However, even as they launched their attacks, the two Rank 8 Dragon Blood Guards seemed to sense something amiss. The attack spells that were about to strike the central barrier and the Rune Rings on the ground froze in midair, then slowly withdrew.
This was the unique magical mastery of Rank 8 Professionals. At this level, their Mana and will had completely merged as one. Every spell they cast was like a temporarily extended arm, entirely under the control of their will.
"Wait. There seems to be some kind of special defense system here."
Yaxila reacted at the same time. A trace of gravity flashed through his dark golden eyes as he suddenly raised a hand. A transparent ripple spread from the vambrace on his right arm.
As the ripple passed through, everything in the room apart from the spherical barrier at its center was covered in crimson gleams, like the gaping bloody maw of some terrifying creature poised to swallow the three of them whole.
The three men's expressions changed slightly at the sight.
"It appears to be a self-destruct trap. If it identifies us as invading enemies, this place will become a death zone. Everything in the Secret Chamber will be indiscriminately destroyed.
"And according to the feedback from the Detection Device, the power of this trap will likely exceed what we can handle."
After using a special detection Artifact to carefully examine the areas specifically highlighted by the earlier ripple, one of the Dragon Blood Mystic Guards spoke, identifying the hidden danger.
"Can either of you disable the trap here? The sword inside that barrier is very important to me!"
After pondering for several seconds, Yaxila looked intently at his two personal guards.
"I'm afraid... that will be difficult. Deciphering such a high-level Magic Array without resorting