171: The decisive moment (VIII)

Half an hour later.

The three gathered again.

"I have good news!"

"We've found a way."

"We can use a special Wizardry Tool from the high altitude of the sky to intercept some fresh, non-toxic air for everyone to breathe."

"This way, we can last for another two hours."

"But there's also bad news."

"The Wizards of Plant Heart Academy have come up with new tactics; they've increased the amount of smoke and added a mind-confusing agent to it."

"Many Wizards on the mountain have fallen victim, becoming drowsy. I've already arranged for emergency treatment, but a significant reduction in combat power in the short term is inevitable."

"...There's also something else to note."

Wizard Dalton revealed his discovery.

"As the smoke concentration increases, many Wizards with insufficient protective measures are slowly inhaling small amounts of smoke."

"Perhaps when the smoke concentration reaches a certain limit, most of our Wizards' protective measures will become useless. This needs to be considered."

"It shouldn't reach that limit within 8 hours, Wizard Dalton. We have an urgent situation now."

Wizard Blood Cat said, looking worried.

"What about those Blood Rong?"

"Their physique and resistance are very high, but the various toxic substances in the smoke are constantly accumulating. Some Blood Rong are already showing signs of agitation. This is not a good sign."

"Alas..."

Wizard Dalton also felt a sense of powerlessness.

Even with everyone gathered for a brainstorming session, no perfect solution had been found.

Now, the Wizards of Blood Fortress were the ones in a difficult position.

The more happily they had laughed on the hill before, the more sadly they cried now.

How did it suddenly come to this?

Wizard Dalton was completely bewildered... "Never mind, the Blood Rong will just have to endure it."

"Our trump cards and healing resources are limited; we don't even have enough for the people, let alone these Blood Rong?"

"Give them more fruit of life potions and stimulant potions to boost their resistance."

Wizard Dalton ordered helplessly.

"Right now, we are the fish on the chopping block, and they are the butcher. Only by persevering can we achieve final victory."

"We cannot sit idly by. Wizard Wizard Moshat, tell us, how did you escape this smoke back then?"

"There was no way."

Wizard Blood Cat shook his head bitterly.

"At that time, we were pushed to a dead end; not breaking out meant suffocating to death."

"We didn't want to die so ignominiously, so we split into two groups and broke through separately."

"At that time, the Wizards of Plant Heart Academy had built defensive fortifications at both cave entrances, just like now. So, when I drove the Blood Rong to break through, I encountered great resistance. Eventually, all the Blood Rong were wiped out, all the breaking-through Wizards were also wiped out, and I only managed to escape with my life thanks to a special life-saving Wizardry Tool."

"Our current situation is similar."

"However, there are many directions for us to break through, but the effect isn't very significant. With such a small area, unless we break into smaller groups and disperse to break through, using other Wizards to attract attention, only then might one or two people escape."

"...No!"

Wizard Dalton flatly refused:

"There is only one treasure chest key. Who can guarantee it won't fall into enemy hands? Who those one or two lucky escaping Wizards will be, only heaven knows."

"The risk is too great."

"If we sacrifice everyone and still allow the people of Plant Heart Academy to obtain the fruit of life without any cost, then we will be the shame of Blood Fortress."

"This is impossible. You don't need to consider this path."

"How about?"

"We negotiate with them and trade this treasure chest key?"

Wizard Wizard Moshat of the Blood Cat tentatively suggested:

"Anyway, our final outcome is still to sell this treasure chest key for a good price. Selling it sooner or later, it has to be sold. It's better to sell it now while we still have some initiative. We can also be relieved sooner and not have to suffer here."

"No, I disagree."

Wizard Lester, the small giant, shouted:

"I would rather die in battle than surrender to those farmers, Wizard Moshat. We haven't reached that point yet, have we? What are you thinking?"

"I'm also thinking for the academy. If we trade this treasure chest key, we can both preserve our useful bodies and secure a large amount of resources for the academy. This is a win-win situation."

"Hmph, aren't you just scared?"

"I've caught you, haven't I? Useful bodies? What the academy needs are Formal Wizards. What use are we, mere Wizard Apprentices, even Peak Wizard Apprentices? The academy can easily cultivate a large batch..."

"If Sir Wizard Yadisi knew about what happened here, what kind of end do you think you would have?"

"Enough!"

The white-haired Wizard Mo Er Dun had to interrupt their argument again. These two had been sworn enemies in the academy, and even here, they continued their open and covert squabbles, never allowing anyone a moment's peace.

"Let's put the trade aside for now..."

"Lester, Wizard Moshat, since you two have so much energy, then each of you lead a group of people down to test the enemy's strength."

"Gather more information, and at the same time, see if you can disrupt the enemy's arrangements, understand?"

"Understood!" X2

With the mission at hand, the two disagreeing Wizards had no choice but to suppress their current thoughts and carry out the task... Another hour passed.

The three returned to their usual spot to discuss countermeasures.

At this moment, the entire small hill was covered in thick, black smoke, like a heavy black cloud, forming a stark contrast with the entire secret realm, which was everywhere a misty white.

Wizard Mo Er Dun listened quietly to their reports.

The small giant Lester had several large wounds on his body, which he had simply bandaged with his Wizard's robe to prevent toxins in the smoke from entering his body.

But judging by his somewhat pale face and his constantly trembling lips, it was clear—

He was severely poisoned!

"Mentor Dalton, I led my Grand Knight subordinates and charged once from five directions, but none were successful. Their defenses were too tight, and their communication was extremely fast. The moment I descended the hill, they spotted me and immediately gathered their forces to wait for me. I had no choice but to clash head-on with them."

"But they have no martial ethics!"

"Three Peak combatants ganged up on me, and one of them was particularly shameless, directly using a 0-ring Advanced Wizardry—Thorn Entanglement—to stick close to me. I was caught off guard and my limbs were bound..."

"That gave them an opportunity, and I took several heavy blows from Devil Jordan. Otherwise, with those weaklings, they wouldn't have even thought of hurting me..."