Pillar of Yita

But the Invokers’ victory in this battle wasn’t exactly glorious. After realizing this, it’s uncertain whether the Crystal might soon make a comeback.

When will it plan the next attack?

”Whether it’s glorious doesn’t matter, what matters is winning,” Cuiwei shook his head, ”Winning is important, it means someone is willing to stay. I’ve heard that nine out of ten resurrected people choose to stay.”

Of course, Fang Hong didn’t quite understand where this guy got such timely news from; the combat hadn’t even concluded, and he seemed to already have inside information.

But it was indeed good news.

The more people that stayed, the actual losses for the Invokers in this battle were far less than imagined.

Fang Hong looked at the other party; though they hadn’t interacted long, he could tell this guy was absolutely the opportunistic type: ”Speaking of which, you came to find us not just to say this, right?”

”Of course,” Cuiye didn’t feel embarrassed at all, nodding directly, ”Remember the promised share? I also brought a proposal for those people.”

...

Tianlan was tirelessly chattering, explaining her clever designs in the battle to everyone.

Although Fang Hong thought it indeed clever, as a Poet, she was destined to have little impact in such combat—Constructs don’t respond to Mind Spells, for both allies and enemies alike. Like Cuiye, who didn’t show the Poet’s role on the battlefield but perfectly fulfilled the Captain’s duties.

Tianlan certainly didn’t have such ability, but her combat was clever in another way. She and Gita set up a field-type magic trap in the battlefield—quicksand marsh. Of course, this spell is usually used to block paths, as people generally aren’t foolish enough to jump into traps—nor do Crystalysis Beasts.

However, Tianlan completely solved this problem with an Explosive Note, blasting anyone near the trap into it. Sound-wave-based spells have a natural restraining capacity against crystals, making it difficult for Low Rank Disorderly Minions to resist.

With this clever trick, she and Gita garnered quite a few kills on the battlefield.

Yet seeing her excitement, Fang Hong didn’t have the heart to tell her, although the tactic was clever, it wasn’t novel. There were Masters among the Natives skilled in this, and these techniques were first used in Super Competitive at least a decade ago.

But everything has a beginning, doesn’t it.

Below ground, there is no day or night—light from the dome above constantly illuminates the golden forest, though the light outside the window soon dimmed, making the surroundings look as if they entered dusk.

”That is the Heart of Chongshan.”

”Or a manifestation of its strength,” Tang Xin looked towards that direction and whispered, ”I’ve heard that the Crystal hesitates to attack this place lightly, for a reason.”

”But it will come eventually,” Tianlan paused emphatically, ”Our last battle was so tough, it must have gained some insight after testing us.”

”It’s them, not us,” Parker murmured to correct.

Tang Xin glanced at the two, unwilling to engage in the argument, she merely passed on the information she’d gathered to them—or rather, to her brother.

Fang Hong distributed the Spoils of War, ensuring everyone received a share, including the underground Walnuts.

They reaped substantial rewards from this battle, besides the kills they obtained, a significant portion came from shares of other teams’ spoils. Although only seven percent, considering the thousands of Crystalysis Beasts on the battlefield, this was no small amount.

He rotated the leaf in his hand, viewing the natural veins through the window light—light passed through the leaf, revealing a faint yellow within, akin to amber stained with the imprint of time.

Cuiye’s proposal wasn’t sudden—he represented those various teams involved in today’s battle and extended an invitation, hoping they could continue collaborating in future battles.

Fang Hong didn’t mind earning some extra, but one of the other party’s words sparked doubts:

”By the way, I heard you’re looking for Earth Origin Crystal, I can help persuade those teams to replace part of the rewards with Earth Origin Crystal. I bet they’re more than happy, given that it’s not valued here—”

”That’s only for now; once support arrives in a few days, it’ll be different. But at least I can save you a few days, right?”

The other party seemed well-meaning, but the latter part of Fang Hong’s hearing was fuzzy, likely due to his guilty conscience.

If it were others, they wouldn’t be so suspicious over a sentence, but their situation was different. Fang Hong had to consider that dealing with such well-informed individuals might expose their identity.

The severity of this risk compared to their current predicament was entirely different, especially given Hilveld is still present here, he had to be careful.

”Hesitant?” Hilveld appeared next to him at some unknown time.

”Hmm, a bit,” Fang Hong nodded, seeking counsel from his clever Miss Ship’s Officer, which he never minded doing.

He sighed, ”Initially, I only considered the convenience of having an informed person here, but didn’t think it might be a double-edged sword?”

”But suddenly rejecting them might arouse suspicion, right?”

”That’s exactly where I hesitate, Hilveld.”

Miss Ship’s Officer chuckled, ”What did Mr. Reed say?”

Fang Hong scratched his head irritably, ”That’s another headache, Mr. Reed said such matters should be left for me to think over myself.”

”And yet Lord Captain asks for my opinion?”

”Hilveld’s different,” Fang Hong responded without a second thought.

The Noble Lady pressed her lips, a hint of smile shining through, ”I think Lord Captain can rest easy.”

Fang Hong looked at her puzzledly, ”Why’s that?”

”Because a smart person will opt for smart solutions—if it were me, would I easily publicize this information? What’s the benefit? I’d find a way to ask the captain for a hush fee; that’s logical.”

Fang Hong nodded, indeed it made sense.

”And then?” He inquired further.

Hilveld looked at him smiling, ”Then I’d find another chance to inadvertently sell you out for a second profit.”

Fang Hong almost choked on these words, staring wide-eyed at his Miss Ship’s Officer, ”How could this still be reassuring?”

”During our first transaction, didn’t I already hint? I only deal in sales, not necessarily needing to catch you, right?”

Fang Hong then understood, ”But how assured are we he’ll come to us first?”

”Because it’s the best solution—the least risky choice; he doesn’t need the trouble,” Hilveld answered with a smile, ”So, Lord Captain, you needn’t worry about him being too shrewd, but whether he’s not shrewd enough, as only fools ruin things completely.”

Fang Hong reflected; though he hadn’t interacted much with the other party, he didn’t seem foolish.

He hadn’t fully settled his mind—but trusting his Miss Ship’s Officer’s mind, he decided to go ahead. In other aspects, he might be capable, but when handling interpersonal matters, he found himself feeling clueless.

But to be cautious, he asked, ”So, we proceed like this?”

Hilveld shook her head again.

”Previously, I stood from their perspective, Lord Captain. But from ours, having risked so much, we must seek returns.”

...