Inside the central Blockhouse of the Fortress wall.
It wasn't as spacious as imagined, but rather narrow and cramped, with walls of hard stone slabs on both sides, spaced at intervals.
Wall lamps infused with "Eternal Light" Magic were placed, but even so, the entire interior remained oppressive and dim.
Tang Zheng, Guild Master Bert Gin, and "Black" Pabel stepped on the spiral staircase, heading downwards.
Each footstep echoed faintly between the walls.
And at this moment.
Tang Zheng finally knew the identity of the second "Adamantite Rank" quest requester.
"Martial King Go Gin?"
Tang Zheng's voice was surprised, his gaze turned to Guild Master Bert Gin, who was deliberately lagging behind him:
"Does the Adventurer's Guild also accept Demi-human requests? I mean... in this place, the Holy Kingdom."
"Black" Pabel remained silent, seemingly unconcerned by Tang Zheng's description.
"Normally it's impossible, not just in the Holy Kingdom, but even in other countries, it... well, this kind of thing probably wouldn't happen."
Guild Master Bert Gin's expression was somewhat complicated as he slowly spoke:
"This matter is indeed a special case. We don't know the specific situation and terrain of the Abelion Hills, and we need the assistance of Demi-humans in this matter."
Tang Zheng waved his hand.
"That's not what I meant. My relationship with that Martial King Go Gin isn't as good as you all imagine," Tang Zheng replied.
"But that Martial King Go Gin specifically requested to see you." "Black" Pabel suddenly spoke, slowing his pace, his tone worried:
"Demi-humans don't trust us humans, and likewise, we humans don't trust Demi-humans."
"But this Martial King Go Gin took the initiative to fight his way out of the Hills to seek help, and brought detailed information—worthy of admiration."
"We need the assistance of Demi-humans, otherwise that vast Hills area will be a dead zone for us."
"He stayed in the Bahharuth Empire for 10 years, perhaps the Empire has someone that Martial King Go Gin trusts more, but there's no time for that now."
"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 upcoming situation."
After learning it was Go Gin, Tang Zheng already understood the cause and effect, and showed a thoughtful expression towards these words.
But his eyes were very calm.
From the beginning, Go Gin was a card that Tang Zheng used to contact the "Free Will" Adventurer Team.
"Such a big matter, it shouldn't be something you can decide," Tang Zheng looked at "Black" Pabel beside him.
"Yes."
"Black" Pabel nodded slightly, responding seriously: "This is the strategy determined by Her Holy Queen Majesty."
"Otherwise, even with the identity of 'Nine Colors', one wouldn't have the ability to bear the impact and consequences of humans cooperating with Demi-humans."
"I see," Tang Zheng sighed, "Your Majesty is indeed as gentle and kind as the rumors say."
"Black" Pabel glanced at Tang Zheng with his narrow eyes, opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back down.
Using "gentle" and "kind" to praise a king wasn't exactly a good description. He knew Tang Zheng didn't mean it that way, especially since such rumors already existed within their own country.
"Black" Pabel couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
"If you were to say those words in front of His Majesty's admirers, you would certainly be challenged."
"Black" Pabel still chose to offer a reminder.
Tang Zheng chuckled softly.
The direction the three were heading was the prison cell where Go Gin was being held. More accurately, it should be said that Go Gin had voluntarily allowed himself to be imprisoned.
This was a way of showing sincerity, albeit a clumsy one.
Tang Zheng didn't think that using this method would quickly gain the Holy Kingdom's attention. The reason for mobilizing the elite so quickly was likely due to a reminder from the Slane Theocracy.
They hadn't yet reached the location of the prison cell.
Tang Zheng already heard faint sounds of arguing echoing in the air.
"Sir Orland, you can leave the watch to me now. You've been sitting here for a day and a night. You need to rest properly."
A steady voice rang out.
"—Hey, I already said, I'll personally guard this Demi-human!"
A rough voice followed closely behind, with a strong tone of impatience:
"Or are you trying to do something? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. That hateful look you give the Demi-human, you can't even hide it!"
The rough voice roared.
"This is a strong person who defeated me, a true warrior that I acknowledge, how can I hand him over to you."
"Heh."
"Those dirty nobles who barely survived after being stripped of their territories some time ago, are they trying to vent their anger on this strong, true warrior!"
"Sir Orland, please be careful with your words!"
"We don't have that intention, and it's not just you who insists on the so-called 'warrior spirit'!"
"We are soldiers, we obey orders, even if we have personal grudges, we won't put them above this!"
The sounds of fierce arguing became increasingly clear, reaching the ears of Tang Zheng and the others as they approached.
"Black" Pabel's already sharp and dangerous gaze turned somewhat cold, and he couldn't help but quicken his pace.
Soon.
The three arrived at the location of Go Gin's prison cell.
They saw a man wearing a horned helmet, with a strong and burly physique, sitting at the entrance of the prison cell, confronting a squad of soldiers.
With the appearance of Tang Zheng and the others, the arguing stopped.
The squad of soldiers saw "Black" Pabel, who was walking at the front, first. Their expressions changed in unison, and they quickly and respectfully lowered their heads:
"Squad Leader!"
"......!"
"Squad Leader!"
The burly man also turned his head, looking at "Black" Pabel, a beast-like smile appearing on his face: "You're back."
As he spoke.
The burly man's gaze turned to Tang Zheng, sizing him up, his eyes full of curiosity.
"Orland! Is that how you treat your superior? How many times have I told you!"
"Black" Pabel said with a cold face, causing the squad of soldiers beside him to shrink back in fear.
"My apologies, Squad Leader!"
Only then did Orland get up from the ground, his movements looking standard, but somewhat casual as he saluted.
Orland—one of the Holy Kingdom's "Nine Colors," is a powerhouse who earned the title of "Nine Colors" from the previous Holy King based solely on his strength.
Although he and "Black" Pabel both belong to the "Nine Colors," in the Holy Kingdom's soldier hierarchy, he is only at the level of "Squad Leader."
This situation arises because Orland dislikes taking orders; he only wants to be commanded by someone stronger than him.
This has repeatedly caused him to clash with superiors and nobles, resulting in demotions dozens of times.
In the entire central Blockhouse, the only one who can make him obey orders is "Black" Pabel, who once defeated him.
"The 'Red' Orland, huh."
Tang Zheng's heart stirred upon hearing the other party's name.
In his opinion, his personality and way of doing things are more suitable for being an Adventurer than a soldier who follows rules and needs to obey orders.
"You guys go back first."
"Black" Pabel said to the squad of soldiers beside him.
"Yes, Squad Leader." The squad leader responded respectfully, leading the squad away quickly.
"Tell me, what exactly is going on?" "Black" Pabel asked with a cold face.
"Hehe."
"Red" Orland chuckled, "I just think these young soldiers might cause unnecessary trouble."
"That cage can't hold that guy."
Once a fool among these soldiers who hate Demi-humans provokes Go Gin, things will become troublesome.
If something unexpected really happens, he is the only one who can stop Go Gin in "Black" Pabel's absence.
"So you're the Adventurer that Go Gin cares about. Our Squad Leader mentioned you before. Looks like you're quite strong."
"Want to fight?"
After responding, "Red" Orland immediately looked at Tang Zheng, speaking with great interest.
"Alright, Orland, leave this place to us." "Black" Pabel interrupted.
"Okay, okay."
"Red" Orland shrugged, dusted off his pants, and yawned, saying, "Then I'll go back and rest for a bit."
"Heh."
"You don't have much time to rest right now. Get ready, we'll be heading to Calinsha later." "Black" Pabel reminded him with a serious tone.
"Oh, okay." "Red" Orland rubbed the stubble on his face, grinned, turned around, and quickly left.
"Black" Pabel shook his head, looked at Tang Zheng and the other man, and said apologetically, "Sorry for the spectacle. Follow me."
As he spoke.
"Black" Pabel had already opened the prison door and walked in. After walking a certain distance, another prison door appeared. After opening three prison doors in succession,
A somewhat spacious prison cell appeared before them.
Go Gin's enormous figure, over three meters tall, sat quietly in the center of the cell, with some food and water beside him, though it didn't seem to have been touched.
Whoosh!
Go Gin opened his eyes and looked at the three people standing outside the iron bars, his gaze immediately falling on the white figure.
"Your aura has become stronger than when we last met," Go Gin said quietly.
Tang Zheng looked at Go Gin, who seemed faintly weary, "It seems a lot has happened during this time."
"How did you know I was in the Holy Kingdom?"
"Because of the Regeneration Potion."
"I see."
After a brief exchange, the air became quiet again.
"Black" Pabel and Guild Leader Bert exchanged glances, neither of them interrupting.
From their conversation alone, they realized that Tang Zheng's earlier statement that "their relationship isn't as good as you might think" was not an understatement.
"We've only met once, why would you trust me?" Tang Zheng was indeed curious.
"Trust?"
Go Gin shook his head, "To be honest, I don't like you using Demi-human blood to make potions, but among all the people I've come into contact with, the way you look at Demi-humans is the only one like Osk."
"In your human terms, you're a good person."
Suddenly receiving a "good person" card.
Tang Zheng was momentarily speechless and could only show a helpless expression.
"If you can appear here, then that means there are no more problems on the Holy Kingdom's side. Can we leave?" Go Gin asked.
"Of course."
"Black" Pabel first exchanged a look with Tang Zheng, and after seeing Tang Zheng nod in response, he spoke and took out the key from his pocket, preparing to open the prison door.
"No need!"
Go Gin stood up, a powerful aura overflowing from his body. With a casual pull of his rough hand, he tore apart the seemingly sturdy iron bars in front of him.
Guildmaster Bert's eyelids twitched!
With the confirmation of Go Gin, this key Demi-human figure, the group left together.
Late at night!
The rain outside had stopped.
A half-moon appeared in the sky, obscured by a faint mist.
By the time Tang Zheng and his party emerged from the central Blockhouse, the sky had long since turned completely black.
Everyone boarded the carriages again, but this time, two carriages left the central Blockhouse, with "Black" Pabel, "Red" Orland, and Go Gin joining them.
The two carriages headed back towards Calinsha simultaneously.
Clop-clop—
Clop-clop—
The carriage wheels spun rapidly on the damp ground, emitting a rhythmic hum.
Tang Zheng sat by the window, occasionally gazing outside, his eyes filled with contemplation. He understood why everyone was in such a hurry.
According to the Adventurer's Guild Master, the Holy Kingdom's elite Paladin Order and Shrine Priest Order would arrive in Calinsha tonight.
As the Holy Kingdom's top combat forces, "Black" Pabel and Orland would undoubtedly participate in this war to subjugate the Undead.
Given the current situation.
At most, in a day or two, they would quickly depart for the Abelion Hills… perhaps even sooner!
Around midnight.
The Fortress city of Calinsha reappeared before the two carriage teams.
"Guildmaster, next, we…" Tang Zheng leaned against the carriage compartment, speaking to Guildmaster Bert beside him, but he only got halfway through his sentence.
Tang Zheng suddenly reached out and pulled open the carriage curtain, looking outside!
Streaks of dazzling white light rapidly flew in from the distant sky, dozens of them, exceptionally conspicuous in the dark night.
"Their direction—is here!" Guildmaster Bert exclaimed in shock.
"Angels?"
Tang Zheng narrowed his eyes. Guildmaster Bert couldn't see clearly, but his eyes could clearly make out that those streaks of white light were summons resembling angels in appearance, silver-armored Steed Angel.
"Third Tier Angel Summoning: Steed Angel." Tang Zheng knew this type of angel summon.
It didn't possess offensive power but had a special ability to travel long distances, similar to a mount-type Demon Creature.
In his vision, each Steed Angel was carrying two strangely dressed figures.
That kind of getup...
"Sunlight Scripture, they came quickly," Tang Zheng thought inwardly.
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