However, the Transcendent reaction on the handprints had almost disappeared; a few hundred more years and they would likely be erased with the passage of time.
Often, the difficulty of uncovering historical truths lies in the power of time that erases all traces of the past.
Angel decided not to crawl up the conduit but instead asked Speedy to sense whether there was airflow at the end of the conduit.
Speedy’s answer was clear—there was!
But the airflow was very thin, seemingly obscured by a solid object.
Speedy couldn’t describe precisely what the object was but could confirm that there had to be a path at the end of the conduit; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been able to sense the wind above.
"Sir, is there really an exit inside the conduit?" A somewhat bashful and stammering voice came from outside.
Without turning around, Angel already knew it was Vay.
Though puzzled by Vay’s shyness, Angel earnestly shared his findings.
This was not just to inform Vay, but also to let the "listeners" outside, especially Dox, know it was time to stop getting caught up in small details and start clearing the way.
Indeed, Angel intended for Dox to lead the way.
Since Speedy indicated that the obstruction above was a solid cover instead of an Energy block, it was likely another physical task.
Such physical tasks were naturally assigned to Dox, at least letting him feel included in the exploration—this was the guilty compassion of their leader who had concealed Dox’s inspiration effect.
Dox didn’t refuse; he even showed off his well-developed biceps as he walked past Angel.
Angel didn’t react to this, since his brother Lyon often did similar actions, so he’d seen them too often to notice. Instead, Vay couldn’t help but snicker, and under Kaier’s puzzled gaze, Vay whispered, "Dox often did such motions when he was still an Apprentice, but they were all directed toward beautiful women. This is the first time I’ve seen him do that for... someone else."
Kaier pondered for a moment and said in a researcher’s tone, "People grow up, and tastes change."
The conversation between the two Apprentices didn’t spark a response from Dox because he had already climbed into the conduit. As for Angel, he didn’t react either, as he could roughly guess Dox’s intentions.
Some people use any means necessary to make friends...
After a while, Dox’s voice came through the Mind Ribbon.
"Sealing the conduit is a special stone material, quite heavy, and can block spiritual power. I activated my Bloodline and can push it open." Dox paused before continuing, "Though I feel something is off outside; even though my spiritual power cannot reach out, I vaguely hear a lot of chaotic noises."
Angel: "You mean there are Magical Creatures outside?"
Dox: "I can’t confirm. But the noise outside is incredibly chaotic... What nonsense, the sound is increasing, seemingly gathering at the exit."
Upon hearing Dox’s words, Angel quickly asked Speedy if it detected any biological energy while sensing the external airflow.
Speedy provided a negative response.
Receiving this answer, Angel decisively said, "It should be some kind of Magical Creature that can sense living creatures’ presence and is communal. These Magical Creature individuals shouldn’t be too strong, or else we wouldn’t be able to push open the stone seal. But if they continue to gather, it becomes dangerous. I’ll send Earl Mi and Speedy to assist you; quickly push the stone seal aside and clear out the gathered Magical Creatures first."
Without hesitation, Angel sent both Earl Mi and Speedy into the conduit; they moved much faster than him, arriving by Dox’s side almost as soon as Angel finished speaking.
Dox also understood the communal Magical Creatures’ traits; the greater their number, the more intimidating they became.
Many ants can bite and even kill an elephant, not just a saying.
Upon realizing reinforcements had arrived, Dox activated his Bloodline without hesitation, causing his arms to swell visibly and metallize, then struck and flew the stone seal free from the exit.
With the stone seal removed, a large swarm of Magical Creatures with scarlet eyes rushed into the conduit.
Dox encased himself in Bloodline Energy, leapt out with the Blessing of the Wind from Speedy, and conjured a blood-red longsword in his hand while airborne.
Where the sword swung, Magical Creature heads rolled.
Witnessing Dox’s swordsmanship, Speedy, who initially planned to use a Wind Blade, swiftly altered its strategy, directly harnessing Wind’s Force to propel the swarm of Magical Creatures toward Dox.
Dox no longer needed to reposition, just swing his sword.
As for Earl Mi, it launched its own assault on the Magical Creatures without collaborating with Dox. It’s not a matter of unwillingness to cooperate; with Earl Mi’s prowess, it simply didn’t need Dox’s aid. Earl Mi could assume a wind form, mimicking Speedy by tossing creatures into the air for Dox to kill, but that would be entirely redundant.
Earl Mi’s strength... is comparable to the True Knowledge Level.
Not saying it far exceeds Dox, but definitely not weaker than Dox. Plus, Earl Mi’s range surpasses Dox’s, using a shadow to cover and kill a large swarm of diminutive creatures greatly.
The speed doesn’t fall behind, possibly surpassing a Swift-assisted Dox.
While the battle raged above, others didn’t idle, quickly climbing into the conduit.
Despite Earl Mi and Dox’s formidable power, they can only slay Magical Creatures. But with Angel or Black Earl joining in, they could use controlling measures to trap creatures within a restricted area.
Thus, compared to Speedy and Earl Mi, Angel and Black Earl are the true support.
The conduit was even longer than they expected, constantly twisting upwards rapidly, though they moved swiftly, especially as Vay employed the Power of Earth to create a "lift" pushing upwards, accelerating their ascent.
A crooked path nearly 100 meters high took only over ten seconds, carrying the two Apprentices to leap out of the exit.