Death... and me

Rean was surprised that Havek was caught in the Salt Sweep because of something similar. "Wait a minute... you too? Our group decided to investigate the white powder because we thought it was made of Divine Stone dust, very high-level ones at that."

Havek was the one surprised this time. "So you arrived at the same conclusion? When I heard the white powder was as good as Rank Three Divine Stones, I had to get to the bottom of it."

"Because there was probably an even higher level Divine Stone mine behind it," Rean and Havek said at the same time after that.

Of course, the way the twins were caught by the Salt Sweep was a lot more dramatic than Havek. "In our case, we did kind of reach the source of the white powder. However, we were attacked when we got there."

Havek was obviously interested in Rean's part of the story. "You did? Attacked? Tell me more."

Rean then summed up everything with another Divine Sense message, much to Havek's surprise. "There was such a thing down there? So weird... however, you do know that this white river is most likely located above the Divine Stone mine, right? It's probably the thing that feeds the natural formation as well."

Of course, Rean had thought about that. "Indeed. Unfortunately, we didn't have the chance to check any further since we were transformed into statues. Next time I go there, I'll be thoroughly prepared, though. I'm bringing a lot of the Divine Water from the Divine Lake with me. I want to see how those white powder creatures will cause me trouble. I still haven't given up the Divine Stone mine that probably exists there."

Havek laughed in response, saying, "Hahaha! Of course, I'm doing exactly the same thing. It's just that I didn't know about those creatures, so I will be better prepared next time as well."

Havek's words were enough for Rean and Roan to understand something. "So you do have a way to escape this place, huh?"

Havek snorted in response. "From your words, it's obvious that you also found some way out. Well, I guess it's obvious since you're the one who came up with the Circuitry Formations."

Rean couldn't help but ask after hearing that. "By the way, are you using my Circuitry Formations for this escape? If so, how are you doing it?"

"I don't mind including you in my plans as long as you keep your mouth shut. With you and me, there's no way we can fail," said Havek in response. Rean was still one of the very few existences Havek considered to be worth getting acquainted with.

Rean pondered over it for a bit and decided to also talk about his part. "In fact, the purging organization also came up with a way to escape this place. Of course, I got invited to work with them because of my knowledge regarding formations." Rean didn't have to care about Soul Binding Contracts, so he simply told how the purging organization's formation worked to Havek.

"I have to admit they did quite a good job considering the knowledge and resources they had." Havek praised the Formation Masters of the purging organization. "I believe you want to know how my side will work. Well, the idea is the same, although the methods are completely different."

Rean knew very well the extent of the Circuitry Formation Runes he had taught Havek. With that said, he had an idea as to how Havek was working on a way out. "The space-related Circuitry Runes, right?"

Havek wasn't surprised that Rean figured it out, replying, "Yes. I might as well tell you. I have perfected and advanced the runes and formations that we worked together a lot! Perhaps I'm even better than you at your own creation now. Hahaha! As expected of me, of course!"

Rean ignored the self-confidence, though. "I'm obviously happy that you did. However, don't think you're the only one who worked on the Circuitry Formations. Let's see... have you ever seen a smartphone?"

"Smartphone?" Havek had obviously never heard about it. "What the hell is that?"

Rean then explained about the new communication formation he worked on back in the Zasfin's planet, much to Havek's shock! "You can do that with Circuitry Formations?!"

However, Havek didn't give up that easily. "Hmph! Just so you know, the Spatial Circuitry Runes are now twice as effective as before. If I make a teleport formation with it, it'll be a lot cheaper to activate as well. Don't think only you created new things with it."

Rean shrugged his shoulders when he heard that. "It has never been a competition to start with. In fact, the more both of us learn, the better. After all, we can share all the new discoveries we made and improve even more."

Havek didn't care, though. "Of course, we can share our knowledge. But the one who teaches more is obviously the winner. What fun is there if I can't even compete against someone of my level?"

Rean didn't insist after hearing that. "Alright, alright. So, can you explain how you intend to get out with more details?" Sure enough, Rean had to ask that since it was related to the revival of his Nascent Soul. Now, he had two different places where people and demon beasts were preparing escaping plans that had never been tried before.

Havek then explained, "Since you're working on a formation to pass through the barrier, you obviously know the barrier well. In your case, you plan to shoot through it. However, my formation will use spatial power to open a void tunnel within it. I tried to make something that could teleport through it. However, it would be pretty much a lucky shot without a destination. With my void tunnel, on the other hand, I will have a way to retreat if things on the other side are grim."

Roan, who was listening so far, finally decided to make a comment. It's just that he only told Rean through their Soul Connection. 'His formation has a different implication to the quest.'