Tonpa, in order to maintain his Nen Ability at its maximum range, needed to expend a considerable amount of Nen every moment.
Even with Cookie's assistance, each rest period required at least half an hour.
During that half-hour, Kuro found the entrance to the second underground level of the ruins.
Once Tonpa woke up, the group immediately headed to the entrance Kuro found.
There was nothing special about it… just a stone staircase leading downward.
Just as the group was about to descend the staircase, a rumbling sound suddenly came from above.
Dust and sand fell in trickles, and a noticeable tremor could be faintly felt.
It was as if... a massive herd of bison was stampeding across the surface above.
The sudden change made everyone slightly more alert.
"Is it those gear monsters?"
Thanks to Ai-chan's appraisals, the team learned that the gear monsters with energy crystals embedded in them were called Copper Mechanical Lifeforms.
But for ease of speaking, people like Tonpa still referred to them as gear monsters.
"Yes. Their movements suddenly became very violent and are heading towards the entrance. I don't know what's happening," Tonpa explained.
"Could it be because of that scarecrow?" Someone asked.
"That's not the reason."
"Could it be because of our intrusion?"
"Maybe. But if the copper mechanical lifeforms from the surface all enter the underground ruins, it might actually be good news for us."
"Hmm, with Knov's Hide-and-Seek, as long as we establish a second door, we can return to the entrance anytime. If there are no gear monsters on the surface, we won't have to worry about breaking out."
The commotion from the surface prompted everyone in the team to join the discussion.
"Let's go."
A moment later, Law interrupted their discussion and was the first to descend the staircase.
Although it wasn't clear what was happening with the copper mechanical lifeforms on the surface, regardless, it likely wouldn't affect them much.
Because Knov had already established a door not far from the entrance where they entered the underground ruins.
When the team wanted to leave the underground ruins, they could have Knov establish a second door on the spot, then enter Hide-and-Seek to perform spatial travel, returning to the first door location in a short time.
If the copper mechanical lifeforms entered the underground ruins en masse for some reason, it might actually be a good thing for them.
That way, when they wanted to leave, they could avoid meaningless combat.
Law's group walked down the long, sloping staircase and soon arrived at the second underground level of the ruins.
Upon arrival, they were greeted with a warm welcoming committee.
In front of the base of the stone staircase was an open, flat area.
Several hundred copper mechanical lifeforms floated in the air above the flat ground.
While the number couldn't compare to the surface, it was still considerable.
What surprised Law and the others was that upon discovering them, these copper mechanical lifeforms charged forward with an aggressive, almost frenzied demeanor. Even the fixed attack trajectories observed previously were distorted, showing significant deviation.
This clear change made everyone think of the earlier commotion from the surface.
However, there was no time to ponder that now.
Seeing the several hundred riotous copper mechanical lifeforms attacking, the main combatants immediately moved forward to meet them.
The one providing most of the firepower was still Stargie.
A series of clear, crisp harp sounds instantly wiped out a significant number of copper mechanical lifeforms.
Law straightforwardly summoned the White General, dealing devastating blows to the copper mechanical lifeforms.
In no time, under the powerful strength of Law's group, these several hundred copper mechanical lifeforms were destroyed, turning into a pile of scrap metal and gears.
One of the advantages of these copper mechanical lifeforms, which could be defined as a Calamity, was their numbers, followed by their attack characteristic that could rust targets.
Apart from that, the speed, strength, and hardness of the copper mechanical lifeforms didn't pose much of a threat in Law's view.
Compared to the copper mechanical lifeform encountered in another ruin last time, the ones here were indeed weaker.
If their speed could be increased a notch, combined with their close-range rusting attack characteristic, then they might be considered a threat. Otherwise, they could be dealt with using long-range attacks.
Law swept his gaze over the scattered wreckage on the ground, then surveyed the surroundings.
The light converted by the luminous algae illuminated the area. Even though not a trace of sunlight could be found on the second underground level, the edible vines still spread across the walls with a pleasingly lush growth.
Both the ceiling and the ground were paved with bricks of varying shapes, showing roughness everywhere.
Simply put, there wasn't much difference between the second and first underground levels.
"It feels a bit too easy," Kuro jumped onto a pile of scrap metal, swallowing the energy crystals that had fallen to the ground into his stomach space.
His words resonated with everyone present.
Compared to previous experiences, the copper mechanical lifeforms within these ruins didn't pose much of a threat.
"That's because the dangers are all handled by Law and the others..."
Nique muttered quietly, then ran to a wall covered in vines.
Judging by their appearance, they must taste great, he thought, reaching out to pick a segment of vine that looked and smelled excellent.
At that moment, Tonpa sensed something and urgently warned, "Nique, watch out!"
Hearing Tonpa's warning, Nique's nerves instantly tightened. Before he could do anything, he saw over a dozen snake-like black shadows dart out from the lush vines, heading straight for him.
Nique's heart turned cold. He reflexively released his Nen, intending to dodge, but realized it was too late.
Yet the next second, his field of vision underwent a dramatic change.
When he regained his senses, he found himself in a place constructed from giant building blocks.
"Still didn't make it in time."
A familiar voice sounded by his ear.
Nique turned sharply and stared at the person in front of him, dumbfounded. "Ging."
"Don't move."
Ging's expression was grave. He raised his right hand, infused with ample Nen, and suddenly chopped towards Nick's right shoulder.
Nick was startled, but Ging's action was too sudden. Before he could react again, his entire right arm had been severed by Ging.
The severed arm on the ground was already covered in rust, and a copper mechanical lifeform as thick as a finger was clinging to it.
It was only then that Nique felt the pain, blood spraying from the wound on his right shoulder.
Before Nique could fully understand what had happened, his vision shifted once more, returning to the open area of the second underground level ruins.
"Ignoring Nen Defense..."
Nique heard Law's words, followed by a sudden cool sensation at his wound… Law had applied half a leaf of Grass Jelly to it.
"Just now... what happened?"
Only then did Nique belatedly ask.
"Ging saved you."
Law briefly explained, then looked at the culprit of the attack… the small, delicate, snake-like copper mechanical lifeform.
"My apologies, it was my oversight," Tonpa said regretfully.