Chapter 545 That Man III (1/2)

Cracks like a dense spider web spread wildly on the entire surface of the stalactite pillar. The ground shook, raising sand and dust violently. The man stared blankly at the seal before him. He couldn't understand how the seal got destroyed that easily. Serving as a peg for the Earth Elemental Spirit, the sealing spell had spread throughout the entire solid stalactite pillar. Even if that woman had struck its surface, it shouldn't be this devastating!

”This…”

”What are you doing? The seal has been unlocked and that monster is about to awaken. Let's go!” The Elf Mage lurched forward and grabbed his arm. The man came back to his senses and nodded hurriedly. He turned around and ordered the mercenaries. ”Mission has failed. Retreat immediately!”

The growling trembles were as though rough, surging waves in the ocean. Rhode darted through the tunnel with a smirk. The man couldn't understand how Rhode destroyed the seal. However, Rhode didn't simply rely on blind luck. Just like the man had thought, the stalactite pillar itself was a massive seal and cracking part of it wouldn't release the Earth Elemental Spirit. And yet, the weapon on Rhode's hand had actually dealt a fatal blow.

Madaras—15% magical immunity was the main culprit of this seal unlock.

Of course. Rhode couldn't ensure that he would succeed in a single attempt. But he could increase the probability of triggering it. The stalactite pillar acted as a peg for the seal where the sealing spell was ever-present, flowing, and suppressing the Earth Elemental Spirit's powers within it. Madaras was a magical weapon and when Rhode punctured it into the pillar, it inevitably entered the system of the sealing spell. In other words, the magical flow in the pillar had been disrupted ever since Madaras had pierced into it. Under such circumstances, there wasn't an issue with the probability in triggering the magical immunity anymore.

After Madaras's magical immunity took effect, it instantly disrupted the effects of the sealing spell as though a stone got stuck in an operating machine. Even if it was for an instant, it was enough for it to crumble completely.

Ordinary magical weapons wouldn't affect the stalactite pillar at all. However, Madaras was as deadly and lethal as poison. If Rhode didn't have this weapon, perhaps it would be extremely challenging to unlock the seal using such a brutal method…

Boom!

A boulder fell from the ceiling and Rhode stepped aside to dodge it swiftly. He lifted his head and squinted at the dusky tunnel ahead. He laid his hands before him and two daggers flew out from his skirt, radiating icy-cold brilliance. The sharp, beaming spiritual blade rays sliced through the extremely fragile tunnel and gravel flooded down abruptly.

Cough cough. Rhode turned around and the entire tunnel had been blocked. It seemed that it indeed had somewhat troublesome consequences for handling the stalactite pillar too roughly. Although he wished to slip away immediately, he had something else that he needed to attend to…

”…!”

The violent trembles forced Emily off-balance and she slammed onto the rock wall. But even so, she grunted and scanned the surroundings in distress. She didn't know what had happened and the horrifying memories from before came back to haunt her. Could it be that the underground monsters have attacked this mine too? Uncle Carter said that he will leave with Miss Seren and I. Why haven't I seen her yet? Could it be… Miss Seren is in some kind of trouble?

Suddenly, a strange-looking shadow darted before her eyes and the two mercenaries standing guard around Emily collapsed to the ground. ”Miss Seren?!”

”Miss Emily, I'm so glad that you're doing fine.” Rhode emerged, filthy from his head to toes. Not only that, the cloak over his shoulders was tattered by the falling rocks in the tunnel. Although Rhode was a formidable person, he wasn't totally invincible in avoiding them.

”Miss Seren? What happened to you?”

”Now isn't the time to catch up, Miss Emily,” Rhode grabbed Emily's hand. ”We have to leave here right away. The people that we met summoned the monsters and created the earthquakes. They're trying to unlock the seal and summon an even bigger and scarier monster!”

”Huh?!” exclaimed Emily.

In fact, Emily had indeed suspected this possibility when she first detected Carter's peculiar behavior. However, she didn't believe that both families would have a hatred so deep that the Howard Family had to resort to this, and she chose to think that this was probably an accident. But now, Rhode's words had smashed her foolish thoughts. ”Is this true, Miss Seren?”

”Yes, I felt a little dubious when we first met them. While that man led you away, I sneaked away and investigated the place. I discovered evidence that they've manipulated the monsters and they're unlocking the seal to an even more powerful monster. Those people realized my actions and tried to capture me, but I managed to escape… I don't know what exactly is that seal, but it seems best for us to leave here as soon as possible!”

”Okay!” Emily nodded with all her might. But suddenly, the situation took a strange turn.

”—!”

The deep, continuous rumbles stopped abruptly and the entire underground returned to its original silence. It felt so surreal as though what had been happening was just a dream and an illusion. Emily stamped her foot to feel the flat, solid ground.

But this wasn't the end.

The air became thicker and they faced some difficulties in breathing.

A heavy, unprecedented pressure expanded slowly.

”Go! Miss Emily!” Rhode gripped Emily's hand and both of them darted along the gradual slope.

”…!”

That damn monster is about to be awakened.

Sensing the immense elemental powers from behind his back, the man darted rigidly with his sword and torch while the Elf Mage and mercenaries followed closely. The presence that had lost its restriction was slowly opening its eyes.

”Faster. Everyone follow closely. We must leave this place.” The man turned back to face the crowd behind him. He bit his lips and a trace of anger and remorse revealed on his face. Why? Why did it fail? Everything has gone according to plan. If it wasn't for that mysterious woman, I wouldn't have fallen to this pathetic state.

The Earth Elemental Spirit was about to be awakened and it would massacre every single life form in the underground. His strength was still far from matching up with this powerful presence.