Chapter 116: Leave It to Me

Barely ten minutes later, the Vice President returned to the guild hall alongside President Nelson, having finalized the plan.

The strategy proposed by Count Monde, the Lord of Blackrock City, was similar to what Chu Yun had envisioned. It involved blocking out sunlight while simultaneously creating artificial light sources to lure the creature, but with several auxiliary measures in place. They would lay a trail of monster carcasses from the slaughterhouse and various mineral resources as bait, placing items capable of attracting the Earth-Devouring Beast at regular intervals along the route.

The beast had not yet reached Blackrock City, giving them time to prepare. Even more unexpectedly, the ultimate goal of this luring tactic was to guide the beast into the Poison Mist Swamp, located to the north of Blackrock City.

The Poison Mist Swamp was one of the forbidden zones of the Alno Kingdom and the territory of the Poison Mist Feather Dragon. If they could maneuver the Feather Dragon into killing the Earth-Devouring Beast, it would be ideal. Although the Feather Dragon was only a Tier 5 Lord-level monster, it might genuinely stand a chance against the Earth-Devouring Beast by leveraging its home-field advantage and the numerous minions within the swamp. The beast's ability to burrow would be greatly hindered in the swamp, allowing human forces to provide support and potentially defeat it.

After briefly outlining the plan, Nelson looked at the crowd. "Aside from the official Mage Guild staff, are there any volunteers who wish to participate?"

Staff members were internal guild members who received a fixed salary in addition to subsidies; thus, they were required to obey orders when the guild had a need. Freelancers like Chu Yun were not under such constraints, provided they did not betray the Mage Guild or the Alno Kingdom.

"The Mage Guild's primary task this time is to cast the 'Dark Canopy' and 'High-Intensity Illumination' spells. I will take turns with other Tier 3 mages to maintain the Dark Canopy, but we are still short two Tier 2 mages for the High-Intensity Illumination."

"We only need to maintain it until nightfall; once the Dark Canopy is lifted, I will handle the rest."

The Poison Mist Swamp was quite far from the beast's current location, and the food, minerals, and light were all equally crucial to lure it there. Any failure in the process could cause the monster to go on a rampage or change direction, especially considering the creature's already erratic state.

There were quite a few Tier 2 mages in the guild, but few knew how to use illumination spells, as torches or fire-based magic equipment were often used instead. Furthermore, it had to be a Tier 2 High-Intensity Illumination spell; otherwise, it would be difficult to produce visible light under the Dark Canopy.

The mages looked at each other, hesitant either due to the danger or a genuine lack of ability. High-Intensity Illumination required more than just casting the spell; one had to control the orb of light to move forward at high altitudes. This process was inherently dangerous, even with the help of stealth and concealment spells.

"Spen, Plant? I recall both of you know High-Intensity Illumination. The reward from the Lord is quite generous this time—would you like to participate?" Nelson began calling names.

The two mages turned as red as tomatoes and shook their heads vigorously.

"President, I have two underage children at home. If something were to happen to me..." Plant explained.

Hearing this, Spen added, "That's right, President. I have seven wives to support at home; I can't afford to get into trouble either."

It was clear they were merely making excuses to avoid participating. Nelson was speechless; he hadn't forced them, so why make such absurd excuses?

"Rest assured, if something happens, the guild will take care of your families," Darrin, the Vice President, said with dissatisfaction. As Vice President, he did not need to be as considerate of their pride as Nelson, nor did he have the President's patience.

The two men retreated in embarrassment, leaving Nelson to search for alternatives among the remaining members. If Tier 2 High-Intensity Illumination mages weren't available, he would have to find those who knew Tier 1 illumination spells. Although the light would be dimmer, they could make do with a larger number of people.

This time, instead of calling names, Nelson asked the crowd, "Are there any mages who have mastered the Tier 1 illumination spell willing to assist the guild?"

"Leave it to us!"

A surprising voice came from the doorway, and two girls in skintight suits descended slowly from the air.

They were none other than Liza and Selena, piloting a two-person flying wing. The dual version was larger, allowing for more complex magic arrays, which improved stability and performance.

"No, Selena, this is too dangerous," Nelson said hurriedly. Realizing his tone might be inappropriate, he added, "You are an inspector sent by headquarters with other duties; you cannot take such risks lightly."

Most of the guild members knew of their relationship, so Nelson's reasoning didn't hold up—everyone knew he was simply trying to protect his granddaughter. However, no one found this inappropriate, as the President himself was already shouldering heavy responsibilities in the mission.

"Don't worry, this is the new version of the flying wing. The altitude it can reach is well beyond the reach of the Earth-Devouring Beast. Liza and I will go together; she handles the flying, and I handle the High-Intensity Illumination," Selena said proudly.

As a Tier 3 mage, she was more than capable of doing the work of two Tier 2 mages. With her joining, the personnel requirements were met.

However, Nelson still firmly opposed her participation. "The Chimera was killed by the beast's scales; these wings of yours can't dodge that."

Selena curled her lip. "That's because the Chimera didn't manage to increase the distance in time. As long as I fly to the sky beforehand, I'll be perfectly safe. If you don't believe me, come and see!"

With that, under the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Selena and Liza activated the flying wing again.

This was the first time the others had seen the flying wing in use. When they saw the two women rise from the ground to a great height, they gasped in amazement.

Ten meters. Fifty meters. One hundred meters. Five hundred meters...

Even as they disappeared from sight, Selena continued to climb higher.

As a Tier 3 mage, Selena was already an expert in wind magic. When combined with the flying wing, although her flying technique was not as refined as Chu Yun's, her flight ceiling was significantly higher than what Chu Yun had demonstrated.

Soon, to the awe of the crowd, Selena landed safely. She said with a touch of smugness, "Well? Do you still think the Earth-Devouring Beast can hit me now?"

Even Nelson had to admit that the altitude was indeed safe. "This seems different from the previous one, doesn't it?"

Selena explained, "Of course it's different. The patent previously filed was for the standard version. This is the advanced version made from the hide of a Thunder-Water Ray. Currently, aside from the two of us, only he possesses the advanced flying wings."

As she spoke, Selena looked at Chu Yun with excitement. "Don't you want to join us? This is a chance to participate in slaying a legendary beast!"