Wizard: My magic facility can be upgraded!

Chapter 241 The Big Cave Master and the Main Nest

Chapter 241 The Big Cave Master and the Main Nest

The two had just returned to their lair and hadn't even had time to process their prey when Lillian came to greet them, her expression more serious than usual.

"Li Ang, I have news," she said, getting straight to the point.

"We just learned that a few days ago, a ratman scout operating within Avalon City happened to see a group of elven guards escorting a half-elf—wearing a black robe very similar to the one you wore before—into Avalon. Judging from the direction they were heading, they were heading towards the 'Court of Gods.'"

Upon hearing the news, Li Ang's heart skipped a beat: "The Divine Court? What is that place? Where exactly is it located?"

"The Divine Court—" A deep sense of dread appeared on Lillian's face.

"That is the heart of Avalon, the residence of the Elven King and the High Priest. Located in the very center of the Holy City, it is the most heavily fortified place in all of Avalon. Not to mention us outcasts," even ordinary elven nobles cannot set foot there without being summoned.

Her gaze fell on Li Ang's face. She saw the determination in his eyes and sighed softly, "I know you want to find her, but forcibly entering the Divine Court is tantamount to suicide. Not only are there the most elite guards and the most powerful restrictions there, but it is also said to contain ancient war colossi and protective barriers. Any unauthorized intruder will be instantly detected and annihilated."

Li Ang remained silent for a moment, his mind racing. Forcing his way in was indeed the most foolish choice. He needed information, a path, or a loophole.

"Is it possible—to sneak in from underground?" Li Ang asked, even though he knew the chances were slim.

Lillian shook her head: "With the barrier in place, infiltration is almost impossible." She then changed the subject: "However—perhaps there is someone who can help you."

"Who?"

"Great Cave Master," Lillian slowly uttered three words.

Seeing Li Ang's puzzled expression, she explained, "The 'Lost Nest' isn't just ours. In this vast underground world, there are many settlements like ours, composed of the abandoned, differing only in size. All the nests, nominally, revere a common leader, the Great Cave Master. He is not only the strongest warrior and leader among us, but also possesses many passages and secrets unknown to us, and may even have extremely covert connections with certain forces within the Elven realm. It is precisely because of the Great Cave Master's coordination, protection, and provision of some key resources that our scattered nests have been able to barely survive under the Elven noses."

She looked at Li Ang and said sincerely, "Li Ang, although you have only been here a short time, we have all seen what you have done for our nest. The food you brought, the wounds you healed, the potions you concocted—these contributions are more than enough. I believe you are qualified to be received by the Great Cave Master. And I will make the introduction for you."

Li Ang took a deep breath, suppressing his anxiety: "What do I need to do?"

"First, you need to come with me to the main lair where the Great Cave Lord resides. It's not close to here; it will take about two days to travel underground," Lillian said.

"Secondly, once you arrive at the main hive, my introduction alone isn't enough. The Highlord is busy with many affairs and is often away from the hive. Until he returns, you need to continue demonstrating your value there and earn the approval of the main hive's inhabitants, especially the Highlord's lieutenant. I suggest you apply to join the main hive's self-defense force," which is responsible for hive defense, patrols, and handling internal emergencies—the most direct and effective way to showcase your abilities.

"I understand." Li Ang nodded without hesitation. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," Lillian said, "get a good rest tonight. The main hive—it's much bigger and more complicated than this place."

The following morning, Leon and Lillian, seeing off Mia and many residents, embarked on their journey to the main hive.

The underground journey was tedious and long, with passages that were sometimes wide and sometimes so narrow that one had to bend over and crawl.

Occasionally, one can hear the murmuring of an underground river or the rustling of small underground creatures crawling by.

After about two days of trekking, the passage ahead gradually became wider and brighter.

When they emerged from a hidden exit, the sight before them moved Li Ang slightly.

This is a gigantic underground space more than ten times larger than Lillian's lair, with a high dome that is inlaid with many magic lamps emitting a soft white light.

The space was planned in an orderly manner, with glowing mushrooms and shade-tolerant tuber crops planted on large tracts of cultivated land. There were even a few fruit trees, which, under the light provided by the magic lamps, bore a tree full of bright red, unidentified fruits.

Rows of stone houses were built along the street. Although simple, they were much more orderly than the mud houses in Lillian's area.

The nest even has underground water flowing into the center, with a small, man-made pond.

The area is bustling with a large number of residents of diverse races. In addition to common races such as cat people, dog-headed people, rat people, and lizard people, Li Ang also saw winged bat people and several elephant people who were about three meters tall.

The residents here have a noticeably better mental outlook; although their clothes are not luxurious, they are relatively neat and appear quite lively.

"This is the main nest," Lillian whispered, "the Great Cave Lord and his lieutenant are here."

Led by Lillian, they headed straight for the tallest building at the foot of the rock wall, constructed of neatly stacked stones.

Two burly bear-men, clad in metal armor and wielding spears, stood guard at the entrance of the building.

Lillian stepped forward and politely addressed one of the guards, "I am Lillian Cameron, the master of 'Fallen Leaf Nest.' I have business with the Grand Master; please announce my arrival."

The guard clearly recognized Lillian and was fairly polite: "Please wait a moment, I'll go in and report right away." With that, he turned and went into the stone house.

Not long after, the guard returned, accompanied by a woman.

This woman was at least two meters tall, half a head taller than Li Ang. She had solid muscles all over her body and was full of explosive power.

She has distinct feline features, with round ears and vertical pupils, but she is much more robust than the cat-human.

Her body was covered in short, snow-white fur with smooth black stripes, like ink marks drawn on snow.

She wore a well-fitting dark leather armor, with two curved swords, one long and one short, at her waist. Her eyes were imposing and she exuded a kingly aura as she walked.

"Lord Lillian, it's been a long time," the woman said, her voice deep and resonant, like a tiger's roar.

"The Great Cave Master is currently on an inspection tour and his return date is uncertain. You can settle down in the lair for now, and I will send someone to inform you as soon as the Great Cave Master returns."

Lillian bowed slightly: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Ms. Sherry."