Chapter 374: Approaching

Helag kept a firm grip on the dagger with his right hand, wary of the worm’s sudden movements that might dislodge him.

The worm traveled about 3,000 meters underground at high speed.

Helag monitored the soil’s color, indicating proximity to the Land of Dawn.

Near cities, the soil was normal, while the polluted zone’s soil was black.

If the soil turned yellow, he’d reached the Land of Dawn.

Helag pondered which city lay eastward.

Cities in the west belonged to the Eye of the Storm, an unfavorable prospect for Helag.

In the polluted zone, he’d clashed with their explorers and killed some members.

He escaped during the Great Demon encounter, leaving Bawei and others to face it.

Survivors might pose a problem if he encountered them upon entering a city.

Especially the second-level wizard, whose survival odds were higher.

Complicating matters, Helag’s communication stone was destroyed by Bawei.

In the Land of Dawn, the stone facilitated many tasks, including identity verification.

Without it, everything became inconvenient.

In Seranthiel’s cities, replacing a lost stone was simple, done at the local city hall.

There, identity proof was easy, as everyone’s magic aura was unique.

Magic auras were like fingerprints, with no duplicates.

When Helag registered in Silvermoon City, his aura was recorded, recognizable by Seranthiel.

But in the Eye of the Storm’s territory, they lacked Seranthiel’s data, as such information was private.

Though the Land of Dawn’s wizard organizations cooperated, they maintained boundaries.

Population and aura data weren’t shared between organizations.

Thus, Helag couldn’t prove his identity in the Eye of the Storm’s cities.

Visiting their city hall to contact Pries was an option.

But Helag distrusted the Eye of the Storm.

In their city, caution was essential; they controlled everything.

Known for their assertiveness, they’d likely detain him if they learned of his actions in the polluted zone.

Without a stone, they’d exploit the situation, possibly probing Seranthiel’s secrets.

Helag foresaw these possibilities.

He couldn’t risk relying on their goodwill.

As the worm sped on, Helag contemplated his next steps, forming a plan.

***

One day later.

The worm halted, reluctant to proceed.

Using All Things Have Spirits, Helag sensed its fear, indicating a powerful presence ahead.

“Turn, bypass it, and continue east.”

Helag directed the worm to avoid the area.

The worm traveled north before resuming its eastern course.

At 3,000 meters deep, Helag couldn’t discern the threat that scared the worm.

This happened thrice, with the worm refusing to advance.

Helag repeatedly guided it around, returning to the original path.

Deep Blue’s map showed distinct detours.

Helag steered the worm, bypassing danger, then returning eastward.

This ensured safety, albeit at the cost of time.

Observing the map, Helag noted they’d have arrived sooner without detours.

After half a month, the soil’s color changed, prompting Helag to halt the worm and approach the surface.

Though the surface soil was black, its depth varied.

Closer to the Land of Dawn, the black layer thinned.

Helag noticed this days ago, signaling his approach to the Land of Dawn.

Today, the black soil thinned considerably, suggesting proximity.

He had the worm surface.

Emerging, Helag held a live mouse, swallowed by the worm earlier.

He’d caught it, anticipating its use.

Using All Things Have Spirits, Helag controlled the mouse, guiding it from the worm’s mouth.

His vision shifted to the mouse, which he directed eastward.

The mouse ran far, eventually spotting a high wall.

Relieved, Helag confirmed his return to the Land of Dawn.

He cautiously sent the mouse closer for observation.

Satisfied it was a city, Helag released the mouse.

Glancing at the worm’s interior, Helag patted it, saying, “I’m leaving; you can go back.”

Using Flash, he exited the worm, distancing himself to avoid attack.

The worm didn’t immediately notice Helag’s departure.

Only when it saw him did it realize its long-term occupant had left.