Chapter 174

Chapter 175: The Most Perfect Infiltration Method (Third Update of the Day! Begging for Subscriptions!)

A dark, oppressive aura loomed.

Passing through the utterly “dead” ashen white forest, what came into view was a scene of broken and decayed stone structures, along with an ethereal gray mist that permeated every corner.

Within the Ersos Ruins, it presented the image of a place ravaged by monsters.

“Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp————”

The monsters stationed outside the ruins had all been lured away. Although there were still monsters inside the ruins, for some unknown reason, their numbers had drastically decreased.

Each encounter consisted merely of a scattered group of about ten or so monsters.

They were slightly stronger than those outside, approximately at Level 2.

Izay swiftly advanced forward, ending their lives one after another. A flash of silver streaked past, annihilating all the monsters within sight without giving them any time to react.

It would be troublesome if they had the chance to call for reinforcements.

Before entering the ruins, Izay and his group of five needed to infiltrate stealthily.

As an old man once wisely taught, the most perfect infiltration is to kill all enemies who see you!

This is an absolute truth.

Under Artemis’ guidance, the group quickly passed through the outer perimeter of the ruins and arrived at the entrance of the temple.

The Ersos Temple, an ancient temple forgotten by history, this was where “Andarius” was sealed away.

At first glance, it looked like a massive tower, exuding an ancient atmosphere.

The most vast and spacious part was the first level built on the ground, with the protruding tower being more of a decorative feature. The true internal space of the temple lay in the lower levels and underground.

The exterior of the temple was already in a state of severe disrepair, heavily eroded by time. Plants growing unchecked around it mirrored the dead forest nearby.

At the base of the tower, an eerie silence reigned, with only the sound of the group’s footsteps echoing in their ears.

After walking halfway around the base, a nearly ten-meter-high entrance tunnel appeared before them.

“It’s too quiet…”

Lulune couldn’t help but rub her arms.

Not only was it quiet, but there was also a bone-chilling coldness in the air.

“The silence is appropriate. The seal hasn’t been broken yet, so monsters shouldn’t appear here.”

Walking through the stone-built tunnel, Izay observed the blue light shining from the cracks in the walls and the murals, using these ancient records and his own memories to assess the situation.

“In theory, since the seal hasn’t been opened and “Andarius” hasn’t been released, the Great Tree Sea shouldn’t have been plagued by those new species of monsters. What we’re seeing around the ruins now is normal behavior.”

“What about those ones outside…?”

Upon hearing Izay’s words, Asfi became puzzled.

That’s right. With the seal unbroken, “Andarius” can’t get out, so how do you explain the monsters outside?

“Though it’s just my personal guess, I still hope you’re prepared mentally.”

Izay gave everyone a bit of a heads-up.

“If everything goes according to plan, it’s likely that the interior of these ruins has already been hollowed out by “Andarius,” transforming the entire internal structure of the ruins into a breeding chamber for the new species of monsters.”

“And because the seal array guarding the temple only restricts “Andarius,” it’s possible that the new species of monsters have escaped through underground tunnels, since the doors aboveground are closed, preventing them from getting out.”

Slightly lifting the brim of his hat with his index finger, Hermes spoke solemnly.

“So you mean, they dug their own tunnels?”

“Scorpions dig burrows; it’s not that strange.”

Izay nodded nonchalantly.

After hearing his statement, the four others felt a sinking sensation in their hearts.

If what Izay said was true, then it meant the situation was more dire than they imagined.

“We’ve arrived…”

Suddenly, Artemis softly spoke.

Before them stood an ancient and heavy stone door.

Its style was double-opening, and at the very center of the stone gate, there was a crest engraved with an arrow and a crescent moon.

This was the ancient emblem representing the Goddess Artemis, simpler than the current faction emblems, lacking a longbow.

Only Artemis could open this stone door imbued with sealing power.

She stepped forward slowly, lightly pressing her palm against the crest.

Faint traces of golden divine power seemed to emanate, and the Goddess unleashed the divine authority exclusive to celestial deities.

“——————”

A sound akin to machinery turning could be heard, the crest of the arrow and crescent moon began to rotate. When it reached a certain point, the gate responded.

With a “click click click,” the stone door slowly opened.

The sight inside the temple made everyone catch their breath.

“It’s exactly as you said, Izay…”

Hermes took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes. Even someone as carefree as him couldn’t remain calm at this moment.

Inside the temple, including its depths, everything was covered in a grotesque sight, resembling countless barnacles dyed in purplish-red hues.

Thankfully, none of the five were novice adventurers or ordinary people. If inexperienced newcomers were to see this, they’d surely be scared stiff.

The only one showing no signs of abnormality was Izay.

After all, he had been mentally prepared.

Moreover, judging from the fact that the tumors hadn’t spread to the entrance yet, the situation seemed better than he remembered.

“Has the majority of the temple been parasitized? I didn’t expect it to have deteriorated to this extent…”

Awake but not rushing to break the seal, instead continuously reproducing minions to consume life force from the outside world, adding more minions, and accumulating strength in the process.

One could imagine the kind of catastrophe it would bring to the mortal realm when this monster truly breaks free.

After witnessing this, everyone understood the gravity of the situation.

“Prepare to push forward, we’ve been noticed.”

At that moment, Izay spun his sword, looking toward the path ahead. Those egg-like structures resembling barnacles suddenly cracked open, birthing black scorpion monsters spawned by “Andarius.”

On the ceiling, walls, and even beneath the floor, the temple was crawling with their silhouettes.

“Chirp chirp chirp chirp…”

The one-eyed black scorpion monsters scraped their limbs against the ground, each waving their enormous front claws.

Then, upon spotting Izay, they couldn’t take their eyes off him, emitting excited low growls as they charged straight toward him.

‘This… is the same phenomenon as last night!?’

The silver-framed glasses seemed to reflect a glimmer of light. Asfi stepped forward two paces to her designated position, her delicate hands already gripping the magical artifact in her bag.

“Please step back! Lulune, prepare the magic sword!”

She said to the three behind her.

In situations like this, the worst thing would be to lose formation. Izay up front could hold off the majority of the monsters. She, as the mid-field support aiding Izay, also needed to cover the rear.

No matter what, the two deities must not be harmed.

Asfi had a premonition that if anything happened to them here, things would become irreparable.

As if she was bound to lose something…

In front of her, Izay was already ready for battle. An unfamiliar weapon emitted an azure glow, seemingly resembling flames?

Even though the opponent’s level was one rank lower than hers, watching that silhouette at this moment gave her a strangely reassuring feeling.