"Perhaps, we were discovered even before we entered the laboratory. It’s just that I don’t know which part went wrong."
Reynaud doesn’t have conclusive evidence, just a guess.
But thinking carefully, Reynaud’s guess seems not without basis.
Such a secretive organization — let’s call it an organization for now — has no presence in the Southern Domain. Even if various forces were mobilized to search, only a few peripheral clues would be found: two apprentices once witnessed an inconsequential chase.
If this organization were weak, it wouldn’t matter, as no one pays attention to it, and whether or not it hides itself is irrelevant. But based on the current information obtained, their strength is not weak, with high-level combat power even surpassing most wizard families; even apprentices can compare to a supernova.
Such an organization being so obscure in the Southern Domain is certainly because they consciously chose to be secretive.
Since they chose to walk the secretive path, the laboratory itself would also maintain a high degree of confidentiality to avoid disclosure of its existence. In such circumstances, perhaps every step has some protective mechanism.
Including stepping into the water wall.
"If entering through the water wall might be exposed, what should we do now?" Nausicaa asked.
"Even if the water wall might truly expose us, it doesn’t matter. In the end, we will certainly be discovered anyway, so there’s no need to care about these water walls." Nis said.
Though he said so, when facing unknown opponents and unknown battles, whoever reveals fewer trump cards, the scales of victory would tilt more towards them. And with the laboratory monitoring, their existence would likely be anticipated by the other side in advance. Angel and Nis are quite famous in the Southern Domain, and if there’s a targeted preparation against them, they would certainly be at a disadvantage in a battle.
Nis: "Then let’s not go through the water wall and directly emerge from the sea surface, entering from above."
Nis’s proposal is one option. However, if the laboratory is determined to conduct comprehensive prevention, there should be corresponding monitoring mechanisms for entering from above too.
Nevertheless, they still have to enter the other side of the water wall, so since both might be monitored, they should choose the option with a lesser possibility.
Angel ultimately decided to enter from above. At that time, he would alter the illusionary realm to a nightmare illusion, reducing presence, blurring and distorting direct external perception.
This way, it can maximally avoid detection.
But, just as Angel and the others began to rise, wanting to leave the water’s surface, a surge of chaotic energy transmitted from behind the water wall.
This complex energy was not targeted at them, but it seemed something happened behind the water wall, causing energy leakage.
Everyone paused their steps.
Nis sensed the energy passing through the water wall: "This is primordial magic, I feel the rhythm of water, and..."
Dangross suddenly interjected: "I feel the strength of flames, such powerful control; it feels as though the inner core of the flame is constantly compressing, ready to explode at any moment, but is restrained by a rule-like force. Even the reverberations haven’t completely lost control."
What Dangross said is complex, but it essentially conveys one meaning: there might be a fire-element wizard inside.
Life forms like Dangross, when releasing flames, it is indiscriminate attacks; after all, it won’t harm themselves, so they don’t understand restraint.
Only a fire-element wizard, or a fire life form that has been taught, would start learning restraint to avoid harming both enemy and self.
When mentioning fire-element wizards... Angel and Nis exchanged glances, a name came to mind.
Could the inside commotion be caused by the "Fire-stepper" Ferro?
This energy leakage, could it mean a battle took place inside?
If it truly is a battle, one side being Ferro, then the other side might be someone controlling water elemental powers.
"What now?" Nis looked at Angel. Though it’s just speculation, Ferro’s possibility is high.
"Let’s wait a bit more." Angel whispered.
Nis frowned, thinking Angel hesitated and wanted confirmation that it’s Ferro before taking action. But if it truly is Ferro inside, and if they wait and something happens to Ferro because of the delay, that wouldn’t be good.
Nis was about to say something when Angel spoke: "Alright, let’s go in."
Nis: "...Huh?"
Wasn’t there a talk of waiting, why did the wait end in less than two seconds?
Angel didn’t explain much and directly reached out his hand upon sensing a new wave of energy reverberations. Some concealed energy flowed in his palm.
Amidst a flickering light, an archaic door appeared before them.
"I’ve maximized the containment of leaking energy from The Gate of Void. Let’s go in now, while the energy inside is chaotic."
The reason Angel wanted to wait wasn’t to confirm if it was Ferro inside, but to wait for the inner chaotic energies and energy leakage.
Only amidst chaotic energy can The Gate of Void’s energy not be easily detected by those inside.
This greatly benefits their concealment.