Obviously, the sudden change in the atmosphere is due to both the Black Earl and Vay.
However, it’s not just the Black Earl and Vay who are making the atmosphere heavier.
Dox and Kaier also have a part in it, even though they don’t fear the stench, they definitely don’t want to wander through the sewers.
Given a choice, who would want to go for a swim in the sewer?
Moreover, the situation in the sewer is quite unclear, it’s filled with the Dark Aura that the Ghosteye Witch absorbed earlier, and for thousands of years, these dark energies have nurtured countless Magical Creatures.
And the Magical Creature ecosystem in the sewer abides by the Law of the Strong.
Weak Magical Creatures, like mutated Carrion Squirrels, have to escape the sewer to avoid extinction.
Don’t be fooled by how easily they handle the mutated Carrion Squirrels; that’s actually thanks to the Illusionary Realm. If they were to face them head-on, the throng of mutated Carrion Squirrels would definitely pose a significant problem.
Yet, put in the sewers, even mutated Carrion Squirrels are lowly creatures that get driven away.
In other words, heading into the sewer means not only overcoming the stench but also potentially confronting numerous powerful Magical Creatures.
How strong are the Magical Creatures nurtured by the "Dark Tainted Aura" after years of nourishment? No one knows.
This is also the reason Dox and Kaier stay silent.
"Does this path really lead directly to the sewer?" As the atmosphere became even more strained, Dox was the first to break the silence: "I’ve been pondering whether when Naraku City was building the Underground Labyrinth, it would be a bit extravagant to spend so much just to build a road that leads directly to the sewer?"
Dox lightly sighed: "I’ve always thought there must be a fork here, but didn’t expect the builders to be so extravagant back then."
As Dox finished speaking, Vay nodded quickly: "I thought the same before, that there would be a fork here. As a result, it’s actually a dead-end."
Feeling the somber atmosphere, Angel thought carefully about his words before speaking: "First of all, you have a misconception. The concept of a maze is something we later people have imposed on this place; back then it was simply the Underground Aqueduct. Defining it as a dead-end or open road is just our partial interpretation of this Underground Aqueduct."
"Moreover, even if we really consider this a maze, right now it isn’t a dead-end. The path to the sewer might be difficult, but it’s still a path. Also, what we now call a sewer is only named so because no one has cleaned it for thousands of years; but in the past, the sewer must have had proper sewage treatment, it was essentially just another road back then."
"Therefore, treating this place as a maze, that path is still a road. It’s just that after thousands of years, they’ve added some ’ingredients’ to it."
They actually understand what Angel is saying, but... times have changed.
After a moment of silence, the Black Earl, who hadn’t spoken, finally opened his mouth: "Angel is right; that is indeed a road. We’ve come this far; it’s impossible to retreat because of this small issue."
The Black Earl expressed his stance, and his latter words were also a warning to Vay not to think about retreating.
The Black Earl’s sudden support left Angel somewhat surprised. Logically, the Black Earl, being the ’nose,’ should dislike the sewer the most, but he accepted it sooner than Vay... Is this the perspective of a Great Wizard?
As Angel admired this, the Black Earl continued: "Moreover, with Angel’s Purifying Field, there’s no need to worry about filth. When facing Magical Creatures, with Red Sword Dox’s abilities, he should be able to clear the way."
Angel:... So the roles are assigned? He’s the purifier, Dox the pathfinder.
Previously calling him a brat at every turn, now when having Dox clear the path, he even used the title.
This perspective is decent; at least it’s flexible.
However, with this arrangement, Dox’s expression clearly showed a hint of dissatisfaction.
At this moment, the Black Earl spoke again: "Moreover, I just used a little Danger Perception, cough cough, not Divination, my reserve of Divination has been exhausted. I only activated an intuition similar to Dox’s, to conduct a comprehensive perception of the danger ahead."
"The final result is positive. I believe, at least in the sewer, there shouldn’t be much danger."
The Black Earl’s words were actually to reassure Dox.
Whether he succeeded in comforting Dox or not, during this process, Angel who had the slate with the Black Earl’s nose didn’t sense any energy fluctuations.
What Danger Perception? Who would believe that?
It was definitely the reserved Divination, previously when the Black Earl released Divination, there was no fluctuation. Thus, saying his borrowed Divination uses are exhausted is simply untrue.
No wonder the Black Earl was the first to express his stance; it wasn’t about perspective, he was sure there was no danger, he didn’t need to act, he could stay within the Purifying Field, which isn’t much different from the current situation.
Although Angel figured out the Black Earl’s thoughts, the Black Earl, staying with him, probably knows Angel will understand the situation clearly. Yet despite this, the Black Earl spoke out. He was evidently aware that Angel wouldn’t expose him.
Indeed, Angel had no need to expose the Black Earl; the most crucial thing now is to persuade everyone to enter the sewer.
Once truly inside the sewer, suggesting retreat would be too late.
Therefore, Angel remained silent, just quietly observed Dox and Kaier.
As for Vay, there was no need to look; the Black Earl had clearly expressed his stance, Vay neither could nor dared to refuse.
Though Dox wasn’t keen on entering the sewer, it matched the common saying — since we’re here.
Since we’re here, having reached this point, there’s no real need to go back.
Moreover, Dox isn’t particularly fearful of filth and stench, just that he would prefer not to come into contact with it if possible.
Dox: "Indeed, we’ve come this far; turning back isn’t realistic. Let’s move forward; if we delay any longer, I guess the ones coming behind us will soon catch up."
Black Earl: "No need to guess, they are indeed almost here. They’ve passed the second narrow path, and are not far from where we are."
Upon reaching the narrow path where they are located, passing through a stable path leads directly to the living area where the Ghosteye Witch resided earlier.
Black Earl: "By the way, the smell of the group coming is quite close to the Underground Labyrinth, with even a hint of the old sewer stench. They must be a team that frequently operates in the Underground Labyrinth, and likely adept at solving various issues there."
This time the pursuers are the Grey Merchants and their followers, who indeed are skilled in dealing with the Underground Labyrinth’s various affairs. So when Dox learned of this, he was even less inclined to wait.
The Ghosteye Witch might delay them for a moment, but probably not for long.
Thinking of this, Dox immediately took a step forward.
No one else objected, Kaier naturally followed the crowd and silently went forward with Dox.