Fantasy Game: Infinite City

Chapter 708, Floor 94 (10)

Riley and Moke immediately teleported to Evan's side, examining the inscription. Sure enough, this inscription was larger than the others, with thicker lines, emitting a medium-to-high golden glow, and its energy intensity was indeed higher than the other markings. "That's right, the energy reaction of this inscription is indeed different from the others," Riley said. "Moreover, the shape of the inscription does resemble the handle of a spoon; it should be the inscription corresponding to the planet Tian Shu."

Evan nodded and said, "Great, we've found the first one. Next, we'll continue searching for Tianxuan Star. Tianxuan Star is the second star in the Big Dipper. Its markings are smaller and finer than those of Tianshu Star. Its energy intensity is also slightly lower than that of Tianshu Star. The shape of its markings resembles an extension of a spoon handle."

The three continued their search, and with the experience from the first attempt, the subsequent searches went much more smoothly. Lai used the probe waves to filter out markings with energy levels slightly lower than those on Tian Shu, while Evan meticulously identified each marking based on its shape and texture. Soon, they found the marking corresponding to Tian Xuan—this marking was smaller than that of Tian Shu, with fine lines, and its shape resembled an extension of a spoon handle, perfectly matching Evan's description.

Next, they successively found the markings corresponding to the stars Tianji, Tianquan, Yuheng, Kaiyang, and Yaoguang. The marking on Tianji is smaller than that on Tianxuan, with curved lines resembling the corner of a spoon; the marking on Tianquan is the smallest of the seven, with the finest lines and the lowest energy intensity, resembling the center of a spoon; the marking on Yuheng is larger than that on Tianquan, with straight lines and moderate energy intensity; the marking on Kaiyang is about the same size as that on Yuheng, with a forked line, resembling two stars close together; the marking on Yaoguang is larger than that on Kaiyang, with a small dot at the end of the line, marking the endpoint of the Big Dipper, and its energy intensity is second only to Tianshu.

All seven engravings have been found. Arranged in the order of the Big Dipper on both sides of the passage, from left to right, from the constellation Dubhe to the constellation Yao Guang, forming a complete dipper shape that perfectly matches the outline of the celestial magic array. "Great! All seven engravings have been found!" Moke breathed a sigh of relief, his voice filled with joy. "Now, we just need to activate these engravings one by one in order to form the celestial magic array and, with the help of stellar power, open the exit."

Evan shook his head and said, "We can't rush things. Activating the engravings requires precise control of the amount of magical energy injected. The magical energy requirements for each star corresponding to each engraving are different. Tian Shu and Yao Guang require more magical energy, Tian Quan requires the least, and the other stars only need a moderate amount. Moreover, the activation order must strictly follow the arrangement of the Big Dipper, starting with Tian Shu, and then activating Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, and Yao Guang in that order. There can be no mistakes; if the order is wrong, the magic circle will go out of control."

He paused, then continued, "Furthermore, during the activation of the engravings, Riley, you need to use phase energy to connect each engraving, allowing the magical energy of the seven engravings to flow between them and form a complete energy ring; Mok, you need to use fel energy to form a barrier around the magic circle. On one hand, this is to prevent magical energy from leaking out and to stabilize the operation of the magic circle; on the other hand, it is to protect ourselves. In case the magical energy becomes disordered, the fel energy barrier can play a certain defensive role; I will be responsible for injecting magical energy, precisely controlling the amount of energy injected according to the needs of each engraving, and activating the engravings one by one."

"Understood!" Riley and Moke said in unison, and the two immediately got ready.

Mok walked to the center of the passage, releasing his fel energy with all his might. The fel energy spread along the ground, forming a thick, dark purple fel energy barrier around the outline of the magic circle composed of seven engravings. This barrier enveloped the entire magic circle, its surface covered with fine patterns to stabilize the magical energy and prevent leakage. Riley teleported to the engraving corresponding to the Celestial Pisces, condensing phase energy at his fingertips into a thin energy line, gently connecting it to the Celestial Pisces engraving, while simultaneously preparing to connect to the next engraving. Evan walked to the engraving corresponding to the Celestial Pisces, his staff pressed tightly against the engraving, taking a deep breath, ready to inject magical energy.

"Are you ready? We'll begin activating the first engraving, Tian Shu Star!" Evan's tone was somewhat solemn, his eyes fixed on the engraving, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

"Ready!" Riley and Moke shouted in unison.

Without hesitation, Evan began to infuse his staff with magical energy. Pale golden magical energy flowed continuously into the inscription corresponding to the star Tian Shu. He carefully controlled the amount of energy injected, ensuring it met the inscription's needs without overloading it. Under the infusion of magical energy, the inscription gradually shone with a dazzling golden light, and the lines became increasingly clear. A thin stream of magical energy flowed slowly along the lines of the inscription, extending towards the next inscription (the star Tian Xuan).

"Riley, connect to the Tianxuan Star Mark!" Evan shouted.

Riley instantly teleported to the mark corresponding to the Heavenly Pivot Star. The phase energy at his fingertips condensed into energy lines once more, connecting to the Heavenly Pivot Star mark. At the same time, he connected the magical energy extending from the Heavenly Pivot Star mark to the Heavenly Pivot Star mark. "Connection successful!"

Evan nodded, slowing the rate of magical energy injection and adjusting the intensity, before beginning to infuse magical energy into the Tianxuan Star Mark. Under the infusion of magical energy, the Tianxuan Star Mark gradually glowed with a golden light, echoing the light of the Tianshu Star Mark. The magical energy of the two marks flowed between them through the connection of phase energy, forming a faint energy line.

In this way, Evan infused magical energy into each of the seven engravings one by one, while Riley simultaneously used phase energy to connect each engraving, allowing the magical energy to flow between them. Mok maintained the fel barrier at all times, constantly sensing the changes in the magical energy, and immediately reminded Evan to adjust it if he found any signs of energy disorder.

Activating Tian Shu and Tian Xuan went relatively smoothly, but an unexpected incident occurred when activating Tian Quan. The inscription corresponding to Tian Quan was the smallest of the seven inscriptions, requiring the least magical energy. Although Evan had slowed down the energy injection rate, he still accidentally injected too much magical energy, causing the light of the Tian Quan inscription to suddenly become dazzling. The magical energy became disordered, spreading outwards and colliding with Mok's fel energy barrier, producing a muffled "boom." The fel energy barrier shook violently, and tiny cracks appeared.

"Energy overload! Evan, quickly reduce the magical energy input!" Mok shouted immediately, exerting all his strength to increase the output of fel energy, repair the cracks on the fel energy barrier, and prevent the barrier from breaking.

Evan's expression changed, and he immediately stopped injecting magical energy. At the same time, he waved his staff, releasing a magical shockwave to channel the excess magical energy to the fel barrier, using it to dissipate the excess energy. "Understood! Reducing energy injection and channeling excess energy!"

Riley immediately sprang into action, using phase energy to temporarily sever the connection between the Celestial Megrez and Alioth star markings to prevent the chaotic magical energy from spreading to other markings and causing further accidents. "Connection disconnected, preventing energy spread!"

Working together, the three of them managed to deplete the excess magical energy after several seconds of effort. The light from the Tianquan Star Mark gradually softened, and the magical energy stabilized. Mok breathed a sigh of relief, withdrawing some of his fel energy. The cracks in the fel energy barrier gradually healed, but his face turned pale, clearly indicating that the energy expenditure had been significant for him. Riley also reconnected the Tianquan Star Mark to the Yuheng Star Mark, and the light from the phase energy became somewhat weaker. Evan wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice tinged with guilt: "I'm sorry, I was too careless. I didn't control the amount of energy injected properly and almost caused an accident."

“It’s alright,” Moke shook his head and said, “None of us have experience, so it’s normal for accidents to happen. As long as we are careful, we will definitely succeed. Next, when injecting energy, be slower and more precise. Don’t rush.”

Riley nodded and said, "That's right, Evan, you don't need to blame yourself too much. We still have enough energy. As long as we proceed steadily, we will definitely be able to activate the magic circle and open the exit. Next, I will connect the markings more precisely, and disconnect them immediately if any abnormality is detected in the energy."

Evan nodded, took a deep breath, composed himself, and began channeling magical energy into the Tianquan Star Mark once more. This time, he was exceptionally careful, slowing the infusion rate to its slowest possible speed, injecting the energy little by little, constantly observing the Mark's reaction to ensure the energy wouldn't overload again. Under the gentle infusion of magical energy, the Tianquan Star Mark gradually glowed with a soft golden light, and the magical energy became increasingly stable.

With the unexpected event involving Tianquan Star resolved, the subsequent activation went much more smoothly. Evan precisely controlled the amount of magical energy injected into each inscription, Riley precisely connected each inscription, and Mok maintained the fel energy barrier at all times, vigilantly observing the surrounding movements. The moment Evan injected enough magical energy into the last inscription—Yaoguang Star—and Riley used phase energy to connect the Yaoguang Star inscription with the Tianshu Star inscription, all seven inscriptions simultaneously lit up with a dazzling golden glow. The magical energy flowed between them under the connection of phase energy, forming a complete celestial magic circle. The surface of the magic circle displayed the pattern of the Big Dipper, with clear lines and dazzling light.

The entire passage trembled violently, even more violently than when the core mechanism was first activated. The magical ore overhead shone with increasing brilliance, and the magical energy in the air grew increasingly concentrated, even forming golden energy currents that flowed through the passage. Mok immediately increased the output of his fel energy to reinforce the fel energy barrier, protecting the three of them in the middle from the tremors and energy currents. Riley teleported to Evan's side and used phase energy to form a secondary barrier to protect Evan. Evan, meanwhile, brandished his staff, pouring all his magical energy into it to stabilize the operation of the astrological magic circle, guiding it to open the exit with the help of stellar power.

The sound of the celestial magic circle operating grew louder and louder, the pattern of the Big Dipper becoming clearer and clearer. A golden pillar of light rose from the center of the magic circle, piercing through the top of the passage and reaching the top of the underground waterway. The surface of the pillar was covered with celestial patterns, radiating dazzling light. Then, a circular exit slowly opened at the center of the magic circle. The exit emitted a soft light, and bright light and green plants could be vaguely seen outside. Clearly, that was the exit of the underground waterway, their hope for escape.

"Success!" Mok let out a long breath, a long-lost smile appearing on his face. The faint glow of fel energy around him, though weak, was filled with joy. The prolonged vigilance and energy depletion had left him exhausted, but at this moment, all fatigue was replaced by the joy of escape.

Riley also withdrew his phase energy, a smile appearing on his face. Although his arms were still sore and his strength was greatly depleted, he felt a surge of relief as he looked at the exit before him. "Great, we can finally leave this hellhole."

"Actually, it's not too bad. After all, apart from expending a lot of energy, there really aren't any enemies or even traps in this underground waterway, at least not in the vicinity we've passed through." Evan leaned on his staff, sat down against the wall, and began to recover his magic power. After a brief moment of thought, Evan spoke again.

"You said if we don't go out first..."

Moke and Riley glanced at Evan and quickly understood what he meant.

"Are you suggesting that there might be something hidden in this area?"

Evan shook his head, but his gaze drifted to another passage a little further into the waterway, which seemed to lead deeper. "I can't say for sure, but it's a complex puzzle, yet there are no enemies, neutral units, or even a decent mechanism. I feel this is a bit much. Perhaps the waterway we've explored only covers a small portion of this area. I suggest we recover our strength first, then venture further in. After all, we've already opened an exit, and I've checked it; it's not time-limited—once it's open, it's open."

“What you said makes a good point. What do you think, Riley?”

“I think that makes sense too. Let’s do it this way for now. Let’s get back to normal and then go deeper to see if there are any hidden quests or NPCs.”