Chapter 1526 - 1523: A Suicide-Like Challenge

——The so-called arrogance and defiance must refer to this kind of attitude. Clearly, they haven't been seen in the recent waves.

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by..."

"You bastard..."

Fang Wushang and Kleek, standing on both sides, emitted a sound filled with anger about to erupt, but Ye Qiu stopped them with his hand.

"It's okay, we've been there before, it's fine to take him along."

"Hey, hey, you're being too nice, Ye Qiu."

The man expressionlessly headed towards the forest by himself, saying "Thanks for the cooperation" in a tone devoid of gratitude, then turned around. Ye Qiu spoke to his back:

"I advise you not to attack the Magical Beast recklessly."

Kobaz turned slightly.

"What needs to be done, that's for me to decide..."

"This time's Magical Beast is stronger than the last wave. Although the beasts have lost their leader, they aren't foes that just anyone can handle. Besides, your companions already look quite fatigued."

"My troops....... aren't the useless kind who would complain at this level!"

Though Kobaz emphasized a bit angrily when mentioning "subordinates," those sitting on the ground didn't seem to agree with his words.

But Kobaz continued yelling as if deliberately ignoring his subordinates' attitudes,

"You guys, get up now!"

Upon hearing Kobaz, they slowly stood up, forming two columns. Kobaz didn't even look back as he positioned himself at the front, raised a hand then swiftly waved it down. The twelve soldiers raised their weapons in unison, heavy equipment clattered, and they began marching forward again.

Though they didn't look physically impaired, Ye Qiu immediately saw that the soldiers' condition was very poor, with fatigue only treatable by sleep and rest. To Ye Qiu, these troops, unfamiliar with front-line battle, were already drained.

"...Are those guys going to be alright...?"

Once the army disappeared toward the upper level exit, and their synchronized footsteps faded, Kleek voiced his concern. Kleek really is a good person, Ye Qiu thought as he heard those words.

"No matter how foolish they are, they won't rush to fight with the Magical Beast, right?

Apparently, Fang Wushang also seemed worried. The tone of that Kobaz lieutenant colonel indeed made it feel like he would act recklessly.

"We... We should follow them and take a look!"

After Ye Qiu said this, not only Kleek and Fang Wushang, but the other five people agreed as well.

Just moments ago, Ye Qiu was praised for being kind, and while thinking "everyone's just too nice," he still made up his mind to follow. If they left the maze now and later found out those people didn't return, it would keep him up at night.

As Kleek and the others quickly checked their equipment and prepared to move forward, a voice suddenly reached Ye Qiu's ears —

He heard Kleek whispering to Fang Wushang behind him. Just as Ye Qiu thought this guy never learns and smiled wryly, what they were discussing was beyond his expectations.

"Ah—um, Miss Fang Wushang. How should I say this... That guy, please take care of Ye Qiu. Although he's not much of a talker, and a battle-hungry fool..."

Ye Qiu quickly rushed backward and forcefully pulled on the end of Kleek's headscarf.

"What are you babbling about!"

"Be-because..."

The Blade Master tilted his head, rubbed his chin's beard, and continued:

"You rarely stay with anyone. Even falling for a beauty's trap is a significant improvement. That's why I..."

"I-I haven't fallen for any trap!"

Though Ye Qiu retorted, Kleek and his five companions, and inexplicably even Fang Wushang, gazed at him with smiles, Ye Qiu could only twist his mouth and turn away.

Then he heard Fang Wushang saying to Kleek, "Don't worry, leave it to me!"

Ye Qiu, making crisp noises with his boots, escaped up the passage leading to the upper level.

Ye Qiu and the others, unfortunately, encountered a group of werewolf Magical Beasts midway, and by the time they reached the top of the corridor, thirty minutes had passed since leaving the safe area. They hadn't run into the army's troops along the way.

"Could they have already left?" —

Even though Kleek jokingly said this, Ye Qiu didn't think they would do such a thing. So they naturally quickened their pace in the corridor.

About halfway through, evidence confirming their unease as truth echoed through the corridor, entering their ears. The group immediately pricked their ears to listen closely.

"Ahhhhhhhhh..."

Though the sound was faint, it was undoubtedly a scream.

Moreover, it was not a monster's scream. After exchanging looks, they began running.

Since Ye Qiu and Fang Wushang's speed was noticeably faster, they left Kleek and the others increasingly far behind, but there was no time to worry about such things now.

Stepping onto the moist stone slabs flashing blue light, the two sped like the wind toward the direction opposite to before.

Soon, the already open door appeared in the distance. At the same time, they saw the fierce blue flames swaying in the dark. Apart from these effects, there was a huge figure stirring in the depths, along with intermittent metallic sounds and screams.

"Fools..."

Fang Wushang uttered a cry of anguish and accelerated, with Ye Qiu following closely. Their feet almost didn't touch the ground, seemingly flying, Ye Qiu thought they were close to human speed limits. The pillars flanking the corridor retreated very quickly.

As they approached the entrance, Ye Qiu and Fang Wushang made an emergency deceleration, their boot spikes spat sparks, barely stopping near the entrance.

"Hey, what's going on? Are you alright?"

Ye Qiu shouted while half keeping his body inside.

The interior of the gate — was a scene akin to Hell.

The entire floor sprayed checkered blue-white flames. And the giant metal body standing in the center with its back towards them, unexpectedly left behind a Magical Beast of this caliber.

Apparently, it should be one of the Guardians killed along with yesterday's boss, as its appearance was very similar to the boss, resembling a terrifying goat skull form!