Chapter 221: The Operation Begins
The city's sewers.
The damp air was filled with a foul, putrid stench. The only source of light was the luminous orb that Flamme had conjured at her fingertips, which barely illuminated the moss-covered wall ahead.
"Be careful. There are many detection spells here."
Ayla's voice was barely audible, her magical perception extending like threads into the depths of the passage, capturing the barely perceptible magical fluctuations. These spells were not only for defense against external enemies, but also a special self-protection mechanism; any abnormal fluctuations in magical power would trigger an alarm.
Flamme followed closely behind, with the still-unconscious Frierenon her back.
"So many detection spells mean we're almost at our destination."
After walking for a while, Ayla stopped. She closed her eyes and carefully sensed the surroundings for a moment before nodding. "Yes. The density and intensity of the detection magic are increasing, and the source is right above us. You should have sensed it too, right?"
At this moment, above them both, through the thick layer of soil and bricks, there was an undeniable surge of powerful magical energy. Clearly, the power source of the barrier magic was directly overhead.
The vast magical power carried a strong sense of oppression, passing through layers of barriers. Both mages could clearly feel that heart-palpitating force pressing down upon them.
"This is a bit troublesome." Flamme frowned, looking around at the confined space. "With so many detection spells, we'll be detected as soon as we start casting."
It was fortunate that the mages hadn't set up any defensive magic in the sewer itself. The only problem was that although it was hidden, once discovered, there would be nowhere to escape.
"We can only try our best to shield it." Ayla took out a magical item with special effects from her personal space bag. "I will set up a small-scale barrier to try to cover up the fluctuations when we cast spells. However, when we start to draw magic power on a large scale, this barrier won't be able to conceal it."
Their plan was already outrageous. Exposure was inevitable. They could only hope to buy enough time to activate the teleportation spell.
"I understand. I will activate the teleportation magic as soon as possible," Flamme said firmly.
The two no longer hesitated.
Ayla quickly released her magical artifacts around her, and a thin energy membrane slowly opened, enveloping the small area where both stood. At the same time, Flamme took action as well.
Following the complex spatial runes that Kurtz had taught her, she began to inscribe magic circles on the ground rapidly, her movements precise and practiced.
Ayla also began preparing to draw magic from the source above, while keeping watch on her barrier. Time ticked by in a state of high tension.
Ayla had to maintain the barrier simultaneously, inscribe the magic circle that would draw magic from the source above, and keep an eye on Flamme's teleportation work. The complexity was immense.
The teleportation destination was the location of Kurtz and Seria, and the coordinates had to be precise. Moreover, Kurtz's unique magical runes had to be inscribed at specific coordinates to achieve directional tracking.
After an unknown amount of time, a massive magic circle with a highly complex structure, composed of countless alternating magical runes, was finally completed. The intricate patterns seemed to pulse with potential energy.
"It's done." Flamme wiped the sweat from her forehead, which had formed from intense tension and concentration.
"Amazing," Ayla praised sincerely, glancing at the completed work. "To create a teleportation spell so quickly is something even...I would find it difficult in such a short time."
The two stood at the edge of the magic circle and exchanged a glance. Without needing to say a word, their next steps were already understood. Now came the most crucial moment.
Ayla took a deep breath, stepped forward, and stood on the magic circle she had just drawn.
Her magical power began to fluctuate at an unprecedented rate, and the barrier that had been concealing their presence was instantly shattered.
As Ayla fully activated her magic, a powerful force instantly pierced through the soil and bricks, precisely attaching itself to the vast magical source of the barrier above.
Boom!!!
The entire underground passage shook violently. Soil rained down from above as the ground itself trembled with the force of her magic.
At the same time, above the city, the enormous barrier that enveloped the entire metropolis began to flash intensely before quickly dimming.
"Not good! The barrier's magic power is rapidly dissipating!" In the city's core area, all the magicians responsible for maintaining the barrier paled in shock, their voices rising in alarm.
"They're here!" Flamme's heart tightened; she was ready.
Just as Ayla successfully reversed the flow of magic power from above, causing it to replenish the teleportation magic circle continuously, Flamme did not hesitate. She immediately activated the teleportation.
Buzz!
Ayla's power instantly drew down the entire teleportation magic circle, and its immense magical reserves were fully unleashed. The complex runes began to intertwine as if they had come to life, eventually forming a spacetime gate made of pure energy.
A massive energy surge, like a tsunami, spread wildly in all directions from the circle's center.
The entire sewer system, along with the surrounding walls, trembled constantly, and even cracks began to appear in the thick brick walls. The space itself seemed to warp under the pressure.
"The magic is still a little short!" Flamme shouted at Ayla, her voice strained.
She had underestimated the magic required for this teleportation spell. The magic that Ayla had drawn down was far from enough to complete the transfer safely.
Having come this far, Ayla had no choice but to frantically draw more magic from the city's barrier and pour it into the teleportation array. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she pushed harder.
The blue magical teleportation array became even more dazzling, its light nearly blinding in the confined space. The barrier above the city flickered violently again, and even the edges began to thin, becoming almost invisible.
Just then, a magical attack suddenly struck the mud above their heads, creating a hole. With the help of detection magic, it was not difficult for the mages to locate Ayla and Flamme.
Dozens of fully armed temple guards and barrier maintainers dressed in mage robes jumped down through the opening, surrounding the two in a tightening circle.
"Stop your crimes immediately!" one mage roared, waving his staff and sending a blazing fireball hurtling toward the magic circle.
"Sister AYLA!!" Flamme called out urgently.
She was currently unable to act; all her focus had to remain on maintaining the stability of the teleportation magic.
"Leave it to me!"
Ayla responded immediately, her voice cutting through the chaos. At the same time, she released a beam of light that precisely shattered the incoming fireball. The shockwave from the explosion churned through the underground passage, scattering dust and debris.
However, more magic rained down upon them.
Ayla was forced to unleash a wide-ranging defensive spell, barely managing to withstand the coordinated assault. But the mages seemed determined to forcibly interrupt the two, so along with the guards, more magic and arrows were shot at them in rapid succession.
Ayla stood alone, having to maintain her magic channeling, so a few stray arrows grazed her body, nearly hitting her directly. A line of blood appeared on her arm as one arrow clipped her skin.
"How much longer!" Ayla asked urgently, her voice tight with pain and effort.
The guards were closing in, and the situation would become even more dangerous once they got close enough for melee combat.
"Ten more seconds!"
Flamme was wholly focused on calibrating the precarious spatial passage. There was no room for distraction, no margin for error. If the coordinates shifted even slightly, the spell would fail catastrophically.
[End of Chapter]
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