Pillar of Yita

Mentioning the shadow people who can devour souls and transform into human likeness, Fang Hong couldn’t help but recall another matter, the grandfather of Witch Demon Tang De. Didn’t they encounter that wanderer in Idus, who seemed like such an existence as well? Yet, it remains unknown what the wanderer’s true appearance is, whether truly a mortal fallen into darkness or a monster transformed into human form?

The innkeeper once described the appearance of shadow people as ’like intertwined light and shadow, with changing bright flames’, while the community rumors say they are ’shape-shifting, possessing greater intelligence, communicating with a sharp voice’. Unfortunately, there’s no related depiction in pictures or videos.

”By the way,” interrupting the discussion about Crow’s Claw Sanctuary, Fang Hong suddenly asked: ”’What is the Redeemer?”

”Did that woman say those words?” Luo Hao shook his head, ”I have searched using related keywords, but found no clues.”

”No clues?” Fang Hong seemed a bit surprised, as the community should contain some obscure information, although the entries might be few or mixed with false data, but it’s rare to find this kind of situation entirely missing. Unless, the term was fabricated.

”I’ve checked synonyms, homonyms, or words with similar meanings, and the closest one is a church armed force named ’Redemption Army’, but this organization only operates within Osh’s territory, apparently unrelated to this place.” Luo Hao responded.

Fang Hong nodded in acknowledgment, ready to speak when suddenly a shadow blocked the inn’s entrance, obscuring the light coming from that direction.

The hall abruptly fell silent, and people silently turned to look in that direction, only to find a team of Grey Knights dressed in black and white cloaks blocking the entrance.

”Checking for fugitives.”

The leading knight spoke in a hoarse voice, the sound having a peculiar texture that seemed to penetrate metal, possibly due to the helmet visor.

A tuft of grey-white long feathers on his helmet distinguished him from the others, a half grey-feather cloak draped over his right shoulder, and his armor was more elaborate. A Magic Guided Reactor at his back was covered with cloth, concealing its model, with a red-eyed raven embroidered on the cloth.

The knights entered single file, and the innkeeper stiffened behind the counter, immobile. ”Raven Knight.” Luo Hao compared with pictures from the community, nudged Fang Hong with his elbow, and pointed in that direction. Fang Hong looked at the leading knight and nodded knowingly.

Grey Knights are divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers, and Raven Knights belong to the command tier.

The knights walked into the hall, and under their orders, the guests left their seats one by one. The knights scrutinized everyone, being stricter with natives and slightly more lenient with the Chosen. Chosens weren’t even required to leave their seats, just to cooperate for the check.

In this situation, the Chosen assessed the situation and didn’t choose to act. The knights screened them one by one, soon arriving at the Seven Seas Travel Group’s table.

Ai Xiaoxiao was so tense she straightened her body, uneasily watching these people, not daring to take even a deep breath—

while the others remained unfazed, having perhaps become accustomed to such scenarios. Even Gita didn’t spare these people a glance, merely engrossed in reading a history book.

The Raven Knight walked over, with a hand on the sword, the metallic boot sounds echoed eerily in the quiet hall.

”Please cooperate with our inspection,” the knights surrounded them, scrutinizing everyone. But it was still the Raven Knight opening his mouth, his voice with that resonance as if buzzing within the eardrums, ”Put down what you’re holding.”

”We’ve already done so.” Luo Hao replied.

Fang Hong turned his head and looked at the opposite party. The Raven Knight wore a heavy helmet, his face unclear, only a pair of eyes exposed. Those slightly amber-toned eyes were dry in the cold weather, with slight crust forming on the eyelids.

Looking into those eyes, Fang Hong felt an unexpected surge of unease, and precisely then, the Raven Knight suddenly stared intently at them and asked: ”Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?”

”Indeed,” Fang Hong replied: ”Earlier at the plaza.”

”Did you attend the previous judgment?” the Raven Knight asked in a hoarse voice.

”Would anyone here have not attended?”

”But I don’t recognize you,” the Raven Knight remarked: ”Are you outsiders?”

Fang Hong nodded: ”Indeed, we arrived here not long ago.”

The Raven Knight’s amber gaze turned towards Hilveld beside them, a hint of greed in his eyes, lingering for quite some time. Fang Hong frowned slightly, seeing him suddenly reach out, attempting to lift Miss Ship’s Officer’s veil.

Just then, a Silverlight flew by, and the Raven Knight quickly withdrew his hand, watching the Construct circling threateningly before him. ’Silver Bee’ maintained a stance as if prepared to attack without hesitation should he step further—

The commotion drew others’ attention.

”Combat Artisan.” someone murmured.

”We are the Chosen,” Fang Hong gently set down the Control Gloves, glanced at the opposite party, answering.

The Raven Knight hesitated slightly, then nodded, straightened up, as if all previous actions hadn’t happened at all. ”Enjoy your meal, may the Storm be with you—” His gaze fell upon the Holy Emblem on Miss Knight’s chest nearby, paused momentarily, ”sister.”