Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Cooperation

The descent of the elevator was smooth and eerily silent, but the combination of this silence and the surrounding darkness only intensified the oppressive atmosphere for the group.

It was impossible to tell how long they had been descending when suddenly, faint voices reached their ears:"Damn it, we were almost done cracking this, and now more symbols are appearing!"

"Hurry, record that new symbol!"

"Nar, fetch more moonstones! The seal feels like it's weakening. The main group isn't here, so we can't afford to let our guard down."

Hearing these voices, Dean Bruce and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Regardless of how strong the members of the Nine Provinces Alliance might be, at least they had encountered an enemy. It was far better than wandering through this place with nothing but their own mounting anxiety.

"Hmm? Why is the elevator coming down?"

"Is Boken coming? What's he doing here?"

Though the elevator made no sound, those below had still sensed its descent, making it impossible to approach unnoticed.

Dean Bruce's eyes darkened. He made a throat-slitting gesture toward Alita and the others, signaling them to prepare for battle. Everyone readied themselves—warriors bent their knees slightly, poised for a strike, while the mages gripped their staffs tightly, prepared to cast spells at a moment's notice.

After a few more moments, the oppressive darkness began to lift, replaced by a faint purple glow. At the same time, cries of alarm echoed below: "Wait, something's wrong! Why are there so many feet? It's an enemy! Go alert the master!"

To Dean Bruce's surprise, instead of attacking, the group below seemed to scatter in a panic, their footsteps retreating hurriedly.

Realizing this, Dean Bruce, Alita Miller, and the others exchanged puzzled glances.

As the elevator continued to descend, the scene below became clearer. The room was filled with multicolored crystals, and robed figures were frantically fleeing, glancing nervously over their shoulders at Dean Bruce's group.

But it was what lay ahead that shocked everyone—a massive dragon's head, its eyes wide open in fury, though lifeless. Silver-white chains glowing with magical light bound the head to the ground, and intricate magical formations flickered around the chains.

Even though the dragon's head was clearly long dead, its gaze still inspired a deep sense of insignificance in those who looked upon it.

"That... that's a huge dragon's head!"

"Is this the legendary black dragon?"

"My God, one of its eyes is probably bigger than me. Even from this distance, the pressure is so overwhelming. If I got any closer... I don't think I'd even be able to move."

The group murmured in awe, but it was Horton Martin who first snapped back to his senses. In a low voice, he said, "Stop staring at the black dragon! Capture those people first. From what we heard earlier, they must be researchers from the Nine Provinces Alliance!"

With his command, everyone refocused. Realizing that the elevator was only a short distance from the ground, they leaped down, rushing toward the fleeing researchers.

Dean Bruce didn't follow right away. Maintaining his composed, powerful demeanor, he scanned the scene. As his gaze fell upon the researchers' robes, a sigh escaped him.

The robes these people wore were identical to the ones his parents had worn all those years ago.

Borus Kendra sneered. "The Goddess of Wisdom? She's not even a major deity. Her followers are scarce, and she hasn't even managed to get your temple recognized as a proper church. You dare speak to the Nine Provinces Alliance like that? If I kill you all here, your temple leader wouldn't dare utter a word in protest."

"I had thought our past cooperation might warrant some leniency, but since you don't appreciate the mercy I'm offering, don't blame me for what comes next."

His words left the followers of the Temple of Wisdom stunned, disbelief written across their faces.

Even Lina Jones was shocked. "Are you saying our Temple of Wisdom has been cooperating with the Nine Provinces Alliance?"

"Impossible!" she shouted, cutting him off before Borus Kendra could respond. "Our temple leader would never collaborate with people like you, who experiment on humans!"

Borus Kendra laughed darkly. "Why not? Well, since you're all about to die anyway, I might as well tell you the truth."

Seeing the disbelief and horror in Lina's eyes, he smirked and continued, "You think this research is cruel, don't you? Well, let me enlighten you. The ancient texts we've been using to study these formations? We borrowed them from your very own Temple of Wisdom!"

Lina Jones went pale, stumbling back a few steps. The faith she had held so tightly in her heart crumbled into pieces.

Carol Lane immediately shouted, "Lina, don't believe his lies! It's true that we've cooperated with the Nine Provinces Alliance, but we had no idea what they were doing. It was just an agreement to share some resources!"

Borus Kendra chuckled darkly. "There's no need to waste your breath. Honestly, I've been stuck here for so long without anyone to talk to, so I figured I'd indulge in a little conversation with you all."

He grinned, continuing, "I am curious, though—how did a bunch of weaklings like you manage to kill Boken Nadra and make it here? No matter, now that you've encountered me, your time has come."

As he finished speaking, Borus Kendra flipped his wrist, revealing a crimson gem that glowed ominously. His voice turned serious as he began chanting, "Only the searing heat of blood can ignite the endless flame that will burn the souls of sinners! Bloodfire... Burn!"

As he infused the gem with magic, a wave of blood-red light exploded forth, igniting into a massive wall of flame that surged toward Dean Bruce and the others like a tidal wave of fire.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

"Ah!"

In an instant, the fire engulfed the group, sending them flying backward amidst a chorus of screams.

There was no way to fight back. The difference in power was simply too vast—they had no chance to resist.

Even after they were knocked back, the inferno continued its relentless advance, its power undiminished. It surged toward Dean Bruce and the others, threatening to consume them entirely.

As the blood-red flames rushed closer, Dean Bruce furrowed his brow, quickly running through his options, thinking of which magic could withstand such an assault.

Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain?

Neither Forest nor Mountain could withstand an attack of this magnitude. And Wind?

That would only make the flames burn hotter and spread faster!

The Compassion of Heaven and Earth?

The entire area was covered in stone. Even if it could shield them from the fire, it wouldn't prevent the overwhelming heat from scorching them alive!