Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1616 - 558: General Angerik (3)

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...

The Fire Element Dawn Wizards launched five consecutive Dawn Killing Moves at the rapidly forming black mist of the Fiend Demon, incinerating its shrieking form and melting its desperate claws amid a pervasive stench, finally slaying the beast after a grueling effort that left them exhausted. Rein reflected on the enemy's greater difficulty compared to prior foes, anticipating tougher battles ahead on the deeper subterranean levels teeming with High Rank Goblin leaders like General Angerik. Haleem urgently requested the Steel Dragon to spare the precious King of Tyrannosaurs remains for mechanical research, compensating with a feast of rare metals like Mithril and Gold Essence. Shaken by the encounter's intensity, Sword Saint Terrio suggested retreating to regroup, but Rein countered that the Federation lacked reinforcements and urged a brief rest before advancing, as the rising energy tide would only embolden the ruins' threats.

"So, the more we prolong this, the worse our situation becomes right now." Haleem grasped the point without delay.

He had initially intended to dedicate several months of extra labor to mend the King of Tyrannosaurs, turning it into a helpful companion for their venture, yet it now appeared that such time was slipping away fast.

"Indeed." Rein confirmed with a nod.

Rein’s statement promptly led the Federation’s powerful figures there to display contemplative looks.

That was true.

The intensifying Energy Tide rendered the Fiend Demons within the Floating City increasingly erratic.

"Moreover, we must at minimum observe what's occurring underneath. If not, how could we devise any plans without knowing the circumstances?"

Rein’s suggestion resonated deeply with numerous listeners.

"I support Crown Rein’s view." Otto gave a nod of agreement.

"Count me in as well." Ogre displayed clear endorsement.

Before long, the group arrived at a consensus to proceed with exploration, setting a temporary aim to descend to the third sub-level and assess the conditions beneath the ruins.

With that, the team ventured into the negative first level via the fissure created by the King of Tyrannosaurs, while above ground, a squad of top soldiers, influenced by the Deafness Technique, started moving the King of Tyrannosaurs' corpse.

Upon stepping into the negative first level, Rein observed a marked increase in Goblin army combat machines, including Mechanical Scythe Claw Dragons and Mechanical Scream Dragons, compared to earlier.

Naturally, these tiers of war machines offered no challenge to Rein and his allies, getting rapidly subdued and acting as mere 'tidbits' for Steel Dragon Dorick.

"Nothing indicating another King of Tyrannosaurs." Sword Saint Terrio and his comrades carefully scanned and announced.

"Alright, press forward then."

.....

Once the group reached the Second Layer, they encountered even more combat machines, including tougher variants, often facing off against Mechanical Demon Dragons and similar foes.

"Huh? It looks like they're originating from the prison area?"

Rein soon realized the combat machines weren't scattered uniformly, but largely emerging from one specific path.

"Perhaps my clash back then wrecked the floor of the negative second level?" Rein pondered.

"Forward we go, check that direction out."

...

In the meantime.

Dragan Empire, Temrael.

Beyond Cologne Cathedral, two lines of sixteen elite Paladins clad in silver armor maintained a watchful stance.

At that moment, a youth in opulent garb approached them with somewhat rigid strides, his head bowed low.

"My lord..." The Paladin captain noticed the aristocratic garb and refrained from shooing him away, instead advancing courteously to ask.

Yet in the following instant, shock etched across his features, his speech halting midway.

What a visage!

The individual appeared to possess a once-youthful and attractive countenance, but presently the flesh bore deep fissures, wisps of dark vapor seeping from every split.

It resembled a figure crafted from porcelain, shattered in myriad spots, then crudely reassembled by an unnatural force.

Even more alarming to the Paladin captain were the other's crimson-black eyes, gleaming with a hunger to consume—savage and ruthless, surpassing the wildest Fierce Species in dread!

"All hands, prepare for...

Right as the Paladin captain moved to yell 'Stay alert', a coil of dense black vapor snaked around his form and crushed the sturdy silver armor, twisting it with a harsh 'creak'.

The Paladin captain perished instantly!

"Intruder alert!!!"

The reacting Paladins wore faces of terror and bellowed at once.

"Snap! Snap!"

The very next moment, the other fifteen elite Paladins met the same grim end as their leader.

...