Pillar of Yita

’They’ were about the height of a person, adhering to the Agility System style of the Sword Bearers, quite tall in stature. Their white gold shells shimmered with a ghostly glow in the underground environment, while the gilded trim and the long swallowtail cape they wore made ’them’ resemble majestic female knights.

Their weapons were two slim and delicate hand blades, replacing their original arms, and beneath their thighs were long bladed legs, thrust into the rocks, brutally sharp.

These Sword Bearers were known as ’Energy Angels’ because floating above their heads was a white gold torus, much like an angel’s halo. In fact, that device was an Ether Field restraining instrument, providing the ’Energy Angels’ with an ultra-keen sensory field.

The ’Energy Angels’ could be said to be one of the symbols of the Silver Weslan, and just like the grandiose and magnificent style of the guild, their appearance was quite visually impactful. For a moment, even Parker and Xiangzi’s attention was drawn from afar.

Fang Hong gazed unblinkingly, for the ’Energy Angels’ might not be the strongest Sword Bearers, but they were certainly among the most beautiful.

To obtain an ’Energy Angel’ was definitely one of his dreams during the rookie stage. If he were to assign a rank to the different types of Sword Bearers in his mind, getting an ’Energy Angel’ would be roughly akin to drawing an SSR-tier card.

Sophie seemed quite pleased with his reaction, clapping her hands and saying, ”These two ’Energy Angels’ will serve as the down payment then. Besides, there aren’t any other Combat Artisans in this team. So, Mr. Xiaya, shall we conclude our trade now?”

Fang Hong was even more satisfied, particularly with the other party’s understanding, and felt somewhat grateful. He nodded eagerly—the trade was naturally more profitable for him than ever.

In a world with systems and Divine Strength, trade was also simple. Both parties opened their systems to complete authorization permissions, and under the testament of Lady Roman, a contract was established, doubly guaranteed by the system and the Goddess.

No more situations like what happened between Jiefulite Red Cloak Team and Morning Dawn Star could occur.

One could imagine that if the Grand Guild and its subordinate mercenaries and adventure groups also signed such contracts, there would be many fewer disputes in the world. Regrettably, the God of War was obstinate and unbridled, solely pursuing victory and not concerning himself with the affairs of his mortal followers, the mercenaries.

Having completed the exchange, the transaction regarding the Pale Flame would naturally have to wait until they were outside. Thus, after the trade concluded, Fang Hong sheathed his sword. In fact, by the rules of Eteliria, the trade was already accomplished, and he could fully entrust the sword to Xi for safekeeping, such that even if it were lost in subsequent battles, it would not be his responsibility.

With the reputation of Silver Weslan also being exceedingly reliable.

But Fang Hong had grown habitually distrustful of any Grand Guild; therefore, rather than strangers, he preferred to trust himself.

When he sheathed the sword, a minor incident occurred by surprise; as Fang Hong returned the sword to its scabbard, the system suddenly sent him a notification, indicating that he had gained a craftsman’s inspiration ’Solitude’ from his appreciation of ’Pale Flame.’

Seeing this notification, Fang Hong had a thought; he hadn’t forgotten that since he had created ’Dawn,’ he had not been successful in crafting any Legendary Equipment, and with all the nebulous talk on the community about needing inspiration, he had been utterly clueless—only today did he receive his first hint related to it.

He hurriedly opened the notification window and saw the inspiration ’Solitude’ lying casually in the window, with just a simple description:

’Loneliness and the throne, always accompany a King throughout their life—’

Could this really be used to create Legendary items?

Fang Hong was quite skeptical.

And as he was alone in his musings, the internal discussion within Silver Weslan had also reached a conclusion; naturally, Sophie brushed aside the opposition with her prestige. Still, someone couldn’t help but ask, ”He may have some skills, but after all, he isn’t one of our own people. We aren’t lacking a Combat Artisan, so why bother helping him?”

”It seems so, Your Highness Princess. They might get through the sixth and seventh layers, but it’s unlikely they’ll get past the lower ones. The rewards mean little to the Guild, but it’s good for us to earn some extra on the side. Why should we give that away to others?”

In the communication page, Sophie extended her hand, signaling for the others to quiet down and reassured them, ”Why is Silver Weslan always one step ahead of its competitors? Because we always have more friends than enemies. Strength always has an equal increase and decrease; thus, first and foremost, we must understand our main objective on this mission. Our opponent is the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team.”

”But we don’t need some greenhorn giving us orders.”

”I’m only a few years older than him.”

”That’s different, you’re the princess of Silver Weslan.”

Sophie smiled, ”Otherwise, would you have him take orders from you? Do you think he would be willing? Don’t worry, I’ll supervise him. And I find Mr. Xiaya to be a straightforward man. He won’t harbor any ill intentions towards you all. Perhaps we might even discover a real talent.”

The others were skeptical. Talented individuals and general geniuses were significantly different; having a talent doesn’t mean they have the ability to lead a team. However, since their princess said so, they suppressed their dissatisfaction and eventually expressed their acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Sophie finally breathed a sigh of relief and joked, ”If you want rewards, just complete the mission perfectly, and I can also help you apply for rewards from the Guild.”

The knights chuckled, knowing full well that their princess always favored her own people.

After the others had left,

Xi alone furrowed her brows, looked at her, and said in a low voice, ”But he doesn’t seem to trust you, Sophie.”

”He doesn’t mistrust me; it’s Silver Weslan he doesn’t trust,” Sophie recalled the scene she had witnessed in the Mountain Palace and smiled faintly, ”But comparatively, he definitely trusts the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team even less than us.”

Xi looked at her with some surprise, not understanding what she meant.

Sophie shook her head without explaining and said softly, ”Xi, your discontent with him is really because he killed me by mistake, isn’t it?”

”Of, of course not.” Xi’s face turned red, and she instinctively looked down.

”Look at me, Xi.” Sophie’s voice was gentle.

The mountain maiden appeared a little flustered as she looked at her.

The female knight then showed a gentle smile, raised a fair index finger to her cherry lips, pressed it gently, then pointed it toward Xi, touching her lips with a fleeting kiss through the light screen.

In a soft voice, she responded, ”Don’t worry, I’m still here, Xi.”

”...” The maiden’s face turned so red it looked as though it might drip water, and she bit her lip as she looked at her.

...