Pillar of Yita

”Is it done?”

Watching him close the shell again, Aleph asked somewhat unexpectedly.

The surrounding chatter buzzed softly, and if the communication hadn’t been cut, someone would have likely recorded this scene and posted it online. Repairing a magic guided reactor wasn’t particularly uncommon, but Fang Hong’s speed was a bit too fast, almost dizzyingly so. What seemed to take at least an hour in others’ eyes, how long did it really take?

Someone even pulled out a pocket watch, exclaiming softly, ”Not even ten minutes?”

Aleph was also somewhat skeptical as he received the magic guided reactor, attempting to inject magic power. Whatever the method, this was something that couldn’t be faked. Others also watched with wide eyes as the ancient magic guided reactor emitted a low humming sound, and then suddenly, the ether guidance on top began lighting up in order.

Aleph was startled, a trace of excitement flashed in his eyes, and he hurriedly shut down the magic guided reactor, as if fearing that if he delayed even a moment, this ancient relic of a magic guided reactor would break again under the strain.

However, Fang Hong thought his worry was unnecessary; how could something he repaired break so easily?

There are many artisan masters in this world, each having their own unique skills in making various magic guided devices—on the path of the artisan master, perhaps he couldn’t quite match those from the academic schools with a certain accumulation of talent, but in repairing magic guided devices, ever since Miss Sicape told him the truth and he compared it to others’ levels.

Fang Hong could say with great confidence, within twenty levels in this regard, he should have no rivals.

But as for what he thought, others might think differently.

Aleph was evidently very excited, gently setting down the magic guided reactor, and couldn’t help but clench his fists.

”Congratulations, Aleph,” even the staff couldn’t help but be happy for him. ”Even though Master Berlede hasn’t returned, you’ve finally solved your problem.”

Aleph couldn’t help but open his arms and give the person a hug. ”You’re right, Ode, today really is my lucky day, thank the Goddess of Luck. Please handle the commission, make sure you give this gentleman the best record, and charge the reward to me.”

Those around looked at Fang Hong with a bit of envy. Commissions from the Adventurers’ Guild were common, but ones from a rich patron were not.

”Naturally.” The staff member also replied with a smile and pushed him.

However, Fang Hong seemed a bit indifferent, what lucky day, if it weren’t for specific reasons, he really wouldn’t have been in the mood to repair anything for him.

But since it was repaired, he was in no rush, waiting for his goal to be realized.

Aleph turned around again, giving Fang Hong a hearty hug following the desert people’s custom, all the while saying, ”Thank you, my friend.”

Which left Fang Hong momentarily at a loss.

Fortunately, the enthusiasm of the desert people ended there, and after the staff registered his task and received the reward, he exchanged names and contact details with the young man named Aleph. Although he was interested in befriending the other party and extracting information from him, this obviously wasn’t the time for that; there would be opportunities in the future.

After all, asking such sensitive questions right off the bat could easily raise the other’s guard; such matters could only be approached slowly.

With no more clues at the Adventurers’ Guild, there was naturally no reason for him to stay any longer. Just before leaving, a few adventurer teams thickened their faces and approached, asking if he had any interest in going on an adventure to gather some materials and such, as their team happened to lack a professional alchemist.

Fang Hong naturally refused them all.

Unexpectedly, just as he walked out of the hall, he heard a voice calling from behind.

”Wait, my friend, where are you planning to go?”

Fang Hong turned around, seeing that it was none other than Aleph calling after him. The young man’s brown eyes looked even more striking in the sunlight, though his long hair covered his sun-kissed forehead, giving a slightly shady appearance. However, his smile was quite bright as he walked up and patted Fang Hong’s shoulder forcefully:

”Where are you going, my brother?”

Fang Hong: ”???”

How did this person become so close so quickly, turning from a friend into a brother so fast?

Are brothers so cheap?

But evidently seeing his surprise, Aleph quickly withdrew his hand a bit sheepishly, smiling as he explained, ”Forgot to mention, you helped me out a lot, and according to Istania’s customs, I must thank you properly.”

”I’ve already received the reward,” Fang Hong, who had his own plans, remained quite calm. ”Mr. Aleph.”

Yet Aleph shook his head, ”A reward is a reward, and gratitude is gratitude; they’re not the same thing.”

”Alright,” Fang Hong, seeing the other’s enthusiasm, couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward. ”But another time, I have something to do right now.”

He really did have matters to attend to; after all, it wasn’t appropriate to directly ask the other whether he knew anything about the Royal Palace today, and the day was only half gone. He was planning to investigate elsewhere for information related to the princess.

But Aleph smiled, ”We can talk while we walk, I know a quite decent tavern not far from here. Judging by the time, it’s almost noon, and you haven’t had lunch yet, have you?”

Fang Hong looked at him speechless, opening his mouth but finding himself unable to speak.

”...”

He too was momentarily lost for words, wondering if Istania people were all this hospitable, and how this person was so spontaneously friendly?

...