Entering the tent, we found a long conference table in the middle of the room. Around the table, there were many chairs occupied by several figures who seemed to be in the middle of a heated debate.
Seeing our arrival, the figure sitting on the largest chair at the end raised his hand toward the crowd that was arguing.
Because of that gesture, the room instantly fell silent. As I observed the figure, I realized just how massive his body was, with muscles that looked like they were about to burst through his healer's uniform.
With a fierce face and messy dark-blue hair, the figure signaled for us to approach.
"Manager, reinforcements from the field division have arrived," said Vladmir, leading us toward the figure.
"So the bureau really assigned only the field division for this operation? Haah, do they take this operation for a joke? It's already bad enough they didn't send the security division, but they didn't even provide funds to hire a few heroes."
His deep voice echoed throughout the tent. His sharp eyes studied us with great intensity, but when his gaze fell on Team Leader Eric, I caught a brief glimpse of surprise in his expression.
"Well, at least they sent someone competent. It's been a while, Eric, my old friend. How have you been?"
"I'm doing fine, Fang. I didn't expect you to be the one leading this operation," replied the team leader with an unreadable expression.
"You know that an operation of this scale has to be led by a manager. Since my schedule was clear, I ended up being chosen to lead this. What I'm curious about is how someone like you is still a team leader."
"There's a reason for that, Fang. Anyway, let's put an end to this nonsense. I'm here for work, not for small talk."
"I suppose you're right. Vladmir, call in personnel at team leader rank or above, and guide the rest to wait in another tent."
"Yes, sir," replied the supervisor. He then signaled us to follow him out of the tent.
'It seems Team Leader Eric has a past with this Manager Fang.'
******
After waiting a while for the meeting to finish, Team Leader Eric finally came to meet us.
"For this operation, Team 10 will guard the front. Our task is simple—make sure no monsters interfere with the purification division's work. Team 5 will guard the right, Team 9 the left, and Team 14 the rear. Any questions!?"
Guarding the front meant we would be the first to face the monsters when they appeared. But considering this team's composition, which was dominated by fighters, that was already expected.
Seeing no one ask questions, Leader Eric continued.
"If there are no questions, head to the equipment section and get ready immediately!"
"Yes, sir," we replied in unison.
******
After putting on our equipment, we waited for the purification division in front of the gate.
Looking at my gear, I couldn't help but admire it. A tight black suit with a metallic sheen on its surface.
Inscribed on the suit were several tier-4 protection spell formulas designed to neutralize some dangerous attacks.
I wasn't used to wearing this kind of suit. Since I wasn't a fighter, I normally only wore a light suit with minimal protection. I noticed many members of other field division teams also weren't used to gear like this.
Of course, Team 10 was the exception—only Senior Park and I were unfamiliar with such suits.
We were also given gas masks connected to a tank on the back of the suit. I didn't know what kind of gas was inside, but I did know it was meant to prevent mana poisoning.
After a few minutes of waiting, the purification division and the elves began gathering at the gate.
I saw several purification division members driving vehicles with some kind of cannon mounted on top. I recognized the device—Spell Condenser—an apparatus that could gather multiple spells of the same type and release them at a much higher level.
Walking to the front of the assembled crowd, Manager Fang positioned himself before the gate.
"Attention! The operation is about to begin. Your roles have been explained by your team leaders, make sure no mistakes happen. Remember, we are entering the dead zone—one wrong step could mean death!"
Everyone listened to Manager Fang's warning with seriousness.
"Alright, we begin the operation now. Open the gate!"
With those words, the gate to the dead zone finally opened.
******
Entering the dead zone, I realized why no life could exist in this place.
The ground beneath my feet felt strange—both dry and damp at the same time. Its deep black color, as if scorched, made it impossible for anything to grow here.
As if that weren't enough, the air here had a faint purplish hue with a rotten stench that seeped through even while wearing a mask. I realized this was mana poison mixed into the surrounding air.
Without the masks we all wore, we would have been poisoned the moment we inhaled the air. Only mages with five circles or above could breathe this air—and even then, they would suffer severe weakening.
Not long after we had moved from the gate, Manager Fang gave the order to stop.
Upon hearing the command, the group halted, and the purification division members began gathering around the Spell Condensers spread among the formation.
"Charge them!" shouted Manager Fang.
Hearing the instruction, purification healers started forming magic circles with tier-3 light spells—Purification.
They began channeling the spells into the cannon-like devices of the Spell Condensers. Receiving the magic, the cannons started to glow with blinding light.
Seeing the Condensers nearly reach their limit, Manager Fang gave the order, "Fire!"
Following the command, the cannons were aimed skyward and...
BOOOM!
Pillars of light shot up from every Spell Condenser, accompanied by deafening blasts.
The light didn't feel harmful; instead, it carried a warmth that felt like soaking in hot water.
As the light pillars gradually shrank, it became clear that the ground and sky touched by them had returned to normal—cleansed of all void contamination.
After the purification division completed their task, it was now the elves' turn to fulfill their role.
On the restored ground, they planted stalks of vegetation they had brought. As soon as the stalks touched the soil, a miracle occurred.
Accompanied by a surge of green energy radiating from the stalks, grass and other plants began to sprout at a speed visible to the eye.
The plants then released green mana particles that spread out, forming a transparent green dome that enveloped our group and blocked the void contamination from seeping inside.
As I watched the process with awe, a sudden thunderous rumble echoed from the distance.
'Haah, I guess it was too much to hope the monsters would ignore such a flashy light show.'