Pillar of Yita

Around them, the scenery had changed imperceptibly, the towering, silent black granite cliffs had disappeared, replaced by a wide canyon, shrouded in gray mist. Within the mist lay a decayed forest, gray-white branches, resembling the bark of the Short Beard walking in front—the tall Tree People taking steps several meters wide, but walking very slowly, allowing those behind to keep pace.

The Tree People gazed silently, lifelessly at this withered forest, which seemed like a cemetery of trees. This atmosphere affected the others, leaving no one speaking, silence spreading among the group. The cliffs receded several hundred meters, some huge, withered roots bridged overhead.

Entering the forest, Short Beard slowly halted, turned to look at the others. ”We’re safe, but once inside this forest, you must keep close to me, be careful not to get lost.”

The group also stopped.

Amatoran asked, ”What is this place?”

”This used to be our habitat,” Short Beard replied gruffly, and then fell silent, turning and continuing onward.

At this moment, Reed came forward, addressing the Captain, ”Mr. Amatoran, now that we’re safe, our task is pretty much complete.”

”You’re leaving?” Amatoran was taken aback, ”You’re not following along?”

”We have other matters to attend to.”

Amatoran looked at the Lion Paladin in some confusion, with crystal monsters running rampant outside, and the forest looking exceedingly eerie, he couldn’t fathom what business they’d have here.

But that was their business, he knew he had no right to ask further, nodded and said, ”Alright, thank you, regarding the reward matters, we won’t go back on our word.”

These self-proclaimed mercenaries, though asking quite a price, offered very enticing conditions—after all, they needn’t pay in gold, only in the minerals beneath here. Granted, this mine vein is the Guild’s property, but it wasn’t exactly legitimate income.

Moreover, the crystal mine veins here are astonishingly abundant, high-quality crystals almost like freebies, what they asked for as reward was nothing at all.

In the previous battle, the scene when those crystal monsters flooded in was still heart-stopping now, if not for these people intervening, they might not have escaped.

”I trust Mr. Amatoran won’t break his word.”

”But when do you plan to collect?”

”Once you’re ready, we’ll be active in the nearby area.”

You’re not just passing by? Amatoran inwardly scoffed, but still nodded.

Reed gracefully bowed to everyone, then departed. Amatoran stared at the Big Cat People’s back, filled with doubt, not knowing where to start—when had such a formidable mercenary corps appeared in southern Nogness?

Although whether they’re mercenaries remains a question, even whether they’re a team of Invokers wasn’t clear. At least, from this Lion Paladin’s demeanor, it’s sure they’re native, and Knights of Virtue are rare today.

He considered himself familiar with this region, aware of most famous teams operating here—but Eteliria always brought surprises.

”Has that knight left?”

A gentle voice came from behind him.

Amatoran turned, seeing Nightingale Girl stepping from the crowd. ”Rainbow, where did you go?” he asked, somewhat puzzlingly.

”I was checking Nightingale unit, lost seven, three wounded,” Alice said, frowning, a bit concerned.

Time to tally manpower, Amatoran nodded, appreciating responsible lieutenants like her.

...

”The Big Cat is back!”

Tianlan, with keen eyes, first saw the Lion Paladin emerge from the mist.

Reed smiled, stretching a fluffy big paw gesturing at her. Tianlan made a face and wanted to run but was caught by him and got a playful tap on the head.

Reed looked up at Fang Hong, ”The spies deployed?”

Fang Hong raised his hand glove, shook it, then nodded. He’d sent out the Clockwork Fairy, now airborne, the fairy clearly observing not only the mist-covered canyon but also the Tree People leading Amatoran’s party.

Only regretting not lowering the view a bit, otherwise, a familiar face might be spotted among those people. But discovering Holy White Stone Guild isn’t shabby, worried lowering might alert their Rangers, he decided against it.

The so-called having other matters was mere pretense, only not wanting early contact with them, also avoiding Time Reflection’s linkage with teammates for this reason. Their identities currently sensitive, Orlenze’s lesson, Fang Hong wasn’t about to forget.

Of course, a mere Big Cat was nothing, Wilderness People in Colin Ishurian were quite common. Moreover, humans often lacked intuitive recognition of foreign races, simply put, face blindness. Even if the Wanted Order was before them, confirming the Lion Paladin on it wasn’t easy.

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