The cave was marked as one of the most dangerous locations within the secret realm. Graknar's map ca with a grim warning—many participants had lost their lives here, and extre caution was advised. A specific note ntioned preparing poison-resistance pills.
Rather than a deterrent, this only fueled Ery's determination. If so many had failed, then perhaps rare alchemical materials still remained, waiting to be discovered. More importantly, with Chuutlu by his side, he had little fear of poison. And, of course, there was another reason—Kaelyn Silverleaf.
He had to know more about her.
Just as he was about to step inside, his instincts flared. A group was approaching. He turned and saw nine figures moving with confidence. These were elite alchemists—three participants, each accompanied by two assistants. All were Cosmic Realm experts, with the strongest among them at Stage 5. Among them, he recognized one imdiately: Ivaris, Baldoni's brother—the sa man who had threatened him days prior.
Ery halted and observed from the shadows. The group reached the entrance, where Kaelyn was waiting. To his surprise, they all treated her with deference—an absolute contrast to how Kukujin and Graknar had been received.
"Mistress Silverleaf, thank you for agreeing to join us," said a handso alchemist, his tone filled with respect.
Kaelyn's expression remained indifferent, if not slightly irritated. "You brought more people…"
"Yes, I hope you don't mind. They're here to assist… But don't worry, you'll get the first pick of anything we find down there."
"I don't care how many you bring," she replied flatly, "as long as you assure there's a Seven Rainbow Flower down there."
The alchemist nodded. "My family has participated in this event for generations. One of my ancestors recorded harvesting a Seven Rainbow Flower inside this cave."
"Then let's go." Without another word, Kaelyn stepped into the cave, leading the way.
Their conversation told Ery all he needed to know. But their true intentions remained unclear, and sothing about their interaction made him uneasy. Was she truly leading them? Or was she being used?
Soltz rubbed his chin. "The three in front are famous alchemists, all Grade-7. —Horus Kreed—is the one you should watch closely. He's a young master of the Kreed faction, one of the ten most powerful families in Pardera. They control multiple alchemy shops, rare resource mines, and have deep connections with the Skyroot faction."
Considering the situation, Ery believed following them openly would lead to unnecessary conflict, so he chose a different approach—he would sneak in.
Livi was confident in her stealth, but Soltz was another matter. The elderly alchemist scowled at the idea of venturing into a poison-filled cavern and quickly volunteered to stay behind. "I'll keep an eye on the entrance," he muttered, not wanting any more uninvited guests trailing behind.
Ery handed Livi a high-grade poison-resistance pill. "Stay close," he instructed before they slipped inside.
The mont they stepped inside, the air changed. The temperature dropped, and the thick scent of decay clung to the walls. The cave was srizing yet deadly. Bioluminescent plants cast an eerie glow across the walls, their soft blue and green hues illuminating the dark passage. But most of these plants were far from harmless—many secreted toxic spores into the air, filling the cavern with an invisible, lethal haze.
Only a few minutes in, Livi was already struggling. "Master… this is too much," she said weakly, clutching her throat.
Recognizing the danger, Ery swiftly pulled her into his domain. However, Livi's recent breakthrough made her presence increasingly difficult to contain. Unlike before, she couldn't remain inside indefinitely without strict restraints.
"Master… let out the mont there's trouble," she pleaded before disappearing into the domain's safety.
With Livi secured, Ery summoned Chuutlu. The Khaos Guardian's dark aura spread around him like a living cloak, not only resisting but devouring the poisonous miasma in the air.
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