Chapter 44 Part6 (1/2)
<chapter 44.=”” bayran=”” infiltration=”” -=”” 6=””>
There existed a high thorn wall that surrounded the palace, which existed at the center of Heita, or the Underground Empire's, capital. It was the final defense against any invaders and was around 100 meters tall. It also possessed magical properties that allowed it to sense any intruders that would do its master harm beforehand, as well as stopping them from entering.
Was that all? Its defensive capabilities were without peer, and anyone lower than level 8 couldn't damage the wall, regardless of what they did.
It might go differently if one uses magic or an element, but pure physical strength and skills wouldn't be able to damage the wall. At this point, it could be considered on the level of an authority. The thorn wall's defense was absolute, and only after getting through that wall could the heroes even dream of challenging the Emperor.
”I didn't think there'd be one here too...”
”A thorn wall... I caught a glimpse of it once before. It was at least 80 meters tall. Though it does seem smaller than the one in the capital.”
”Last I saw, it wasn't here. Which means it was created later. As I thought... There were rumors that the Empire was undertaking some secret project that was hidden from even the high rank n.o.bles.”
As expected, there had to be something important here if the defense was so severe. What was the Emperor thinking? And why was the Spirit Princess so deeply involved in this project?
Retadane looked up at the black, sharp thorned wall in anguish. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo wasn't hoping for much, but he asked her anyway.
”If you were a high rank n.o.ble, then you must know a way to easily tear down this wall, no?”
”...No. All I know is that the n.o.bles who opposed the creation of this wall were killed.”
”Seira, you sure are useless. You're just old. You're not even as helpful as our Junior here.”
”Please call me Retadane.”
”Ugaaaaah! My face! My beautiful face is cracking! Junior! Juniooooor!”
Lee s.h.i.+n Woo saw Retadane, who was unable to restrain herself, give Prince an iron claw. He then tapped on the thorn wall. It was so tough that he groaned.
”What exactly is this made of?”
”'Evil Eye'. It's said that this ore is formed by long-term exposure from darkness element magic. It is the source of the darkness element here, which is what allowed the Underground Empire to flourish. It's to my understanding that that ore was mined and used for the creation of the thorn wall.”
”Hoh. So there was a different source of magic, aside from the Emperor's, that I felt from the capital.”
”Stop talking between yourselves and help me, Junior!”
It would be hard enough to take on the level 9 Emperor, yet he even had this weapon up his sleeve. The more he learned about this d.a.m.n Underground Empire purification quest, the more difficult it got.
He was beginning to understand why G.o.d was so depressed.
”In other words, the thorn wall is nothing more than a byproduct of that magic source.”
”As I said before, Evil Eye must be exposed to darkness magic for such a long time that we can safely say that this is all they have. I'm actually quite surprised that they even have a thorn wall in Bayran. When exactly did they make it? They likely constructed it right before the Empire's demise.”
”...Please let her go now. She's starting to foam at the mouth.”
”Ah.”
Retadane let go, and Prince whined, her eyes seemed to be asking him 'why didn't he help earlier'. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo consoled her and then investigated the thorn wall.
They seemingly placed a great amount of trust in the wall, as there were no traps nearby. When he looked further into it, it was simply because the thorn wall would activate on its own and destroy any nearby traps.
”The thorn wall is a fortress in and of itself.”
”So if I were to gather my magic, I'll get attacked?”
”Yep. It's really dangerous, everyone stay back.”
Lee s.h.i.+n Woo sensed tremendous energy undulations behind the thorn wall. He could feel a large quant.i.ty of mana that had been acc.u.mulated for dozens of years at the center... as well as a rebellious living energy. Perhaps this was... No, it was definitely a spirit's energy.
'A city designed for spirits. ...No, it wasn't.'
Now that he'd gotten to the center of Bayran, he was sure of it. This city wasn't created for spirits. Rather, this city was created to use spirits and to create something with them.
Spirits' Spring? There was something that lay dormant inside that didn't suit such a peaceful and gentle environment. ...Perhaps it hadn't been able to sleep in the first place.
'The Spirit General, or the Spirit Princess... Either way, she's not in the best of shape.'
And he was certain that the Spirit General and Retadane were deeply involved in the past. 'If we go in like this, won't it just turn into a melodrama?', Lee s.h.i.+n Woo thought and sighed deeply.
While investigating the mana, he also looked for the location of the other trespa.s.sers. Because he'd activated the traps (through the traps, the spirits and monsters attacked the other trespa.s.sers, who had no recollection of ever setting off those traps), they were progressing as slow as a turtle.
'But... There's another group coming from the north.'
Who was it? That was obvious. It was probably a force sent by the Emperor after he'd noticed the commotion. Though they hadn't entered the city as of yet, he was sure they were coming to Bayran based on their direction and speed.
And thus, the elite heroes, Anti-Skull, Arema Steelworker's golem force, as well as the imperial troops had gathered in one place.
”Everyone, gather up. Let's talk.”
”Alright. It's time for my brilliant brain to go to work.”
”I'll show you the location of the other invaders on the map. I also have a general idea as to where the Spirit General is. But the problem's the imperial troops that are coming down to Bayran as we speak.”
”s.h.i.+n Woo, your mana detection is abnormal.”
”If you're bitter about it, then get to level 8 too.”
”Keuk.”
Lee s.h.i.+n Woo placed four dots on the map. He could identify Arema Steelworker's magic, so he knew where Anti-Skull and the golem's forces were.
But he was worried about the forces that came from the capital. They were far away, but for some reason, he was familiar with this presence. Their presence was faint, such that if he stopped focusing he felt like he'd lose sight of the presence.
”A faint presence...? No way!”
Retadane looked at the quickly approaching dot, gritted her teeth and yelled.
”Golden Shadow...! Vellun Von Dorthe is coming with the Emperor's personal intelligence unit!”
”Golden Shadow... I think I've heard that somewhere before.”