Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1478 - 508: Return Journey and Upheaval

A heavy silence fell over the cave camp as everyone watched the confrontation unfold.

Both the Dawn Wizard Elwin and the Sword Saint Tyrio were legendary figures of immense status. Consequently, no one present possessed the authority to step in.

As Tyrio departed, Elwin’s face darkened. He scanned the gathered crowd and demanded in a low, resonant voice:

"Who among you has entered the ruins?"

Elwin was unwilling to charge blindly into the Floating City ruins without the detailed intelligence Tyrio had refused to provide. He required others to supply the necessary specifics.

Though he possessed a prideful nature, he was far from a fool.

Had he been reckless, he never would have attained the rank of a Dawn Wizard.

"Well... Your Excellency Elwin, a few of us accompanied Director Haleem inside," several men dressed in Wizard Robes replied, raising their hands with a touch of hesitation.

These individuals were members of the group rescued during the previous expedition, representing the Federation Mechanical Research Institute that had continued their work after Haleem’s departure.

"Oh? You are the researchers from the Federation Mechanical Research Institute?"

"Were you the ones who were trapped inside and needed to be saved last time?" Elwin’s stern expression softened slightly upon hearing their words.

He realized they possessed firsthand knowledge of the site.

He was already aware that Haleem had vacated the camp, otherwise, he would have sought the Director out much sooner.

"Yes, Your Excellency Elwin," the group answered with outward respect. Inwardly, however, they felt a pang of annoyance, thinking, 'This Lord Elwin certainly lacks tact. Trapped? Couldn't he have said we returned successfully?'

"You lot follow me. I am taking command of this camp now," Elwin announced to the nearby Federation military personnel. He then led the researchers into a tent to conduct a thorough debriefing.

"So, you are claiming that the whispers within the ruins can be neutralized simply by deafening oneself?"

"Yes, Your Excellency Elwin."

"That is remarkably straightforward."

Elwin let out a short laugh.

Arriving late had its perks; the trials of those who came before provided a roadmap, sparing him from potentially fatal mistakes.

It appeared Sword Saint Tyrio and his companions hadn't been completely useless; they had at least mapped out some of the Floating City’s mechanics.

"When those goblin corpses are slain, do black insects emerge from their skulls, or is it a black mist?" Elwin asked, focusing on a detail that piqued his curiosity.

"Well... we have only witnessed the black insects," the lead researcher replied after a moment of uncertainty.

"Hmm? Then why does Haleem’s official report mention entities composed of black mist?" Elwin’s eyes narrowed with suspicion as he looked at the group.

"Well... we didn't see that ourselves. To be honest, even Director Haleem didn't witness it; that specific data was provided to him by the young Lord Rein after he explored the second basement level alone."

The researchers looked at one another and spoke the truth plainly.

"Oh?" This revelation caught Elwin off guard.

So, that was the situation.

He considered two possibilities: either Rein was lying to hinder the Federation’s progress, or he was telling the truth. If it were the latter, it was actually beneficial, as Elwin’s Fire Witchcraft was perfectly suited to incinerate both black insects and mist.

Upon realizing this, Elwin’s mood, which had been soured by Tyrio’s exit, improved significantly.

"Your Excellency Elwin, Lord Garrett has arrived," reported a petite woman armed with a dagger, one of Elwin’s four personal attendants.

"Very well, let us go and greet him," Elwin said, nodding as he stood up.

At the entrance of the cave camp.

A middle-aged man wearing a gold-trimmed blue robe arrived, escorted by a unit of female warriors clad in gleaming silver Chain Armor and wielding spears and shields.

He carried himself with a gentle grace and a warm smile that made people feel at ease, a stark contrast to Elwin’s intimidating presence.

Many throughout the camp watched him with deep reverence.

This was Garrett, a specialist in the Thunder System—a rare branch of Air Element Wizards that was even more elusive than Ice Element Wizards are to the Water Element.

His rarity was comparable to someone like Rein, a Metal Series Wizard.

"Welcome, Lord Garrett!"

"Your Excellency Elwin, it has been quite a while."

...

Following the exchange of formalities, the two Wizards took their seats within the camp’s primary tent.

"So, Lord Tyrio has departed?" Garrett asked, his brow furrowing at the news.

The loss of a Sword Saint would undoubtedly complicate the upcoming exploration of the Floating City.

"Do not be concerned, Lord Garrett. I have already been in contact with the military; Lord Guiterrez is scheduled to reach the camp by dawn tomorrow."

"Furthermore, these researchers from the Federation Mechanical Research Institute are survivors of the previous team. They were just briefing me on the inner workings of the ruins," Elwin explained casually, gesturing toward the researchers.

"I see. If Lord Guiterrez is coming, he is more than capable of taking Tyrio's place." Seeing that Elwin had already made the necessary arrangements, Garrett’s expression relaxed as he nodded in agreement.