Chapter 169

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Chapter 169: How Did You Think to Ask a Dog for Directions?

Patricia swiftly completed solving the Space Magic Array! Her task was simple: briefly disrupt the magic array to allow two people to pass without triggering detection or an alarm.

Such a task was effortless for a Great Sage, and Patricia finished it in approximately twenty minutes.

“It’s done… I’ll use a short-effect disruption spell group to temporarily alter its magical operation; the detection array won’t notice. After we pass, the disruption spell will naturally dissipate.”

Several ingenious disruption spells strategically worked at key points in the magic array, temporarily preventing people from being teleported backward.

Although Dorothy was a warlock, she still found herself somewhat surprised by Patricia’s efficiency.

“Is this the power of a Great Sage…?”

“Hehe, so what? I’m truly impressive, aren’t I!” Patricia responded without restraint, her pride evident.

Dorothy had likely realized that this eccentric Great Sage became somewhat excitable around others, so she decided to prevent her from continuing her antics.

“Let’s hurry inside,” she said.

With that, Dorothy stepped into the inactive magic circle, officially entering Hillenbrand Town’s realm. Patricia followed closely behind.

The pair walked briefly through the southern forest before reaching the Southern New Development Zone of Hillenbrand Town. Once again, they both sensed numerous subtle magical waves in operation.

“Could this truly be a demon race prison? There are quite a few magical devices in use, and even the foundations and walls are constructed from magical materials… This must be for containing something legendary,” Patricia mused.

The Southern New Development Zone under the night sky remained indistinct, but Patricia’s Magic Perception allowed her to discern that the magical waves originated from simple magical devices. She also noted that the scattered buildings’ materials were extraordinary.

Upon further careful perception, she found herself stunned once more.

“Wait a moment, this structure… it doesn’t resemble a prison cell, and what exactly are these magical devices doing?”

She could detect devices drawing water, others containing grains for systematic distribution, and some maintaining consistent temperature and humidity in specific areas. Combined with the faint life force she perceived, Patricia became completely bewildered.

Dorothy, who was also exploring the surroundings, remained silent for an extended period. After casting night vision to survey the area, she tentatively offered a conclusion.

“This place seems more like… a storage facility for the demon race?”

“Are you serious?” Patricia rolled her eyes dismissively. “You upper-class imperial and kingdom dwellers are genuinely ignorant. The demon race would prefer capturing and consuming magical beasts raw rather than these plants and animals.”

“Then… could this be supplying Vera Plain and other locations? But that doesn’t make sense—the yield would be insufficient…” Dorothy pondered.

Patricia laughed upon hearing her speculation. “Who knows? But it’s genuinely fascinating that in a location for livestock and food cultivation, they employ magical tools and magical material construction for poultry and vegetable housing. Whoever leads this place, that demon race certainly knows how to innovate! The Wood Elf priests and nature church druids couldn’t match such creativity!”

She bounced around enthusiastically, guiding Dorothy on a tour of the Southern New Development Zone. Dorothy, lacking similar excitement, reluctantly followed Patricia’s lead.

“These ordinary crops actually possess magical material properties…”

“A level six enchanted hoe? How intriguing!”

“This small device waters itself? Wait… it’s not water, but a composite Magic Potion. Let me examine it… promotes growth, pest control, and weed removal… What remarkable features!”

“Ah ha ha ha, an automatic animal feeder!”

“Oh—a magical creature is present here! The aura is remarkably strong!”

After traversing the entire Southern New Development Zone, they finally reached the border between the Southern New Area and Hillenbrand Town.

There, a large gray dog lay sleeping soundly.

Sensing unexpected visitors, the greyhound—as large as two stacked wagons—quickly awakened. Standing on its hind legs and adopting a boxing stance, it looked around alertly.

“Woof woof?”

The soft sound seemed to inquire about their presence.

“Oh no!” Dorothy, believing potential trouble had arrived, swiftly activated her warlock magic, her eyes turning black.

Although she had never attempted to control or communicate with an abyss creature, preventing it from alerting the local demon race became her priority.

Surprisingly, the large greyhound proved remarkably communicative.

A mental link formed rapidly; the dog stood on all fours, regarding Dorothy and Patricia with a puzzled expression.

“Well done, little girl… This trick works on abyss creatures too!” Patricia, who had prepared to cast a spell, lowered her magical preparations and looked at Dorothy with admiration.

“No… this abyss creature seems somewhat unique,” Dorothy said while attempting to calm the greyhound. “No need to be nervous, no need to be nervous… We mean no harm.”

Her soothing words visibly pacified the once-startled abyss hound, named Dadaka.

At that moment, Patricia spoke directly to Dadaka. “Do you know of any nearby locations experiencing a significant magical energy surge recently?”

“Hey… that might make it alert again! And how could it possibly know about this?” Dorothy said hurriedly.

Unexpectedly, Dadaka displayed a thoughtful expression and pointed toward the northeast.

“In that direction? Thank you, good dog!” Patricia nodded.

Dorothy wore an expression of surprised effectiveness.

Only after Patricia bid farewell to Dadaka and began walking in the indicated direction did Dorothy finally ask, “How did you think to ask a deep void monster for directions?”

“It seemed quite friendly, so I simply tried it out… I didn’t expect it would actually work!”