Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1481 - 509: Pride and Prejudice

Dense thumping sounds and increasingly heavy booms echoed through the hazy mist.

Guiterrez and the approaching foes shared the same assessment—the group had encountered a mechanical octopus similar to the one Rein’s team faced previously, accompanied by a prototype and several squads of mechanical land bird patrols.

Utilizing the data provided by Haleem and the team's thorough preparations, Elvin and Guiterrez combined their ultimate techniques to neutralize the most dangerous mechanical octopus. Simultaneously, Garrett discharged a massive electric shock, forcing the majority of the mechanical land birds into a frozen state of system downtime.

The team successfully crushed the attacking force in less than two minutes.

Elvin’s lips curled into a confident smile as he witnessed how easily the mechanical octopus fell. Lifting his chin slightly, he remarked, "Haleem’s report claimed this mechanical octopus was a nightmare to handle. It seems they simply lacked the necessary strength."

"It isn't necessarily that they were weak; our team composition is just specifically designed to counter them," Garrett added, nodding in agreement.

From Garrett’s perspective, these mechanical abominations were perfectly countered by Thunder Witchcraft. Since the battle had been so effortless, he found himself agreeing with Elvin’s sentiment.

"The difficulty of these Floating City Ruins might be exaggerated compared to Haleem’s report. We stand to gain a fortune this time," Elvin said, smiling.

"I agree with your assessment, Lord Elvin. However, the immediate problem is our descent. If the original entrance is lost, how do we get down?" Garrett pointed toward the metallic floor with a smirk.

Even though the researchers were currently under the effects of the Deafness Technique, they quickly deduced from Garrett’s physical gestures that the lords were debating how to breach the floor.

The researchers traded looks, each lost in contemplation.

They were eager to prove their worth to secure a portion of the loot or, at the very least, ensure their names were credited in the official exploration logs.

Should Dean Haleem successfully ascend to the rank of Dawn Wizard, their performance at the Floating City Ruins would dictate their future career advancements.

Suddenly, a spark of realization lit up one researcher's eyes. He knelt quickly, pressing a hand that shimmered with a faint silver metallic glow against the floor, as if probing for a hidden pulse.

He soon looked up and announced:

"Gentlemen, I believe I have discovered the cause."

"There was a specific reason why Lord Sword Saint Terrio did not attempt to hack through this metal floor years ago."

"Oh?" Sword Saint Guiterrez’s tense expression softened slightly upon hearing this.

Despite his swift victory over the mechanical octopus, he felt drained, and his earlier inability to slice through the metal floor had left him feeling agitated.

Knowing that even Sword Saint Terrio had avoided trying to cut the floor made him feel significantly better about his own limitations.

"Get to the point, or we’ll be swarmed by more mechanical monsters," Elvin snapped, annoyed by the dramatic pause.

Elvin had momentarily forgotten that the researchers couldn't hear him due to the Deafness Technique, so the man continued his lengthy explanation uninterrupted.

"...Beyond being eternally solidified, this metal floor likely possesses a unique force binding the metallic particles, much like internal stress."

"Consequently, none of the lords intervened back then. Instead, Lord Rein, a Metal Series Dawn Wizard, utilized specialized Metal Series Witchcraft to gradually 'corrode' the floor."

This logic was immediately accepted by Elvin and the others.

It explained why physical blades were ineffective.

So that was the secret.

"What is the workaround then?" Garrett asked, before remembering the Deafness Technique and repeating the question through gestures.

"Ah, gentlemen, we have a particle generator with us. It is designed to neutralize this stress within a localized area. Once active, we should be able to cut through," the researcher explained after interpreting the signs.

"Then stop wasting time and get to work," Elvin urged, frustrated. Having a solution without acting on it felt like they were just waiting for a second wave of mechanical octopuses to arrive.

The researchers quickly retrieved disc-shaped devices from their gear and positioned them at the four corners of a square.

Immediately after, Guiterrez leaped into the air once more, executing a powerful sword strike.

This time, as four black sword lights struck the surface, the metal didn't require a follow-up blow. The square-shaped section of the floor began to descend slowly.

"Exactly as I thought!"

"I knew that young Dawn Wizard Rein couldn't possibly be that formidable! If Lord Guiterrez couldn't slice it, there was no way he opened it with raw power."

"Hmph, it turns out he just relied on clever tricks," Elvin said, his chin tilting upward with a haughty sniff.

As the floor finally gave way, wide smiles broke out across the faces of the group.

Even the usually grim Guiterrez allowed a small smile to appear.

"Should we station a guard here?"

"We can't afford to leave anyone behind at this stage. My follower attempted a Stealth Technique, but it was still detected," Elvin noted, gesturing toward a petite woman in leather armor whose face was hidden by a mask.

"Do not worry, gentlemen. We brought an ample supply of these particle generators."

...

A few minutes later.

As the team descended into the first basement level, Elvin’s eyes shimmered with greed at the sight of the massive chamber filled with gears and mechanical systems operating in a rhythmic, automated dance.