"We got separated!"
"Where's the captain?!"
"How are these damn walls moving on their own?!"
The mercenaries' voices grew fainter and fainter, clearly scattered into different sections of the labyrinth by the ancient mechanisms.
"It worked."
Rowan let out a relieved breath.
"At least we've shaken them off for now."
"But we still need to be careful," Logan warned. "These mechanisms are just as dangerous to us as they are to them. We need to find a way out as quickly as possible."
The two continued through the ever-shifting passageways, relying on their spiritual perception to determine the correct direction.
Although the environment was incredibly complex, their mental power allowed them to sense the broader structure of the corridors, preventing them from becoming completely lost.
After nearly half an hour of difficult navigation, they finally spotted light ahead.
It was another exit from the pyramid.
Beyond it lay the fog-covered world outside.
"We're finally getting out," Rowan said excitedly.
"Yes, but our troubles aren't over yet."
Logan stared at the exit with a grim expression.
"Right now, the entire Black Shark Mercenary Corps believes we're thieves. If we don't clear up that misunderstanding, moving around the Mist Forbidden Zone will become nearly impossible."
"So what do we do?" Rowan asked.
"We leave first and find somewhere safe before making plans," Logan decided.
"Maybe we can find a way to prove our innocence, or..."
"Or what?"
"Or we leave the Mist Forbidden Zone altogether and abandon this expedition."
Logan sighed helplessly.
"It's a shame, but staying alive is more important."
The moment they stepped out of the pyramid, the cold and oppressive atmosphere unique to the Mist Forbidden Zone enveloped them once again.
Compared to the warm, radiant interior of the pyramid, the outside world felt far more dangerous and suffocating.
"We need to make a decision now."
Logan gazed into the endless fog and calmly analyzed their situation.
"The longer we stay here, the deeper we'll sink into trouble."
"You mean we're leaving immediately?"
Rowan sounded reluctant.
"But we haven't gained anything valuable."
"Treasure isn't worth more than your life."
Logan's tone was firm.
"And now that the Black Shark Mercenary Corps sees us as enemies, staying here will only make things worse."
"Then how do we leave?"
Rowan asked.
"Our ship is still outside the restricted zone, but there might be mercenaries guarding it."
Logan thought for a moment.
A dangerous glint flashed across his eyes.
"We steal their ship."
"Steal their ship?"
Rowan blinked.
"Isn't that a little risky?"
"We don't have many choices left."
Logan shrugged.
"They already believe we're thieves. At this point, we might as well act the part once."
"No matter how much we explain, they won't believe we're innocent."
"That's true."
Rowan nodded.
"And taking their ship would technically count as self-defense."
"The problem is finding it."
Logan frowned.
"The Mist Forbidden Zone is huge. Their vessel could be anywhere."
"I remember Karl mentioning it when we entered the zone."
Rowan searched his memory.
"He said their ship was parked in a northern canyon, about thirty kilometers from here."
"Thirty kilometers..."
Logan calculated the distance.
"If we move at full speed, it should take around two hours. The real problem is avoiding the other mercenaries."
"They're probably still trapped inside the pyramid."
Rowan smirked.
"Those ancient mechanisms won't be solved that easily. They should buy us several hours."
"Then let's move."
Logan made his decision.
"Before they escape."
The two immediately headed toward the location where the ship was supposedly parked.
The terrain of the Mist Forbidden Zone was treacherous and constantly changing. Strange rock formations rose from the ground, while deep chasms lurked beneath the thick fog.
Their vision was severely restricted, forcing them to rely heavily on spiritual perception.
"The fog is thicker than before."
As they traveled, Rowan noticed something unusual.
"And I'm sensing some strange energy fluctuations."
"Probably an aftereffect of activating the pyramid's mechanisms," Logan guessed.
"The technology of that ancient civilization is far beyond anything we understand."
They continued forward.
Before long, a new threat emerged.
As they crossed what appeared to be a peaceful stretch of land, the ground suddenly trembled violently.
The earth split open.
Several gigantic creatures burst from beneath the surface.
They resembled enormous worms over ten meters long, their bodies covered in thick armored shells.
The most terrifying feature was their mouths.
Rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth filled their circular maws, perfectly designed for shredding prey.
"Native monsters of the Mist Forbidden Zone."
Logan immediately became alert.
"Be careful. They're extremely aggressive."
Before he could finish speaking, one of the giant worms lunged at Rowan.
Its mouth opened wide, releasing a foul stench.
Rowan dodged effortlessly and slammed his fist into its head.
Boom!
The tremendous impact sent the monster flying backward.
It crashed into a massive rock with a dull thunderous sound.
"Their defenses are impressive."
Rowan shook his aching fist.
"Ordinary attacks won't do much."
At the same time, the other worms attacked.
Despite their bulky appearance, they moved surprisingly fast.
Some charged directly with their massive bodies.
Others spat streams of corrosive liquid from their mouths.
"These things are troublesome."
Logan dodged another attack.
"But we can't afford to waste time here."
"Then let's finish this quickly."
Rowan agreed.
The two stopped holding back.
Although they appeared to be merely Planetary-level warriors, their combat experience and techniques far surpassed ordinary fighters of the same rank.
Within minutes, several giant worms were defeated and forced to retreat underground.
"Finally."
Rowan exhaled.
"But won't this fight expose our location?"
"Possibly."
Logan scanned the surroundings.
"But we didn't have another choice."
"Let's just hope Karl and the others are still trapped in the pyramid."
They resumed their journey.
After another grueling two hours, they finally reached the northern canyon.
The location was extremely secluded.
Towering cliffs surrounded the area, making it an ideal place to hide a spacecraft.
"There."
Rowan pointed toward the deepest section of the canyon.
"I can see it."
Sure enough, a medium-sized transport ship rested quietly at the far end.
The vessel was silver-gray, built with practicality rather than elegance in mind.
The emblem of the Black Shark Mercenary Corps was clearly painted on its hull.
"It doesn't look like anyone is guarding it."
Logan carefully observed the surroundings.
"That's good news."
"No."
Rowan suddenly narrowed his eyes.
"Something's wrong."
"There's an energy shield around the ship."
"And I can sense mechanical activity inside."
Logan focused his perception and quickly confirmed Rowan's suspicion.
At first glance, the vessel seemed unguarded.
In reality, it was protected by an automated defense system.
Some kind of machine was still operating inside.
"So they weren't careless after all."
Logan's expression darkened.
"They left behind an automatic security system."
"What do we do?"
Rowan asked.
"Force our way through it?"
"Let's look for weaknesses first."
Logan remained cautious.
"If that fails, we'll attack directly."
The two began analyzing the defensive shield.
Using their spiritual perception, they discovered that while the barrier covered the entire vessel, several connection points had noticeably weaker energy density.
"That spot."
Logan pointed beneath the ship.
"If we strike multiple weak points simultaneously, we might be able to create a temporary opening."
"I'll support you."
Rowan nodded.
They moved into position and launched a coordinated attack.
Precise bursts of mental force slammed into the weak points.
The shield immediately fluctuated.
"It worked!"
Rowan grinned.
Unfortunately, their success triggered the ship's alarm system.
A shrill warning siren echoed throughout the canyon.
At the same time, the vessel's hatch opened.
A towering mechanical figure stepped out.
"Intruder detected. Intruder detected."
The machine's electronic voice was cold and emotionless.
"Activating defense protocol. Eliminating threat."
It was an advanced combat robot.
Over three meters tall, its body was forged from a special alloy that shimmered with blue energy.
Its most intimidating feature was its weaponry.
Both arms had been replaced with high-energy laser cannons.
"Guardian robot."
Logan's face grew serious.
"The Black Shark Mercenary Corps really came prepared."
"Based on its energy output, it's at least equivalent to a late Planetary-level fighter."
Rowan quickly assessed the threat.
"This won't be easy."
"Warning ignored. Commencing attack sequence."
The robot's eyes shifted from blue to a dangerous crimson.
Its laser cannons began charging.
"Move!"
Logan shouted.
The two immediately split apart.
Boom! Boom!
Two massive laser beams erupted from the cannons.
The spots where they had stood moments earlier were instantly vaporized.
Solid stone melted into glowing craters.
"That's some serious firepower."
Rowan dodged another shot.
"If a Planetary-level warrior takes that head-on, they'll be severely injured."
The robot's attack pattern was extremely consistent.
Ironically, that consistency created opportunities.
Every shot required a brief charging period.
Its turning speed was also relatively slow.
"I'll keep it distracted."
Logan quickly devised a plan.
"You attack from the side."
"Understood."
Rowan immediately moved into position.
Logan began darting across the battlefield, using the canyon's terrain to constantly change directions and draw the robot's attention.
Meanwhile, Rowan quietly circled around its flank.
"Target movement exceeds prediction parameters. Recalculating firing solution."
The robot's mechanical voice echoed through the canyon.
"Now!"
Seizing the perfect moment, Rowan unleashed a full-powered punch into the robot's side.
Boom!
The impact forced the machine to stumble backward several steps.
However, its armor was astonishingly durable.
The attack only left a shallow dent.
"Armor damage: 15%."
"Activating emergency repair protocol."
To Rowan's annoyance, the damaged section began repairing itself almost immediately.
"Damn it."
Rowan clicked his tongue.
"It can self-repair."
"If this drags on, it'll wear us down."
"Then we need to destroy its control core in a single strike."
Logan calmly analyzed the situation.
"Every combat robot has one. Destroy the core, and the machine shuts down."
"Where would the core be?"
Rowan asked.
"Usually the chest or the head."
Logan narrowed his eyes.
"But a robot of this level will definitely have extra protection."
The battle continued as they searched for weaknesses.
After careful observation, they noticed a special armored plate embedded in the robot's chest.
The energy signature beneath it was significantly stronger than anywhere else.
"That plate."
Logan pointed.
"The control core is probably underneath."
"But that's also where the armor is thickest."
Rowan frowned.
"Can we break through it?"
"If we attack together, we should be able to."
Logan considered the possibilities.
"We just need an opening."
The robot seemed to reach the same conclusion.
It adjusted its tactics, becoming far more defensive and carefully shielding its chest.
"Enemy strategy detected."
The robot's voice remained emotionless.
"Updating defense priorities."
"Protecting core system."
"It's learning."
Rowan's eyes widened slightly.
"This AI is incredibly advanced."
"High-end combat robots can adapt."
Logan nodded.
"It will continue refining its strategy as the battle progresses."
"The longer this goes on, the worse it becomes for us."
At that moment, the distant roar of engines echoed from beyond the canyon.
Both men froze.
Aircraft.
Something was approaching.
Logan's face immediately changed.
"This is bad."
"Karl and the others may have escaped the pyramid."
"And they're heading here."
"Then we need to finish this robot now."
Rowan instantly understood the urgency.
The two finally stopped holding back.
Although they were disguising themselves as Planetary-level fighters, their actual combat skill and experience far exceeded that level.
"Follow my lead!"
Logan shouted before charging directly toward the robot.
The machine immediately rotated its cannons toward him.
At the same time, Rowan launched a feint attack from another direction, forcing the robot to divide its attention.
"Multiple threats detected."
"Prioritizing nearest target."
The robot chose Logan.
Its laser cannons began charging once more.
Exactly as they had planned.
The instant the machine focused entirely on Logan, its side was left completely exposed to Rowan.
-------------------------------
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