Chapter 674: Added

Clyde could feel the powerful Demonic energy radiating from the crimson gemstone. Its source was different from Asmodeus, which meant the artifact most likely belonged to another Demon King.

That discovery made him cautious. If he used the gemstone to establish contact with its owner, he had no way of knowing who would answer.

The Demon King might become an ally, but it could just as easily report his survival to the other Higher Beings.

His greatest advantage was that they still believed him dead. If they learned the truth before he was ready, they would undoubtedly prepare to eliminate him again.

For now, Clyde decided to absorb only a small portion of the energy and leave the rest inside the gemstone.

He carefully controlled the flow as the Demonic power entered his body and seeped into his soul. Once he had taken enough, he withdrew his hand and turned toward the others.

"I think I found it!" he called.

Samuel and the others soon gathered around the altar. Their eyes moved across the reddish stains covering its surface before settling on the crimson gemstone.

Even without understanding the rituals once performed there, they could tell this place held considerable significance.

"That must be the artifact," Samuel said.

"After everything we went through, I hope so," Maira replied, rubbing her sore shoulder.

Leyan let out a long sigh. "We fought through an entire pyramid filled with stone guardians just to find a little gemstone. It better be worth the trouble."

"Would you rather carry one of those guardians back?" Don asked.

"Maybe as a pet."

Their exchange drew a few tired laughs. After so many exhausting battles, the discovery finally gave them a reason to relax.

Samuel carefully picked up the gemstone and placed it inside a protective container before securing it with his equipment.

"We’ll rest for a few minutes," he said. "Then we’ll return to the portal. The mission isn’t finished until we’re back in Sivagadh."

The smiles gradually disappeared as everyone remembered the monsters waiting outside. They settled around the altar, eating their remaining snacks and drinking water while allowing their bodies to recover.

Although the refreshments eased their physical exhaustion, the long series of battles still weighed on their minds.

Once they felt ready, Samuel led them out of the pyramid.

The dinosaur monsters soon emerged from the ruins, attacking from every direction.

The team fought their way across the floating islands, killing the creatures of different sizes while absorbing their essence to strengthen themselves.

Samuel and Don held the frontline, Maira and Leyan attacked from the flanks, and Arven supported them with magic. Like usual.

Clyde moved through the battlefield with his longsword, striking with blue-white lightning. Mina used her twin daggers and Crimson Step to evade and attacks.

With every encounter, Mina felt herself improving. Real combat forced her to react faster and make decisions without hesitation.

Her movements became more precise, and she grew more confident in using her skills against powerful opponents.

She still had much to learn, but the experience was making her stronger far faster than normal training.

After a long journey, they finally reached the place where Samuel had opened the portal. He activated his amulet, and a circular passage appeared before them.

"Everyone through," Samuel ordered.

The team entered without hesitation. Once everyone had crossed, Samuel followed, and the portal closed behind them.

They returned to Sivagadh Fortress, where the familiar surroundings brought immediate relief.

They had finally escaped the dangers of the Ruin, and the thought that they no longer needed to fight for their lives brought a collective sigh from the exhausted group.

Their first stop was the Council building, where Samuel reported the mission’s success and handed over the information concerning the recovered artifact.

With their duty complete, the team separated without lingering. Everyone wanted to return to their quarters and rest.

Clyde and Mina walked together since their living quarters lay along the same road.

"That was a great first mission," Mina said, stretching her aching arms. "I feel much stronger already."

"You are," Clyde replied. "Your progress during the mission was noticeable. Keep gaining experience, and you’ll become stronger."

Mina smiled at his praise, but her expression soon grew serious. "When are we going to attack the Higher Beings?" she asked.

"Not yet," Clyde answered.

"Why? If we keep getting stronger, shouldn’t we start preparing to fight them?"

"We are preparing. But strength alone isn’t enough. We need more information, better equipment, and enough power to challenge them without getting killed. Attacking too soon would only waste our lives."

Mina fell silent, though determination remained in her eyes. She understood his reasoning, even if waiting frustrated her.

"So we keep getting stronger until we’re ready?"

"Exactly."

They eventually reached the point where their paths separated. Clyde continued toward his quarters while Mina stopped to watch him leave.

She wanted to stand beside him when they finally faced the Higher Beings, not remain someone he needed to protect.

After a quiet sigh, she turned and walked toward her own quarters, already thinking about the training that awaited her.

Once inside his quarters, Clyde went through his usual routine.

He took a bath to wash away the dirt and blood accumulated during the mission, then changed into clean clothes before settling down to meditate.

He closed his eyes and focused inward, examining the changes within his body and soul.

The Demonic energy he had absorbed from the red gemstone had strengthened him further. Although the increase was modest, he could feel the difference clearly.

His power continued to grow, and every fragment of Demonic energy brought him closer to his goal.

That was good.

However, power alone would not be enough. He needed to establish contact with Asmodeus and learn what had happened in the Higher Realm since his death as quickly as possible.

The Demon King clearly has information about the other Higher Beings, their current movements, and the weaknesses Clyde could exploit. He must have already received the message he sent through his servant.

The problem was finding a way to reach him without exposing himself to unwanted attention. It came to that again.

Clyde opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, his expression become thoughtful.

He could not simply summon Asmodeus without knowing whether the connection would alert other entities.

"How am I supposed to contact him without letting everyone else know I’m alive?" he muttered.

For now, he needed a safer method. Until he found one, sadly, patience remained his best weapon.

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