Pillar of Yita

But he still couldn’t help but complain to himself, did the other party really not care at all that he changed his ID and was currently in Eteliria? If they were using cross-border communication, they should have seen this information.

After all, cross-border data charges are expensive. In the early years, communication service providers deliberately didn’t display this information, leading to a slew of astronomical bills and lawsuits, and countries then mandated this information be visible.

But this thought only flashed through Fang Hong’s mind briefly. He felt a bit of surprise and immediately replied:

’Teacher, it’s really you.’

’Didn’t I say not to call me teacher; you’re just as clueless as ever, can’t understand a word I say.’

’But you haven’t appeared for so long.’

’...I accidentally forgot my password, just remembered it recently.’

’...’

This familiar conversation style left Fang Hong speechless.

Yet it was like he had returned to two years ago again. During those days in the community, in hindsight, it was the most fulfilling time he had. Every time the other party logged on, they’d send him a ton of materials and videos and make him solve the problems within them.

Even though those problems were difficult, each time he finally solved one, it filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

After all, back then those problems were his only way to access Eteliria.

And his favorite part was seeing the other party ”correct” his answers:

’You solved this too?’

’I just casually picked a problem, and you solved it, what do I even teach you?’

’Wait, what’s the thought process behind your solution?’

’Next time I’ll give you a problem that even the folks at FOX haven’t solved yet, let’s see if you can tackle that.’

Fang Hong couldn’t help but laugh at those recollections but felt a bit proud too.

Sadly, he never saw those problems. It seemed the other was just saying it. R would always present materials, videos, and questions that were more classic cases and techniques, nothing really ”beyond the syllabus.”

At least, that’s how Fang Hong saw it.

Then one day, the other party vanished completely, not appearing again after that. Although they now claimed it was due to ”forgotten password,” Fang Hong obviously didn’t believe it—not being a fool, he wouldn’t fall for such a poor excuse.

He typed a line of text, thought about it, deleted it repeatedly, and after much deliberation sent a simple message:

’I’m in Eteliria now, teacher—’

The other party paused for a rare moment before sending over a question:

’Want to meet me?’

Fang Hong was shocked; he had always thought the other with so much free time had to be a retired top player—but from this response it seemed the other was still in Eteliria? Does that mean the person who had been teaching him was actually a current star Invoker?

Who could it be?

But unexpectedly, the next message completely switched tone.

R sent over a laughing emoji with tears: ’...you didn’t really fall for it, did you?’

’Don’t overthink. I’m really just a keyboard player, definitely not coming to see you... but don’t worry, my theoretical knowledge is solid. Be sure to consolidate what I’ve taught you.’

Fang Hong: ”...”

Is it even possible to have a proper conversation?

Luckily, he was very familiar with the other’s language style, only slightly dazed momentarily before snapping back to reality. Fang Hong then pondered for a moment and, as before, straightforwardly asked for help:

’I might be in trouble, teacher.’

Seeing this message, the other side responded normally at once:

’What’s happened this time?’

Fang Hong then described his entanglement with the Super Competitive League, to be honest, ever since the Morning Dawn Star incident, he had inexplicably offended the Descendants of Flor and the Super Competitive League. Their relationship had been on a sharp decline ever since the Fanric Battle.

According to Sophie, he was now on the V.E.M blacklist.

But R listened to what he said and thought differently: ’You think they’ll trouble you?’

’Yes.’

’You’re overthinking; they’ll still give you an opportunity.’

’An opportunity?’

’You have potential; capital won’t conflict with interests. They might still extend an olive branch to you, but whether to accept is up to you.’

Fang Hong hesitated momentarily.

Though he and R didn’t really know each other, they were practically open books—so he thought it over and typed: ’But I don’t want to accept. Teacher, I think the Super Competitive League is wrong in doing so, didn’t you often talk about the ideals of the previous Invokers—Those were the true essence of Super Competitive—I came to Eteliria because your teachings always supported me, and I found the same spirit and philosophy here, so I’m unwilling to easily compromise.’

’Why don’t you just say you don’t want to accept?’

’Hey hey, you’re still so verbose. So much rambling at the end, I’m too lazy to read it all. Have I not said it’s all bluff, motivational talk, you should discern it, right? Whatever you think is your own business—’

Fang Hong almost blacked out.

But R paused before typing again: ’Besides, with the military backing you, why fear them? Just stand up against them.’

In this regard, the teacher and student were remarkably aligned.