Chapter 722 The Dark Lord's Turmoil·Blood of the Dead in Gray Harbor (II)
11:00AM.
Port area.
Amidst the roar of the sea breeze, the students of Deer Park, the Emerald Guardians and members of the Wilson Wildlife Response Team are busy coordinating and comforting the "White Whale Trenco" at sea.
This group of magical creatures are undulating with the waves, and the white hair on their bodies exudes a cold light in the dim light.
Camille Schiffany, as the prefect of Deer Park, stood at the front of the team, holding a 10-inch wand in her hand.
She waved the wand gently, and the dark blue light spread like water waves along the end of the wand, and a layer of spiritual attitude was suddenly enveloped above the ocean.
She activated [Thaumatology Entry·Psychic Interference], extended her telepathy to the sea, and entered a state of spiritual communication with the Trencos.
Trenco's huge body gradually calmed down under this gentle force, stopped its violent swimming, and floated obediently on the water.
Beside her, the leader of the Emerald Guardians, Aldris Velorion, was also directing her members to cooperate in containing Trenco.
She is a half-elf druid with flowing silver hair, wearing a green robe, and has a calm and majestic temperament.
Aldris recited the natural spell softly and waved her hands gently, summoning a gentle wind that caressed Trenco's back.
The member next to him, Kallian Stoneheart, used [Natural Form] to transform into a giant turtle, and slowly swam towards a restless Trenco. The strong turtle shell protected him from other enemies. Injured by the waving of the tail.
Sena Moonshadow behind him jumped lightly onto Trenco's back. She transformed into an agile leopard and shuttled between Trenco flexibly to help them stabilize.
Aldris looked at the wand in Camille's hand and couldn't help but ask:
"Are you a prefect of Deer Academy? Wand casting is not a compulsory course, but if you are a member of the student council of the occult group, especially a prefect, a wand is standard. After all, most of the professors of the occult group are blue. "The wizard in robes."
After Camille comforted the approaching Trenco, he patted its back gently, watched it calm down, and then replied to Aldris:
"The third-year prefect of the Deer Academy Occult Studies Group, Camille Schiffany, and my mentor is Hero Nimus, the leader of the Magical Studies Group, majoring in political science, parapsychology and occultism. "Animal protection."
Aldress nodded clearly, looked at the wand in Camille's hand, and continued:
"Professor Nimus, no wonder, she Her thaumaturgic language programming is indeed top-notch, and her wand-making skills are also learned from Master Ollivander. The backbone of your wand is made of grapevine wood, and the core is... the antlers of the burning-antlered deer, right?"
Camille smiled slightly and replied: "Well, I have a burning-antlered deer as a contracted beast, and it is also my God-calling Guardian."
Aldris looked at the comforter thoughtfully. Trenco came down and said slowly:
"You have a magic suitcase, right? It's not the kind of small bag that can be easily expanded using the 'Forbidden Technique·Seamless Stretching Spell', but the kind that can really hold A magical beast's suitcase, the same type as Scamander's suitcase in Twist?"
Camille nodded and motioned to the group of students behind him.
The ghost that had been floating at the back of the team, Lifenr, floated over timidly.
He's always looked a little awkward as a ghost, but now, he needs to show off some thaumaturgy. I saw him carefully putting his hand into his empty abdomen, and in front of everyone, he took out a beautiful suitcase.
This suitcase sparkles with a faint magical light, and its surface is engraved with complex magical runes.
The appearance of the box is as smooth as crystal, showing a light silver luster. Four small gems are inlaid on the four corners of the box, symbolizing different elements.
The lock of the box is a slightly shiny chimeric curse seal, which has obviously been modified by special magic and is used to store and care for various magical animals.
[Seamless Stretch Spell] gives it a huge space inside, and the magic seal can simulate different environments and even create habitats suitable for aquatic, terrestrial or even mid-air habitats in different sections of the box. . This box not only has the adaptability of amphibious and land-based, but also can flexibly adjust the space transformation in the user's mind.
Camille took the suitcase, placed it firmly on the ground, looked up at Trenco, who was floating calmly in front of him, nodded slightly and said:
"The next step is to transfer Trenco to It’s in the magic suitcase. Fortunately, the suitcase given by the professors is the highest level amphibious box, which can accommodate a group of people. Otherwise, it would be difficult to accommodate so many Trenco, at least thirty of them.”
The leader of the Emerald Guardians, Aldris Velorion, stared at Trenco who had calmed down, with a trace of uneasiness in his eyes.
She recalled her vague prophecy before, Trenco's sudden appearance, and the ominous premonition that emerged in her heart.
At this moment, some kind of prophetic intuition emerged in her heart-these students of Luyuan in front of her might be closely related to the prophecy of the Dark Lord.
She took a deep breath, walked towards Camille with a gentle expression, and said after careful consideration:
"Camille, I have a suggestion. Since you have handled such an important containment work, why not come with me? A trip to the world of a hundred levels."
Camille frowned slightly and looked at Eldris warily, with a hint of inquiry in her tone:
"Why?"
< br>Aldris saw Camille's vigilance, but she sensed the strong premonition coming from her mind and realized that she had to convince these students.
She knew that she could not directly mention the Dark Lord's prophecy, but could only do so from the perspective of friendly cooperation.
Aldris said with a hint of smile:
“Camille, I don’t mean any harm, and I also know that you may have heard about the rumors about the Hundred Layer World.
However, the main reason I invite you to go is to enhance cooperation between us.
Your Luyuan has a very deep foundation in magic research, especially wand making and occult studies. Research, I heard that your Professor Nemus specializes in these areas, and that we, the Emerald Guardians, also have extensive experience in protecting magical creatures
We can have more extensive exchanges with other wizarding groups in the Hundred-layer World, especially in terms of the protection of magical creatures and magic research, which is also extremely helpful for your academic progress. "
She paused for a moment, seeing that Camille was still hesitant, so she continued:
"Of course, I can also understand your concerns.
If you are worried about safety, I can sign a magic contract with Luyuan on the spot, promising that I will never do any harm.
You can also contact Lu Yuan through the think tank to confirm my identity and ensure that our cooperation is based on the long-term exchange agreement between the Wizards Federation and Lu Yuan. ”
Eldris's tone was sincere but majestic. She knew that if she wanted to successfully convince Camille, she must start from a cooperative and academic perspective, and put forward guarantees and credible promises.
She spread her hands and spoke softly:
“This is not only a simple visit, it may also open up a broader academic horizon and cooperation opportunities for you.
Hundred The layer world is not only the realm of Okrum, but also has many places related to magic research and thaumaturgy resources waiting for you to explore."
After listening, Camille thought slightly, although in her heart. There are still some reservations, but Eldris’s proposal is indeed reasonable. The magic resources of the Hundred-layer World are very attractive to her and other students, not to mention Aldlis's promise to sign a magic contract.
"Okay," Camille finally nodded and said, "We can consider it, but I need to contact the think tank first to ensure that everything is safe."
Aldlis smiled slightly and nodded:
"Of course, it must be so. Safety always comes first."
Camille looked at Eldris with some doubts in her eyes, and her tone was calm but straightforward:
< br>“Let me ask a question, if we finally agree to go with you, where are you going to take us?”
Aldris planned to answer truthfully and proposed to go to their hub - the realm of Oakrum.
She was about to speak when suddenly, a small voice came from her ears. The voice was as delicate as silk, and seemed to penetrate into her consciousness from an invisible gap.
It was a hissing sound similar to that of a snake, with a low pitch, but with some irresistible fascination.
"Hiss..."
As if countless snakes were whispering, the voice circled and entangled in her ears, as if it penetrated directly into her mind from the void, the voice was soft and Danger.
Eldris's pupils shrank slightly, her eyes were dazed for a moment, and her consciousness seemed to be pulled into some strange thoughts by the delicate voice.
Her lips trembled slightly, and she instinctively wanted to say the familiar name "Okrum Land", but at that moment, a deeper thought popped out of her mind, With involuntary impulse.
Her rational consciousness was briefly blinded, and following the hissing sound, she suddenly said in a strange way:
"Go to the Ring of Naga."
That When the words flowed out of her mouth, even she felt a little surprised.
However, the surprise was fleeting, as it seemed that was the answer she should have said.
"The Ring of Nagas?" Camille asked slowly.
The light in Eldris's eyes flashed slightly, and then she regained her composure. She did not immediately notice the abnormality she just had, but instead continued to explain in a somewhat matter-of-fact tone:
"The Ring of Naga is a relatively mysterious and powerful plane in the Hundred-layer World. It is famous for its ancient magic of controlling snakes and the research on thaumaturgy related to snakes.
This plane not only has The oldest snake language also gathers many wizards and creatures related to snakes. It is a holy place for wizards who control snake magic.”
After hearing Eldris' suggestion, Camille immediately turned to discuss with the other students in Deer Garden.
She whispered: "We do have the opportunity to go to the Hundred Layers World. This sounds like a rare academic exchange. But the Ring of Naga... its mystery and danger, everyone also It's very clear. We need to make a careful decision."
A few students looked at me and started discussing in a low voice.
Most of the students are eager to try it. Except for Lifener, who is a little timid, everyone else wants to go.
So Kamil, as the leader, announced the voting resolution, and everyone raised their hands to express their approval. Lifener saw that everyone wanted to go, and he also timidly raised his hands to express his agreement.
The three-eyed girl Ushas couldn't help but said something to the ghost:
"Thank you for being from Hailing Street. How can you be so timid? Muji, a palm-sized frog, is bolder than you." "More!"
Lifener floated into the corner and drew circles, falling into autistic state.
Camille glared at Ursas, and then after confirming everyone's decision, she turned to her wand, waved it lightly, and a light blue light flowed into the air, sending an inquiry to the think tank of Luyuan. .
After a while, the think tank’s feedback came back quickly. The approvals from several professors came into her eyes, including Professor Hero Nimus, leader of the Magical Knowledge Group, and several blue-robed wizards. They recognized the value of this operation and approved the students to go to the Hundred Floor. The proposal of the world.
"The professors agreed." Camille said to the other Deer Academy students.
Aldris nodded with satisfaction, and then she took out the magic contract scroll.
The scroll was opened and gave off a faint light, and the contract text slowly emerged on the scroll.
She said to Camille and others: "We can sign a guarantee contract to ensure the safety of this journey.
The contract will ensure your safety and stipulate not to harm each other. Terms. I will also attach the logo of the Emerald Guardian to ensure that your journey in the Hundred Layers World will not be hindered.”
Camille carefully checked the contents of the contract, and after confirming that it was correct, he signed his name together with other students from Luyuan.
The contract scroll gave off a faint light the moment they signed, and then dissipated in the air, indicating that the contract was officially established.
Next, the team began to deal with the containment of Trenco. Camille took out the magic suitcase and placed it gently on the ground. Lifener floated over, with a hint of nervousness in his expression, but skillfully assisted her in activating the magic array in the suitcase.
This suitcase is different from ordinary traceless stretching spells. Its appearance is classic and exquisite, with metal patterns inlaid on the edges, complex runes surrounding the surface, and a shining blue light on the handle. The suitcase was slowly opened, and the space inside the box seemed much wider than the outside, like another independent small world.
Camille waved her wand and whispered the spell:
"Synaesthesia command·Turn on."
As the spell ended, the Trenkos on the sea sensed some kind of guidance and began to swim slowly in the direction of the suitcase.
The huge Trencos awkwardly lifted their bodies from the sea one by one, their huge noses swaying in the air, and every step seemed heavy and steady.
Despite their size, they appear extremely light when they fit into the suitcase.
When they came into contact with the box, the runes on the surface of the box began to light up. Trenco's body gradually shrank, as if compressed into a beam of light, and quickly entered the inside of the suitcase.
When each Teren enters the box, there seems to be a complete ecosystem waiting for them inside the box, simulating their original ocean environment - rippling water, swaying seaweed, and even a blue sky reflected on the water.
This makes them appear very quiet after entering, as if they have never left their habitat.
However, the last Trenko looked a little different.
Its body shape is much thinner than other Terens, and its coat color also appears dull and sparse. It is even hairless in some places, revealing gray skin.
Its movements seemed slow, and its eyes showed a sense of exhaustion and vigilance.
Camille keenly noticed this unique Trenco.
She frowned slightly, feeling something was wrong, but she remained calm and waved her wand to soothe it. This Trenko seemed particularly resistant and refused to enter the suitcase, as if struggling to reject this fate.
"What's wrong?" Eldris also noticed the abnormality of this Trenco and asked softly.
"This Trenco..."
Camille whispered, continuing to try to establish a spiritual connection with it.
In the end, under Camille's powerful psychic intervention, the Trenko slowly walked towards the suitcase and disappeared into the depths of the suitcase. But at that moment, a trace of complex human emotions seemed to flash through its dim eyes. , which makes people feel inexplicably uneasy.
Camille finished placing the last Trenco and gently closed the lid of the magic suitcase. With a click, the suitcase was properly locked.
Her expression was still calm, but there seemed to be a trace of thoughtfulness in her eyes.
The suitcase was returned to the hands of the ghost Lifener again. After he took it, he floated in the air with a shy smile on his face.
Immediately, he skillfully and carefully stuffed the suitcase back into his transparent belly, and the box disappeared without a trace in his belly. The sea breeze blew gently around, and Eldris stood aside, watching all this with soft eyes.
Camille raised her head and exchanged a faint smile with the leader. After a few brief exchanges, the atmosphere became slightly more relaxed.
Although each of them had different thoughts, the completion of the task made everyone's tension relax a little.
“Are you ready?” Eldris asked softly, with a hint of expectation in her tone.
Camille looked back at his team. Although the students of Luyuan looked tired, their eyes were filled with curiosity and excitement about exploring the unknown. She nodded, already making up her mind.
"We're ready," she replied firmly.
The members of the Emerald Guardian immediately led the way, with the staffs and spells in their hands ready.
There are strange fluctuations in the air, which seems to indicate the opening of some kind of plane.
As the mantra was chanted, the space began to twist slightly, as if an unknown passage was slowly opening.
Camille took a deep breath and looked back at the port - the seawater in the mist was still rolling, and the dock in the distance gradually disappeared in the blurred background.
Under the leadership of the Emerald Guardian, the students from Luyuan followed and walked step by step into the twisted space passage.
The glimmer of light shone on their figures, as if leading them into the mysterious depths of the hundred-layered world.
As the last student disappeared, the space returned to calm again, as if nothing had ever happened.
*
*
*
11:05AM.
Misty Forest (East).
Deep in this vast forest, there is a huge lake, the water of which is as blue as a mirror.
The lake is so vast that it looks like a huge mirror, reflecting the ancient trees above surrounded by thick fog.
The lake is surrounded by ancient trees and vines, and is filled with mist, which seems to be swallowing up the light of this land all the time.
The lake is quiet and deep. It connects to the Misty Sea in the distance, and the Misty Sea is connected to the port of Gray Harbor.
The fog that shrouds the earth comes from this gloomy forest, like a barrier between heaven and earth, isolating the outside world.
Furthermore, these mists have powerful ability to resist demons, so extraordinary people generally rarely enter here.
On the contrary, this is also a dark place where people are killed and buried, or where secret sects trade.
Suddenly, the lake surface was no longer calm. The water began to fluctuate violently. A vortex formed rapidly. The water in the center rotated rapidly. There was some powerful force stirring at the bottom of the lake.
Water splashed up, as if a hole had been torn open in the earth.
In the center of the vortex, a figure slowly floated out, its clothes swaying gently in the air, like a god emerging from the abyss.
His robes were still clean and tidy, and even though they had just been worn out of the lake, there were no traces of water on them.
The silver cane was held in his hand, and the black hat was firmly placed on his head.
Xia Xiu landed firmly on the ground, and behind him, [Vashak] floated out.
The golden eyes narrowed slightly, and he followed [Vashak]'s [Time Insight] all the way, and this suspicious aura brought him to the lakeside of this misty forest.
As he walked forward, the scene near the lake made his eyes become sharp instantly.
On the ground ahead, there is a group of snakes greedily devouring an almost devoured figure. It was a man in black robes, holding a bolter in his left hand and a chain sword in his right hand. His body had been chewed to pieces, his flesh and blood were blurred, and his face was covered with rotten flesh, which was almost indistinguishable. out of its original appearance.
The snakes frantically bit at his remaining bones and flesh, making bursts of blood-curdling "hissing" sounds.
Xia Xiu stood still, his golden eyes scanning the snakes coldly, a trace of killing intent flashing across his eyes.
The snakes felt his arrival, raised their heads one after another, and hissed at him with threatening sounds. Their sharp snake tongues shone like sharp blades, as if they were about to pounce on him in the next second.
He gently raised his left hand, extended his index finger, and a simple [∞] symbol flashed at the fingertip.
"Boom——"
With a muffled sound, all the snakes suddenly expanded, and then exploded in an instant, flesh and blood splattered everywhere, and the air was filled with the smell of blood.
The group of snakes didn't even have time to utter a cry, as if they were torn apart from the inside by an invisible force. The pieces of flesh scattered on the ground along with the aftermath of the explosion, as if they had never existed.
Xia Xiu lowered his head and looked at the devoured corpse.
Almost at the same time, the think tank [Adam] quickly started the identification process. A stream of data flowed across Xia Xiu's corneas like lightning and was quickly scanned.
——
【Scanning...】
[Target: Unidentified corpse...]
[Match ID...]
[Target identity confirmed - Operator [Eli Kaitlan]]
[Identity Overview:]
Name: Eli Catlan
Number: AWC-0456
Affiliated organization: Honkai Administration (branch-Grey Harbor Special Response Team)
Position: Senior Special Operator
Special Skills: Proficient Demolition and melee combat, good at using bolt guns and chainswords
Final mission: Investigate missing cases related to the Hundred Layer World, and monitor abnormal species activities
[Analysis of time of death...]
Presumptive time of death: within 36-48 hours (evaluation of body temperature and decomposition process)
Preliminary analysis of cause of death: severe trauma and multiple fatal snake bites, internal organs Rupture and excessive bleeding. The body was eaten by a large number of snakes, causing serious damage to the face and limbs.
Additional information: Traces of energy remaining in the body indicate a battle with an unknown thaumaturgic/dark magic entity prior to death. It is speculated that it is caused by the enemy unit's thaumaturgy.
Fatal injury analysis: A large amount of tissue tearing and poisoning caused by snake bites were the direct cause of death, but there are traces that indicate that he may have suffered a violent thaumaturgic blow before this.
[Comprehensive Analysis]:
Operator Eli Catlan tried to fight back after being attacked, but due to the combined attack of hostile thaumaturgy and snakes, he quickly lost too much blood. His combat equipment failed to work the first time, showing that the enemy had abnormal combat capabilities.
The time of death is about 36-48 hours, and the snakes continue to destroy and eat the body after death.
——
Xia Xiu looked at the body of Eli Kaitlan, his golden eyes flashing with chilling. He lowered his head slightly, took off his black top hat, and gently placed it on his chest, expressing his condolences to the deceased in a simple and calm gesture.
The breeze blew by, and his blond hair swayed gently in the air, but the murderous intention accumulated deeper and deeper in his chest.
[Adam: The vital signs of other operators in the target area disappeared...]
Xia Xiu did not respond, but slowly put the hat back on his head, with a cold and sharp look in his eyes . He continued to move forward, his steps firm but silent. With every step he took, there were more and more operator remains on the ground. Adam's continued reports reached his ears.
[Adam: Operator Vera Morgan, soul torn apart, died]
[Adam: Operator Grave Salvatore, burned by magic, body scorched]< br>
[Adam: Operator Eugene Rex, was cursed with soul tearing, his soul was shattered, and died instantly]
[Adam: Operator Oscar Finn, was swallowed by demonic flames in close combat, Has been reduced to ashes]
[Adam: Operator...]
Thalia/Isaac Bruce...
One after another, the dead operators were [Adam] reported, Xia Xiu walked along the path stained red with blood, and corpses appeared in front of him. Bloodstains and broken armor, blackened bones, ashes eroded by demonic fire...
There were only twenty-eight corpses left in the medium-sized team of thirty people.
Xia Xiu's heart felt cold, his footsteps moved silently in the pool of blood, and there was only Adam's mechanical report in his ears, intertwined with the silent anger in his own heart.
His golden eyes became deeper and deeper, shining with a cold light.
Finally, Xia Xiu stopped in front of an abandoned mist palace.
He stood in the shadow of the ancient building, the outline of the palace looming.
This temple is at the intersection of decay and growth. Its structure is alive. The walls and stone pillars are covered with twisted plants and vines, as if nature is growing out of control here, but it emits an unnatural light. .
The temple is like a huge deformed creature, half sunk into the ground. Vine and moss have eroded every corner of the building. The appearance of the building looks like a devoured ruin, both abandoned and still there. Grow slowly.
The plants entwined between the stone pillars occasionally make a slight squirming sound. These plants are not static, but are in endless expansion, with some kind of decaying vitality.
There is a damp smell in the air. The dampness is mixed with the smell of decay, which is pungent and suffocating.
There were faint whispers from deep in the corridor, like dead believers telling endless secrets to the living.
Disorderly growth, corrupt prosperity.
Xia Xiu stood in front of the temple, his golden eyes coldly scanning the twisted ruins in front of him.
His presence seems to have touched some sleeping power deep in the temple.
The plants on the wall began to tremble slightly, and the vines stretched slowly, like countless tentacles approaching him.
The whispers in the air suddenly became clear, and the invisible voice lingered in my ears, carrying some kind of temptation and bewitchment.
"What the Ascendant Spider wants is domination, but what the Crowned Breeder wants is just constant infection and transformation.
We do not believe that the boundaries are the limbs of the HOS, but we dare to assert that all the dead we met that night became the limbs of the crowned child.
If you want to meet Him, you must become... part of that birth. 』
Suddenly, the palace was no longer a palace.
The otherwise static building began to twist and squirm, its foundations themselves never solid.
The vines and plants expanded rapidly, and the walls of the entire temple cracked like cracked egg shells. The rubble and ruins collapsed silently under the tremendous force.
From the depths of the cracked building, a huge and deformed creature slowly emerged.
Its body is a hundred meters tall, and its twisted limbs are like endless tree roots and vines, intertwined into a deformed body.
Countless arms stretched out from its body, each palm shaking convulsively, and the nails were as sharp as claws.
The monster's centipedes are squirming, each foot is like some kind of weird plant roots, inserted into the ground, absorbing the power of corruption and growth.
The most terrifying thing is its hundreds of eyes, each of which is opened strangely, as if observing and judging the world, emitting a strange green light.
Behind it, there was a huge twisted halo suspended in dilapidated condition. The halo shone with a strange light, as if it was a twisted power coming from an unknown dimension.
Above the monster, a huge web similar to a spider web flashed in mid-air, and tied in the web was a figure uniformed by the black robe of the Administration.
The man seemed to be integrated into the monster, with veins bulging on one side of his face and his skin twisted like a monster's. His right eye opened evilly, flashing with deformed madness.
The left half of his face was full of pain, with his eyes closed tightly, as if he was trying his best to resist some irresistible force.
The monster slowly twisted its huge body, with hundreds of eyes staring at Xia Xiu on the ground.
Even though he looked so small, the disgust in his eyes made the monster furious.
The monster's voice echoed in the air like rolling thunder, like a roar from the abyss, shocking the world:
"Ant! How dare you trespass into this sanctuary of corruption and growth!"
The monster roared, his voice mixed with endless contempt and coercion.
"I am one of the seven named ones wearing the crown, the Son of Spread!"
"Mortal! You don't kneel before my divinity, but dare to look directly at my glory?!"
While speaking, hundreds of arms waved forward at the same time, trying to crush the ants in front of them.
Each arm exudes the smell of decay. The vines and plants on the ground grow rapidly with its movements, and the entire space is under its control.
An invisible force suddenly pressed towards Xia Xiu.
(End of this chapter)