“Based on Bern’s confession, we can basically confirm that this is a Pureblood Dragon Tomb of no more than a Next Generation Species, and the burial items inside will not be of a high rank. Even the Deadmen guarding the tomb entrance might only be B-rank.”
Fingel paused, “Otherwise, they wouldn’t have had the chance to retrieve the dragon bones.”
“And there are a total of three passages leading into the tomb, each guarded by Deadmen. My suggestion is to divide into groups and attack the Dragon Tomb simultaneously to prevent any accidents.”
“Judging from the experience of entering the tomb previously, the passages are at risk of collapse. We haven't even seen the tomb entrance yet, and the camera already developed water mist. Anti-slip is very important, everyone should pay attention to changes in the moisture content in the air.”
“The preliminary deduction is that this is the Dragon Tomb of a descendant of the King of Ocean and Water. The Dragon Cocoon may have already moved away along the underground river, but it is highly probable that there are many alchemical creations inside. Do your best, I will provide support for you on land.”
Lu Mingfei rarely saw such a serious Fingel; even his usual demeanor had changed. He saw the man’s gaze sweep over every black-clothed figure present, his tone slightly somber.
“So, I’ve given my suggestions, can you provide me with dinner now? I’m really not a slacker!” Fingel wailed.
Lu Mingfei felt embarrassed. It turned out the Execution Department didn't trust Fingel’s abilities, thinking he was just there to get internship credits with him.
This group of people still didn't understand Fingel enough. Before coming, Fingel had made his stance clear: internship credits were optional, but five days of Chinese late-night snacks were a must.
After resolving Fingel’s “slacker” issue, a leader was quickly nominated from among the black-clothed individuals to liaise with the S-rank.
“Rene Murillo, B-rank specialist, it’s a pleasure to cooperate with an S-rank.” Rene extended his right hand.
Lu Mingfei also extended his hand, “What is our personnel allocation?”
After confirming that there would be a fierce battle upon entering the tomb, conducting a combat power assessment immediately was essential. Even when Lu Mingfei played StarCraft, before deciding to attack the opponent's base, he would compare the strengths of both sides repeatedly before making a decision.
“Six B-ranks, eight C-ranks, three D-ranks,” Rene said in a deep voice. The situation did not look optimistic. Deadmen were definitely not something ordinary mixed-bloods could handle one-on-one, especially when the battle had to take place in narrow passages.
This would greatly reduce their combat effectiveness.
“Sounds like someone will be staying behind to supervise Fingel to see if he's slacking off.” Lu Mingfei joked. He still believed that Senior Brother Fingel wouldn't slack off in such a situation.
Rene paused, looked at Lu Mingfei, and after a moment of silence, suddenly laughed, “When I participated in the war practical course in my freshman year, I wouldn't proactively joke to ease the tension. My legs trembled more severely than a Parkinson's patient back then.”
He scrutinized Lu Mingfei’s slightly youthful face, “While other freshmen are still worrying about which club to join, or which club has more girls, you are already standing on the battlefield against dragons, looking as calm as if your opponent were not a dragon.”
Rene smiled, “I don’t think this is the fearlessness of the ignorant. Instead, I admire your courage. You will be an excellent Dragon Slayer.”
Lu Mingfei didn't know how to respond to him. He had only read the fortune-telling, knowing that he would not be in mortal danger during this operation, so he felt at ease.
The other party interpreted this calmness as his bravery. Was he really that brave? Lu Mingfei didn't know.
“Don’t feel constrained by my words, or think I’m exaggerating or overthinking. You are an S-rank; you are naturally endowed with recognition that many people will never achieve in their lifetime. In the days to come, many people will say similar things to you. You must get used to others’ praise for you.” Rene slightly raised his head and gazed into Lu Mingfei’s eyes.
“What beautiful black pupils. I truly wish to see their splendor when they glow golden. It must be extraordinarily astonishing. We are all greatly looking forward to you.”
Lu Mingfei remained silent for a long time.
“Understood.”
At this moment, the communication line was also connected. Someone walked up to Rene and reported to both of them.
“Everything is ready. Three C-rank specialists have already reached the end of the three passages. When the message came back, they could already see the shadows of the Deadmen.”
Rene glanced at Lu Mingfei, who nodded, indicating that he was ready.
“Action.”
Lu Mingfei, as the specialist for this operation, issued the command.
Immediately, everyone moved, like a precise machine pressing its start button. Everyone orderly reached their designated positions.
Lu Mingfei did not bring his little tail this time. His mission was not observation and recording, but combat.
The task of observation and recording was assigned to the C-ranks in each team.
Just as Rene had said, everyone was looking forward to Lu Mingfei’s combat abilities.
Whether it was a one-sided battle or an evenly matched one, they would not be disappointed, because Lu Mingfei, simply by standing there, was stronger than them.
An 18-year-old child, who should be enjoying the prime of his youth, was now about to slay dragons.
People poured into the three passages. On the left and right were 3 B-ranks and 2 C-ranks respectively, while the middle was Lu Mingfei leading Fingel and one C-rank.
Just before descending into the tomb, when Fingel saw that only Lu Mingfei was taking the middle passage, he grumbled, “You black-clothed guys are bullying my junior brother! If you don’t help him, I have to support him.”
The time on everyone's wristwatches was uniform: 9:45 PM.
The magnetic field inside Dragon Tombs often differs from the outside world. Specialists descending into the tomb would synchronize their watches every ten minutes to guard against magnetic field changes or unexpected spiritual visions.
Lu Mingfei stood before the middle passage. From afar, he could see the wandering Deadmen, their claws scraping on the ground, producing not the dry sound of sand and stone, but the sticky sound of slime tentacles tangling together. Stepping into such mud, even a possessor of a high-speed Rune would have their speed greatly reduced.
Rene took a deep breath and glanced in Lu Mingfei’s direction. For some reason, upon seeing the S-rank’s figure, he inexplicably felt at ease, and the slight fear that had been lingering in his heart completely vanished.
“Junior Brother, prepare to act.”
Fingel held a standard long saber borrowed from an outside C-rank specialist. The Execution Department’s weapons, if not guaranteed to sever dragon bones, were at least good items that could act as bombs at critical moments.
Lu Mingfei slowly pressed his hand to his earphone, Rene’s face flashing through his mind, and the faces of the black-clothed Execution Department members. It was truly a strange feeling to command so many people in reality for the first time.
“Time check.”
“9:50.”
“Is the sound clear?”
“Clear.”
“Is the video feed clear?”
“Clear.”
“Check equipment.”
“Standard long saber, Glock pistol, M4 submachine gun, shield…”
Everyone quickly reported their equipment over the communication, with no omissions.
“Good, move.”
“Received!”
Lu Mingfei took a step forward, his hand-backed ribbon quickly forming, while his other hand gripped the pistol modified by the Equipment Department, walking resolutely towards the Deadmen.
Fear or excitement?
Lu Mingfei didn't know why he was trembling. He only felt that he had finally pushed open the door to a new world, with no chance of turning back.
That war hidden in history, grandly opened.