Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1484 - 510: Origin of the Black Mist

"Hehe, it appears that Dean Haleem holds Lord Rein of the Empire in quite high regard," Councilor Nelson remarked, offering a strained smile as he attempted to alleviate the tension surrounding General Randall.

"That isn't the issue at hand. The real concern is determining our next steps regarding the exploration of the Floating City Ruins," Trena interjected from the side.

Because of the severe complications arising from the Military Department's initial foray, neither Councilor Nelson nor General Randall dared to take the lead in answering Trena’s questions at that moment.

"Councilor Trena, do you have any viable proposals?" Vice Speaker Bertrand inquired, his voice low and heavy.

"My recommendation is to recall Lord Sword Saint Terrio to the cavern camp immediately. As a powerhouse of the Federation who possesses prior experience with Floating City expeditions, he is the most suitable person to manage the opening phase."

"Furthermore, I propose the construction of a massive Defensive Witch Array to encircle the Floating City. This is necessary to stop those mechanical monsters, the ones resembling swift dragons, from swarming out of the ruins."

Councilor Nelson knit his brows together in disagreement, questioning her:

"Councilor Trena, are you aware of the sheer scale of the territory the Floating City covers? Such an undertaking would drain an immense amount of the Federation’s manpower and material resources."

"I am well aware. However, Councilor Nelson, have you considered the consequences if those mechanical monsters actually break out of the Floating City?" Trena shot back with a sharp tone.

"Fine, even if your point is valid, what becomes of the exploration itself? Are we simply going to abandon the preliminary efforts?" Nelson pressed on.

"If we are to continue, it is my belief that Lord Terrio must be the one to lead. Operations should be restricted to the negative first layer of the Floating City ruins, and everyone must be ready to retreat at a moment's notice."

"We should only contemplate deeper exploration once we have assembled a sufficient number of powerhouses."

"In particular, if Lord Haleem manages to reach the rank of Dawn Wizard, he would be the Federation’s second Metal Series Dawn Wizard. This would be of massive benefit to our future exploration of the Floating City Ruins. We must not forget that the Empire's Lord Rein is also a Metal Series Dawn Wizard."

The words from Trena made General Randall and Councilor Nelson feel as though they had swallowed a fly; they were visibly uncomfortable, yet they could find no logical way to argue against her logic.

"We shall proceed with that plan for now! Councilor Trena, please get in touch with Lord Sword Saint Terrio at once."

"As for you, General Randall, you must accompany me back to Antuhohl immediately. We are both required to undergo questioning by the Federation Congress," Vice Speaker Bertrand stated grimly, his face clouded with frustration.

Due to the Military Department's disastrous operation, he was obligated to return and provide an explanation to the Federation Congress.

While this did not necessarily mean the failure was his personal fault, facing such an inquiry after a major catastrophe was a standard and vital procedure within the Federation's governance.

After all, the loss of two Federation powerhouses during a single ruin exploration was a tragedy that would surely send shockwaves through the entire nation!

...

At the same time.

High above the vast expanse of the Summer Sea.

The formation of Imperial Airships had recently departed, and the silhouette of the Federation’s great city, Zetaya, was slowly fading from the passengers' sight.

Currently standing on the deck of the flagship, Rein and Menia were enjoying the distant horizon while engaging in a relaxed conversation amidst the ocean breeze.

"A major event must have occurred within the Federation—I caught a glimpse of Bertrand’s expression shifting," Menia remarked casually.

"You noticed that as well, Prince Menia?" Rein said with a smile.

"Indeed. There is no need for haste; our intelligence department will likely deliver the details shortly."

"Changing the subject, Rein, how did your exploration of the ruins turn out this time?"

"Prince Menia, it was quite a success. I managed to find the Fifth Layer of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Method."

"Truly? That is marvelous news. Moria will be ecstatic to hear of this. It also suggests that the Empire will soon see the rise of a new major school."

Menia’s striking eyes settled on Rein as she smiled, reaching up to tuck a few stray strands of light red hair behind her ear.

Rein found himself momentarily stunned by Menia’s rare smile. He realized for the first time that the look in her beautiful eyes seemed to carry something deeper than simple professional appreciation.

He had always assumed that Menia, acting as a figurehead for the Imperial Royal Family, merely held high expectations for the rising stars of the Empire like himself.

Now, however, it appeared that her feelings—at least regarding him—might not be so straightforward.

There was a certain hint of...

Nevertheless, Rein did not allow himself to stare for too long, nodding his head quickly:

"Hehe, you're right, Sect Leader Moria will certainly be thrilled."

"Regarding the major school, I believe that once we return, Sect Leader Moria will act on behalf of the Bixiu Mechanization School to petition the Empire for an official elevation in status."

"Also, Prince Menia, you might not be aware, but those ruins are actually a fully intact Floating City belonging to the Ancient Goblin Empire," Rein added, suddenly remembering the significant discovery.

"What? A Floating City?" Menia’s usually composed and majestic expression faltered slightly as her eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes, it is the capital of the Ancient Goblins, a truly magnificent Floating City. Inside of it..."

Rein then began to describe his journey in great detail, though he carefully left out the confidential information from the Black Diary, such as the fact that the Steel Heart Meditation Method originated from the Ancient Goblin Empire.

"Furthermore, Prince Menia, I encountered a strange black mist inside that could shape-shift into any form—it was extremely difficult to deal with."

"Based on the records found on the remains of Ancient Wizards during the mission, they referred to this black mist as a Fiend Demon. Do you happen to know anything about the nature of something called a Fiend Demon?" Rein finally asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.