Pillar of Yita

Although Tianlan is not an official Invoker, this is clearly a bad omen, forcing Fang Hong to consider ending the adventure early and finding a safe place for the team to rest and revive.

His original plan was to go to Dulun for supplies and to gather information—a city that was one of the largest in the south of the Great Canyon, bustling with trade—at least before the north-south passage was blocked. Therefore, finding a place to land wouldn’t be difficult.

However, after the battle with the people of Ragnarok, this plan became somewhat inappropriate. Although the other side may not recognize the faces of every one of them, Mr. Greyrock is such a huge target that failing to recognize him would be too much.

Fortunately, in the hills and forests north of Dulun, it is easy enough to hide a Gey Ridge Burden Beast and their gigantic platform. Once they leave the Ash Woods, there is no more danger in the wild—at most, some wildlife that poses no threat to the Adventure Group.

So Fang Hong found such a suitable spot without much effort and parked Mr. Greyrock in a basin surrounded by mountains.

This place is located north of Dulun and not too far from the agricultural cultivation areas surrounding the city. Naturally, large agricultural areas are abundant in the suburbs of a big city like Dulun, dotted with farms and vineyards, interspersed with some Holy Sanctuaries and monasteries.

Therefore, together with Hilveld and Elisa, the rental of four to five large covered wagons from the nearby farms was accomplished without much ado.

This was thanks to the blessing of the Commercial Goddess, and also because of the presence of Lady Roman, local farm owners were bold enough to trade with these strangers. In fact, the strong contractual awareness in Eteliria owes more than half of its credit to this commercially astute Lord Goddess.

It’s just that Fang Hong felt a bit pained by the money spent.

The locals evidently bore the inherent cunning of the mountain people of the area, clearly seeing their urgent need for these wagons, they sharply raised the rental fees by several folds. At that time, Elisa seemed somewhat reluctant and looked back at the two with a questioning glance about whether they should look elsewhere.

But Hilveld discreetly shook her head, indicating that time was of the essence right now—

However, probably for the sake of money, after these farmers handed over the wagons, they meticulously maintained the wagons and draft horses, which saved them a lot of trouble.

Since Mr. Greyrock couldn’t enter the city, Fang Hong naturally had to rely on this convoy to enter Dulun to procure supplies and medicine. Although most of them were very conspicuous, Lady Kuisu’s people were different.

The other side likely couldn’t recognize these woodcutters.

Furthermore, for the mere procurement of supplies, Lady Kuisu was evidently up to the task.

Therefore, Fang Hong’s revised plan was to have Lady Kuisu go to Dulun to buy the necessary supplies and medicine, and also gather some information. Once the convoy returned, the Adventure Group would be almost rested and ready to bypass Dulun and head south, crossing the Kudi Mountain Range to reach the warm, brown-red forests of the south.

There, they would split up, with Lady Kuisu’s team felling wood in the cultivation zone, while the others ventured into the leveling area of the Kudi Mountain Range to boost their strength. That was one of the best leveling zones in the entire Southern Region—abound with elite monsters, bosses, and rich wilderness resources.

The day the convoy was set to leave for Dulun happened to be Eteliria’s Dormant Day.

And January 21st was, in fact, also Fang Hong’s birthday, though he hadn’t told anyone, content to be vain in his room alone—a young man who was another year older.

He looked in a small mirror from left to right, feeling he’d matured quite a bit, before donning his coat to go out. He opened the door, and then paused—a bit surprised to see Hilveld standing outside, smiling at him.

Today’s Miss Ship’s Officer seemed to have dressed up intentionally, unusually wearing a snow-white coat, with a fox fur shawl draped over her shoulders.

And this Noble Lady was stunning on an ordinary day, but seeing her bright eyes and white teeth, Fang Hong couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Hilveld’s smile remained unchanged as she gently placed something in his arms.

It was a paper box with a pine leaf pinned to it, feeling heavy in his hands.

”This is...?”

Fang Hong paused for a moment.

”A birthday gift, Lord Captain,” Hilveld smiled slightly, ”In Eteliria, evergreen pine leaves represent growth. Nobles often exchange gifts on this day of the year, though Lord Captain should remember to reciprocate on my birthday.”

”...”

Fang Hong was completely stunned.

He was dumbfounded, staring at the gift in his hand. It wasn’t his first time receiving a birthday gift, but aside from his uncle, aunt, and cousin, this was the first time he’d received a birthday gift from an outsider.

However, as he looked up again, curiosity filled his heart: ”Miss Hilveld, how did you know today is my birthday?”

”Miss Tata told me.”

Fang Hong smacked his forehead.

He didn’t have any secrets from Miss Tata, and the Fairy probably gave him away as soon as Hilveld asked.

Because in Miss Fairy’s eyes, birthdays were likely no different from any other day, and she couldn’t understand mortals’ obsession with birthdays.