The Hidden Teleportation Array

Ye Jue scanned their surroundings. He had never undertaken this particular quest before.

In his previous life, Black Spade A had completed it but hadn’t released a guide, as he wasn’t one to flaunt his achievements. Moreover, Black Spade A had the assistance of a large guild, ensuring a much higher efficiency than what just two people could achieve.

His sole advantage lay in his knowledge of future events. Even though he hadn’t personally experienced it, the grandeur of the first expansion pack was still a popular topic of discussion on the forums, long after its release.

Ye Jue pondered for a moment. He recalled discussions on the forums, specifically how the monsters in the first expansion pack had emerged from a direction fifteen degrees east of south.

If he were to search for clues, investigating that area might prove to be an excellent starting point.

Lin Shenyue followed Ye Jue deeper into the forest, admitting that she had long since lost her bearings.

At this point, she could only trail closely behind him, step for step, to avoid getting lost.

Suddenly, a disturbing aura enveloped her, making her feel profoundly uneasy.

Ye Jue noticed Lin Shenyue’s pace slacken. He turned to look at her, her brow furrowed in discomfort, and asked, “What’s wrong, Yue’er?”

Lin Shenyue hesitated for a moment before voicing her sensation: “I feel an uncomfortable aura emanating from ahead.”

Ye Jue paused, then realized that at 100% pain sensitivity, one’s awareness of auras would also be heightened, especially for opposing energies. This was similar to the way water mages and fire mages, or light priests and dark priests, would react to each other.

Yue’er’s discomfort likely meant their destination was close at hand.

‘If we’re nearing the destination, we must be careful,’ Ye Jue thought to himself, his actions becoming increasingly cautious. He began to pay particular attention to potential hiding spots and meticulously controlled his movements.

Lin Shenyue followed Ye Jue, and though she didn’t understand his sudden change in demeanor, she knew this was not the time to ask questions.

Ye Jue carefully evaded a tree where a hidden sentry was stationed. A lack of vigilance could easily lead to their discovery, making their entry much more difficult.

After another two minutes of walking, they faintly discerned something ahead. Both lowered their bodies and slowly crept forward.

[Ding! You have discovered a formation, seemingly linked to an anomalous situation. The area is teeming with enemies. You must report back immediately.]

A clearing suddenly appeared in the forest, revealing a gigantic magic circle drawn on the ground. Ye Jue’s eyes lit up upon seeing it; he knew this was it.

Based on his experience from his previous life, this was a summoning array. Such an enormous formation was undoubtedly the source of the monsters from the first expansion pack.

Ye Jue understood that even if he had found the teleportation array now, destroying it would be impossible. Even reporting it to an NPC immediately would lead to various delays, and the array would still activate as scheduled. Otherwise, how else would the next expansion pack begin?

He glanced at the numerous black-robed figures standing beside the teleportation array, signaled Lin Shenyue to leave, and slowly retreated.

Their departure went unnoticed, and having smoothly completed the task, Lin Shenyue and Ye Jue quietly exited the forest once more.

“What was that just now?” Lin Shenyue couldn’t help but ask.

“That was a teleportation array,” Ye Jue replied. “For now, its purpose isn’t clear, but it should be related to the future progression of the main storyline.”

Lin Shenyue nodded, then inquired, “Why did you suddenly become so cautious? Was there a risk of being discovered?”

Ye Jue looked at Lin Shenyue’s wide eyes, sparkling with curiosity. His heart skipped a beat, but he quickly composed himself and explained, “Your discomfort indicates an opposing aura ahead, and it must be quite potent. This means we weren’t far from our destination.

“Given how often the system tricks players and rarely makes quests easy, there were bound to be patrols or hidden sentries. That’s why I was extra careful, and sure enough, there was a sentry in the tree.”

Lin Shenyue was slightly startled. She hadn’t even seen where the person was, meaning the sentry was extremely well-hidden. How had Ye Jue found them?

“With enough experience, you’ll naturally find them,” Lin Shenyue suddenly heard Ye Jue say. She then realized she had unconsciously spoken her thoughts aloud. She watched Ye Jue, who was now leading the way with an unwavering gaze. Though she longed to know why he possessed such extensive experience, she ultimately held back her questions.

In silence, the two returned to the city.