Before they officially crossed the threshold, everyone except the three leaders had a Deafness Technique cast upon them to shield them from the influence of the whispers.

With a Sword Saint and two Dawn Wizards clearing the way, the group advanced at a rapid pace. They quickly neutralized two patrols of mechanical land birds and reached the vicinity of the temporary camp where Haleem’s party had previously been cornered.

However, the breach Rein had previously carved into the first underground level had vanished.

"Eh? Where did it go? It was supposed to be right here," a researcher muttered, searching the floor in a state of confusion.

"It must have sealed itself," Gatler stated. He knelt down, pressing his right hand—which crackled with electricity—against the floor to sense the structure, his voice low.

"Lord Guiterrez, neither Elvin nor I possess the skills to breach such a dense metal casing; we must ask for your assistance."

"Very well, leave it to me," Guiterrez replied with a nod, not hesitating.

In the blink of an eye!

He leaped over ten meters into the air, swinging his Black Sword with incredible speed toward the ground below....

Instantly, four dark sword beams bit into the metallic surface, tracing the shape of a square.

"Boom!!"

Guiterrez then landed outside the marked area and delivered a massive strike with his fist.

He expected the metal floor to give way and collapse, but his expression suddenly shifted to one of shock.

The kinetic feedback hitting his fist told him the truth: the metal layer beneath had not been penetrated by his four sword strikes.

"It is incredibly thick!"

Guiterrez couldn't help but shout in surprise!

"What? It didn't break through?"

Both Elvin and Garrett were stunned!

Based on Haleem's account, the young epic powerhouse from the Empire, Rein, had melted through it using Metal Series Witchcraft. They assumed that if a mere youth could do it, a seasoned Sword Saint would have no trouble cutting through.

"In that case..." Elvin began to speak.

Suddenly, Guiterrez’s expression turned grim as he barked, "Get ready! Something massive is approaching—it's likely the mechanical octopus described in the reports!"

Clearly, their hesitation had drawn the attention of more mechanical monstrosities.

...