Pillar of Yita

He just thought it was odd that the wandering horse had shot Elpaxin several times already, so why was he back again? While his filming techniques and angles were innovative, the audience would eventually get bored.

After all, Eteliria had plenty of other places to go.

At that moment on the big screen, the wandering horse pulled back his camera and said, ”You all might have noticed, this is Elpaxin. Yes, we’ve been here several times already, familiarized with Elpaxin’s history, stories, the local customs, unique snacks, and even a few famous local sights.”

At this point, he teased a bit, paused, and then continued, ”But this time, we have returned here for a special mission.”

While speaking, the wandering horse raised the camera angle, letting Luo Hao see the colorful draperies hanging down and the cluster of brightly colored hot air balloons decorating the outside of the market, as well as the clowns and festival processions moving through the streets in the distance.

”Can you all see this? You might think this is Elpaxin’s harvest festival, and indeed the timing is nearly right, but it is not. This time, we are here because—”

Footsteps were heard from outside the hall.

Luo Hao’s attention was drawn away from the livestream. He turned around just in time to hear a voice of complaint coming from outside:

”Captain, why are you stuffing people in my direction too? Yes, yes, I know it’s the old superior’s orders, and he wouldn’t play favorites, but what about those below him? It’s hard to ensure there aren’t any bad eggs. You know, the old superior is just too trusting.”

”What, you say that guy is very talented, you saw his test scores? Don’t joke, Captain, have you seen his physical examination report? The guy weighs 180 pounds, I bet he can’t even pass the physical fitness test.”

”... Invokers don’t need those things, but we are still an army here. We need to follow the rules, right? Discipline first? Fine fine fine, you have the final say. I’ll just see what this guy is all about—alright then, I’ll treat you to dinner when you get back.”

It seemed that person had turned off their communicator, and the footsteps grew closer and closer.

Luo Hao took a slight breath, feeling nervous for the first time.

And at the same moment, in Eteliria, Elpaxin Port—

The wandering horse was about to end the livestream. He summarized and showed the newcomers in the livestream the beautiful scenes of Elpaxin, capturing the entire street within the frame.

In the frame, a human big boy, a tall Lion Person, and a Papalarian were passing by the fruit and vegetable shop, with the latter clamoring noisily for food, attracting curious glances from several elves nearby.

This strange combination caught the wandering horse’s attention too; he couldn’t help but take a second look, all the while reminding himself of his job, introducing to the audience: ”Did you see that, a Papalarian? This group is quite rare in Aquen, especially since the winters here are cold, as I might have mentioned before—Papalarians generally dislike cold, but I’m not sure if that one is a Chosen. That Lion Person is interesting too, Rotao Lion People are really rare outside of Golden Plain— Alright, that’s it for this stream. Catch up with you all at the Artisan Association, goodbye.”

He drew a few lucky followers in the livestream, sent out prizes, observed the lively atmosphere amongst his fans, then finally, pleased, closed the livestream.

But when he went to find that strange group again, they had already disappeared. The wandering horse shook his head and didn’t mind, he walked to a designated area on the street side. Soon after, a huge ray with a palanquin on its back landed beside him from the sky.

”Sir, where would you like to go?” The driver, a Dwarf Goblin, asked with a servile expression.

”1017 Street.”

”Ah, I know that place, Artisan Association!”

Just as the wandering horse left, Fang Hong stopped in front of the door of an Alchemy shop. And following him, after Reed the Lion Person had paid the fruit shop owner, he carried the Papalarian up.

He literally lifted Parker with his claws, infuriating the latter who kicked about in the air, screaming to kick him with his spiky boots. But the Lion Person’s arms were too long, rendering the Papalarian’s efforts futile.

”Put me down, Papalarian is getting angry!” Parker yelled.

The Lion Person, curious, rested his chin on his broad paws and asked the little one, ”Are you sure?”

”Of course—ah no, gently, slowly, ouch!” Parker hadn’t finished speaking when he had already fallen on his butt.

Fang Hong looked back and shook his head.

They had been in Elpaxin for two days to rest. During these two days, it seemed like there were endless things to handle, only then did he realize that adventure and travel weren’t just about fantasy and romance; they were backed by countless trivial troubles and details—various procedures and preparations for the upcoming journey to Golande, buying supplies, and dealing with all sorts of people.

Before this, Miss Sicape had taken care of everything. Fang Hong never knew that these things could be so draining.

However, it wasn’t without its gains; at least he had learned a lot, learned to distinguish between reliable people and bottomless third-rate swindlers—in Eteliria, adventurers inevitably dealt with these brokers at every location.