Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1479 - 508: Return Journey and Unexpected Events (Part 2)

Furthermore, because he, Elvin, and Guiterrez share a background in the armed forces, their basis for cooperation is naturally more robust.

"Even so, we must remain cautious since we lack an epic-level expert who knows the terrain to lead the way."

"That is only natural. However, Lord Gatler, there is no need for concern. In the previous expedition, Lord Hernandez found his water witchcraft suppressed by the ruins, which crippled his combat effectiveness; our situation is different."

"The three of us were specifically paired by the Military Department to handle the conditions within the Floating City Ruins, with our abilities complementing one another. Because of this, I am confident our results will far exceed those of the last group."

"Hmm, I have heard rumors that Rein, the young powerhouse from the Empire, is a rare Metal Series Dawn Wizard?"

"Hehe, that may be true. However, as I see it, the most useful thing a Metal Series Dawn Wizard can do here is punch a couple of holes through the Floating City's metallic hull," Elvin remarked with a mocking edge to his voice.

"Lord Guiterrez, in his capacity as a Sword Saint, should be able to accomplish that feat with ease as well."

"Besides, since we possess the blueprints, we can utilize the standard entryways, even if it takes a bit more time."

"Hmm, seeing that Lord Elvin has prepared so meticulously, I feel much more at ease," Gatler replied, nodding with a smile.

"Indeed. Lord Gatler, my plan is for us to depart as soon as Lord Guiterrez arrives tomorrow. What are your thoughts?"

"Very well."

...

Meanwhile, Rein had already reached Zetaya. He was currently positioned on the top floor of a skyscraper alongside Haleem, sipping Bordeaux wine while gazing out at the vast, green expanse in the distance.

Hernandez, on the other hand, had already departed from Zetaya to continue toward the Andor Duchy to fulfill their assigned mission.

"Dean Haleem, your explanation regarding the common puppets and demon statues used in ancient goblin engineering was truly eye-opening," Rein said with a smile, lifting his glass toward Haleem in a gesture of gratitude.

Rein's praise was not mere social pleasantry.

He had truly made progress.

Regarding his advancement to Goblin Engineer (Legendary), the third requirement—'master knowledge related to goblin engineering'—now displayed a progress value of 28%.

Even though Haleem lacked combat prowess, his talent for academic research was undeniably profound.

"Lord Rein, you praise me too much. Given your natural brilliance, you only need to glance at this information to grasp it," Haleem replied with a complimentary smile.

In truth, he wasn't just being polite.

Prior to their discussion on goblin engineering, Haleem assumed that Rein, being so young yet so formidable, must have funneled every ounce of his energy into witchcraft and spiritual power.

To his shock, after only a brief exchange, he realized that Rein possessed genuine understanding!

Whenever they touched upon the practical difficulties of constructing various puppets, Rein could contribute seamlessly, proving he had actual hands-on experience.

This realization left Haleem completely stunned!

He found it impossible to comprehend how someone could be so dominant in battle while simultaneously being so skilled in the research of puppetry techniques.

"Nevertheless, I must thank Lord Haleem. I hope we can find more time after dinner to continue our discussion on these matters."

"Of course, but... Lord Rein, the gentlemen from the Zetaya Administrative Hall have been waiting for us for quite some time. Shall we proceed to the feast?" Haleem smiled, nodding toward a nearby round table where several officials had been waiting for at least ninety minutes.

Noticing Haleem and Rein looking their way, the officials stood up at once, offering polite bows and gracious smiles.

"Very well," Rein agreed with a nod.

He generally had no taste for such social gatherings, but he was willing to attend for Haleem's sake.

However, just as they stood up, a familiar voice drifted in from the entrance: "So this is where you've been hiding."

"Lord Terrio?" Both Rein and Haleem looked toward the doorway in surprise at the sturdy man who had just appeared.

"Weren't you supposed to be at the Floa... over there?" Haleem asked instinctively.

He caught himself immediately, noticing the staff from the Zetaya Administrative Hall nearby, and quickly adjusted his words.

"Don't get me started; that Elvin fellow was there, and I had no desire to stay," Sword Saint Terrio said, waving a hand to dismiss the unrelated personnel from the room.

"Oh? Elvin is the one who came?" Haleem was certainly familiar with that man's reputation.

"Yes, along with Gatler and the soon-to-arrive Guiterrez. They intend to explore the deeper levels of the Floating City Ruins, so I'm not going to stick around for their games," Terrio explained with an air of indifference.

"Explore deeper? Are those people exceptionally powerful?" Rein asked, his curiosity piqued by the statement.

"They're alright. One is a Fire Element Dawn Wizard, another is a rare Thunder System Dawn Wizard, and Guiterrez is roughly on my level of strength," Terrio answered.

Rein found himself even more confused after hearing this.

Is the Federation really that reckless? Sending Dawn Wizards into such danger regardless of potential losses?

One had to remember that even Rein didn't dare set foot on the negative third floor.

Considering the power of the entities in the prison sector, if those three were only as strong as Terrio claimed, they might defeat the ancient Minotaurs and the other two tainted beasts if they had powerful trump cards—but they would be no match for the clawed monsters in the black fog.

"Lord Terrio, did you not warn them about the perils inside?"