Chapter 40: Chapter 40: The Sacred Tree!

Although these individuals had all undergone missions, the majority had only engaged in life-and-death battles with beasts and had never actually killed another person.

Hearing Dean Bruce speak of killing with such ease, even nonchalance, as if it were as routine as going for a walk after a meal, naturally instilled a sense of fear in them.

Alita Miller narrowed her eyes slightly but still agreed with a smile. "Ace, please accompany us."

"At your command, my lady!" Ace responded immediately, his gaze toward Dean Bruce now filled with respect.

If someone could command such deference from his superiors, their status must be high indeed. Ace thought that if he could build a connection with Dean Bruce and establish a good relationship, he might advance further within the organization.

Horton Martin, having witnessed the power of Dean Bruce's high-level magic, understood his immense strength. He knew that Dean Bruce was merely a collaborator and not under their command, so naturally, he had no authority to impose too many restrictions.

For now, all Horton could do was manage both sides of their team while waiting for Dean Bruce and the others to return.

After walking for a short distance, Dean Bruce and Alita Miller stopped and turned to Ace.

Ace knew what they expected. He immediately closed his eyes, waved his staff, and began muttering an incantation under his breath.

Buzz—

Soon, a soft yellow light coalesced into a glowing orb, which exploded into countless tiny sprites that scattered in all directions.

After a while, Ace suddenly opened his eyes and said in a low voice, "To the left, about a thousand yards away, there are six people: four women, all likely over thirty, and two men, both around forty, and quite muscular. Judging by the patterns on their magic robes, they're all from Stanlow City!"

"To the right..."

As Ace described each person, Dean Bruce nodded slightly, impressed by the spell's effectiveness. Though it couldn't provide highly detailed information, it could still detect general appearances and clothing from a great distance, making it quite useful.

If time weren't so pressing, Dean Bruce would have considered negotiating to acquire this spell as well!

With Ace's help, locating people became much simpler.

In less than fifteen minutes, Ace had pinpointed Barnis George's location. Dean Bruce's eyes narrowed with cold determination as he immediately headed toward him.

Alita Miller followed, chuckling softly. "Your earlier disguise was quite convincing. I always thought you were just a harmless young man, but I didn't expect such a strong killer instinct!"

Dean Bruce didn't respond to Alita Miller's comment. Instead, he shifted the conversation and said, "My target is only Barnis George. I need you to help me by luring his teammates away, giving me time to deal with him alone."

"Time?"

Alita Miller paused, surprised. "What kind of grudge do you have with him that you even want to take your time torturing him?"

"I'm curious about that too, so I want to get some answers." Dean Bruce had a pretty good idea why Barnis George was targeting him, but with the danger all around him, he needed to confirm it.

Alita Miller gave Dean Bruce a quick glance and, seeing the seriousness in his expression, nodded in agreement.

They picked up their pace, and soon enough, the voices of Barnis George and his companion reached their ears.

Hearing this proposal, Dean Bruce frowned.

It sounded fair now, but what if she decided to go back on her word later?

"A contract!" Dean Bruce thought of one of the unique benefits of this world: contracts enforced by divine power.

Alita Miller chuckled, "No problem, but for now, let's focus on securing the Red Sun Tree first!"

They quietly ventured deeper into the cave. As the temperature continued to rise, they both shed their magic robes. Sweat began to flow naturally from their skin under their light clothing.

As they moved further in, Barnis George's exclamation suddenly echoed through the cave, "My god, this Red Sun Tree is enormous! Hurry, let's start picking the fruits!"

"That's right! We've hit the jackpot this time. We might even secure a spot in the top two and win a place in the Advanced Magic Academy!"

As soon as Barnis George finished speaking, Alita Miller's lips curled into a smile. Instead of drawing her staff, she floated into the air, a soft purple light shimmering around her. As her melodious voice echoed, the light transformed into a mist that began to spread deeper into the cave.

"Sleep now, let sleep ease all your burdens, and enter a world of sweet dreams."

In that moment, Alita Miller radiated a violet glow, resembling a nightmarish enchantress. With a gentle breath, she exhaled a mist capable of lulling anyone into a deep slumber.

The mist flowed through the passage, gradually advancing.

"Something's wrong, Barnis! There's mist behind you!"

"This is bad, someone's followed us in! We have to fight our way out!"

Bang! Bang!

Instructors held the highest ranks within the city, and almost instantly, they sensed something was amiss. However, the mist spread rapidly and took effect even faster.

Within ten breaths, a series of crisp sounds echoed.

Alita Miller's smile widened in pride. "They're down."

Nodding slightly, Dean Bruce refrained from praising Alita Miller. Instead, he strode forward down the passage. As he rounded a corner, a vast cavern came into view.

The purple mist had already dissipated, and Barnis George, along with another instructor, lay motionless on the ground.

Looking further ahead, Dean Bruce's pupils contracted sharply as he finally understood the reason for Barnis George's earlier astonishment.

Ahead of him was not solid ground, but a shimmering red pool of water. In the center of this pool stood a towering tree, its branches spreading wide to fill the entire cavern ceiling.

The tree's fiery red leaves hung thickly, each adorned with fruits that glowed with a crimson light, illuminating the dark cavern as if it were daylight. The heat was almost unbearable.

This was Dean Bruce's first time witnessing such a scene, and he was struck with awe, momentarily frozen in place.

And it wasn't just him. Alita Miller, who had followed closely behind, gasped in amazement. "My god, is this... could this really be the legendary Red Sun Sacred Tree? If someone were to consume its core, they might even have a chance to ascend to the level of a Sage Magus!"