Chapter 305: "Red" Orland, the Sunlight Scripture Arrives
Inside the Central Fort of the fortress wall.
It wasn't as spacious as one might imagine; on the contrary, it felt somewhat narrow and cramped. Along the walls of the hard stone-slab floor, sconces enchanted with "Enduring Light" magic were placed at regular intervals. Even so, the entire interior remained oppressive and dim.
Tang Zheng, Guild Master Botejin, and "Black" Pabel descended the spiral staircase.
With every footstep, a faint echo reverberated between the walls.
At this moment.
Tang Zheng finally learned the identity of the client for the second Adamantite-rank quest.
"The Warrior King, Gagaran?"
Tang Zheng's voice was filled with surprise. He looked with astonishment at Guild Master Botejin, who had intentionally stayed a step behind him.
"The Adventurer's Guild accepts quests from demi-humans? I mean… in a place like the Holy Kingdom."
"Black" Pabel remained silent, seemingly unconcerned by Tang Zheng's words.
"Normally, that would be impossible. Forget the Holy Kingdom, even in other countries, it… well, something like this probably wouldn't happen."
Guild Master Botejin's expression was somewhat complex as he slowly began to speak.
"This time is truly a special case. We are unfamiliar with the specific situation and terrain of the Abelion Hills. In this matter, we require the assistance of the demi-humans."
Tang Zheng waved his hand.
"That's not what I mean. My relationship with this 'Warrior King' Gagaran isn't as good as you all seem to imagine," Tang Zheng replied.
"But that 'Warrior King' Gagaran specifically asked to see you," "Black" Pabel suddenly interjected, his pace slowing slightly. His tone was laced with worry.
"The demi-humans do not trust us humans, and similarly, we humans do not trust the demi-humans."
"But this 'Warrior King' Gagaran took the initiative to fight his way out of the hills to seek aid, bringing detailed information with him—that is worthy of admiration."
"We need the demi-humans' assistance. Otherwise, that vast expanse of hills will be nothing but a dead land for us."
"He spent ten years in the Baharuth Empire. Perhaps there's someone in the Empire that 'Warrior King' Gagaran trusts more, but there's no time for that now."
"As it stands, you are the only one who already knows Gagaran. Only the two of you can precariously maintain this fragile cooperative relationship between humans and demi-humans in the coming situation."
Having learned it was Gagaran, Tang Zheng already understood the cause and effect of the situation, and he feigned a pensive look in response to these words.
His eyes, however, were perfectly calm.
From the very beginning, Gagaran had been a card Tang Zheng intended to use to connect with the Free Will Adventurer Team.
"Something of this magnitude shouldn't be your decision to make," Tang Zheng said, looking at "Black" Pabel beside him.
"Mm."
"Black" Pabel nodded lightly, replying seriously, "This is the strategy determined by Her Majesty, the Holy Queen."
"Otherwise, even with the status of the Nine Colors, I wouldn't have the ability to bear the repercussions and consequences of a collaboration between humans and demi-humans."
"I see," Tang Zheng remarked with a sigh. "Your queen is as gentle and kind as the rumors say."
"Black" Pabel glanced at Tang Zheng with his narrow eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words.
Using "gentle" and "kind" to praise a ruler was hardly a fitting description. He knew Tang Zheng didn't mean it that way, and besides, such rumors were common even within their own country.
"Black" Pabel couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
"If you said what you just did in front of Her Majesty's admirers, you would definitely be challenged to a duel."
"Black" Pabel still chose to give a word of warning.
Tang Zheng chuckled softly.
The three of them were heading towards the cell where Gagaran was being held—or more accurately, where Gagaran had allowed himself to be imprisoned.
It was a method of showing sincerity, albeit a bit clumsy.
Tang Zheng didn't believe that such a method could quickly earn the Holy Kingdom's trust. The reason they had mobilized their elite forces so quickly was likely due to a warning from the Slane Theocracy.
Before they even reached the location of the prison cell, Tang Zheng could hear the faint sounds of arguing echoing in the air.
"Lord Orland, you can leave the watch to me now. You've been sitting here for a day and a night. You need to get some proper rest."
A steady voice rang out.
"—Hey, I've already told you, I'm personally guarding this demi-human!"
A gruff voice followed immediately after, thick with impatience.
"Or do you lot have something else in mind? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking! The hatred for demi-humans in your eyes, you can't even hide it!"
The gruff voice roared.
"This is a powerful warrior who defeated me, a true warrior I acknowledge! How could I possibly hand him over to you?"
"Hah."
"Are those filthy nobles who barely survived after having their territories stripped from them trying to vent their anger on a truly powerful warrior like him?!"
"Lord Orland, watch your words!"
"We have no such intentions, and you're not the only one who upholds the so-called 'warrior spirit'!"
"We are soldiers. We obey orders! Even if we harbor personal resentment, we would not let it interfere with our duty!"
The sounds of the heated argument grew clearer, reaching the ears of Tang Zheng and the others as they approached.
"Black" Pabel's already sharp and dangerous gaze turned cold, and he couldn't help but quicken his pace.
Soon.
The three arrived at the location of Gagaran's cell.
They saw a powerfully built, burly man wearing a helmet with horns sitting at the entrance of the cell, in a standoff with a soldier squad.
With the arrival of Tang Zheng's group, the arguing came to a halt.
The soldier squad was the first to spot "Black" Pabel walking at the forefront. Their expressions changed in unison, and they hurriedly and respectfully bowed their heads.
"Lord Commander!"
"…!"
"Lord Commander!"
The burly man also turned his head, looked at "Black" Pabel, and a wild, beast-like smile spread across his face. "You're back."
As he spoke, the burly man's gaze shifted to Tang Zheng, sizing him up and down with eyes full of curiosity.
"Orland! Is that how you address a superior officer? How many times have I told you?!"
"Black" Pabel spoke with a cold expression, making the members of the soldier squad shrink back in fear.
"My apologies, Lord Commander!"
Orland finally scrambled up from the ground, performing a salute that looked standard in form but was executed with a certain casualness.
Orland—one of the Holy Kingdom's Nine Colors, a powerful individual who had been granted the title of "Nine Colors" by the previous Holy King based on his power alone.
Although he and "Black" Pabel both belonged to the Nine Colors, in terms of military rank within the Holy Kingdom, he was only at the level of a squad leader.
This situation was due to Orland's dislike for taking orders; to command him, one had to be stronger than him. This had repeatedly led to conflicts with superior officers and nobles, resulting in his demotion dozens of times.
In the entire Central Fort, the only person he would obey was "Black" Pabel, who had defeated him once before.
"'Red' Orland, is it?"
Hearing the man's name, a thought stirred in Tang Zheng's mind.
In his opinion, with his personality and way of doing things, the man was far more suited to be an adventurer than a rule-abiding soldier who had to obey orders.
"You are all dismissed."
"Black" Pabel said to the soldier squad.
"Yes, Lord Commander," the squad's captain replied respectfully, leading his squad away quickly.
"Explain what happened," "Black" Pabel said, his face still cold.
"Heh heh."
"Red" Orland let out a low chuckle. "I just thought these young soldiers might cause some unnecessary trouble."
"This cage can't hold that fellow."
If one of these soldiers, who held a grudge against demi-humans, were foolish enough to provoke Gagaran, things would become troublesome.
If an accident truly occurred, with "Black" Pabel absent, he was the only one who could stop Gagaran.
"So you're the adventurer that Gagaran was so concerned about. Our Lord Commander mentioned you before. It seems your strength is quite impressive."
"How about a fight?"
After responding, "Red" Orland immediately turned to Tang Zheng, speaking with great enthusiasm.
"That's enough, Orland. Leave this to us," "Black" Pabel interjected.
"Alright, alright."
"Red" Orland shrugged, brushed the dust off his pants, and yawned. "Then I'll head back and get some rest."
"Hmph."
"You don't have much time to rest now. Get ready, we're heading to Kalinxia soon," "Black" Pabel reminded him in a serious tone.
"Oh, okay." "Red" Orland rubbed the stubble on his face, grinned, and turned to leave quickly.
"Black" Pabel shook his head and looked at Tang Zheng and Botejin, saying apologetically, "My apologies for the scene. Please, follow me."
As he spoke, "Black" Pabel had already opened the cell door and walked in. Every few steps, another cell door appeared. After opening three consecutive doors, a rather spacious prison cell appeared before them.
Gagaran's massive, three-meter-tall figure sat silently in the center of the cell. Some food and water were placed beside him, though it seemed he hadn't touched any of it.
*Swish!*
Gagaran's eyes snapped open. He looked at the three people standing outside the iron bars, his gaze immediately falling upon the white figure.
"Your aura has grown stronger since we last met," Gagaran said in a low voice.
Tang Zheng looked at Gagaran, who now had a hint of exhaustion in his expression. "It seems a lot has happened recently."
"How did you know I was in the Holy Kingdom?"
"Because of the Regeneration Potion."
"I see."
After the brief exchange, the air fell quiet again.
"Black" Pabel and Guild Master Botejin glanced at each other, neither of them interrupting.
From their conversation alone, they realized that Tang Zheng's earlier statement—"our relationship isn't as good as you imagine"—was not the least bit humble.
"We've only met once. Why would you trust me?" Tang Zheng was genuinely curious.
"Trust?"
Gagaran shook his head. "To be honest, I don't like that you use the blood of demi-humans to craft potions. But among all the people I've had contact with, you are the only one who looks at demi-humans the same way Osco did."
"In you humans' words, you are a good person."
To suddenly be handed the "good person" card.
Tang Zheng was at a loss for words for a moment and could only show a helpless expression.
"Since you're here, it must mean that the Holy Kingdom's side has agreed. Can we go now?" Gagaran asked.
"Of course."
"Black" Pabel first met Tang Zheng's gaze. Seeing Tang Zheng nod in response, he finally spoke, taking a key from his pocket to open the cell door.
"No need!"
Gagaran stood up, a powerful aura emanating from his body. With a casual pull of his rough hand, he tore apart the sturdy-looking iron bars before him.
Guild Master Botejin's eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
With the confirmation from Gagaran, the key demi-human figure, the group left together.
Late at night!
The rain outside had stopped.
A half-moon appeared in the sky, veiled by a light mist.
By the time Tang Zheng and the others emerged from the Central Fort, the sky had already turned completely dark.
Everyone boarded the carriages again. This time, however, two carriages left the Central Fort, now carrying "Black" Pabel, "Red" Orland, and Gagaran.
Both carriages hurried back in the direction of Kalinxia.
*Clatter-clatter—*
*Clatter-clatter—*
The carriage wheels spun rapidly on the damp ground, emitting a rhythmic hum.
Tang Zheng sat by the window, occasionally gazing outside with a pensive look in his eyes. He knew why everyone was in such a rush.
According to the Adventurer's Guild Master, the Holy Kingdom's elite Holy Knight Order and Cleric Corps would arrive in Kalinxia tonight.
As the top combat power of the Holy Kingdom, "Black" Pabel and "Red" Orland would surely participate in this war to subjugate the undead.
Given the current situation, they would set out for the Abelion Hills within a day or two at most… perhaps even sooner!
Around midnight, the fortress city of Kalinxia reappeared before the two carriage parties.
"Guild Master, what's next..." Tang Zheng was leaning against the carriage wall, speaking to Guild Master Botejin beside him, but he was only halfway through his sentence.
Tang Zheng suddenly reached out, pulled open the carriage curtain, and looked outside!
Dozens of dazzling streams of white light were rapidly flying towards them from a distance, exceptionally eye-catching against the deep-night sky.
"They're heading—this way!" Guild Master Botejin cried out, his face a mask of shock.
"Angels?"
Tang Zheng narrowed his eyes. Guild Master Botejin couldn't see clearly, but Tang Zheng's vision could make them out perfectly.
Those streaks of white light were summoned creatures in the form of celestial horses, clad in silver armor and resembling angels.
"Third Tier Angel Summoning: Steed Angel." Tang Zheng recognized this type of angelic summoned creature.
They were special angels that lacked attack power but could travel long distances, similar to mount-type monsters.
In his vision, each "Steed Angel" carried two figures in strange and peculiar attire.
That kind of dress…
"The Sunlight Scripture. They sure arrived quickly," Tang Zheng thought to himself.
(end of chapter)I think people don't understand it. I have a personal website where I post advanced free chapters — there are 10 new chapters per day, so you can check it out here: soollhooaf.com