Pillar of Yita

”Earlier, the Princess moved most of the civilians to the north, but only some managed to escape Quistack, the rest are now gathered in the North City District...”

”Currently, the North City suffered the least damage in the previous combat, but who knows what will happen next. The guards have confirmed that those killed by the monsters also turn into them...”

”But those monsters can’t be killed,” a noble spoke angrily, ”Are we just supposed to sit and wait for them to turn us into the same kind?”

He gestured forcefully, ”In my opinion, we should break through and escape.”

”But what about Quistack?”

”We move everyone out and leave Dika an empty city; as long as we’re still here, we can rebuild Quistack.”

The Grand Princess sighed. ”Everyone, it’s not that simple. When the Sand Thieves attacked before, their numbers were several times ours. Then we had combat advantages, which are now gone.”

Her gaze passed through the high platform, and she looked at the distant city shrouded in black smoke, feeling somewhat reluctant. ”Now their numbers exceed ours, and they are stronger. Those monsters surround the entire city’s outskirts; we can’t possibly break through.”

”When will His Majesty the King of Sand return?” someone asked.

But no one could answer this question.

Perhaps before noon, maybe by dusk, but the problem is, even if the army returns, then what? Everyone’s discussions intentionally or unintentionally ignored one question: what exactly is that blood-red halo in the sky nurturing?

”What about the Evil God Dika?” Only a calm voice inquired among them.

Princess Rupert looked toward the voice, though she didn’t have to; she knew the speaker must be her cousin.

”If the twisted embodiment of the Evil God descends, not only Quistack but the entire Istania will be implicated.” Tang Xin looked at everyone and spoke, ”Who knows how long its power will last? History records months. You surely don’t want to know what happened then, right?”

The hall fell silent.

Ai Xiaoxiao’s teeth chattered uncontrollably, tugging her friend’s sleeve to stop her from speaking further. She feared the Istania People would be enraged and kill them before the Evil God’s descent.

Yet those who stayed still had some courage; at least no one said such absurd things.

”Then what do we do?” someone asked helplessly.

Facing a Dark Deity, even a twisted embodiment, is enough to invoke despair.

”Androma and Lord Marlan won’t abandon us,” the Grand Princess calmly stated, ”As long as hope remains, we have a sliver of chance.”

”But where is the hope?” Even before the Grand Princess, the person couldn’t help but retort.

At this moment, the communication crystal in Tang Xin’s hand lit up.

She raised her head and looked at the Princess, ”My brother is back.”

The Grand Princess’s eyes lit up. She still remembers everything that happened the night before, how the Colin People and that person’s incredible strike utterly crushed the Sand Thieves’ courage.

Even in such dire straits, they seized a sliver of opportunity. Perhaps the miracle won’t repeat, but she at least learned not to give up hope easily.

In fact, whether it was the Colin People or the killing of the King of the Sand Thief, it was all due to the other party. This made Rupert feel an unrealistic expectation in her heart.

Perhaps the other side still has some tricks.

However, upon meeting Fang Hong’s first words, the Princess’s hopes were dashed. Facing the questioning gaze, Fang Hong gently shook his head: ”I just woke up, learned about Quistack’s current situation, Princess.”

Princess Rupert bit her lip but saw the other’s lost hand, her eyes flashing with a trace of apology. ”Captain Ade, your hand...”

Fang Hong didn’t mind too much. ”No need to worry, Princess, I am the Invoker; such an injury is nothing to me.” However, he didn’t mention he had little Starlight left.

Princess Rupert knew he was not lying and didn’t press further.

Moreover, the Royal House of Penelope and the Holy Sanctuary could still assist in this matter.

However, Tang Xin looked at her cousin’s pitiful appearance and, although knowing nothing here would affect Earth, couldn’t help but frown.

Seeing his cousin’s expression, Fang Hong couldn’t help but find it amusing and secretly whispered: ”Tangtang, you look terrible.”

He thought she’d roll her eyes in anger, but instead, she just blinked, and her eyes reddened, scaring Fang Hong. He quickly said: ”Crybaby, not again...”

Tang Xin wiped the corner of her eye, and quietly said: ”Just wait, I’m going to tattle.”

Fang Hong’s soul nearly left his body at that; if his aunt knew the state he was in, she’d probably drag him back to Earth by the ear.

During their private exchange, the hall fell unnaturally quiet.

Fang Hong noticed the change outside, turned back to see the worried Grand Princess and Aleph, then spoke: ”Princess, I may have no solution, but perhaps someone else does.”

As soon as he spoke, everyone in the hall turned their gaze toward him.

Princess Rupert was mildly audible: ”Captain Ade, are you sure?”

Fang Hong nodded gently, placing his remaining left hand on his communication crystal, feeling the faint tremor. After a moment, he spoke:

”They’ve arrived.”

A somewhat weak voice came from outside the hall:

”Mr. Ade?”

It was the voice of some arcanist girl.

...