Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 610

Perched atop a formidable tower, Levin surveyed the sprawling mana stone mine below.

What was once an desolate expanse had transformed into a heavily fortified stronghold subsequent to the discovery of an open-pit mana stone mine.

Imposing walls now encircled the area, augmented by powerful armaments like mana particle cannons. Furthermore, awakened individuals, summoned from City Hall and various districts, were stationed to ensure the fortress's security.

It had truly become an unassailable bastion.

The mana stone mine was segmented into distinct operational zones.

Foremost among these was, naturally, the open-pit mine itself.

Countless laborers and sophisticated machinery were actively engaged in the extraction of mana stones.

The bounty yielded from this mine was instrumental in sustaining a consistent power supply for both Neo Seoul and the Steel Fortress.

To facilitate the stone extraction, a significant number of workers were conscripted from Neo Seoul and the adjacent slums.

With such a large populace concentrated in the area, avenues for lodging and commerce inevitably sprouted, eventually leading to the formation of red-light districts, thus establishing a self-sufficient ecosystem.

The subsequent installation of portals, which streamlined travel to Neo Seoul, further amplified the mine's bustling activity.

At this juncture, it was challenging to distinguish whether the locale was primarily a mine or merely another vibrant district within Neo Seoul, characterized by perpetual human movement.

The strategic position Levin occupied was a defensive tower, erected to safeguard the mine.

Mana particle cannons were mounted on its structure, and awakened personnel were garrisoned there—yet, not a single individual detected Levin's presence high above them.

Levin's attention then drifted towards the monster-hunting teams preparing for their expeditions.

Mirroring the initial mine's operations, this newly developed open-pit mine also served as a base for monster-hunting teams and dungeon raid groups.

Over the preceding few days, Levin had been meticulously observing these hunting contingents.

Dozens of teams diligently rotated their hunting sorties in this locale.

Each team exhibited distinct preferences regarding their quarry.

Some specialized in confronting large Monsters, while others targeted smaller species.

These particularities were often dictated by their tactical composition and available equipment.

From his concealed vantage point, inaccessible to any observer, Levin had been meticulously documenting the types of Monsters each team returned with.

'Those individuals are the most suspect,' Levin surmised.

His gaze fixated upon a team making their return to the mine.

Consisting of one transport vehicle, four buggy cars, and fewer than twenty awakened individuals—a relatively small raid group.

Judging by their equipment and group size, their capacity for venturing far or undertaking frequent hunts appeared limited. Yet, their expeditions were remarkably persistent.

Based on Levin's observations, they deployed for hunts almost every other day.

This frequency struck him as illogical.

Monster-hunting teams operated under considerable personal risk; many met their demise, becoming sustenance for the very Monsters they hunted.

It was an occupation fraught with immense psychological pressure.

Consequently, after concluding a hunt, awakened individuals typically sought to alleviate their stress through diversions such as alcohol, gambling, or seeking female companionship.

This naturally resulted in extended intervals between their hunting cycles.

However, the team under Levin's scrutiny deviated significantly from this norm.

Their operational cycle spanned a mere two days.

Even upon their return, they abstained from any form of leisurely indulgence.

They remained secluded within their assigned lodgings.

Their disciplined conduct more closely resembled that of soldiers rather than freelance hunters.

Most crucially, the Monsters they hunted never surfaced in the open market.

They ventured out every two days, yet the nature of their spoils remained entirely unknown to the public.

It was only natural that Levin harbored deep suspicions.

At that precise moment, he observed a figure approaching the base of the tower.

It was Brielle.

Levin instantly assumed a spectral form and descended swiftly.

"Brielle! Did you uncover anything significant?"

"Certainly," she replied.

She responded with unwavering confidence.

While Levin maintained his vigil over the hunting teams, Brielle had been actively gathering intelligence within the bustling market.

"They are affiliated with Slaughterhouse No. 13. It's situated at the very periphery of the mine."

Numerous slaughterhouses were operational within the mine's confines.

Monsters possessing tough scales and hides necessitated specialized processing methods beyond conventional means.

Thus, dedicated slaughterhouses were established to address this need.

Particularly in this region, a substantial number were constructed during the fortification phase.

Raid groups and hunting teams entered into regular contracts to supply Monsters for processing.

Therefore,Brielle's discovery that this particular team collaborated with Slaughterhouse No. 13 was not inherently unusual.

"And?" Levin prompted.

"They continuously supply Monsters, yet no byproducts emerge from the facility."

"None at all?"

"Correct. The incinerator is perpetually active, suggesting they burn everything apart from what they require for themselves."

"That only deepens the suspicion."

"Precisely," Brielle concurred.

Monster byproducts constituted valuable resources; their deliberate incineration was highly irregular.

"Would you care to hear something even more astonishing?" Brielle inquired.

"What is it?"

"Do you know who holds ownership of Slaughterhouse No. 13? The East District."

"Seriously? You don't mean to suggest the entire East District is implicated in this unsavory drug operation?"

"That specific detail remains unconfirmed for now."

"Then we shall have to witness it firsthand."

"Agreed." "Very well. Excellent work."

"You intend to infiltrate, correct?"

"Naturally. I will enter alone and depart discreetly. You are to await my return outside."

"Understood." She gave a decisive nod.

Brielle harbored a desire to accompany him, but she recognized that her presence would only prove to be a hindrance.

Levin's unique abilities rendered him exceptionally suited for infiltration; his capacity for stealth was unparalleled.

He possessed the ability to enter and exit locations as if he were an intangible specter.

Brielle retrieved a small vial from her subspace and presented it to Levin.

"Here, take this." "What precisely is this?"

"A potent potion derived from the tears of the World Tree."

"What are you saying?"

Levin's eyes widened in astonishment.

He possessed a profound understanding of the World Tree's extraordinary nature and significance.

If fully matured, it held the potential to sustain an entire world.

Its innate power was akin to that of a world itself.

And its tears?

He couldn't even begin to fathom their worth.

Noticing his expression, Brielle let out a soft laugh.

“You’re exaggerating quite a bit.”

“How could I not? Those are the tears of the World Tree!”

“It’s not quite that monumental. It’s merely a liquid that accrues on its largest leaves.”

The World Tree boasted an immeasurable number of leaves.

Among them were a select few of extraordinary size, having grown since its early sapling stages.

As dawn broke, these specific leaves would gather dew, into which special essences from within the leaves would meld.

The High Elves referred to this condensed dew as the tears of the World Tree.

They held a belief that it was the tree’s inherent benevolence made tangible.

Each morning, it was carefully collected—yet, only a minuscule quantity would form, scarcely enough to moisten the base of a petite vial.

Leveraging such a scarce and precious substance, Brielle had meticulously crafted this potent potion.

“It should possess the ability to negate most poisons and curses instantaneously. Should you find yourself in peril, do not hesitate to deploy it.”

“My gratitude. I shall put it to good use.”

“Exercise caution.”

“Understood. I will return.”

Levin transitioned into a spectral form and ascended into the heavens, charting a course with the hunting party towards Slaughterhouse No. 13.

Precisely as Brielle had indicated, its location was at the remote periphery.

Imposing high walls encircled it, rendering any interior view utterly impossible.

Awakened sentinels stood vigil at the primary entrance, yet this posed no significant impediment to Levin.

He phased through seamlessly, accompanying the hunting team.

The moment they crossed the threshold, the team disembarked from their mounts.

“Initiate the unloading of the Monsters.”

“Affirmative, sir!”

They unsealed the transport vehicle and began extracting the fallen creature.

It was a substantial Monster, distinguished by a horn reminiscent of a unicorn’s—identified as a Spike Mole.

From within the confines of the facility, a stout, middle-aged man emerged to conduct an inspection.

He held the position of the slaughterhouse’s manager.

“All specimens appear to be in excellent condition.”

“That is a testament to the farm’s systematic management protocols.”

The team leader offered a casual shrug.

The manager emitted a low grumble,

“Some of us endure grueling labor slaughtering, while others merely collect from a farm. Does that not strike you as inequitable?”

“Lodging a complaint with me will yield no results. Direct your appreciation towards the exceptionally skilled Tamer.”

“Tsk. A cunning individual. Who could have conceived of establishing a Spike Mole farm?”

“Well, it certainly streamlines our task here.”

“Truly fortunate souls.”

“In that case, consider joining the hunting team if envy plagues you.”

“Are you out of your mind? I find significantly more appeal in processing flesh and stripping bones right here.”

“How peculiar.”

The leader slowly shook his head.

The manager gestured inwards, invitingly.

“Would you care for a brief tour?”

“No, thank you. I shall remain here. Just ensure the processing is executed with due diligence.”

“Rest assured. We extract only the scent sac and incinerate the remainder. Who would be the wiser?”

“Nevertheless, proceed with utmost caution.”

“Understood.”

The man offered a dismissive wave and retreated inside.

The leader then addressed his assembled team.

“Maintain unwavering vigilance.”

“Worry not, sir! With walls of such considerable height and pervasive detection systems, who could possibly infiltrate this place?”

“One can never be too certain. Remain sharp.”

“Yes, sir!”

“I shall be resting atop the transport vehicle. Alert me should any irregularities arise.”

“Understood.”

The leader ascended to the truck’s rooftop.

Its surface was flat—an ideal spot for a brief respite.

As he settled down, his gaze caught a fleeting, pale glimmer.

He blinked—and the apparition vanished.

“What in the...? Am I starting to lose my vision?”

---

‘That was a remarkably close call.’

Levin released a sigh of relief.

Even in his incorporeal spectral form, the man’s acute instincts had nearly betrayed his presence.

Fortuitously, his movements had been swift enough to evade detection.

Levin ventured deeper into the slaughterhouse.

Even from the entry point, the pervasive aroma of blood was intensely overwhelming.

Its sheer density induced a palpable headache.

He could scarcely comprehend the sheer volume of Monsters that must have met their demise within these walls.

He trailed the middle-aged manager discreetly.

The man proceeded towards a large, sealed chamber.

Inside, a colossal preparation table awaited, upon which the Spike Mole’s carcass lay.

A multitude of technicians, their faces obscured by masks, stood ready.

The manager donned a mask and an apron.

“Let us commence the procedure.”

“Yes, sir!”

Under his direction, they executed their tasks with flawless synchronicity.

Employing specialized instruments, they meticulously skinned the creature, followed by the precise separation of flesh from bone using sharp knives.

The crucial scent sac was situated deep within the creature’s anatomy.

Any damage to it would result in the leakage of the vital drug component—thus, their work demanded extreme precision and care.

Levin remained suspended, a spectral observer of the entire operation.

‘So this is the primary source of these vital raw materials. What scale of operation does this truly entail?’

The logistics of capturing creatures dwelling hundreds of meters beneath the earth and subsequently farming them—this necessitated an immense and far-reaching support structure.

At that precise moment—

Slice!

A worker’s hand slipped, inadvertently nicking the scent sac.

“Damn it! Everyone step back immediately!”

The supervisor’s voice boomed, laced with alarm.

A fine, powdery substance began to escape, gradually suffusing the entire chamber.

‘Ugh!’

Levin’s eyes widened in alarm.

Unlike the masked operatives, he had inhaled the airborne powder directly.

A wave of dizziness washed over him.