Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 803 - 362: Nari’s Excitement

During this time, the team ran into a number of minor assaults.

The coordinated strikes from the group quickly dispatched worm-shaped beasts crafted from bone sand, plus several nightmarish spiders bearing human faces.

Clear spatial distortions emerged as they approached the frontier to the fourth layer.

Gravity's pull grew unpredictable, while time's passage wavered strangely.

"From this point forward, the true challenge starts." Miller halted, his face shifting to utmost gravity:

"The fourth layer's surroundings hold far greater complexity than the layers above, and..."

He dropped his tone:

"Latest scouting intel shows traces of Apostle-level intense presence in the fourth layer. Extreme vigilance is required."

This revelation caused tension to grip the rest of the squad.

An Apostle-level entity posed a nearly impossible danger, even to a Golden Ring explorer.

"Relax, I've got a backup strategy, and Professor Yutel will watch over us constantly," Ron stated steadily, inspecting the pouch at his belt.

"Press on."

Though his words stayed composed, a fierce hunger for the mysterious gleamed in his gaze: "Having come this far, turning back without gains isn't an option."

On the fringe of the Flesh and Blood Forest in the Abyss Fourth Layer.

The fourth layer's terrain proved even more warped and horrifying than anticipated.

This "forest" consisted of a bizarre assembly of massive blood vessels, sinews, and gristle.

Every one of these "trees" throbbed faintly, their exteriors clad in damp, skin-resembling layers that steadily leaked thick ooze.

Even worse, those secretions carried potent hallucinatory properties.

A few squad members, after unintended exposure, displayed light delusion signs.

They spotted fallen allies beckoning and heard kin summoning them.

"Antidote now, everyone!" Miller's order preserved the group, "Psychic poison lurks in these secretions!"

Ron summoned the "Explorer One" golem and began last tweaks.

Per his scheme, the automaton would probe the woodland's core for Newborn Beast signs, linking up with the Stand-In Puppet too.

"Prepared, Creator." The golem announced mechanically, "Systems operational, power reserves ample."

"Excellent. Your task: harvest the Newborn Beast’s tears, map the Abyssal Apostle’s patrol zone, and withdraw or explode if facing unbeatable peril."

Ron performed a closing inspection of the golem’s gear:

"Avoid any direct clashes with Apostle-level foes; stick to scouting and gathering."

"Affirmative, Creator. Explorer One launching operation."

The golem vanished into the Flesh and Blood Forest's heart, as Ron tracked it via the soul connection.

......

While Ron pushed further into the Abyss, two notable guests showed up at the observation post.

Chloe reached the station on her night fog steed deep into the night.

Under the dark, the outpost looked more sinister, its organic walls subtly twisting in moonlight, vascular designs throbbing like a pulse.

"Welcome to the Abyssal Observation Station, Miss Chloe."

Yutel’s phantom appeared on cue, yet the elder scholar looked markedly frailer than before.

The prior submersion apparatus had evidently sapped much of his mana.

"Professor Yutel, a pleasure to meet you."

Chloe swiftly alighted from the night fog, offering a courteous bow despite her black blindfold, her actions precise and firm.

Her potent spirit sense granted sharp insight into the area around.

To her senses, the station resembled a giant vital organ brimming with tormented spirits' cries.

Yet as an astrologer, confronting assorted malformed beings was routine for her.

"Grandma Leia frequently spoke of your past kindness to her."

She pressed on, tone rich with esteem:

"Your counsel alone kept her from dying in a prophecy backlash ages ago."

"Ha ha, ancient tales now." Yutel dismissed with a gesture, voice turning nostalgic:

"Her rise to Astrology Association great elder and Dark Sun rank came purely from her diligence and gifts."

"Still, your counsel reshaped her destiny."

With genuine sincerity, Chloe declared: "Those divination techniques for avoiding danger remain core teaching content within the Astrology Association."

While the pair chatted merrily, an eerie breeze swept through the doorway, bearing the magical fluctuations unique to the newcomer.

Yutel’s face turned frigid in a flash; had Chloe not been present, he would have barred this nocturnal guest from entering.

The White-haired Witch’s arrival hit like liquid nitrogen dumped into steaming water, instantly icing over the warm conversational mood.

"Blood Moon Clan, Euphemia Pelle."

She dipped into a elegant bow, her tone silky as satin, though Chloe sharply detected the icy undertone lurking beneath:

"I’ve come to apply for an abyss exploration license. Sorry to interrupt your conversation."

Yutel’s specter shed every trace of warmth, its silver gleam turning razor-edged like a knife:

"Exploration applications need to go through the normal procedure for review; registration is in that other building where the staff will inform you of the specific process."

This curt, official detachment clashed sharply against the cordiality he’d extended to Chloe moments before.

Euphemia, naturally, caught this shift, yet she preserved her impeccable smile on the outside: