"This is truly a remarkable find!
Zabil Magic Metal boasts superior performance and a wide range of applications, making it a specialized and significant category. Gaining knowledge and abilities related to it out of thin air can save so much time and effort in study and research.
But, how exactly did this come about?"
While Roy was delighted, he couldn't help but feel suspicious and turned his gaze back to the object in his hand.
"Could it be the work of this thing?"
"This item could either be a product of radiation contamination or a Demonized Organ from Chalkland. We must be extremely careful."
Seeing him lost in thought, the others quickly reminded him.
The eye clearly wasn't something a normal creature could possess, and the aura it emitted was quite unsettling.
Roy waved his hand, "I'm fine."
He had learned about Demonized Organs in his general knowledge classes.
Whether used to create Enchanted Items or for other purposes, they hold considerable value.
After observing it for a while, he wrapped it in a hemostatic ointment he carried with him, which would temporarily preserve it and prevent rapid decay.
Unfortunately, if only he had a Storage Wizardry Artifact, it would be much more convenient...
The thought flashed through Roy's mind, but he quickly instructed, "We shouldn't linger here. We'll study it in detail once we're back."
Before leaving, Roy briefly examined the Fishman Lord and the surrounding Fishman corpses.
Most of them were injured.
"Even the Lord has several broken ribs, likely the work of a giant.
It seems we really hit the jackpot, taking advantage of their mutual destruction to claim victory."
As he spoke, his hair extended like iron spikes, piercing into the heart wound and sucking vigorously.
After absorbing the Life Energy, his hair seemed to become much more resilient.
Roy was quite satisfied.
This Lord-level monster had a high level of evolution, and the Aquinas magic gold could also gain significant growth from it.
In comparison, other sorcerers and Elite warriors were far behind.
He tried a few more times but didn't feel any noticeable improvement.
However, the benefits it contained were still far superior to ordinary Fishmen and the previous sheep's blood.
It seems the concentration of energy particles is also an important factor in determining the value of blood.
...
Not long after, the group emerged from the valley, leaving behind the perilous situation where they could be attacked from both front and rear, feeling much more at ease.
"We really struck it big this time, getting several Fish Pearls just like that!"
"Picking up the spoils is so satisfying!"
They quickly calculated the benefits they could exchange for and couldn't help but get excited.
"Including the Fishman Lord's share, we have a total of four Fish Pearls, not to mention various other items.
But such opportunities don't come often, and a slight misstep could lead to defeat and annihilation."
Roy remained calm and reminded everyone.
"Moreover, this is not a safe place. We must not let our guard down."
Several hours passed, and they gradually reached the edge of Gale Hills, looking for a place to spend the night.
It was already late, and everyone was tired, so they needed to find a spot to rest.
"Celine, check above for any dangers," Roy said, looking around the terrain and pointing to a small peak ahead.
The terrain here was quite steep, making it difficult for many Magical Beasts or monsters to climb, but it was no challenge for a team of intermediate knights.
He intended to find a place for the team to spend the night.
Celine nodded, releasing her bird automata to scout for a while before concluding, "It's clear."
"Good," Roy said. "Everyone, hide the undead warhorses and climb up there."
Soon after, the group successfully reached the small peak Roy had mentioned.
This location offered both offensive and defensive advantages, providing a clear view of the surrounding area while also serving as a good spot to take shelter from the elements and magical creatures.
However, just as they settled in at the higher ground, they noticed several dark figures moving in the distance.
Roy quickly pulled out a telescope and, after a brief look, his expression turned grave. "That person, is he chasing the one in front? Wait, is that Olinda? She and her companions are being pursued..."
Unexpectedly, they had run into an acquaintance here.
Roy saw that Olinda had somehow gathered a team of intermediate apprentices to investigate the area, all of whom appeared quite experienced.
Yet, under the pursuit of the person behind them, they were utterly defenseless.
In the blink of an eye, two of them fell one after another.
Olinda turned back, her face urgent, seemingly pleading for mercy.
But the pursuer showed no mercy, waving his arm and unleashing what appeared to be an apprentice-level Wizardry spell, "Acid Splash."
Even from a distance, Roy thought he could hear Olinda's scream.
Her body convulsed violently, with multiple areas rapidly corroding and melting, her skin ulcerating.
Roy hissed, sucking in a sharp breath.
"This guy is ruthless!"
Recalling the events and encounters of the past year, he suddenly remembered who that person was.
"Is that Olen? The rumored elite of the tower, one of the few remaining like Sophia?"
"What, Senior Olen?"
"His expertise lies in the creation of corrosive and toxic substances, earning him the title of Poison Wizard!"
"That senior is not someone to be trifled with!"
The others, upon hearing this, also showed expressions of surprise.
Below, Olen wore a cruel smile, leisurely approaching Olinda as if toying with his prey.
Olinda cried out, clawing at her face until it was a bloody mess, her eyeballs seemingly unable to stay in their sockets, parts scattering like components of an automata.
In no time, she was bleeding profusely and collapsed.
Just as both Roy and Olen thought she was dead, with a bang, her body exploded, smoke billowing out.
A figure darted out from within, speeding towards them.
"Damn it! Why is she running this way..."
The group also noticed this scene, feeling greatly annoyed.
But sometimes, the more you fear something, the more it happens.
Olinda didn't notice Roy and the others hiding nearby, passing by without a glance, quickly moving away.
However, Olen paused slightly, sensing something. "Who's there? Come out!"
"Senior, don't misunderstand, we just happened to be here!" Roy cursed his luck internally, forced to stand up and respond.
"Just happened to be here?" Olen sneered, his lips suddenly moving.
"Run!" Roy realized the danger, bolting from their hiding spot.
He trampled over rocks and vegetation, sliding down the steep slope, and for the last few meters, he simply jumped.
The others followed closely behind, desperately fleeing downwards.
Shortly after, a figure abruptly appeared above them.
It was a humanoid Automata formed f
rom moist soil and scattered stones, but its lower body appeared as an abstract, smoke-like form, exuding an aura of Wizardry Energy.
It pursued with astonishing speed, soon fully emerging into the view of everyone.
(End of Chapter)