As the steel sentinels rapidly approached the Nightwalkers, Lilith and Raegan dashed forward, circling the machines. Meanwhile, Edgar remained by Claire's side, protecting her as she cast spells.

Within seconds, Lilith and Raegan appeared inches from the Sentinels feet. However, due to the heavy nature of the machines, they were unable to turn in time as Lilith dragged her scythe across the leg of one, severing it while Raegan poked holes in the other.

As the machine crashed down, Lilith slammed the sharp point of her scythe inside the machine.

"Implode."

Channelling chaos matter, Lilith sent the energy through her weapon and into the sentinel, filling it to the brim as it erupted in a thunderous explosion.

Unfortunately, there was no time to relax as her figure was overshadowed by another sentinel, its long arms raised in the air. Reacting fast, Lilith turned when a vortex of wind tackled the machine back, throwing it off the deep ravine.

"I got you!" Claire screamed, her face drenched in sweat.

"Thank you!" Lilith said as she dashed back into action.

On the other hand, Raegan pivoted his foot as he threw a heavy jab, tearing a gaping hole straight in its face.

"Erupt!"

Like thunder, a plethora of metal spikes exploded from his fist, completely shattering the robot and sending chunks of it flying.

Not wasting time, Raegan ripped his arm out as he whipped it back, throwing another machine a few steps back where Lilith sliced it to pieces.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though there was no end to them, as more kept coming, wave after wave. Seeing this, Samael stepped forward. "Step back," he said as he slammed both his hands together.

"Nihility surge."

Before everyone's eyes, a fast jet of Void matter burst from Samael's hands, shooting forward with speed everyone found hard to follow.

As the surge connected with one of the machines, its torso was blown away. Dragging his arm further, the jet of Void matter tore through a dozen more like they were butter.

Soon, the entire edge of the ravine was lit up by the explosions of the steel sentinels, casting shadows on the nearby ruins along with the violent shockwaves coursing through the earth.

As Michael arrived on the scene, he was greeted by the bright balls of fire and the infernal heat they produced. Before it stood his students, watching in awe.

"They are alive," Michael muttered as he jumped down.

"Sir!" Lilith said as she approached the man.

"Is anyone injured?" Michael asked.

"We're all fine, sir," Lilith replied.

"I can't believe they're actually alive," Michael said.

"What do you mean by that?" Samael asked as he approached the man.

"According to the information we got about these machines, they were terminated during the invasion. But it seems there's more to it than what we know," Michael replied.

"Terminated? These things were barely scathed when they started spewing fire," Samael said.

"I know, but there's nothing we can do. I'll raise this issue once we return; for now, we need to go and fast," Michael said. "This place will be swarmed soon."

Expanding his Void compass outwards, Samael could indeed sense dozens of abominations rapidly approaching their area. Fortunately, the squad reached them fast enough.

"No time to breathe; we have to go," Michael said to everyone as he dashed forward and crossed the bridge.

They kept running without stop, passing by large ruined manors and some abominations, which were disposed of without raising more attention.

Eventually, they halted their steps as they hid inside a collapsed house, away from the bridge.

Listening closely, they could faintly hear the screeches and roars of the abominations echoing in the wind, sending shivers down their spines.

"That was close, too close," Edgar said as he hungered for air.

The others slumped down without another word being wasted. They were too tired to even speak.

"We'll rest here for today," Michael said as he too sat down and opened his map.

If the map was correct, they should reach the bunker within four days if they keep their pace throughout the journey. However, there is no doubt that the monsters near their objective are stronger and more cunning than the ones they've fought so far.

Truth be told, the blueprints weren't the only thing they were here for. Those schematics were only part of the whole picture. Michael has kept the real mission a secret.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Within those steel walls lay an object. A remnant that holds great value. It is so great that the high table wants it badly.

A recorder.

The remnant is a device that records the events happening within the city of Enkla. As such, it captured the day the abominations invaded its walls. In an attempt to preserve details of the attack, the Mellaguns kept the item safe within the bunker.

Once they obtain the remnant, they are to enter a hidden path that the mellaguns themselves used to exit safely.

Tucking away the map, Michael leaned back. Yet another day passed.

***

When the monsters had calmed down, the squad decided to proceed with their journey. Like usual, the reconnaissance team went ahead, informing everyone of the paths and monsters along the way.

The team passed by multiple towers, some mounted with ballistas that appeared to not have been used, seeing their pristine condition.

The more they advanced, the more apparent the signs of struggle were. Yet at the same time, it felt as though there was no resistance. Many of the defences in the city were inactive, gathering dust until the end of time.

Inspecting a silver smear on one of the walls of a ruined tower, Alex reached out and carefully touched it.

"What is this?" he asked.

"That's mellagun blood," Michael said as he passed by.

Alex hastily retracted his hand as he violently wiped it over his pants.

Proceeding deeper and deeper, the more destruction prevailed. Even so, more and more abominations followed.

"Head's up! We're reaching the great forge," Michael said.

"What's that?" Rhian asked.

"Well, you have heard of the great inventions of Mellaguns, right?" Michael asked.

"Yes," Rhian replied.

"Well, those inventions were made in the great forge. It is a place equipped with all sorts of advanced machines that make creating this stuff doable," Michael said. "Whatever goes inside the forge is a secret of the mellaguns. But who are we to question them when their weapons are helping greatly in the war?" he resumed as he glanced at the fallen ballistas.

"Even then, I suppose machines are still no match to mindless beasts," Michael muttered.

The mellagun race. A race of inventors and blacksmiths. They are extremely attuned to metal and gems, which gives them an edge in crafting. With their brilliant minds, they can form weapons capable of handling saint and even deity battles.

Yet, the tragedy that occurred years ago wiped out about 70% of their population. It killed many who were capable of making changes in the world and even caused the scales of the war to tip in the enemy's favour.

It was truly tragic. Whatever remains of them is scattered in different sanctuaries, finding refuge in their walls. Now, they provide what little they can with the equipment at hand.

The great forge of Mellaguns is rare in number. Samael is guessing that those blueprints are schematics for building another one. With the help of the forge, they'll be able to craft even stronger weapons.

"We're near," Michael said as they passed through a large metal gate.

Walking further in the dark, they were greeted by the breath-taking scene laid before them.

It was a large, spacious room filled with all kinds of machines. On the far side of the forge were large dam-like structures, all leading to humongous barrels. Meanwhile, large crates tied to ropes hang in the air, carrying precious metals and compartments.

But the beauty of the forge didn't end there. In the middle of the forge were large furnaces, the likes of which no one can imagine. There were also dozens of large hammers and drills laying around, frozen in time.

"Now it makes sense why they can manufacture so many weapons," Raegan said.

The entire place was truly a work of art. This was beyond their wildest imagination. If they had these today, maybe the war would have been more manageable.

"Don't lag behind," Michael said.

Slowly, the Nightwalkers went forward as they viewed the scenery with admiration. They could faintly imagine what the place would look like if it were functioning right now.

As they passed by the countless numbers of smithing machines, one room in particular caught Michael's eye.

"That..." Michael muttered.

"Follow me, everyone," he beckoned.

The room was far more guarded than the rest, with a steel door shut tight, but nothing a saint can't handle.

Inside was a room filled with large cabinets, each holding unique items. Some were remnants, while others were weapons and armour.

"What are we doing here, sir?" Desmond asked.

"All of you take one item to take back," Michael said.

"Are you serious?!"

"Wait, really?"

"Are we even allowed to do that?"

"No one's coming back for these things; you might as well take a souvenir," Michael said as he shrugged and wandered off.

The students shared a look before they went off on their own.

Samael walked around aimlessly, looking at all the remnants lying around. Somehow, it reminded him of the time he got Crimson Raven.

Will that work? Samael closed his eyes and emptied his mind.

For minutes, there was silence. Until he heard a raven whisper in his ears.

Opening his eyes, Samael saw a black raven sitting on his shoulder. It looked at him with clarity in its eyes before it flew off.

Samael's eyes narrowed as he followed the bird around. Slowly but surely, he wandered off to the edge of the treasury before doing a single thing.

An ore.

The ore was perfectly circular and pitch black. However, Samael could feel an odd aura coming from it. Not only that, but he could feel Crimson Raven tremble.

Grasping the stone in his palm, Samael guessed it weighed about a kilogram. It's surface was smooth yet hot. Unsheathing his axe, the weapon felt drawn towards the ore.

"What is this?" Samael asked.

What you are holding is called a void stone. An ancient item formed through the crystallisation of the Void element. It appears Crimson Raven wishes to absorb it in order to grow in power.

Void stone...?

Samael closed his eyes as he channelled forth Void Matter, and to his expectations, the Void Matter reacted towards the stone. It swirled around it before being absorbed.

What other uses does it have? Samael asked.

Void stones can be absorbed to increase your Void essence. However, this is a wasteful approach to it. Another use for Void stones is that they can be absorbed by special weapons in relation to Void spawns or Void creatures. Upon absorption, the weapon has a high chance of undergoing rebirth.

"It looks like you're in for a treat today," Samael said as he looked at his axe.

It is advised to let a master blacksmith purify and melt it. Then submerge the blade within.

"Well, it seems we'll have to wait a little," Samael said as he caressed the surface of the axe. Feeling his touch, the weapon trembled.

"Are you okay?" Lilith asked.

"Hmm? Yes. I've already chosen my item. How about you?" Samael asked.

"Yep! I chose this!" Lilith said as she showed a red scythe. It looked like crystallised blood moulded into a weapon. It released a dangerous aura, but no more than Crimson Raven.

"It suits you," Samael said as he caressed the girl's head when Michael spoke.

"If you're all done choosing, let's go. We have no time to waste... And don't even think of taking two," he said.