Pillar of Yita

Dark Fairy Tale finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Though relying on a little girl to escape seemed somewhat humiliating, the mission target was crucial, and he couldn’t afford to worry about such things at the moment. Clumsily getting to his feet, he ran toward Allie and the Priest.

He waved to the two as he shouted, ”Break through the rear!”

The rear led deeper into the Valley, where the group on the platform had blocked the entrance, but there, it was just Fang Hong and Sophie, perhaps adding one more who wasn’t much of a fighter, Gita.

Though the Combat Artisan made Dark Fairy Tale incredibly apprehensive, it was always easier to deal with two people instead of a group.

Entering the Ash Woods was indeed contrary to their destination, but he couldn’t worry about that now. With the mission target in hand, the priority was to shake off these people.

A gunshot rang out in the snow, and the incoming bullet hit the ground not far from Dark Fairy Tale, shooting a pillar of snow into the air.

Dark Fairy Tale knew it was their Archer, instinctively shielding the little girl behind him. The distant Miss Ship’s Officer saw this and furrowed her attractive brows before setting the gun down. She said to Tianlan, ”Tell Lord Captain to please save Delice.”

Tianlan curiously glanced at the Valley before nodding.

”Brother Ade.”

She spoke softly to the Communication Crystal.

In reality, no reminder was needed, as Fang Hong and Sophie were already positioned at the Valley entrance.

Dark Fairy Tale saw the two appear and took a deep breath. He hadn’t forgotten the previous scene and was immensely wary of Fang Hong, quickly gesturing to Aille, ”You go left, I’ll go right; take the healer to deal with the Combat Artisan.”

Aille wore a bitter expression, having witnessed the earlier scene firsthand and knowing, even more than Dark Fairy Tale, the level of the opposing side. However, with the mission target in Dark Fairy Tale’s hands and him being the team commander, he had no choice but to comply.

Fortunately, their opposition couldn’t immediately reclaim that massive Knight Construct—

This time, Ragnarok’s Iron Guard’s judgment wasn’t off.

The Variant Fearless was near the platform direction, and although Orphen’s Stars of Twins were more nimble than ordinary Fearless, it was ultimately a heavyweight construct, far less agile than a lightweight construct.

Fang Hong also estimated the distance, shaking his head, knowing he couldn’t reclaim it in time.

He raised his hand, a blue light unfurling behind him, drawing out a splendid curve that reflected the light from the snow with its elongated four blades. Overhead, a platinum Force Field Ring glimmered under the sunlight.

It was the Energy Angel.

However, Fang Hong’s summoning action halted halfway—as he frowned and unexpectedly glanced behind Ragnarok’s Iron Guard.

He seemed to see a shadow flash by, but upon closer inspection, it was gone. Fang Hong hesitated slightly, wondering if he was seeing things.

Aille, constantly observing him, naturally noticed Fang Hong’s expression.

Seeing Fang Hong’s summoning stopped, he was puzzled by what new strategy Fang Hong might have when, suddenly, he heard a startled shout from behind—the Priest’s voice: ”Watch out, Aille, behind you...!”

With alarm, Iron Guard quickly turned around, and it was his final act.

The next moment, he felt a coldness at his neck, followed by darkness that enveloped his vision.

...

On the other side, Dark Fairy Tale clearly hadn’t noticed the change in this direction.

He chose to face the Female Knight wielding the Pale Blade—a true beauty, reminiscent of someone familiar—but in his nervous state, he couldn’t think too much.

In reality, Xiesta and Bakins had already taught him a lesson earlier, leaving him cautious about underestimating anyone in the opposing team. The Knight was a standard profession, and with similar strength levels, he should at least be able to protect himself.

Moreover, he had another consideration: the Knight was a heavy armored class, and the thick Magic Guided Armor said it all. In contrast, the Ranger was the exact opposite; if he could break free from close combat within a few strikes, entering a chase, even with another person, the opponent might not catch up.

His confidence came from the other side.

He had long learned from the Alchemist that Fang Hong was the Captain of this Adventure Group.

Generally, the strongest in an Adventure Group is undoubtedly the Captain, and a group wouldn’t have two captains, right? If Aille could hold off Fang Hong, he might have a chance to leave with the mission target.

Unfortunately, what Dark Fairy Tale never expected was—

One team might have one captain, but two teams could be different.

Sophie cupped her hands, gently blowing on them, and slowly blinked her black and white eyes—seeing the Ranger charging straight at her left her somewhat surprised and curious.

Typically, a Ranger has an advantage against a Combat Artisan; why was the opponent rushing directly at her?

In her memory, when was the last time someone directly challenged her? Silver Weslan’s Princess pondered and couldn’t seem to recall. It seemed that ever since she claimed victory with nine consecutive wins at Eteliria’s ’New King’ contest, such a challenge hadn’t happened.