Pillar of Yita

The two discussed it briefly, and only then did he share his doubts with the other party.

Hilveld listened, remained silent for a moment, and then replied: ”Lord Captain, I also believe there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. However, when it comes to figuring out someone’s intentions, it’s better to first assess our own situation. I suggest considering this option as a last resort if there’s absolutely no other choice—”

Upon hearing this, Fang Hong understood. This was indeed the best way to handle it. Rolin mentioned there might be a large number of Sky Pirates ahead, but it wasn’t certain. Even so, assuming there’s no escape, it seems unlikely that the other party would go out of their way to betray them.

He thought for a moment, having made up his mind.

In just a moment, Rolin came out from the back. Fang Hong glanced at him and said, ”I’ve made up my mind.”

Rolin looked at him without surprise.

”As things stand, we have difficulty trusting each other, lacking a basis for cooperation,” Fang Hong replied. ”But since you’re willing to demonstrate sincerity, why not try a different form of cooperation?”

Rolin chuckled, coughed, and said, ”I’m all ears.”

”I suggest we split up for now,” Fang Hong said straightforwardly, ”but let’s leave each other a way to communicate. If we really need your help, we can meet again later.”

This method of cooperation undeniably leaned toward Fang Hong and Atira’s side. But since the other party had previously indicated that they just wanted to help, there shouldn’t be any ulterior motives. Fang Hong closely observed Rolin’s expression, gripping his reinforced gloves slightly. If Rolin showed hesitation, it would indicate there was an issue with his earlier proposal.

If so, a life-and-death battle might be unavoidable.

But Rolin only pondered for a moment before nodding, ”Fair enough.”

Fang Hong was momentarily taken aback by this. He looked at the other person suspiciously, wondering about his intentions. As a Dragon Worshipper, could he genuinely want to help them?

Rolin remained generous, glancing ahead. ”Why don’t you go first? This underground tunnel leads to several exits, the closest one being near the excavation site. However, there might be more Sky Pirates entering the tunnel from that side, so be careful.”

”If you need help, just contact me directly.”

He said this while providing his contact number.

Fang Hong looked at it; the community ID of the other party was quite random, just a mix of letters and numbers, likely an alias to hide his identity. But as a Dragon Worshipper, having an alias isn’t strange. He nodded and noted the contact number.

Then he glanced at the other person once more, hesitated no longer, and entered the tunnel ahead with Atira.

...

Hilveld put away the Communication Crystal.

She looked up, gazing down the tunnel ahead—where a group of others was waiting. Other than the missing Elisa and Parker, even Tianlan was there. Bunigu naturally was as well. However, compared to Tianlan, who was purely there for the excitement, Luo Yu, Gita, and Xiangzi were fully armed, and Luo Hao was putting his shield on the ground, watching the surroundings vigilantly.

After a while, a rustling sound came from above, as the old sailor Bakins climbed up from the ladder in that direction. He took out a Communication Crystal and said to the group, ”There are still people above; someone give a hand.”

Luo Yu, Xiangzi, and Luo Hao immediately stood up.

Before long, the group saw a small figure climbing down the ladder. As she jumped down, they realized it was a girl with pigtails, wearing a craftsman’s coat. After descending, she glanced nervously at everyone, then looked up.

Moments later, two more people came down the ladder. The two were carrying a blood-soaked and tall Great Knight, none other than Diket.

Seeing this, everyone was taken aback, and Ai Xiaoxiao even exclaimed in surprise.

Tang Xin, holding a Healing Wand, immediately stepped forward. The little girl seemed tense, drew a short sword, and blocked her path. But Tang Xin glanced at her and said, ”I am Milaila’s Priest.”

The little girl, doubtful, glanced at her Magic Wand and stepped aside. But Tang Xin approached Sir Diket, who only then opened his eyes slightly and looked at everyone. He extended a hand to stop Tang Xin, saying, ”I’m not seriously hurt; it’s someone else’s blood—I’m under a curse; Healing Magic is ineffective.”

He then surveyed everyone again before saying, ”Where’s Ade?”

”Lord Captain isn’t here, Mr. Diket,” Hilveld replied. ”He went to City Hall.”

Only then did Tianlan speak, ”Mr. Diket, what happened to you?”

Diket gently shook his head, ”It’s a long story, just ran into a tricky opponent.”

He paused, then said, ”Good thing you all showed up in time... Did you see the letter I left?”

Everyone nodded.

”When Fanric saw the Dragon’s Witch, I was originally planning to leave together with you. But due to some coincidental factors, I discovered traces of the Dragon Worship Sect, and worried about their possible conspiracy, I hastily left that letter—”

”Later, I followed the Dragon Worshippers here and discovered the Blood Shark Sky Pirates operating. Initially, I thought they were trying to replicate Dolifen’s tale here, using the Dragon’s Initial Scale to resurrect Nikopolas. But unexpectedly, I discovered something different.”

”Something different?” Hilveld asked.

Diket took a deep breath and replied clearly:

”Beneath Idus lies something else, deeply connected to the Dragon Witch disaster a hundred years ago...”

”The Dragon Worship Sect’s true objective should be them.”

...