Pillar of Yita

”But, but... The Oak Knights are somehow considered our allies, aren’t they,” Fang Hong tried to argue: ”It doesn’t seem right to gloat over their misfortune, especially when Luo Yu and Gita are still here, right?”

”One thing has nothing to do with another, are we discussing the same issue?” Tang Xin sneered at him and wrinkled her nose: ”Don’t try to dodge the topic; your tricks only work with Miss Atira.”

So, our Lord Captain reluctantly handed over the financial authority.

The second team, naturally, consists of Miss Ship’s Officer—Hilveld, accompanied by Xiesta, heading to assess the shipbuilding industry in Tansnier. They plan to build the Seven Seas Traveler in Mist Fjord, having prepared extensively over the past half year.

The most crucial part of the Seven Seas Traveler, the Magic Guided Engine, now possesses the Heart of Fairy, and for the sailboat’s materials, not only have reservoirs of Silver Mane Spider Silk been accumulated, but the Seven Seas Travel Group currently holds the Spider Silk Gemstone as a powerful asset, ensuring no short-term worries.

The two key elements in building a Floating Ship, the engine and the wind sail, are ready. However, essential ship materials like the hull and inner facilities need to be procured locally and await Lady Kuisu’s journey south. The external shell of the Floating Ship must be crafted from Magic Oak, being a controlled asset we can primarily acquire in the market.

As for the internal structure, from ship ribs to the strength-guaranteeing Dragon Bone, hardwood can be used as a substitute, awaiting their southern team employing cargo ships for transport. These cargo ships belong to the Elfendo Council, thus causing no expenses.

This saves a significant amount of budget.

Yet beyond these factors, the real crux lies with personnel and venue. The venue was long decided at Cloud Harbor, yet ship workers cannot simply be conjured.

Ship workers are divided into two parts: craftsmen, with the main artisan undoubtedly Fang Hong himself, but even for small ships, multiple working teams are necessary. Each team needs a qualified Alchemist as leader. Originally, this was the Seven Seas Travel Group’s biggest issue, since few Alchemists were willing to join them in the remote Mist Fjord for shipbuilding.

Since Kalatu and Tang De joined, this issue resolved itself.

Hilveld’s team, quite grand indeed, includes her, Xiesta, Bakins, and one knowledgeable in Greyrock knowledge, Elisa, for dealing with the Brotherhood locally, alongside the legendary Archmage Kalatu.

And this Archmage’s avatar seems it will linger for a while. Naturally, Kalatu’s journey includes Gita.

Currently, by Gita’s side, lies one Tianlan.

Thus, they are seven people.

Tansnier, Istania’s largest port, inevitably houses shipyards, dry docks, craftsmen, and workers trying to make a living—abundant, but many are unwilling to journey south.

Miss Ship’s Officer intends to offer three to four times the wage, with promises of returning these adventurers post-completion; surely some will take the risk. But naturally, it attracts opportunists too, necessitating prior thorough inspection, alongside assessing Istania’s shipbuilding quality.

Recruiting workers locally demands permission from local Artisan Association.

Luckily, they knew Princess Affia, who although somewhat temperamental, proved straightforward and generous; she casually signed a Hand Order as gratitude for saving them, mostly for Luo Yu’s sake.

With this Hand Order, obtaining permission is trivial—furthermore, leveraging King of Sand, Barbaniir’s identity sways more recruits.

Though Tianlan appeared in constant juxtaposition with Affia, when squeezing the last ounce of value from Princess’s identity, Miss Poet showed no hesitation, embodying the capitalist trait of never conflicting with interests; their ship’s sole ’capitalist’ Little Miss—

Fuli Blanche Madam.

Finally, naturally, Fang Hong’s group.

Including him, Parker, Luo Hao, Xiangzi, plus Luo Yu, a Big Cat Person, and an idle Ai Xiaoxiao.

Dubbed by Tang Xin as the loafing six.

Lorem ipsum, combat expertise dominates their skillsets, rendering life-related tasks somewhat elusive. Fortunately, even Ai Xiaoxiao shares a thick-skinned pride in such state.

Admittedly, despite idleness, they must first guide Mr. Greyrock into Tansnier City’s Beast Pens, leaving Pasha and today’s duty observer overseeing the vessel.

Fang Hong, having completed duties, asked a certain persistent Silver Weslan Little Princess, ”Sophie, having not visited Tansnier, want to go into town with us?”

Sophie adorably wrinkled her nose, ”Who cares? I’m going shopping with Xi!”

Fang Hong, aware of her and Xi’s bond, asked, ”Then, another time?”

”Hang on.” Sophie stopped him.

”Do you remember what was discussed earlier?”

”Regarding Descendants of Flor?”

Sophie nodded, ”Speaking of, they want me to contact you.”

Fang Hong frowned, ”I’m not inclined to meet them, you can decline for me.”

”Wait,” Sophie added, ”It’s not just them; there are Super Competitive League officials involved; meeting them might be wise.”

Fang Hong paused—despite disliking Super Competitive League, post-Stargate, it’s one of the only official bodies, pondering, then said, ”Where now?”

”No need to rush,” Sophie replied, ”They’ll offer you respect, planning to meet in Tansnier, you’re staying a while, aren’t you?”

Fang Hong hesitated shortly.

Then nodded.

...