Pillar of Yita

This forging skill later spread among the Dwarves and Fairies, giving rise to different crafts. At the end of the Magic Era, the Fairies used almost the same craft to create five true Dragon Slaying Swords for humans.

The Elves, on the other hand, abandoned the forging techniques they once created and turned to the path of Alchemy. The initial form of Alchemy was born in the middle to late phases of the Magic Era, and only after centuries of development did it reach its most glorious era.

That is the era where the Great Alchemist Ade belonged.

The end of the Magic Era, followed by the great catastrophe—the Verdant Year.

”You’re right, but I never said this was the creation of the Serpent People,” Rolin replied, ”It’s another group that created it, the Saints—”

”...Saints?”

”Yes, exactly as the scene depicted in the Ancient Stone Tablet by the Xinsas Serpentfolk—the Abyssal Sea Scroll records the era when the giant serpent Andron descended—Saints appeared out of the Nether, taking away the Black Star of Calamity and the Throne of Fire, and created the ’Shining Sea.’

”The First Generation, thus began.”

”Following was a long period of prosperity lasting thousands of years, the era of Ta Kaga. Until the disappearance of the last Ancient Sage, the Seven Kings fought, and the once-glorious golden civilization of Xinsas crumbled into pieces.”

”Following was a long dark age that continued for 1,700 years, the Elves were born, Xinsas split into two. Then there was a shift in power, with Numelin rising, continuing to this day.”

”Yet the order established by the Saints continues to shape today’s Eteliria. The Lizardmen of Guda Suoke—former servants of the Serpent People—still abide by the ancient holy words, believing the prophecy of the Saints will one day come true.”

”When the Shining Sea extinguishes, the Saints will return to this world.”

Fang Hong was not hearing these legends for the first time. Telaric had already told him about the ’Shining Sea,’ about everything in the ancient Xinsas Serpent People Empire. He also had seen the black comet and the Throne of Fire on the old murals of Fenris.

Tada Ritualist also told him about the extinguishing of the Sea of Light. He even carried the Blessing Power from the ’Shining Sea,’ and the Pale Glory was closely linked with the Shining Sea.

But as he looked at the small object in Rolin’s hand—if the Black Star was indeed created by the Saints, why did it appear in the illusion of the Hall of Thousand Doors? Could it be that the Numelin Elves also knew about these ancient magical artifacts?

Rolin noticed his curiosity: ”This is ’Nightmare.’

”Nightmare?” Fang Hong felt like he’d heard the name somewhere.

Rolin coughed a few more times.

After a while, he nodded: ”This is not a construct; rather, it’s a different kind of ’creature.’ The power driving it is quite unique... the person who signed a contract with me granted me this power. Of course, the cost was high.”

He paused and then said, ”But it’s still worth it—”

Fang Hong silently stared at the other for a long while and then asked, ”Why are you telling me this?”

Rolin smiled again, ”Simply put, I want to gain trust.”

”Trust?”

Fang Hong looked at him suspiciously.

Rolin replied, ”Don’t misunderstand. I’ve already understood your principles, this is not a transaction.”

He raised his head, looking at Fang Hong with dark eyes, ”I can generally guess what your intentions are—but I won’t ask you where you are going, the path ahead is unstable, the Sky Pirates have entered the tunnel. If you believe in me, I can lead you safely out of here.”

Fang Hong silently observed the other’s gaze for a while, unsure of the reason behind this person’s strange behavior.

”You’re not with the Dragon Worship Sect?”

Rolin shook his head: ”Not as you think, I am. But my interests don’t align with theirs.”

”Are you on the same side as Pudra?”

Rolin was startled, suddenly understanding, ”So you were there back then.”

But he also shook his head, ”I don’t have any relation to that person either.”

”Do you want to use us for your own purposes?”

”You could say that,” the other answered bluntly, ”but I won’t tell you my intentions, nor will I ask yours. If you choose to trust, I’ll lead you out safely, and that’s all. Whatever you plan to do afterward is your own matter.”

Fang Hong fell silent for a moment, filled with doubts and unable to pinpoint the source of the other’s confidence. He thought for a moment and only replied, ”I need to think about it.”

”At your discretion.”

Fang Hong said no more, crossing the split to the other side. There, Atira had been waiting for him for a while, a little worried. Fang Hong relayed the entire conversation between him and the other to the Elf Miss, word for word.

Atira listened and was also confused, but she remained calm, only responding, ”Why not ask your Ship’s Officer Miss?”

Fang Hong slapped his forehead. When it comes to gauging people’s hearts, Hilveld is naturally better than he is.

The Magic Power disturbances had long passed, and communications were restored. He activated the Communication Crystal and inquired about the situation over there. Hilveld, learning that he was safe and sound, breathed a sigh of relief and told him about Elisa and Parker’s disappearance.

And they still hadn’t been able to make contact.

Fang Hong was also worried upon hearing this. However, not being able to reach them isn’t necessarily a bad thing—at least it indicates they might just be trapped somewhere. If something had already happened, they should have revived at a nearby Holy Sanctuary and proactively contacted them.