"Did the Clockmaker really not set any traps in that so-called trial just now?"
Shade asked. Miss Olanord shook her head with certainty:
"No. The Elf Kings who built this place in the Second Epoch had considered the possibility of invasion. They also feared that the revived Ancient One might lay claim to the memories and power they left behind, so they established very thorough defenses."
"Then why did the Clockmaker lead us here? She seemed to be deliberately guiding Miss Sianode to obtain those memories. Was she merely halfheartedly carrying out the Ancient One's task?"
Mr. Elderon asked. Mr. Gerald Delong guessed:
"Perhaps she only wanted to stall us, giving the Paradox Worm legion more time to attack the city?"
Shade continued looking down at Emilia:
"In any case, all the enemies blocking our path have disappeared. Emilia Sinode, as Time's second candidate, can now confront the Ancient Tree in the forest."
He looked up at everyone.
"Let's return to the surface first. I discussed it with the Witch Council. They and I will escort Miss Emilia Sinode into the depths of the forest. But judging from the information the Clockmaker gave us, another fierce battle awaits us there. It would be even better if The Church, the Academy, and the Seer Association could provide some manpower as well."
Everyone in the group had no objections. Since they had been able to escort Emilia here, there was no problem continuing the journey.
The ruins' gate restarted, but most of the monsters outside had already been eliminated by the ruins' own defense systems. Shade had wanted to take the four alchemical golems with him, since they would have been quite useful helpers, but unfortunately, those constructed creatures were unwilling to leave the ruins.
After stepping onto the stone bridge again,