Plants

Two paths led away from the room filled with mysterious runes and housing The Sleeper's magical device.

One was the route Bard had taken down, a sloping passage connecting the upper and middle levels. The other continued forward, stretching all the way into the dark chaos of the lower depths.

Standing before the corridor leading deeper underground, Gawain focused slightly and sensed the distribution of magic power in the surrounding environment.

That subtle Energy Field enveloping the entire Thorinburg region still existed here. A steady stream of vitality escaped from the giant tree's roots, as though someone were casting endless healing spells. Every organic being within its range was affected by the field, and even Gawain felt slightly more refreshed.

Other than that Energy Field, he sensed no other threatening presence.

The team that had descended with him assembled behind Gawain, and the squad commander quickly issued orders. "Groups of five. Form a one-two-two exploration formation. Advance carefully."

The fully armed Magic Power Combat Soldiers immediately moved into action. They divided into several groups, each consisting of one vanguard shield bearer, two observers, and two fire support troops, then began advancing through the deep, endless corridor. The magical vision provided by their integrated tactical goggles allowed them to clearly see the distribution of magic power throughout the Underground Palace, while the rune glow emitted by their Magitech Equipment soothed everyone's taut nerves.

Only orderly footsteps echoed through the Underground Palace.

Amber walked beside Gawain with her eyes wide open. The dim environment of this Underground Palace did not affect her at all, having been born in the Shadow Realm; she could see as clearly as in daylight. Yet she still activated additional shadow vision, for she was looking not only at things visible to the naked eye, but also... things