The closer he got to the surface, the more cautious Duke became.
His spiritual power, like delicate tendrils, first penetrated the last few meters of soil, carefully sensing the conditions on the ground.
The sound of the wind brushing against the ruins, the faint footsteps of the patrol in the distance...
After confirming that there were no other strange energy fluctuations or prying gazes around, Duke began to slowly move upwards.
He controlled the surrounding earth elements, causing the soil and rubble above his head to part silently like the surface of water, forming an unobtrusive hole just big enough for one person to pass through.
When he poked his head out from the ground, he saw the desolate ruins as far as the eye could see. Vivian was facing away from him, seemingly strolling casually, but her sharp gaze was scanning the distant wilderness and the direction leading into the city.
Like emerging from water, Duke silently rose completely out of the small hole.
