Chapter 433 - 352: The 3rd Level Ruins

Chapter 433: Chapter 352: The 3rd Level Ruins

And so, the members of the vanguard team were decided.

Vanguard Kilian, Swordsman Fletcher, Ranger Joel, Mage Rolin, and Mage Shaman.

After exchanging a look with the squad members staying behind, Kilian led the way, taking a large stride into the curtain of light.

One by one, the other team members followed. The curtain of light rippled, and their figures vanished.

Now, only Zelir’s squad and Adrian Squad remained.

The vast cavern hall fell silent.

The silent wait was excruciating, especially with that massive pile of rotting flesh behind them.

It was a form of spiritual torture.

"By the way, Zelir."

Adrian suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

"That guide that was selling like hotcakes a while ago, the one that marked the entrance to the second-level ruins... you guys made that, didn’t you?"

He had seen Marcus standing off to the side when he bought the guide from Wells.

"Ah... yes, we did." Zelir nodded.

"Ha, now I know I shouldn’t have been so courteous back when we split up. I should’ve picked a path first," Adrian said teasingly.

"Maybe I would’ve chosen the left path and found the entrance first... Then I’d be the one making a fortune in Sengu Town, living the high life."

"Can’t be helped. I guess I’m just luckier," Zelir laughed as well.

With Adrian Squad’s composition, they probably could have taken down an immature Thorny Giant Beast if they’d run into it.

Even if Adrian was completely inept with Fire Magic, he was a Middle Level Mage after all. Brute-forcing his way through wouldn’t be a problem.

For the first two levels of the ruins, a squad would have to slowly explore and map out the routes.

’But as for this third level... I already have a map.’

Zelir was already gleefully plotting in his mind.

’Once I find what’s in the treasure room, I’ll sell another guide!’

’This time, it won’t just be a rough guide marking the location of the light curtain.’

’The entire complex structure of the third level will be recorded in it. Plenty of people will be willing to buy that.’

’Another huge sum of money is coming my way.’

"Sigh..."

Adrian loosened his belt and simply sat down cross-legged.

"Anyway, after we’re done exploring these ruins, I’m heading back to Wind Rudder City."

"Wind Rudder City?" Zelir was a little curious.

The name was rather interesting.

"Yeah, Wind Rudder City."

Adrian’s expression turned nostalgic.

"It’s a city built in a high-plateau mountain pass, constantly buffeted by never-ending, strong winds."

"Our city is full of huge windmills, creaking and turning nonstop... It’s also the city where my old man brought me to register as a Mage."

"Although Wind Rudder City isn’t as prosperous as Rolin’s Silverpine City, it’s still decent... At least it’s definitely better than Black Stone Town."

’Why does every city have to take a jab at Black Stone Town?’ Zelir complained internally.

"It’s not easy trying to earn a bit of money."

Adrian counted on his fingers, rattling off his expenses like a worried housewife.

"I’ve earned a lot on this trip, but I’ll have to upgrade my Magic Wand as soon as I get back."

"Those damn merchants will definitely rip me off... I probably need a new Magic Robe too, hope they’ll give me a discount..."

"I also need to find time to buy some new Magic Scrolls. I’ve discovered my affinity for Fire Element Magic seems to be quite high... Oh, right, I want to buy a Storage Pouch too."

As he spoke, Adrian shook his Magic Robe.

A CLINK-CLANK sound came from the inner pockets.

He was obviously carrying some Source Energy Crystal Stones for Magic Refills, along with some emergency Magic Potions.

Only then did Zelir notice that Adrian didn’t have a Storage Pouch.

’His whole getup is pretty plain...’

’If Instructor Manlin hadn’t generously gifted me one, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to afford a Storage Pouch either.’

’Come to think of it...’

’Among the four Mages here, Adrian was probably the poorest.’

’Rolin was from the Nobility.’

’Shaman was also a commoner, but at least he was from the Empowerment Magic System, so he had more ways to make money.’

’And I have my instructor looking out for me.’

Even with the Middle Level Mage’s monthly stipend of One Hundred Gold Coins, it was never enough to cover all the high expenses.

"Yeah..."

Zelir sighed in solidarity. "Mages are always short on cash..."

’We’re both in the same boat.’

’I also have a ton of stuff that needs upgrading when I get back.’

’My Magic Robe and Magic Wand definitely need to be replaced.’

’And I can’t forget about all the various Magic Potions.’

’Even the Overclocking Potion isn’t enough for my needs anymore. I’ll have to buy something better.’

’My savings are probably going to dry up like a stream.’

Suddenly, the curtain of light fluctuated.

The unexpected phenomenon immediately put all the squad members on high alert.

Two figures emerged from the curtain of light.

"Quick, quick, quick!"

A hurried voice came from the curtain of light, the shout echoing through the cavern hall, "Quick, treat Shaman Mage’s wounds!"

Hearing this, Zelir went on high alert. ’An accident really did happen,’ he thought.

’A Demon isn’t going to follow them out of the curtain of light, is it?’

He immediately snatched up Night Peace, ready to face an enemy.

The others also looked ready for a fight.

But when everyone got a clear look at the scene before them, their eyes widened in disbelief.

Kilian was helping Shaman out of the curtain of light.

Kilian seemed fine, but Shaman was limping badly.

He was injured.

But it didn’t look like an injury caused by a Demon. It looked more like...

A Beast Trap?

Zelir took another look to confirm what was clamped onto the Shaman Mage’s lower leg.