Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1484 - 510: Origin of the Black Mist

"Hehe, it appears our Dean Haleem holds Lord Rein of the Empire in quite high regard," Councilor Nelson remarked, offering a strained smile in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on General Randall.

"That is beside the point. Our current priority is determining the next steps for the exploration of the Floating City Ruins," Trena interjected from the side.

Because of the disastrous complications arising from the Military Department's initial foray, both General Randall and Councilor Nelson remained silent, neither daring to take the lead in answering Trena’s questioning.

"Councilor Trena, what path forward would you suggest?" Vice Speaker Bertrand inquired, his voice heavy.

"My recommendation is to recall Lord Sword Saint Terrio to the cavern camp immediately. As a powerhouse of the Federation who has previously explored Floating Cities, he is the most qualified individual to supervise the opening phase."

"Furthermore, I propose the construction of a massive Defensive Witch Array encircling the Floating City. This is necessary to stop those mechanical monsters, the ones resembling swift dragons, from erupting out of the ruins."

Councilor Nelson knit his brows together in disagreement.

"Councilor Trena, are you aware of the sheer scale of the Floating City's territory? Such a project would drain a staggering amount of the Federation's manpower and material wealth."

"I am well aware. However, Councilor Nelson, have you weighed the cost if those mechanical beasts actually breach the perimeter and escape the Floating City?" Trena retorted with sharp precision.

"Very well, even if we grant your point, what of the actual exploration? Are we to cease all preliminary efforts?" Nelson pressed on.

"If we proceed, it is my firm stance that Lord Terrio must lead the team. Activities should be restricted to the negative first layer of the Floating City ruins, with everyone prepared to retreat at a moment's notice."

"We should only contemplate a deeper descent once we have assembled a sufficient number of powerhouses."

"Specifically, if Lord Haleem can achieve a breakthrough to become a Dawn Wizard, the Federation would gain its second Metal Series Dawn Wizard. This would be of immense value for exploring the Floating City Ruins later. We must not forget that the Empire's Lord Rein is himself a Metal Series Dawn Wizard."

Trena’s comparison left Councilor Nelson and General Randall feeling as though they had swallowed a fly; they were visibly disgusted but found themselves unable to provide a counter-argument.

"It is decided for the time being! Councilor Trena, please get in touch with Lord Sword Saint Terrio at once."

"Additionally, General Randall, you shall accompany me back to Antuhohl immediately. We are both required to undergo questioning by the Federation Congress," Vice Speaker Bertrand announced grimly, his face pale.

Due to the failure of the Military Department's operation, he was obligated to return and provide an explanation to the Congress.

This didn't necessarily mean the blame rested on his shoulders, but rather that he had to follow the standard protocols of the Federation's oversight system following a major incident.

After all, the loss of two Federation powerhouses during a ruin exploration was a catastrophic event that would shake the entire nation!

...

Meanwhile.

High above the vast expanse of the Summer Sea.

The Imperial Airship fleet had recently departed, and the silhouette of the Federation’s great city, Zetaya, was slowly fading from the horizon.

Rein and Menia stood together on the flagship's deck, watching the scenery pass by while sharing a quiet conversation amidst the ocean breeze.

"A significant event must have occurred within the Federation—I noticed a distinct shift in Bertrand’s expression earlier," Menia noted casually.

"You caught that as well, Prince Menia?" Rein said with a smile.

"Indeed. There is no need for haste; the intelligence wing will provide an update shortly."

"Switching subjects, Rein, how did your time in the ruins go?"

"Prince Menia, I was fortunate enough to uncover the Fifth Layer of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Method."

"Truly? That is marvelous news. Moria will be ecstatic to hear of this. It also means the Empire will likely see the birth of a new major school very soon."

Menia’s striking eyes settled on Rein. She smiled, gently brushing a few strands of light red hair behind her ear.

Rein was momentarily captivated by her rare smile. For the first time, he sensed that the look in Menia’s eyes held something deeper than mere professional respect.

He had always assumed that Menia, representing the Imperial Royal Family, simply viewed him as a promising rising star of the Empire.

Now, however, it seemed his assumption was incomplete—at least regarding her feelings toward him.

There was a certain... something else.

Nevertheless, Rein quickly averted his eyes and gave a firm nod:

"Hehe, you are right, Sect Leader Moria will be overjoyed."

"As for the school, I expect Sect Leader Moria will represent the Bixiu Mechanization School and petition the Empire for a promotion to a major school status once we land."

"By the way, Prince Menia, you might not be aware, but those ruins are actually a perfectly preserved Floating City from the Ancient Goblin Empire," Rein added, recalling the discovery.

"What? A Floating City?" Menia’s usually composed and regal mask slipped, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes, it served as the capital for the Ancient Goblins. It is a magnificent Floating City, and inside..."

Rein proceeded to recount the details of his journey. He carefully omitted the forbidden knowledge found in the Black Diary, such as the true Ancient Goblin origins of the Steel Heart Meditation Method.

"Also, Prince Menia, I ran into a strange black mist that could shape-shift into anything—it was extremely difficult to deal with."

"Based on records found on the remains of Ancient Wizards, they called this mist 'Fiend Demon.' Do you happen to know anything about the nature of these Fiend Demons?" Rein finally asked, seeking an answer to the mystery that had been bothering him.