Endless Debt Chapter 1088 - 115: Heart-devouring Song

"Is Xilin’s corpse contained within?"

Bologue hurried towards the iron coffin, his eyes immediately scanning the scene.

"Yes," Aimou confirmed with a nod.

"Are there only a few of you present?"

Bologue cast a glance at the individuals escorting the iron coffin, surprised by their small number – just three. While Mamo was indeed a Seeker of Glory, he was advanced in years and primarily a researcher. Moreover, they had just expended all their strength to mitigate the effects of the decay epidemic.

Had it not been for Lebius's intervention, Red Dog alone could have easily taken the iron coffin.

"The deputy director was originally escorting us," Balder stated, his voice lowered as if wary of unseen listeners. "However, upon our arrival, he vanished unexpectedly, only instructing us to proceed with the operation."

"So, the deputy director is likely close by?" Bologue’s interest piqued. Considering the outbreak of the decay epidemic and the Shadow King's reaction at the time, all current events seemed to be orchestrated as a trap to assassinate the First Seat.

Regardless of the conflict's outcome, the Order Bureau, acting as a detached observer, could step in at this juncture for maximum advantage. Bologue was uncertain if this maneuver was also part of the Decision Room's strategic planning.

"I cannot be certain," Balder replied, shaking his head. "He gave no further directives beyond continuing the operation."

"Is that so..."

Bologue’s spirits momentarily faltered, but not for long. Recalling Nesanel's intense animosity towards the King’s Secret Sword, Bologue was confident he would still be lurking nearby, awaiting an opportune moment.

This realization brought a measure of reassurance to Bologue, as if he had an unseen ally for this critical mission.

"May I examine the contents?" Bologue inquired.

Balder and Aimou remained silent, lacking the authority to grant such a request. After a few tense seconds, Mamo’s weary voice broke the silence.

"You may proceed."

Mamo lightly tapped the iron coffin, channeling Ether into it, which awakened the dormant metal. Cracks spiderwebbed across the smooth surface, from which a brilliant golden light poured out, so pure it pierced through the dim, pervasive fog.

Bologue felt a clandestine thrill, akin to a treasure hunter unveiling a chest brimming with glittering riches.

Within the container lay the familiar, divine-like figure of Xilin, still and curled.

Bologue’s chest tightened with a sudden apprehension. Despite his anticipation, witnessing Xilin’s corpse firsthand on the battlefield instilled an inexplicable dread. The thought of the enemy seizing this iron coffin sent a shiver down his spine.

The metal resealed itself, and the light ceased.

Bologue declared with stern resolve, "We must evacuate this immediately. The priority is to leave without delay."

Mamo surveyed their surroundings and regretfully stated, "Considering the geological instability caused by the ongoing battle, the very presence of the decay epidemic severely restricts our options."

The intense conflict within Fog Abyss Fortress had repercussions that rippled outward. Under the distorting influence of Extraordinary Power, the landscape warped, crumbled, and shifted unpredictably. The paths they had followed upon arrival were now unrecognizable, let alone the areas shrouded by the decay epidemic.

These noxious gases not only corroded all matter but also obscured vision, hindering communication. Ether could scarcely travel any distance before being consumed by the epidemic's influence.

Under such conditions, the Condensers, whose extraordinary senses relied on Ether, were rendered effectively blind and deaf. Until the hazardous mist dissipated, an escape route remained undiscoverable.

Bologue pondered, his grip tightening on his sword axe as he stood guard beside the iron coffin. "Very well, I shall remain with you. This item must not fall into the wrong hands under any circumstances."

Mamo nodded in agreement. With Bologue's capabilities, he could hold off any attackers unless a Defender made an appearance.

Just as Bologue steeled himself for his vigil, the chaotic atmosphere reached a fever pitch. At this critical moment, neither Red Dog nor Lebius could contain their bloodthirsty anticipation.

"Oh? Is he here?"

Red Dog’s head turned, his gaze catching the indistinct outline of the iron coffin through the swirling fog.

He attempted to maneuver around Lebius, who swiftly moved to intercept him, blocking his path. Lebius gently shook his head, asserting, "You shall not pass, Red Dog."

"So, it has come to this," Red Dog remarked, his tone laced with a hint of displeasure, yet his eyes blazed with uncontrollable excitement.

This was a duel, and Red Dog’s ultimate contest was rapidly approaching its thrilling conclusion.

His hand hovered over his sword hilt.

The Blade-Biting Wolf at his side quivered almost imperceptibly.

An unsettling aura emanated from the two, expanding outwards. Soon, the oppressive, lethal atmosphere enveloped the entire area. Both factions engaged in combat involuntarily ceased their actions, their attention fixed on the brewing confrontation.

Like duelists from a bygone era, caught in a fleeting moment where the radiance of Ether flared brilliantly, they illuminated each other.

A deafening roar echoed for several seconds before dissolving into an overwhelming silence that pressed upon everyone’s eardrums.

In the full-force clash of these two Defenders, the explosive thunderclap rendered everyone temporarily deaf.

"A Defender, you say! Hahaha!"

The Red Dog felt Lebius's power and erupted in hearty laughter; few things brought him more exhilaration than facing an equal.

With a roar, he continuously hacked and slashed at Lebius. Lebius deftly retreated, choosing to evade a head-on clash with the Red Dog. Simultaneously, the Blade-Biting Wolves attacked, their spectral blue forms swarming the Red Dog from every angle.

Since ascending to the Defender realm, Lebius's might had become even more formidable. At this very instant, the wolves unleashed their terrifying might; each creature was a mobile blade, and the air filled with the sound of a thousand clashing swords.