Hazy, it exuded a dark aura.
He stopped quietly and extended his spiritual power to probe the barrier ahead.
The barrier lay hidden in the darkness, seemingly capable of absorbing one's gaze. When his spiritual power spread toward it, it too felt as if it would be swallowed in an instant.
"Spiritual perception cannot pass through it, and magic power will be devoured. It may even absorb magic power to replenish itself. Its level is indeed extremely high."
Dark did not communicate with the maid outside the barrier.
He judged that there should be guards inside it.
To avoid exposing himself, he had already slipped into character from the moment he entered the passage.
After observing carefully for a while, Dark continued forward. When he touched the black mist, he felt only a chill, with dark elements gathered within.
Three more steps brought him before the barrier. He hesitated slightly, then lifted his foot and stepped forward.
His toes met nothing. With a single step forward, he passed through the barrier without encountering the slightest obstruction.
But he immediately sensed that no one was lurking within the shadow beneath his feet. Laura had been shut outside by the barrier.
Dark drew a slight breath and became even more cautious. There really were guards inside the barrier.
However, that person also wore a black robe and mask, making it impossible to discern his build or appearance.
He stood silently with his back against the rock wall, holding a black lantern by its handle.
Dark turned to glance at him. Seeing no reaction, he continued onward.
From here to the Dark Crystal Cave, there was still a nearly straight passage ahead. At short intervals thereafter, another black-robed, masked figure stood watch. Dark observed them slightly and found that each emitted a faint