Pillar of Yita

Surrounding them were dilapidated buildings, and Miss Atira stood with the adventurers on two sides of the square. The opposing side had about four or five archers, who tensely aimed their bows at the Elf Miss. In front were several warriors, and the person in charge, dressed apparently as an Iron Guard—Fang Hong read his expression, clearly not expecting to encounter a colleague here.

Meanwhile, Parker and Xiesta had also run out from the other side. Seeing the standoff, the Papalarian Crossbowman immediately raised his heavy crossbow.

Fang Hong hurriedly ordered the Clockwork Fairy to lower its altitude—

Both sides reacted very differently upon seeing the Clockwork Fairy. Tianlan, who stood beside Atira, could hardly contain his surprise and exclaimed, ”Brother Ade is here!”

The reaction on the other side was much more complex. The Iron Guard, who had been clutching his longsword, ready to strike at any moment, changed his expression the moment he saw the Clockwork Fairy.

”Combat Artisan!”

Not just him; the archers also simultaneously stepped back, instinctively looking for cover.

No wonder, the reputation of Combat Artisans in Eteliria was tremendous, especially in the First World—because in the Second World, all the major guilds’ Chosen and native organizations had their own Dragon Knights, so high-end Combat Artisans were nothing unusual.

But in the First World, Combat Artisans were synonymous with challenging higher ranks, especially given the unpredictable combat style of this profession. If a group of Annihilators appeared in mid-air at this moment, this group of people would hardly be enough for a bombardment.

Moreover, in common knowledge, alchemists were wealthy, trading expensive starlight for the number of flexible constructs in the hands of Combat Artisans. Whether the deal was worth it or not, everyone was painfully aware.

Although Fang Hong was an exception among exceptions, who could know for sure?

So when Fang Hong arrived, the scene he encountered was just like this: the opposing side had already ceased hostilities and was waving their hands at Atira and others, saying, ”Let’s talk, everyone. We mean no harm—we’re just adventurers here like you.”

While talking, the Iron Guard kept casting wary glances toward the Fortress Walker that followed behind Fang Hong.

Are they really using that contraption? Sweating profusely, he wondered how he ended up encountering such a monster in this godforsaken place. He thought there wasn’t anything useful here for Combat Artisans, or had that profession become so prevalent now that any random team might have one?

He couldn’t help but glance again at Fang Hong’s Flexible Construct. If regular alchemists were already considered wealthy among adventurers, then a Combat Artisan using a Fortress Walker is without doubt a nouveau riche among the wealthy.

Because that thing was a money-burning machine. Even Combat Artisans nurtured by the Grand Guilds hardly dared to squander one, as using special bullets with a Fortress Walker could drain money so quickly that not even professional guilds or clubs could afford it.

After all, Grand Guilds were not run for just one person—

Of course, the man could not have dreamed that Fang Hong hadn’t considered all this before making the thing, and there were no designs for special bullets either—thankfully, Fang Hong realized that parading four walkers down the street was a bit too conspicuous and had hidden the other three, or else the mere sight might literally freak him out.

Since he had already surveyed everything inside and out through the Clockwork Fairy before arriving, Fang Hong didn’t immediately ask about the situation here but spoke to Atira, saying, ”Miss Atira, got separated?”

Atira nodded.

”How about Brother Ade’s side?” Tianlan asked.

Fang Hong also shook his head. The Clockwork Fairy’s flight was very fast, and his search area was larger, but there were no signs of any woman nearby.

”She couldn’t possibly be faster than the Clockwork Fairy,” Tianlan said. ”She must be hiding.”

”There are plants everywhere here, hiding from a Druid?” Parker scoffed. ”I reckon it’s like that legend, that non-existent woman. Didn’t they say many have seen her in the city? It’s not strange that we could see her too.”

”I’ve never heard of her appearing during the daytime.”

”That was before. With all the changes in Dolifen, how can you be so certain?”

”I just can.”

As Parker was about to retort, the Iron Guard, curious, interrupted their conversation, ”Excuse me for asking, but are you also looking for a woman?”

All eyes turned toward him.

...