Chapter 302: Red

Inside the central keep of the fortress wall.

It was not as spacious as one might imagine; rather, it was somewhat narrow and cramped, with walls of hard stone on either side, spaced at intervals.

Each section held a wall lamp infused with "Everlasting Light" magic, yet even so, the entire interior remained oppressive and dim.

Tang Zheng, Guild Master Bertkin, and "Black" Pavel walked down the steps of the spiral staircase.

With every footfall, a faint echo reverberated between the walls.

And at this moment.

Tang Zheng finally learned the identity of the second "Steel-ranked" quest giver.

"The 'Warrior King' Go-Gin?"

Tang Zheng’s voice was surprised, his gaze shifting with astonishment toward Guild Master Bertkin, who was walking a step behind him on his side:

"The Adventurer's Guild accepts commissions from demi-humans? I mean... in a place like the Holy Kingdom."

"Black" Pavel remained silent, seemingly unbothered by Tang Zheng’s description.

"Normally, it’s impossible. Never mind the Holy Kingdom, even in other countries, it... well, such things probably wouldn't happen."

Guild Master Bertkin’s expression was somewhat complex as he spoke slowly:

"This matter is indeed a special case. We are unclear about the specific conditions and terrain of the Abelion Hills, and in this regard, we need the assistance of the demi-humans."

Tang Zheng waved his hand.

"That’s not what I meant. My relationship with that 'Warrior King' Go-Gin isn't as good as you all imagine," Tang Zheng replied.

"But that 'Warrior King' Go-Gin specifically requested to see you," "Black" Pavel suddenly spoke, slowing his pace, his tone worried:

"Demi-humans do not trust us humans, and likewise, we humans do not trust demi-humans."

"Yet this 'Warrior King' Go-Gin took the initiative to carve a bloody path out of the hills to seek aid and brought detailed intelligence—it is worthy of admiration."

"We need the assistance of the demi-humans, otherwise that vast hilly region would be a death trap for us."

"He spent 10 years in the Baharuth Empire; perhaps there is someone there whom the 'Warrior King' Go-Gin trusts more, but there is no time left for that."

"Right now, only you and Go-Gin have known each other for a long time, and only the two of you can barely maintain this fragile cooperative relationship between humans and demi-humans in the coming situation."

Upon learning it was Go-Gin, Tang Zheng already understood the cause and effect, appearing deep in thought at these words.

His eyes, however, remained very calm.

From the very beginning, Go-Gin was a card Tang Zheng used to maintain contact with the "Free Will" adventurer party.

"Something this big shouldn't be something you can decide on your own, right?" Tang Zheng looked at "Black" Pavel beside him.

"Yes."

"Black" Pavel nodded slightly, responding earnestly: "This is a strategy determined by Her Majesty, the Holy Queen."

"Otherwise, even with the status of the 'Nine Colors,' I would not have the ability to bear the impact and consequences of having humans and demi-humans cooperate."

"I see," Tang Zheng sighed, "Your Majesty is indeed as gentle and kind as the rumors say."

"Black" Pavel glanced at Tang Zheng with his narrow eyes, opened his mouth to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back.

Using "gentle" and "kind" to praise a monarch was not exactly a good description. He knew Tang Zheng didn't mean it that way, and besides, such rumors existed within their own country.

"Black" Pavel couldn't help but feel a headache.

"If you said what you just said in front of Her Majesty’s worshippers, someone would definitely challenge you."

"Black" Pavel chose to offer a reminder.

Tang Zheng smiled lightly.

The direction the three were heading was the cell where Go-Gin was being held; to be precise, Go-Gin had voluntarily allowed himself to be imprisoned.

It was a way to show sincerity, though a rather clumsy one.

Tang Zheng did not think that using this method would quickly gain the Holy Kingdom's attention. The reason they mobilized elites so quickly was likely due to a warning from the Slane Theocracy.

Before they reached the location of the prison cell.

Tang Zheng heard faint sounds of arguing echoing in the air.

"Lord Orland, you can leave the guarding to me from here on. You have been sitting here for a day and a night; you need a good rest."

A steady voice rang out.

"—Hey, I’ve already said it, I am guarding this demi-human personally!"

A rough voice followed immediately after, filled with intense impatience:

"Or are you trying to do something? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking; those eyes full of hatred for demi-humans can't even be hidden!"

The rough voice roared.

"This is a powerhouse who defeated me, a true warrior I acknowledge. How could I hand him over to you?"

"Hah."

"Are those filthy nobles who were stripped of their territories a while ago trying to vent their anger on a powerhouse who is a true warrior like this!"

"Lord Orland, please watch your words!"

"We don't have that intention, and you aren't the only one who insists on so-called 'warrior spirit'!"

"We are soldiers, we obey orders. Even if we have personal grudges, we wouldn't put them above this!"

The sounds of the heated argument became clearer and clearer, reaching the ears of Tang Zheng and his two companions as they approached.

"Black" Pavel’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 the cell holding Go-Gin.

They saw a man with a horned helmet and a strong, burly build sitting at the entrance of the cage, confronting a squad of soldiers.

With the appearance of Tang Zheng and the others, the arguing stopped.

The squad of soldiers saw "Black" Pavel walking quickly in the lead first, their complexions changing in unison, and they hurriedly lowered their heads respectfully:

"Lord Captain!"

"…………!"

"Lord Captain!"

The burly man also turned his head, looking at "Black" Pavel, a beast-like smile appearing on his face: "You're back."

As he spoke.

The burly man’s gaze shifted to Tang Zheng, looking him up and down, his eyes full of curiosity.

"Orland! Is this the attitude you show your superior? How many times have I told you!"

"Black" Pavel spoke with a cold face, causing the squad of soldiers nearby to shrink their necks in fear.

"My apologies, Lord Captain!"

Orland then climbed up from the ground, performing a salute that looked standard yet somewhat casual.

Orland—one of the Holy Kingdom's "Nine Colors," a powerhouse who earned the title of "Nine Colors" from the previous Holy King based solely on his strength.

Although he belonged to the "Nine Colors" alongside "Black" Pavel, his rank among the Holy Kingdom's soldiers was only that of a "Squad Leader."

This situation arose because Orland did not like taking orders; to command him, one had to be stronger than him.

This repeatedly led to conflicts with superiors and nobles, resulting in him being demoted dozens of times.

In the entire central keep, the only person who could make him obey orders was "Black" Pavel, who had defeated him once.

"The 'Red' Orland, is it."

Tang Zheng felt a stir in his heart upon hearing the other's name.

In his view, given the other's personality and way of doing things, he was actually better suited to be an adventurer rather than a soldier who had to follow rules and orders.

"You all go back first."

"Black" Pavel said to the squad of soldiers nearby.

"Yes, Lord Captain," the squad leader replied respectfully, leading the squad away quickly.

"Tell me, what exactly is going on?" "Black" Pavel asked with a cold face.

"Heh heh."

"Red" Orland chuckled, "I just felt that these young soldiers might cause unnecessary trouble."

"This cage can't hold that guy."

Once some fool among these soldiers who hated demi-humans provoked Go-Gin, things would become troublesome.

If an accident really happened, and with "Black" Pavel not around, only he could stop Go-Gin.

"You are the adventurer Go-Gin cares about. Our Lord Captain has mentioned you before. You look quite strong."

"Want to have a fight?"

After "Red" Orland replied, he immediately looked at Tang Zheng and spoke with great interest.

"Alright, Orland, leave this to us," "Black" Pavel interrupted.

"Fine, fine."

"Red" Orland shrugged, patted the dust off his pants, and yawned: "Then I'll go back and get some rest."

"Hah."

"You don't have much time to rest now. Get ready; we'll be heading to 'Kalinsha' shortly," "Black" Pavel reminded him with a serious tone.

"Oh, alright," "Red" Orland rubbed the stubble on his face, grinned, turned around, and left quickly.

"Black" Pavel shook his head, looked at Tang Zheng and the other, and said apologetically: "Please excuse the display. Follow me."

As he spoke.

"Black" Pavel had already opened the cell door and walked in. Another cell door appeared every few steps, and after opening three doors in succession,

a somewhat spacious prison cell appeared before them.

The massive, three-meter-tall figure of Ge Jin sat quietly in the center of the cell, with some food and water placed beside him, though it appeared he had not eaten them.

Swish!

Ge Jin opened his eyes and looked at the three people standing outside across the iron bars, his gaze falling immediately upon the white-clad figure.

"Your aura has become stronger than when we last met," Ge Jin said faintly.

Tang Zheng looked at Ge Jin, whose demeanor revealed a hint of exhaustion: "It seems a lot has happened during this time."

"How did you know I was in the Holy Kingdom?"

"Because of the 'Regeneration Potion'."

"So that's it."

The brief conversation ended, and the air grew quiet once again.

"Black" Pavel and Chairman Bo Tejin exchanged glances, neither of them interjecting.

From their dialogue alone, they realized that Tang Zheng's previous remark—that "the relationship between the two is not as good as one might imagine"—was not a humble understatement in the slightest.

"We have only met once, so why do you trust me?" Tang Zheng was indeed somewhat curious.

"Trust?"

Ge Jin shook his head: "To be honest, I don't like that you refine potions using the blood of demi-humans, but among everyone I have come into contact with, the way you look at demi-humans is the same as that guy Osi Ke."

"To use your human words, you are a good person."

Suddenly being issued a "good person" card.

Tang Zheng was momentarily speechless and could only reveal a helpless expression.

"If you can appear here, it means there are no more problems in the Holy Kingdom. Can we go now?" Ge Jin asked.

"Of course."

"Black" Pavel first exchanged a look with Tang Zheng, and seeing Tang Zheng nod in response, he spoke up and took a key from his pocket to open the cell door.

"No need!"

Ge Jin stood up, a powerful aura overflowing from his body, and with a casual pull of his rugged palms, he tore apart the iron bars that had appeared sturdy.

Chairman Bo Tejin’s eyelids twitched!

With the confirmation of Ge Jin, the key figure among the demi-humans, the group left together.

Late at night!

The rain outside had stopped.

A half-moon appeared in the sky, obscured by a faint mist.

When Tang Zheng’s group emerged from the central fortress, the sky had already turned completely black.

Everyone boarded the carriages again, only this time, two carriages left the central fortress, with "Black" Pavel, "Red" Ao Erlande, and Ge Jin added to the group.

Both carriages headed back in the direction of "Kalinxia".

Rumble—

Rumble—

The carriage wheels turned rapidly on the damp ground, emitting a rhythmic humming sound.

Tang Zheng sat by the window, looking out from time to time with deep thought; he understood why everyone was so urgent.

According to the Adventurer's Guild Chairman, the Holy Kingdom's elite Paladin Order and Priest Order would all arrive in "Kalinxia" tonight.

As the top combat forces of the Holy Kingdom, "Black" Pavel and his companion would inevitably participate in this war to crusade against the undead.

Given the current situation.

Within a day or two at most, they would quickly set off for the Abelion Hills... perhaps even sooner!

Midnight.

The fortress city of "Kalinxia" reappeared in front of the two carriage teams.

"Chairman, next we should..." Tang Zheng leaned against the carriage compartment and spoke to Chairman Bo Tejin beside him, but he only got halfway through his sentence.

Tang Zheng suddenly reached out to pull back the carriage curtain and looked outside!

Dazzling white rays of light flew rapidly from the distant sky; there were dozens of them, exceptionally eye-catching in the environment of the deep night.

"Their direction—it's here!" Chairman Bo Tejin exclaimed in shock.

"Angels?"

Tang Zheng narrowed his eyes; what Chairman Bo Tejin could not see clearly, he could see distinctly with his own eyes.

Those streaks of white light were summoned creatures resembling angels, shaped like Pegasus with silver armor.

"Third-Tier Angel Summoning: Angel of Steeds." Tang Zheng knew this type of summoned angel.

They possessed no attack power but were special angels used for long-distance travel, similar to mountable magical beasts.

In his field of vision, two figures in strange, peculiar attire sat on the back of each "Angel of Steeds".

That kind of dress...

"The [Sunlight Scripture], they’ve come so quickly," Tang Zheng thought to himself.

(End of chapter)