"Is Xilin’s corpse inside?"

Bologue rushed to the iron coffin and immediately assessed the situation.

"Yes," Aimou nodded.

"Are there only a few of you here?"

Bologue glanced at the people escorting the iron coffin, surprised that there were only three of them. Mamo indeed was a Seeker of Glory, but he was too old and merely a researcher. Furthermore, they had just drained all their strength reducing the impact of the decay epidemic.

If it weren’t for Lebius’s confrontation, Red Dog alone would have been able to seize the iron coffin.

"Originally, the deputy director was accompanying us."

Balder lowered his voice, as if wary of eavesdropping apparitions, "But upon arrival, he suddenly disappeared, only instructing us to continue the operation."

"So, the deputy director is likely nearby?"

The thought excited Bologue. Given the outbreak of the decay epidemic and the Shadow King’s reaction at the time, all current events appeared to be a trap to assassinate the First Seat.

No matter the outcome between them, the Order Bureau, as a cold observer, could intervene now for maximum benefit. Bologue wasn’t sure if this was also part of the calculations in the Decision Room.

"I’m not sure," Balder shook his head, "He left no other instructions apart from continuing the operation."

"Is that so..."

Bologue’s heart sank again, but not for long. Considering Nesanel’s hatred towards the King’s Secret Sword, he’s surely lingering around, waiting for the opportunity.

Realizing this, Bologue’s heart felt steadier, as if someone was backing him in this mission.

"I need to check what’s inside, can I?" Bologue asked.

Balder and Aimou remained silent. They did not have the authority to decide this. A few seconds later, Mamo’s weary voice resounded.

"Go ahead."

Mamo lightly tapped the iron coffin, and Ether poured into it, awakening the sealed metal. Cracks formed on the smooth metallic surface from which golden light spilled. This light was so pure, not even the dim fog could obscure it.

Bologue felt like a thief in a tale, unveiling the treasure chest and revealing the gleaming coins. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

The familiar, Celestial God-like figure lay still and curled inside the container.

Bologue’s chest tightened with suffocation. Though he anticipated it, seeing Xilin’s corpse truly on the battlefield filled him with an inexplicable dread and fear. Should the enemy take this iron coffin...

The metal closed again and the light vanished.

Bologue spoke sternly, "We must evacuate with this thing, as soon as possible."

Mamo looked around and shook his head, "Not to mention the geological shifts caused by combat, the mere presence of the decay epidemic is enough to constrain us."

The battle within Fog Abyss Fortress affected the outside world. Under the distortion of Extraordinary Power, the terrain gradually distorted, collapsed, and changed. The familiar paths upon arrival were now completely different, let alone the areas veiled by the decay epidemic.

These deadly gases corrode matter while obscuring vision, impacting communication. Ether cannot extend far before being consumed by the decay epidemic.

In such circumstances, the Condensers, possessing extraordinary senses through Ether, were akin to blind and deaf individuals. Until the mist cleared, no one could find a way out.

Bologue pondered, gripping his sword axe, standing guard beside the iron coffin, "Fine, I’ll stay with you. This thing absolutely cannot be lost."

Mamo nodded, with Bologue’s ability, unless a Defender appeared, he could battle against them.

Just as Bologue prepared himself, the tension in the midst of the chaos reached its peak. At this moment, neither Red Dog nor Lebius could suppress their bloodthirsty restlessness.

"Oh? Is he there?"

Red Dog turned his head, noticing the blurred outline of the iron coffin through the hazy fog.

He moved to circle around Lebius, who quickly followed him and blocked his path. He gently shook his head, "You won’t pass, Red Dog."

"So it’s come to this point."

Red Dog’s tone carried a touch of dissatisfaction, yet his eyes overflowed with uncontrollable excitement.

This was a game, and Red Dog’s game was reaching its intense climax.

His hand rested on the sword hilt.

The Blade-Biting Wolf quivered slightly.

An eerie aura surrounded and expanded from the two of them, and soon this oppressive, murderous feeling enveloped the surroundings. Both sides in combat involuntarily halted their actions, watching the two closely.

They were like swordsmen from an older era, in a split second where Ether’s radiance burned brightly, illuminating each other.

A deafening roar lingered for a few seconds before transforming into an overwhelming silence, pressing against everyone’s eardrums.

In the Defender’s all-out collision, the explosive thunder claimed everyone’s hearing temporarily.

"A Defender, huh! Haha!"

Red Dog sensed Lebius’s strength, laughed heartily, nothing was more thrilling than evenly matched foes.

He shouted, continuously slashing and hacking at Lebius. Lebius swiftly retreated, avoiding a direct confrontation with Red Dog. Meanwhile, the Blade-Biting Wolves launched, with ghostly blue figures closing in on Red Dog from all directions.

After ascending to Defender, Lebius’s power had further strengthened. At this moment, the wolves unleashed unimaginable prowess; each was a walking sharp sword, a thousand blades clashing and ringing.