*******************
With backpacks slung over their shoulders and gear in hand, the group stepped cautiously into the temple's shadowed interior. The air seemed to thicken with a sense of age and enigma as they ventured deeper into the heart of the sanctuary. Their footsteps reverberated through the chambers, the echoes of their presence mingling with the whispers of time that had long been forgotten. The dancing flame of their torches cast eerie, flickering shadows upon the walls adorned with intricate carvings depicting rituals and tales from a bygone era.
Navigating the corridor's labyrinthine path, Yuvan's keen eyes spotted subtle irregularities on the floor – pressure plates that spoke of concealed dangers. Guiding his companions with whispered caution, he alerted them to the potential traps that lay ahead. Among the group, Lucas initially harboured scepticism but was quickly convinced when Yuvan's calculated instincts averted an arrow launched from the unseen recesses. A nod passed between Lucas and Jerome, the tech expert, who began employing his array of gadgets to detect hidden mechanisms, ensuring that each step they took was a secure one.
Progressing further, they encountered a perilous chasm spanned by a precarious bridge that seemed to challenge their resolve. It was Lucas who designated Yuvan for the task. Every step that Yuvan took elicited creaks and groans from the time-worn planks beneath him, amplifying the danger that hung in the air. One by one, the team traversed the bridge, their movements deliberate, their hearts racing, and their faith in Yuvan's expertise unwavering.
A massive stone door loomed ahead, etched with cryptic symbols and inscriptions, seemingly guarding its secrets behind an intricate combination. With a familiarity born of necessity, the Brandenburgers turned to their trusted method – the calculated use of explosives.
The chamber that lay beyond defied expectations. Its floor was a mosaic of pressure-sensitive tiles, and suspended from above hung a colossal stone idol, poised as if waiting to be released. Together, the team surveyed their surroundings, their minds engaged in unravelling the intricate traps and snares that lay in wait. Each step they took required precision, every motion meticulously orchestrated to evade the intricate network of triggers and mechanisms.
Above them, the dark purple stone atop the idol caught the flickering light of their torches, gleaming like a beacon of insight into hidden truths and forgotten lore. Yet, their journey was a symphony of challenges. The ground shifted beneath them, revealing a pit adorned with menacing spikes. Drawing upon their collective expertise, they formulated a strategy to neutralize the threat, blending their skills and intellect into a seamless orchestration.
Their efforts, however, coincided with a deafening roar that reverberated through the chamber. The walls shuddered, and a cascade of dust and fragments cascaded downward, a dire premonition of the temple's instability caused by their earlier explosion. Panic surged through the group as they came to a grim realization – the very structure that held their discoveries was collapsing around them. Amidst the tumult, two figures, Jerome and Alex, were separated from the rest of the team, sealed off by a section of fallen ceiling.
The cry of their names echoed in Liebert's voice as he rushed forward, attempting to bridge the gap that fate had driven between them. Yet, the collapse continued with an unrelenting force. Desperation and anguish etched onto their faces, the remaining Brandenburgers watched helplessly as the ceiling became an immovable seal, claiming Jerome and Alex as its reluctant victims.
*******************
Zaccai knew it would be difficult to put a leash on Yuvan and make him follow an order. He chose a gentler approach and proceeded to explain the mission in detail.
A few hours ago, we received vital intelligence from your headmaster regarding the invasion's underlying purpose. He provided us with the location of a concealed formation hidden deep within the western desert. Brahma sacrificed his life to ensure we obtained this information in a timely manner, preventing the Asuras from learning of our knowledge of the formation. This knowledge gave us the advantage of surprise.
Upon receiving the report, the Order discreetly dispatched an elite team to assess the situation. This group managed to gain control of the area without alerting the Asuras. However, our challenge lies in the nature of the formation we aim to destroy. It resides within a cave connected to the earth trench and is safeguarded by a raktapada (blood path) formation. Unless you are an immortal god, entering the cave poses a lethal threat, as the formation directly targets and weakens your internal energy. The higher your cultivation level, the more intense the energy assault you face. This is where you come in.
Due to your lower cultivation level, the energy assault directed at you would be significantly less severe. Your primary concern would be avoiding the traps dispersed throughout the cave. Your objective is to reach the cave's centre and deactivate the formation. At that point, the Zaštitniks will enter swiftly, neutralize the formation's masters, and obliterate the formation itself. This action will thwart the Asuras' schemes and prevent them from accomplishing their goals.
"Ethan, I understand your concern, and I want to make it clear that this mission is not a suicide mission for you. It may seem that way to others, but not for you," Zaccai reassured Yuvan. "Our formation masters have been working tirelessly to understand the intricacies of the formation. While this is the solution they've arrived at for now, I'm confident that with more time, they could find an alternative method to disable the formation without putting anyone in harm's way. However, time is a luxury we don't have. What we're asking from you is to enter the formation and deactivate it. You won't be in danger; your role is crucial, and your safety is our top priority. You won't be facing the same risks as the others; you're here to be the hero who prevents the Asuras from wreaking havoc on our world."
“Do you have any questions?” Zaccai asked the boy who was silently listening.
What’s stopping the formation masters present inside from attacking me?
In this case, the raktapada (blood path) formation itself acts as a deterrent. Even if an Asura were to enter the formation, it would harm them as well due to its nature. The formation is designed to be a double-edged sword, affecting anyone who steps into it. So, once you successfully deactivate the formation, our team of elite fighters will immediately enter to shield and protect you. The primary threats you'll encounter are the traps laid within, but given your exceptional martial skills, you should be more than capable of handling them.
What if they used ranged attacks? Won’t I have difficulty dealing with the projectile traps?
You're right to be concerned about potential ranged attacks and projectile traps. However, the formation itself is filled with a dense green fog that contains charged mana particles. This fog makes it challenging to detect and target specific individuals within the formation. Even if the enemy were to use ranged attacks or projectiles, the charged mana particles in the fog would interfere with their trajectory and neutralize their effectiveness. Your quick reaction time and combat skills should allow you to handle these situations efficiently.
Remember, our decision to choose you for this mission isn't solely based on your skills and accomplishments. It's your unwavering determination and nerves of steel that set you apart. We believe you have what it takes to face the challenges ahead and emerge victorious. As for the rewards, they will be substantial and well worth the risks involved. Your ability to embrace calculated risks and strive for the extraordinary is what makes you exceptional. So, what's your decision, Yuvan?
I accept. But, first of all, prepare my rewards.
Here we go again! Didn’t I mention to you about the charge particle present inside the fog? It will react with the artefacts making it more troublesome for you. You will be using only standard weapons and armour inside.
I will use a spatial ring. Don’t tell me the charge particles can pierce through the storage space. Even if it did, say to the formation masters to come up with a solution; Whatever the case, I am willing to take that risk.
“Hmm. I will make the arrangements.” Zaccai conceded, seeing it is useless to argue with the boy.
Inside the Asura camp,
"Commander!" the captain of the intelligence gathering division burst into the war room, her voice urgent. "Commander, we're unable to establish contact with Division Twenty-Three. It seems the enemy has caught wind of our plan."
"Division Twenty-Three, you say. Quicker than we anticipated, isn't it, General?" The commander's calm voice resonated in the room as he acknowledged the unforeseen development.
"General?!" The Asura captain was taken aback, not realizing that she was in the presence of someone of such high stature. Only when the commander's gaze shifted to the corner of the room did she notice the figure of a man lounging comfortably on an ornate chair—a presence she hadn't even sensed until that moment.
"Shall I prepare the teleportation scroll?" the commander's subordinate inquired, seeking guidance.
"No need for that," the commander replied, his voice assured. "At this point, they likely have a limited understanding of our plans. They'll encounter significant challenges breaching the sub-formation. However, we can't afford to give them free rein. Alert the others; it's time to apply pressure and dismantle their precious academy. It's time for you to take centre stage."
"As you command, Lord General." Understanding the urgency, the Asura captain swiftly moved out to prepare the troops. Meanwhile, the commander donned his gear, clutching a zweihänder in his grip. He strolled purposefully towards the gate, his presence resonating strongly. The forces on both sides sensed the wild energy emanating from him, bolstering the attackers and unsettling the defenders. The Asuras cleared a path for their commander, parting before his imposing figure. Among the Zaštitniks, anxiety ran high as they wiped beads of sweat from their brows, realizing the formidable adversary that stood before them. "Inform the higher-ups! A formidable foe we cannot easily contain has emerged—request immediate backup," yelled a Zaštitnik captain responsible for the defence. "Men! Ready your aim and unleash your attacks at the target!"
Upon arriving at the gate, he pivoted, addressing his forces directly. "The academy has long been a symbol of their pride and our deepest affront. Now is the time to reduce it to ashes!" he declared, disregarding the incoming onslaught as if it were mere trifles. “Yeahhhh!!!!” A resounding cheer erupted from the Asura ranks in response. The commander turned around and swung his sword with a roar.
Inside the headmaster’s office,
The Zaštitniks re-entered the war room, ready for action. However, their eyes were met with the sight of Yuvan immersed in the array of high-grade artefacts, sparking envy within them. The scene was deeply repugnant—a stark contrast to someone who claimed to be ready to lay down their life. "What does this mean, sir?" one of them questioned, clearly perturbed.
"Everyone, allow me to introduce Ethan Throne," the Zaccai began, addressing the tense situation. "He will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this mission. Treat him well."
“Yeahhhh!!!!” A resounding cheer erupted from the Asura ranks.
But the Zaštitnik ignored the disturbance and continued, "How can we respect someone who exploits the misfortune of our world for personal gain?" Another Zaštitnik retorted. "Using this dire situation to pilfer the academy's treasures while holding the mission hostage—such a person does not deserve our respect, sir."
"Calm down, all of you. This is not the time for—" The Zaccai's words were abruptly cut short by a thunderous explosion.
BOOOM!!!
The entire tower shook violently, akin to an earthquake. All eyes turned to the source of the blast, witnessing a red flash disappearing into the sky, the echoes of a fierce roar still resonating in the air. The once-imposing gates of the academy had now crumbled into a deep crater, a result of the commander's sword strike. The commander could have attacked any part of the wall, but he chose to strike at the strongest point—a calculated blow aimed at shattering the enemy's morale.
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Silence fell over the scene, the only sounds being the crumbling of walls and the cries of the injured. The commander raised his sword once more, hearts collectively skipping a beat in anticipation. However, he merely pointed it towards the tower, signalling his forces to charge. The commander was visibly fatigued after exerting himself with such a powerful technique, but his exhaustion went unnoticed amidst the fervour.
"Charge!" The Asuras surged through the breached gate with an even more deafening roar than before, trampling over debris and fallen Zaštitniks.
"Time is of the essence," a concerned Zaccai urged, a tinge of worry etched across his face. "Take the secret exit and only use the teleportation scroll once you're a safe distance away. We can't afford to let them discern our movements. Put aside personal disagreements for now and focus on the mission. Go!"
The Zaštitniks bowed in acknowledgement before turning towards the exit, followed by Yuvan. Just before leaving, Yuvan heard Zaccai's voice once more. "Ethan, don't fail us." Yuvan did not respond verbally, but he raised his fist in a determined gesture before exiting.
"I hope he survives," Zaccai mused, contemplating Yuvan's fate he prepared himself for action—not out of concern, but driven by a desire to personally end him with his own hands. It was now his turn to take charge, to rekindle the Zaštitniks' fading morale.
Zaccai leapt down from his position and landed amidst the disheartened Zaštitniks. His sword swung through the air, cleaving a path through the oncoming tide of Asuras, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With a seamless fluidity, he executed a series of intricate tantras, injecting renewed vigour and courage into his beleaguered troops. As the tide began to shift, other captain-level warriors from both sides engaged in the fray, intensifying the struggle for dominance.
Baladeva, the commanding officer of the Asura forces, recognized Zaccai as the linchpin to break the ongoing deadlock. He charged forward, intercepting Zaccai's sword with his own, preventing it from spilling more of his comrades' blood. "Just the adversary I've been seeking," Zaccai announced with a steely determination.
Inside the tunnel, Yuvan pursued the Zaštitniks who appeared intent on leaving him behind. They seemed to relish the prospect of belittling him, aiming to emphasize their own superiority by outpacing him in this ordeal. However, the cramped and winding passageway of the secret tunnel prevented them from executing their plan as they had envisioned. Struggling to gain the necessary momentum, they eventually abandoned their scheme before they could even reach the tunnel's exit.
"Should we activate the teleportation scrolls now?" inquired one of the officers immediately after emerging from the tunnel.
"No, we should proceed a bit farther to reduce the risk of detection by the Asuras. Keep moving!" the captain ordered. "And maintain a steady pace, so as not to overburden the boy." The captain's words were tinged with an awareness of the earlier attempt to abandon Yuvan.
"Tsk!" A few members of the group expressed their displeasure at Yuvan's mention, yet they complied with the directive. Continuing for a while longer, the captain eventually called for a halt. "This should suffice! Peter, establish the teleportation circle. Vidhi, distribute the scrolls to everyone."
"Captain, should I create a large-scale transportation circle or..." Before Peter could complete his query, the captain interjected, "Stick with the smaller one. Although it'll require more resources, it will save us precious time."
"Understood, captain," Peter acknowledged before setting to work on crafting the teleportation formation.
After distributing scrolls to the rest of the group, Vidhi approached Yuvan and handed him a scroll with a touch of rudeness. "Don't ruin the scroll. Just wait for the captain's instruction," she gruffly remarked. Yuvan paid her no heed and focused his attention on Peter, fascinated by the masterful formation work in progress. It marked Yuvan's first time witnessing a formation master at work, and he found himself impressed by Peter's swift construction—unlike other formations, a mismatch in design or incorrect coordinates could result in severe causality.
With the formation now completed, the captain addressed the group. "Listen up! In a few moments, all of you will be transported to a location just outside our target. For those of you using these scrolls for the first time, I'll explain how to use them. It's quite straightforward, actually. Enter the circle, infuse your mana into the scroll, and then tear it. That's all. Everyone enter the circle one after another. Ethan, you'll be second to last, and I'll follow after you."
Vidhi was the first to step into the circle. As she ripped the scroll, her complexion turned blue, and she transformed into a radiant ball of light that shot upwards like a meteor. The others followed suit, and then it was Yuvan's turn. Before he entered the circle, the captain offered reassurance, saying, "Just relax. You'll be fine." This calming gesture was directed at the teenage boy experiencing teleportation for the first time. Yuvan nodded in acknowledgement, then tore the scroll and was propelled towards his destination like a brilliant blue comet.
Although Yuvan's physical form had been transformed into a mass of blue light, he could still perceive the ground he traversed as he reached his destination and regained his solid form inside the teleportation circle. As he appeared, someone grabbed him by the neck and unceremoniously tossed him to the ground, uttering, "You're blocking the captain's way, you imbecile." A self-satisfied smirk accompanied the comment, as if the act had relieved some pent-up frustration. Following swiftly, the captain arrived and inquired about the situation.
"It's still the same, sir. The formation masters haven't made significant headway. The formation itself is incredibly intricate and employs archaic methods we've never encountered before. Many have attempted to suppress their energy and walk through the field, only to start bleeding from various orifices after a few steps. This formation isn't merely attacking internal energy; it's targeting the core of their being. We even brought in experts specializing in the dāsīkṛpada (enslavement path), but when one of the beast entered the formation, the mana link established was instantly severed. In an act of frustration, someone even tried forcefully employing a mana bomb, but it only served to strengthen the formation," responded the officer stationed near the perplexing formation.
"Alright, everyone, let's move in. It seems we have to rely on this young man for the success of the righteous faction," the captain leading the team announced as they advanced towards the cave. A mana shield enveloped the entrance and the surrounding area, effectively isolating it from the rest of the world. A group of Zaštitniks was responsible for maintaining the shield, meticulously designed to prevent the Asuras within from calling for reinforcements. The Order suspected that this formation, which was intricately linked to the earth vein, played a role in a much larger design. Their objective was to dismantle this formation, thus disrupting the bigger one before the enemy could sense the interference and deploy reinforcements, or activate it prematurely.
Yuvan surveyed the entrance and then turned his attention towards the captain, who was observing him closely. "Gear up, time is of the essence." Yuvan armed himself with standard weapons and armour, despite the others' recommendations, and he also chose to wear the spatial ring against their advice.
"Keep your composure at all times," the captain advised, giving Yuvan a reassuring tap on the back just as he was about to enter the formation. Yuvan cautiously placed his right foot onto the ground, sensing an odd sensation as if he had stepped into a pool of thick mud, hampering his movements. As he proceeded, the temperature around his spatial ring seemed to rise, indicating a reaction with the surrounding mana particles. Yuvan contemplated removing the ring, especially as he was only a few steps from the entrance. However, he decided against it and instead detached the ring, securing it to the end of his clothing. "Hey Udal, what's your take on this?"
Oh, you remembered. And here I thought, you forgot about my existence.
Enough with your sarcasm; tell me what do you think.
What do I think? I think the probability of dying is relatively high. I can already sense the invisible wall forming around us, draining our strength. We're descending towards the earth vein, which is a few miles down, and we have to cover about a mile inside this field to find and destroy its source. The closer we get to the source, the stronger the formation will become—there's even a risk of dying due to a core burst. I suspect the Zaštitniks might be hiding something. And honestly, I think it was a mistake for you to agree to this without even consulting me. Becoming a guinea pig for the Zaštitniks... I expected more from you.
Is that all!
You're right; ranting is a way to release frustration when punching something isn't an option. And I understand that you made a calculated decision based on the situation, maximizing the rewards. Regardless of the outcome of this fight, the world won't remain unchanged. The comfortable way of life we've known is bound to shift permanently, even for academy students. Navigating through this chaos and surviving is crucial; only then can we shape the course of history.
And considering the circumstances of this formation, closing your eyes and relying more on your other senses would likely be a better approach due to the low visibility. Keep in mind that the Asuras might have anticipated the Zaštitniks' response and prepared a counter for it. Since mana weapons won't work inside the field, the traps are likely to be ordinary, which could be manageable for an experienced officer but more challenging for someone less experienced like you, given the conditions. Let's proceed a bit further and analyse the types of traps they've set up for us.
Swoosh!!
An arrow whistled through the fog, aimed at Yuvan. Reacting quickly, he raised his shield to block it. The impact pushed him back a few steps; the arrowhead had partially pierced the shield and stuck to it. “Whoa! They are using frigging horse-killing arrows!” Udal's voice echoed in Yuvan's mind. He plucked out the arrow and tossed it aside, then readied his spear. Yuvan decided to deflect the arrows rather than block them head-on, as it allowed him to maintain better defence.
As Yuvan moved forward, the arrows continued to come at irregular intervals. He used his swords to knock the arrowheads slightly off course, avoiding any direct hits and ensuring his safety.
Yuvan, if you were to die in this cave, would you have any regrets?
No.
Hahaha! Just as I expected.
Back at the academy,
The battle between Zaccai and Baldeva intensified, becoming the focal point of the conflict. Onlookers were vigilant, knowing that the outcome of this battle could shift the tide significantly in favour of one side. The two combatants skilfully parried each other's attacks, preventing any openings for powerful tantras. Their engagements revolved around martial arts and swift-paced spell-casting.
As the battle raged on, Baldeva realized that prolonging the stalemate would only favour the Order. He mentally instructed one of the nearby Asuras to sacrifice himself by interrupting Zaccai. The Asura, driven by this command, lunged at Zaccai with the intention of disrupting his concentration. However, Zaccai was prepared and swiftly dispatched the attacker before he could reach him. This brief distraction created an opening for Baldeva to unleash a powerful tantra. He transformed one of his hands into a beast-like appendage and sent Zaccai hurtling through the air. Unyielding, Baldeva pursued Zaccai relentlessly, determined to deliver the finishing blow.
Zaccai crashed into the second gate, leaving a significant dent, before collapsing to the ground. Baldeva pursued him, activating the same formidable tantra he had previously employed at the first gate. Left defenceless, Zaccai attempted to raise a futile defence, realizing that death was imminent. "So death is coming sooner than I thought," he mused grimly.
BOOM!
Resembling a celestial object streaking through the sky, Baldeva was propelled back to the heart of the Asura's encampment with tremendous force. He crashed onto the ground, creating a small crater upon impact. As the dust settled, his authoritative voice pierced the air, demanding the attention of one specific individual.
"Zarkoff, I know you're hiding in there. Come out!" A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the light cast by the chaotic scene. The newcomer was an elderly man, adorned in flowing black robes that billowed around him. In his right hand, he held a staff crowned with a radiant flame of white fire, which flickered and danced with an otherworldly energy. The man's appearance exuded a sense of profound dignity and wisdom, his long mane of white hair cascading down his shoulders, and a well-groomed beard framing his countenance.
"At last! You decided to come out, old man," General Zarkoff muttered, his momentary rest disrupted by the unexpected intrusion of his army commander in chief—Baldeva. Pushing himself up from his chair, he towered over the fallen form of his commander, a mix of annoyance and impatience etched onto his features. "I specifically instructed you to inform me when everything was in place. This is what happens when you disregard your superiors' orders." With stern words, he launched himself toward the Tower master.
Baldeva, his energy waning, made a final effort to transform into a gigantic leech-like creature, resorting to a macabre means of rejuvenation by feasting upon the Asura corpses strewn about. The grotesque scene played out as he struggled to recover his strength amid the chaos.
"Laevateinn!" Zarkoff's voice resonated with power as a dark, purple-tinged sword materialized before him, seemingly conjured from thin air. Grasping its hilt, he directed the weapon's energy, manifesting a torrential stream of thick, viscous substance that coalesced into the form of a dragon. The dragon surged forward with relentless force, its ominous advance leaving Asuras scrambling to evade its path. Yet, their efforts were futile, as the creature swept through their ranks indiscriminately, leaving nothing but dissolution in its wake.
"Rotten to the core, as always," the tower master muttered, his voice a mixture of disdain and resignation. Stepping forward, he brandished his staff with determination, striking the ground with a powerful blow. The earth quivered in response, rising up to form an obstruction in the dragon's trajectory. The creature roared in defiance, its mighty head breaking through the barrier before it, threatening to shatter it entirely. But as the confrontation reached its zenith, an even greater upheaval was set in motion.
The very ground beneath them began to tremble with escalating intensity. Surrounding terrain rose, trees and corpses lifted by an unseen force, coalescing around the dragon as a nucleus. The amalgamation of debris converged, encapsulating the dragon within a spherical prison, its formidable form ensnared in the midst of this unfolding cataclysm. The sphere continued to condense and solidify, an inexorable force that crushed structures and life alike within its grasp.
Outside the cave.
“What do you think commander, will the boy succeed?” the captain asked.
Off-course not! No one expects him to succeed, but with the skills and tenacity he had exhibited in the past, we anticipate him to reach at most somewhere around the halfway mark before succumbing. Even though he is just a student with a low cultivation level, he has shown great aptitude similar to the likes of what we envisage from an officer rank— that’s what we are counting on.
If we're confident in his lack of success, why send him in the first place?
Because we require an individual of his calibre to navigate the traps and traverse the distance. He bears something unique that can counteract the formation. Even though his role doesn't involve directly dismantling the formation, he holds a crucial role in our strategy.
What counter formation? I didn't witness any special bestowal from you, sir.
The armour he was donning serves as our countermeasure; it will function as a mana bomb when the prescribed conditions are met.
But wouldn't the formation and the mana particles within it respond to this contrivance even if it's concealed?
Ah, indeed, they would. Our experts in vyūhapada (formation path) intentionally devised this to absorb the mana particles. Our arrangement will progressively assimilate the particles, subtly integrating them as part of the formation. Eventually, the stored energy will erupt upon reaching the maximum absorption threshold. An immediate detonation—although not enough to obliterate the formation—will significantly debilitate it. It's akin to using the same snake—that bit you—to quell the poison.
Wouldn't the young man become suspicious about the ticking time bomb he's carrying?
When we can outwit an ancient formation of this calibre, what concern is a teenage boy in front of it? We needn't fret about that; he won't remove his armour and discover the inscription within—in the midst of battling for his life. Even if he were unwise enough to do so, what options does he possess? Retreat?
And didn't he perceive the formation while wearing the armour?
At that point, it remained inactive; the formation was shrouded from view. I activated it just before his entry. I understand it's disheartening to enact such actions upon a comrade-in-arms, but his disrespect and avarice led to this outcome—denying him an honourable demise. Do you believe the young man would have assented if he were privy to our scheme? Would he have given his utmost if we had somehow coerced him into participating? His greed propels him, and we shall bestow him with posthumous recognition.
But, sir, could we not have employed a beast as a sacrificial substitute for the boy? After all, many beasts lack a core and might have withstood the formation.
Did you believe we hadn't explored that option? We of the righteous faction value every life dearly and would not have taken such a drastic measure if it were avoidable. Additionally, concerning the use of a beast, you should possess some knowledge about the formation. The instant someone steps into the formation, it not only target their core but also their spirit, inducing self-doubt and a feeling of peril. Unlike us, regular beasts lack the cognitive capacity to endure such psychological strain; they would likely retreat before even entering, instinctively sensing the impending danger. And even if one were to recklessly press on, it would inevitably succumb to the concealed traps.
Sir, what if he were to succeed?
"That's inconceivable, there's no possibility of him..." The commander hadn't considered that scenario before, "Jin, provide me with an update!" He requested the assistance of Zaštitnik, who employed his bhūmipada (earth path) tantra to monitor the situation within the cave.
He's on the verge of reaching the midpoint, sir.
"What?!" Recomposing himself, Anton exclaimed, "Everyone, prepare yourselves! We might need to enter sooner than initially planned." While glancing at the captain, he paused and added, "And someone, locate a formation path expert for me!"