Wasteland Echoer.

Chapter 703 "Airborne Worms" (Part 1)
"Era 5: Beyond reincarnation lies another reincarnation. The god who governs the western reincarnation is called 'Sami,' the god who governs the eastern reincarnation is called 'Trayastrimsa,' and the one who rules over all reincarnations is called 'The Creator.' What the dragons are experiencing, have experienced, and will inevitably experience in the future, is all the past they have experienced. Destruction is inevitable, and rebirth from the ruins is also inevitable, unless [Order] descends and restarts the world. On the day of the restart, the cycle of the Creator will be broken, and the dragons and their wise allies will also reap the rewards of the newly born 'Stars.'" — *Dragon's Words*

"What are these?" Wright asked curiously, pointing to the enormous creatures in front of him, whose shapes were extremely bizarre and completely contrary to human aesthetics.

He felt no fear of these enormous, even abnormally obese, monsters, but rather a deep-seated unease, like savoring a hard-earned apple only to find its golden exterior masking a nauseating bitterness and grotesque odor.

Meanwhile, these monsters seemed to be swimming in the air, their enormous bodies hovering recklessly in a state that defied the laws of physics. As they passed in front of the two, they even emitted low, faint sobs like children.

"They are the guardians of this place, or perhaps the strange creatures formed from the resentment of those who strayed into the 'Red Zone' over thousands of years. During the old Empire's rule over Nebusk, they were referred to as 'aerial worms' in document 'N-SSS-032'." Blood Wolf deliberately lowered his voice, seemingly consciously avoiding these repulsive creatures.

"Are they harmful? I mean, will they prevent us from going deeper into the 'Red Layer' and reaching the location of the 'Control Pod' and the 'Creator's Mechanical Heart'?" Wright asked.

The moment the "control pod" was mentioned, a flicker of concern and panic crossed Blood Wolf's eyes, but his signature wolf mask was positioned perfectly to conceal his vision, preventing Wright from noticing this subtle change in expression.

After hesitating for about three or four seconds, "Blood Wolf" coughed lightly, put on a bitter expression that was neither a smile nor a laugh, and said in a low voice:
"It seems that 'Xianyong' is very honest with you, even telling you about the 'control pod.' Well, for a 'strong person' like you, he should tell you the whole truth and sincerely hope for your cooperation. However…"

Surprisingly, "Blood Wolf" stopped lowering his voice and instead answered in a near-loud tone:
"These 'aerial worms' are the guardians of this place. They are controlled by the 'functional red zone' and will do everything in their power to punish anyone who dares to venture into the deepest part. After all, they are all transformed from the bodies of those who have exhausted their 'time element'."

"In fact, through the research of the Nabrius team, they discovered that the physical bodies of the deceased in the 'functional red zone' do not disappear into thin air. Just like the world and universe created by the Creator, matter and energy only change from one form to another."

"They... are the bodies of some of the unfortunate souls who died here... transformed from their physical forms? It seems plausible, after all, their consciousnesses were forever imprisoned in a chaotic dimension. The 'Functional Red Domain' must use their bodies for something." Wright, seemingly understanding, forced a interpretation of "Blood Wolf's" words, and then continued to ask:

"But these 'air worms,' as the guardians of this place, don't seem to intend to attack us. They're just a little... well, disgusting. Do they pose a threat to us?"

“Every place where ‘treasure’ is buried has its guardian, and the guardian’s duty is to eliminate all intruders. Wright, you’ve experienced so many adventures in the Genne Empire and the Crusad Federation. Ask yourself honestly, has there ever been a place where important supplies were stored without the guardian ever attacking you?” “Blood Wolf” sneered, glancing at Wright as if he were looking at a naive child.

However, the next second, he withdrew that slightly insulting look, and instead, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly as he waited for Wright's reaction.

"In my memory... whether it's the 'Science and Technology Station,' the Otherworldly Waters, the Silent Highlands, or the 'Underground Palace of the Khitan Lis Emperor' that I visited recently, there are indeed guardians there. Regardless of their strength, they will definitely launch an attack on any intruders," Wright analyzed with a hint of doubt.
"However, I always felt something was strange about these 'aerial worms'. I didn't smell much of an aggressive aura from them, and they felt completely different from the underground ruins I had entered before... They seemed to be afraid of something."

"Fear?" A faint hint of anger and impatience flashed across "Blood Wolf's" face, but he quickly suppressed it.

He slowly walked to Wright's side, his gaze fixed on the "Mad Bear" pistol at his waist, which was polished to an exceptionally high shine.

Then, at near-sonic speed, he drew Wright's sidearm from his waist, disengaged the safety, chambered a round, and shoved it into Wright's hand.

“That’s just a disguise for these ‘monsters,’ Wright. They’re lingering and hovering, trying to deceive us with false goodwill, thereby depleting the little ‘time element’ in our bodies, waiting for us to run out of energy and be obliterated by the ‘functional red zone’.”

"Blood Wolf" spoke, standing behind Wright, one arm around his waist, the other gripping Wright's right hand and the "Mad Bear" pistol in his hand, slowly but forcefully raising it until the thick muzzle was aimed at the "wriggling" "aerial worms." "The 'guardians' of some important locations will resolutely carry out their leader's orders, such as the Federal Council guards stationed at the 'Gorilla Domain Main Hall.' If anyone approaches, they will open fire without hesitation, even Vasily's successor, his secretary Kuka." "Blood Wolf's" voice gradually deepened, carrying a hidden allure, as he continued:

“Some guardians, however, will disguise themselves as completely harmless, launching a fatal attack when you lower your guard, or wasting your time and causing you to miss your opportunities while you hesitate. Wright, take a close look at these ‘aerial worms.’ Beneath their seemingly fearful behavior, is there a ‘conspiracy’ representing death and the underworld?”

"A conspiracy... aura?" Wright gradually tightened his grip on the "Mad Bear" pistol in his hand, and began to carefully observe these "monsters" who still dared not approach them and were just wandering around in the air.

These "aerial worms" are indeed very large, generally more than 5 meters long, and even the smallest one is 3 meters wide.

Their bodies were covered with a layer of smooth white scales, which remarkably remained pure white and unblemished against the deep red environment. However, at the junction of these "empty worms'" scales and skin, a thick, viscous black and dark yellow oil seeped out, resembling grease left on long-unwashed kitchen utensils. This emanated a foul, pungent, and nauseating stench of rotting food, blood, and engine oil throughout the vast space.

Most bizarrely, these "airborne worms" do indeed wriggle in mid-air like maggots, their body segments appearing as if pieced together from bamboo. Perhaps the unique structure and magnetic field of the "Functional Red Zone" allow them to move freely in the air, but in reality, they have not grown any wings, and even the fins and gills commonly found on fish are strangely hanging on their bellies, showing no signs of use whatsoever.

Their faces, cast in steel, exude a ferocity and evil that belongs to humans, like evil demons looking down on the world from above. But near their heads, on what could be called ears, two wires extend out, hanging two "light bulbs" that emit heat and light by bio-energy.

In addition, their bodies were covered with moss of varying shades, and strangely shaped metal fragments grew near some of the damaged scales.

Even on the backs of the two smaller "airborne worms" grew several "inward-curling flowers" embedded in the flesh and nourished by green blood.

Just as Wright was about to follow the hints and guidance of "Blood Wolf," raise his "Mad Bear" pistol, aim at the largest "aerial worm," and pull the trigger, a buzzing sound from the depths of the "Red Layer" pulled him back to reality from his brief state of being "guided."

“I heard a sound.” Wright broke free from the “blood wolf’s” embrace, letting his aching right arm hang limply. With his back to the “blood wolf,” he gazed cautiously at the “airborne worms” that were retreating with his steps, and said:

“They were crying, and it seemed they were crying to me. I heard a deep fear in those faint sound waves... and also a faint sense of resentment, pain, and hatred.”

"Monsters can't possibly possess human emotions; otherwise, they should have already been able to escape this place. These faint sounds are merely the 'aerial worms' influencing your perception and judgment through their magnetic field. Wright, now all you have to do is use the gun in your hand and the red magical energy to eliminate them one by one." "Blood Wolf" spoke in a semi-commanding tone, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

However, the next second, accompanied by the sound of bullets slicing through the air, a familiar boyish voice suddenly appeared behind him.

"Then, 'Blood Wolf,' why don't you personally eliminate these 'aerial worms' that have no offensive capabilities?"

"Shota Hoshino, what are you doing here??" Blood Wolf exclaimed.

The next second, a stream of warm blood flowed down his cheek and neck, dripping directly to the ground.

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