Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1481 - 509: Pride and Prejudice

Through the thin veil of mist, the echoes of rapid thumping and several booming crashes grew increasingly loud.

The approaching threat matched Guiterrez’s expectations—it was the same model of mechanical octopus that Rein’s group had previously fought, accompanied by a prototype and several squads of mechanical land bird sentries.

Utilizing the intelligence provided by Haleem and the team's thorough preparations, Guiterrez and Elvin combined their ultimate techniques to instantly neutralize the most dangerous mechanical octopus. Simultaneously, Garrett discharged a massive surge of electricity, forcing the majority of the mechanical land birds into a paralyzed state of downtime.

The skirmish ended in victory for the team in less than two minutes.

Observing how effortlessly the mechanical octopus had been dismantled, a smirk played on Elvin’s lips. He tilted his chin upward and remarked, "Haleem’s report claimed this mechanical octopus was a formidable opponent. It appears they simply weren't strong enough."

"It isn't necessarily that they were weak, but rather that our specific abilities are a perfect counter," Garrett noted, nodding in agreement.

From Garrett’s perspective, these clockwork monstrosities were easily handled by Thunder Witchcraft. Since his powers countered them so effectively, he found it easy to agree with Elvin’s assessment.

"It seems the danger level of these Floating City Ruins might be exaggerated compared to Haleem's claims. We might walk away with a massive fortune this time," Elvin said, smiling broadly.

"Lord Elvin, I share your optimism, but we face a practical problem. If the original entrance is nowhere to be found, how are we supposed to descend?" Garrett asked, gesturing toward the floor with a grin.

Even though the researchers were currently under the effects of the Deafness Technique, they quickly deduced from Garrett’s physical cues and gaze that the lords were debating their path downward.

The researchers traded looks, each falling into deep contemplation.

They were eager to prove their worth to secure a portion of the spoils from the upcoming expedition, or at the very least, ensure their names were credited in the official exploration reports.

Should Dean Haleem successfully break through to become a Dawn Wizard, their future promotions would depend entirely on their contributions here at the Floating City Ruins.

Suddenly, a spark of realization lit up one researcher's eyes. He knelt down quickly, pressing a hand that glowed with a faint silver metallic sheen against the floor, as if probing for something hidden.

Before long, he looked up and announced:

"Gentlemen, I believe I have uncovered the reason."

"There was a specific reason why Lord Sword Saint Terrio did not attempt to strike this metallic floor during his time here."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, the tension in Sword Saint Guiterrez’s expression softened slightly.

While he had made short work of the mechanical octopus, the exertion had been significant, and his previous inability to breach the metal floor had left him feeling frustrated and unsettled.

Discovering that even Sword Saint Terrio had avoided trying to cut through the metal made him feel much better about his own performance.

"Get straight to the point; more mechanical monsters could arrive at any moment," Elvin snapped, annoyed by the dramatic pause.

However, Elvin had momentarily forgotten that the researchers were deafened, so the man continued his lengthy explanation without interruption.

"...Beyond being eternally solidified, this metal floor likely possesses a unique force binding its particles together, acting much like internal stress."

"Because of this, none of the previous lords took direct action. Instead, Lord Rein, being a Metal Series Dawn Wizard, used specialized Metal Series Witchcraft to gradually 'corrode' the surface."

Elvin and the others found this explanation highly plausible.

It made sense why physical strength alone couldn't slice through it.

That was the secret.

"What is the fix then?" Garrett asked instinctively, before remembering the Deafness Technique and repeating the question with hand signals.

"Lord, we have a particle generator with us. It is designed to neutralize this internal stress within a localized area. Once active, we should be able to cut through easily," the researcher explained immediately after interpreting the gestures.

"Then stop wasting time and get to work," Elvin grumbled. Knowing there was a solution but not seeing it implemented felt like they were just waiting for a second wave of mechanical octopuses to ambush them.

The researchers quickly pulled four disc-shaped devices from their packs, positioning them at the corners of a square on the floor.

Following this, Guiterrez once again leaped into the air, unleashing a powerful sword strike.

This time, as four streaks of black sword light struck the target, the metal didn't require a follow-up punch. Instead, the square-cut section of the floor began to sink slowly into the ground.

"Exactly as I thought!"

"I knew that young Dawn Wizard Rein couldn't possibly be that powerful! If Lord Guiterrez struggled to cut it, how could Rein have opened it so easily?"

"Hmph, it turns out he just relied on clever tricks," Elvin remarked, his chin tilting up with a haughty sniff.

Seeing the path finally open, the rest of the group broke into wide smiles.

Even the normally grim Guiterrez allowed a faint smile to touch his face.

"Do we need to station a guard here?"

"We can't afford to leave anyone behind on this floor. My subordinate tried to use Stealth Technique, but it was still easily detected," Elvin said, indicating a small woman in leather armor standing nearby, her face hidden by a mask that only showed her eyes.

"Do not worry, lords, we brought plenty of these particle generators for the journey."

...

A few minutes passed.

As the group descended into the first basement level, Elvin’s eyes shimmered with greed at the sight of the massive chamber, filled with countless gears and mechanical systems operating on their own.