Mage Legend
Chapter 163 - 57 episodes Malfunction_2

Chapter 163: 57 episodes Malfunction_2

Batana thought of one thing: there is a legendary arcane barrier that can block all teleportation processes. If such a thing truly exists, then it might be possible to temporarily nullify all Teleportation Magic into Ratris City, and naturally, the family’s gates would not open.

If someone did that, it would mean that the First Family’s stronghold was under attack. Some families couldn’t bear to wait and wanted to raid and plunder the resources of the First Family while the Berni family was not in Ratris City! Moreover, it is very likely that members of the Mage Guild were involved in this plan.

Batana glanced at Lynch, who still seemed somewhat puzzled at this time, looking down at the scroll in his hand with an innocent expression. Even with hundreds of years of experience and high insight, the wise matron still couldn’t be sure whether the Adviser Mage was connected to this matter.

"Listen up! All members of the Berni family, proceed at top speed!" The matron put away the family’s badge; she has completely given up on summoning the Teleportation Gate. If some other force dared to invade the First Family, then she would make them understand how foolish and arrogant that was! Without Teleportation Magic, the Dark Elves still have legs; it is not hopeless to return to Ratris City quickly.

Upon receiving the order, the entire army accelerated sharply, a black torrent swiftly swept through the rugged passage, rushing fiercely towards the Dark Elf City.

Lynch was startled by the sudden action of the Drow, interrupting his previous train of thought. He roughly estimated the marching speed of the Dark Elves, looked at his already slightly swollen feet, and finally decided to pull out a Flying Spell scroll from his sleeve to keep up with the group’s advancement from above. Leaving the protection of the Drow army, the Mage didn’t want to travel alone in the perilous Underworld, and most importantly, he had no idea how to get back to Ratris City from here.

Floating lightly above the heads of the Dark Elves, the Mage appeared leisurely and relaxed. He deliberately ignored the dirty look from Zilvra, who was running with all her might, cursing the ungrateful Mage in her heart, having long forgotten the favor given to him by the female Drow when she protected him from slipping—now, the Mage began to reorganize his previously interrupted thoughts.

What exactly does the failure of Teleportation Magic imply? Lynch pondered this question while flying. Just today, he had encountered the same problem three times. The first was the seven-member team trapped in the rock layers; they could teleport in but couldn’t get out. The second was the matron’s failed attempt to summon the Teleportation Gate; finally, he himself couldn’t use Teleportation Magic. What power was interfering with the operation of these teleports?

Along the way, Lynch evaded numerous stalagmite obstacles, flying at high speed with his Magic Wand in hand. Besides pondering the teleportation issue, he had to be cautious of enemies above. In such a cavern environment, many creatures chose to lurk on cave ceilings, capturing passing beings. Fortunately, those creatures likely sensed the presence of the Dark Elves and had fled far away, not daring to appear near this group of Drow.

The Dark Elves advanced in the cave seemingly tireless. Although continuously marching with high intensity, the Drow and the soul-bound corpses trailing behind showed no major difference, maintaining their usual pace. However, as they proceeded, they were no longer as silent as before; gradually, heavy breathing started to be heard.

Just as Lynch was about to pull out another Flying Spell scroll, the entire team came to a stop. Using the Eye of Insight, Lynch could already see Ratris City’s Black Rock City Wall.

Batana was not urgently entering the city now because she knew that as long as these soldiers and the family’s priests were still around her, the Berni family could not fall. And the soldiers who had just experienced a long-distance raid, if not allowed to rest well before engaging in possible battles, would be courting disaster.

On the other hand, she could not determine whether the First Family’s stronghold had been attacked; if so, she had no idea to what extent. If the attack hadn’t occurred or had already ended, leading the family’s members to appear on the streets of Ratris City would expose their strength, undoubtedly attracting the attention of those foolhardy individuals and the eternal contenders for the "First Family" throne. By then, even if they wished not to engage battle, it would be impossible.

At this stage, restoring strength is most important. As long as they endure this period, possessing the Spider Goddess’ blessing and care, the First Family would further solidify its dominance.

Thinking of this, Batana had decided the next measures to take. She glanced back at the slowly descending Mage—currently the only one in the team who wasn’t a Dark Elf and never was. She pondered for a moment, recalling the white mist and the Spider Goddess showing favor towards him, and finally made up her mind.

"Zarra, lead everyone into the channel!"

Zarra had been somewhat absent during the journey, unable to confirm whether the matron was aware of her assassination attempt. Although she had kept an eye on Batana’s reactions, the latter seemed oblivious, but with the dark skin in between, no one could guess the matron’s schemes from her heart that’s been beating for several centuries. Thinking of the possible tortures to endure—many of which Zarra herself "invented"—made this Dark Elf restless.

However, the matron’s command to her just now was like a lifeline, removing a trace of worry from her heart, ’I, Zarra, am still useful! The matron still first orders me to command the troops, meaning she is temporarily unaware of the assassination incident.’ Zarra glanced at the Mage and Zilvra, ’As long as you two die, this matter never existed.’

The high-ranking priest immediately regained consciousness; her mind began working at high speed as it did during past conspiracies. She bowed to Matron Batana and said in the most humble tone, "Great Matron, that secret channel doesn’t allow anyone other than the Berni family to enter."

"If I say you can, then you can!" Batana was impatient with Zarra’s sudden humility, "Execute the order!"

"Yes! Matron." Zarra turned and made several hand gestures in succession; the priests behind her each went to lead some soul-bound corpses, and the warriors automatically formed into smaller squads.

Lynch watched Zarra’s series of complex gestures, knowing this was the most mysterious part of the Dark Elf Language—sign language. Sentences spoken and written by the Drow could be learned by other races, but this sign language was never taught to non-Drow beings.

The Dark Elves moved swiftly, while Lynch looked around idly—he only needed to follow the group, ensuring his own safety, and of course, also needed to look after Zilvra appropriately. Given the situation, it seemed the Dark Elves were about to enter the city by a hidden method that outsiders knew nothing about. Therefore, when the Drow rushed to Ratris City’s north gate and stormed towards the First Family’s stronghold through a secretly carved underground tunnel in the rock wall, Lynch didn’t show a trace of surprise.

Unbeknownst to others, the First Family had gone to the temple after leaving Ratris City; now, they had returned silently. (Written by Sos, first published on Qi Dian...)