Chapter 212: Investigation

Lucio hoped to remain undetected for a while longer, needing more information from his bird avatar.

After flying some distance, Lucio noticed traces of activity.

There were depressions in the ground and unnaturally flattened shrubs.

These were clear signs of battle.

However, no bloodstains were visible, likely cleaned up.

This confirmed Lucio’s suspicion of wizards in the area.

The battle traces suggested the hundreds who entered the Lim Mountains were likely dead.

If alive, they were probably enslaved or imprisoned.

Capturing hundreds without leaving a trace wasn’t a solo act; it required an organized group.

Seeing these signs, Lucio had a good idea of the situation.

He continued flying, observing carefully.

As an elf, Lucio grew up in forests, familiar with plant growth and forms.

A glance revealed paths frequently traveled.

To him, unnatural tracks were as obvious as the sun.

Lucio flew over large areas, memorizing all traces.

“These are patrol routes!”

Connecting the traces in his mind, he recognized them as patrol routes.

As a guard captain, Lucio understood patrol tactics well.

Perched on a tree, he analyzed the collected traces, quickly deducing the target’s location.

The patrol routes circled a central point.

All patrols provided security for this area.

After confirming the location, Lucio took flight again.

He blended into a passing flock of birds.

Nearby birds eyed him, sensing he was different.

Following the flock, Lucio reached the target area.

He saw nothing unusual below.

Circling above, he found only ordinary forests.

But he noticed one anomaly: the energy particle concentration.

Elves have a natural affinity for magic, sensitive to energy particles.

Flying over the area, Lucio sensed high energy particle density below.

This was unusually high.

Normally, energy particles flow from high to low concentration areas.

Yet here, particles flowed into and remained in the area.

A clear boundary formed: low concentration outside, high inside.

This was intriguing.

It indicated human interference causing this phenomenon.

Living under the World Tree, Lucio was used to high energy particle density.

But there, the distribution was natural, unlike this eerie place.

After more circles, Lucio saw no other anomalies.

He memorized the energy boundary.

The area was large, within patrol range.

It all made sense.

“Wait, something’s odd. Patrol traces show frequent patrols, but why is no one here today?”

Lucio felt uneasy.

This was abnormal.

No patrols below.

Could it be a non-patrol day?

Impossible.

The only explanation: he’d been discovered.

Realizing this, Lucio turned back.

But before leaving the area, a black energy arrow pierced the bird.

The bird turned to wood, falling into the forest below.

Lucio opened his eyes, the connection severed.

The avatar spell ended.

“I’ve been discovered,” Lucio said gravely.

“Discovered? Should we leave?” Severus asked.

Tyron reacted, “Discovered by whom?”

Unaware of planar warfare or wizards, Tyron knew nothing of the Lim Mountains’ situation.

Lucio shook his head, “No need. They seem not to be coming out. I got the information I needed.”

Lucio gained much from the investigation.

Though discovered, he knew the wizard base’s location and patrol routes.

Patrols would change, but not drastically.

The base was stationary.

“Let’s go. Staying here is pointless. I must inform the elder and other tribes. There’s a wizard base inside,” Lucio said firmly.

“You three stay here, adapt as needed, and wait for my return. Don’t attack; wizards are dangerous,” Lucio instructed the elves.

They nodded, agreeing.

“Wizards?” Tyron heard the term for the first time.

Severus patted his shoulder, “I’ll explain when we return.”

Lucio felt heavy-hearted. Observing the wizard base, he realized it was well-established.

He knew wizard bases had many protective arrays, making direct assault difficult.

Attacking was only feasible when they emerged.

If wizards stayed inside, expanding the base, they were untouchable.

Fortunately, the wizards hadn’t begun mass slaughter, leaving nearby civilians safe.

Lucio pondered, telling Tyron, “You may need to plan Oberstein’s evacuation.”

“Evacuation?” Tyron was shocked by the severity.

Lucio nodded, “Inside… well, there’s a powerful threat. If they emerge, they’ll harm nearby life. You must prepare.”

Past wizard invasions saw similar events.

Wizards performed blood sacrifices, devastating life to fuel powerful spells.