Pillar of Yita

Fang Hong heard a sound and immediately put down his hand, swiftly moving into the shadows aside, cautiously looking in that direction. It wasn’t long before he saw two natives dressed as servants leisurely walking this way, quietly discussing the raging sandstorm as they went.

In the Silver Sand Desert this season, dust storms are not uncommon, but such a violent one hasn’t been seen for at least ten years. The two discussed in hushed tones whether this was the manifestation of the God of Death, and with their hands folded over their chests, they closed their eyes and bowed their heads in prayer according to the understanding unique to the Desert People.

Fang Hong watched them approach from afar, feeling anxious lest they check the warehouse door, since Nini had unlocked it and he hadn’t had time to restore it. But true to the saying ”what you fear comes to pass,” the two suddenly turned and began walking in this direction from the other side of the corridor.

One of them reached the door, picked up the lock, and made a surprised sound: ”Strange.”

The other immediately asked: ”What happened?”

The first replied: ”It’s unlocked.”

Fang Hong’s heart tightened, preparing to reveal himself to deal with the threat. But just then, footsteps sounded in the distance, a group of Desert Guards in robes, holding spears, were patrolling toward them. The two servants turned to look in that direction, but to Fang Hong’s surprise, they did not raise an alarm, merely glanced over before resuming their focus.

The second person then asked softly: ”Did you forget to lock it earlier?”

The first shook his head: ”I remember locking it...”

The second sighed: ”Never mind, be careful. If the manager finds out, we’ll be punished again.”

The first nodded fearfully: ”I’ll be more careful next time.”

Both tacitly stopped discussing the matter, removed the lock and unchained the door, then with a creak pushed it open and went inside. Fang Hong watched from outside, not daring to breathe heavily, unexpectedly finding himself in such a coincidental predicament. Hopefully, the servants’ fear of punishment kept their vigilance low; it would have been a different story if the guards had noticed, and he’d likely have been exposed.

He contemplated whether he should knock them out here and tie them up, then hide them inside the warehouse, or wait until they left naturally. The first option naturally bore risk, but he worried they’d notice something missing inside, feel a sense of anomaly repeatedly, and even though dull, these two would likely not dare to conceal it much longer.

Looking at Tata on his shoulder, Miss Fairy simply shook her head slightly, indicating he needn’t worry. The servants hadn’t noticed anything amiss; it seemed they were looking for something inside the warehouse, as sounds of rummaging soon emerged, eventually turning their quiet discussions towards the ’Arcanists’ within the castle.

The first person sighed suddenly, speaking: ”Who knows when this dust storm will end, those folks might stay for weeks.”

The second seemed cautious, looked around, then whispered: ”Keep your voice down, aren’t you afraid they’ll hear? I heard Wizards have all sorts of means, knowing who’s slandering them behind their backs.”

Fang Hong perked up a bit hearing this, realizing they were talking about the Arcanists temporarily staying here. Picking out crucial pieces of information, he strained his ears not wanting to miss any detail. Their fragmented conversation kept coming from inside the warehouse.

”They surely wouldn’t bother with small fry like us; I’ve heard they’re not quite like those outside, indulging purely in oddities, indifferent to other things,” the first person seemed uncertain, adding: ”Honestly, I don’t dislike them, it’s just they’ve always lived in the lord’s castle, there might be some odd rumors outside?”

”Who dares to talk? Didn’t you forget the fellow’s fate last time?” the second warned ominously: ”Besides they seldom visit, just once or twice a year, though it’s unusual they’re here now, probably due to the dust storm.”

”I know that, their ship’s still anchored at the castle.” the first replied.

Fang Hong’s heart moved at this, surprised the Arcanists hadn’t sailed off yet, likely due to the dust storm. Having subconsciously thought Bain lacked a large airport suitable for Airship docking, he had forgotten to ask ZXC about this.

Yet their ship still docked in Bain, could they possibly escape by air? But as the thought flickered, Fang Hong shook his head, dismissing it—a venture in a dust storm seemed utterly reckless.

In the warehouse, the conversation continued:

”Besides, not many came this time; one batch left just yesterday.”

”A batch left?” the first voice sounded surprised: ”You’re sure at this time?”

”Absolutely, Wizards might have ways of surviving in such weather, who knows? I couldn’t have been mistaken, leading them was someone I met three years ago.”