“What is it?” asked Ye Ci as she noticed Fleeting Ti furrowing his eyebrows as he stared at her.
“I told Absalom to get you a Hawkeye skillbook, but he can’t make his way here just yet because Saint Light City was hit by a massive earthquake. His wife will be delivering the skillbook in his stead. Do you mind if she sees you?” Fleeting Ti decided to be straightforward with Ye Ci.
Since Absalom’s is sending his wife here, she will definitely be briefed about my presence. But from what Fleeting Ti said, he seems to be worried about sothing. muttered Ye Ci to herself. She had no ans of confirming her suspicions, but she knew that Fleeting Ti’s worry had sothing to do with her. “I’m able to complete my quest because of Absalom. I don’t think it’s appropriate for to receive more gifts from him.”
“We’ve found the ore vein.” said Fleeting Ti.
The surprise was clear in Ye Ci’s eyes as she responded, “Congratulations.”
“But the Black Iron Dwarves are still exploring the area around the veins.”
“It’ll take quite so ti. I suggest you guys to be on your guard. A lot of unexpected things might happen, especially after the earthquake.” even if the Western Continent was an enemy of the Eastern Continent, Ye Ci held true to her belief that there was no perpetual enemies, but interests are eternal.
Fleeting Ti nodded, “I’ll get her to deliver the book then.”
A confused Ye Ci raised her eyebrows.
“The value of a Mithril ore vein is far greater than your expenses in the Western Continent and the Hawkeye skillbook. Besides, there’s no guarantee that this thing will drop in the Eastern Continent.” Fleeting Ti narrowed his eyes.
“Why? You’re not afraid of getting stronger?” Ye Ci was amused by Fleeting Ti who was acting like a salesman trying to market his product.
A smile appeared on Fleeting Ti’s face. It was the pride of the strong. He crossed his arms and said arrogantly, “Wouldn’t I be bored if you don’t beco stronger?”
Ye Ci’s eyebrows were raised even higher, “If you think so highly about yourself, then declining this gift will only give the impression that I’m afraid of you.” an arrogant smirk appeared on Ye Ci’s lips, “Alright then, bring it on. This is really nothing compared to that Mithril ore vein.”
Fleeting Ti imdiately provided Sour Apple with his coordinates once he received the confirmation from Ye Ci. A quick comparison of the coordinates revealed to Sour Apple that the duo was actually very near her position. The thought of eting Gongzi You in person filled her heart with expectation. Just what sort of person the player who known as the best Hunter in the Eastern Continent is?
“Well, what if I’m included as a gift as well?” Fleeting Ti could not hold back the urge to make fun of Ye Ci when he laid eyes upon her smile.
Instead of erupting into anger, Ye Ci kept her calm. Despite the overwhelming sense of bewildernt in her heart, Ye Ci’s experiences with handling Fleeting Ti told her that anger would only encourage the man. She must remain calm no matter the cost.
“What else can you do other than being a burden to ?” Ye Ci narrowed her eyes at Fleeting Ti, “Gongzi You doesn’t welco trash.”
Fleeting Ti was surprised by Ye Ci’s words. He did not expect Gongzi You to be so interesting when she had such a sharp tongue. “Little Gongzi, you’re a very interesting person.” Fleeting Ti let out a hearty laugh.
Sour Apple spotted the duo from quite a distance away.
Fleeting Ti’s laughter ca as a surprise to Sour Apple. She had never heard him laugh in such a way as long as she could rember. He was always so calculative, and the smile that appeared on his face was always the cunning smile of a fox. He had never behaved in such a way even when he was with Absalom. Sour Apple had even had the illusion that Fleeting Ti was soone who knew no joy. This was shattered when she saw Fleeting Ti’s unrestrained smile.
The person who stood beside Fleeting Ti, who was significantly shorter, was glaring at him with her hands on her hips. The red glow surrounding the person’s character gave her a nacing aura.
Is that... Gongzi You?
Fleeting Ti noticed the clacking of hoofs, and turned around just in ti to see Sour Apple galloping at them on her tall dark horse. He waved her over, and smiled at Ye Ci, “Little Gongzi, I think you should get a new steed. Your tiny horse looks like it’s gasping for air.”
Ye Ci snorted at Fleeting Ti, “Yes, I’m poor. I am no match for soone like you. I’m content with my tiny horse.” her pride was slightly hurt by Fleeting Ti’s words.
Fleeting Ti raised an eyebrow and summoned a white unicorn. He then handed its reigns to Ye Ci, “Here, take it.”
“Eh?” Ye Ci was shocked by Fleeting Ti’s gesture. The unicorn was very beautiful, but since it belonged to Fleeting Ti, Ye Ci imdiately shook her head, “Nope.”
“Why? You don’t like it?” a ghost of a smile appeared on Fleeting Ti’s lips.
Sour Apple was already very close by at this point in ti, and she heard Fleeting Ti’s words just as she dismounted. Her jaw almost touched the ground. Fleeting Ti is giving that white unicorn away? You’ve got to be kidding ! Have pigs learned to fly or water all turned into wine? That thing is like the love of his life, and he’s giving it away? He had never even allowed anyone to ride on that thing! She could still rember that ti she shalessly asked for a ride on the unicorn, but the request was rejected by Fleeting Ti with the reason as absurd as “won are not allowed to ride on my unicorn”. Of course, White Fairytale wanted a ride as well, but she was too shy to even voice her desire out.
He’s actually going to give sothing so precious away?
Sour Apple looked up into the sky. Just what on Earth is going on?
Ye Ci could tell from Sour Apple’s expression that the steed was sothing very precious. Unicorns are very rare mounts that could be leveled up and even join their owners in combat. It was a steed that was highly sought after by players. It was obvious that obtaining this unicorn was not easy for Fleeting Ti.
“A noble person will not seize the treasure of another. Besides, I have Ol’ Four.” Ye Ci rejected Fleeting Ti’s offer with a smile.
“Alright then. I’ll not force you to accept this gift.” Fleeting Ti responded after a mont of thought. He then extended his arm to Sour Apple, “Hand the book.”
Sour Apple snapped out of her daze and handed the Hawkeye skillbook to Fleeting Ti. She then shifted her attention to Gongzi You, the player who was crowned as the top player of the Eastern Continent.
The girl, who was a little more than 20 years old, was younger than she expected such a person to be. The intelligence swirling within her eyes, however, was sothing that she could not ignore. Gongzi You was not pretty, and her skin was very pale, but her facial features gave her an air of dominance that made her a beauty in her own way, and er calm expression did nothing to hide her intimidating aura.
Ye Ci noticed the stare from Sour Apple, and extended an arm, “It’s nice to et you, I’m Gongzi You.”
This ca as a surprise to Sour Apple. Her interactions with Fleeting Ti had gave her the impression that all top-tier players are arrogant and cunning, but Gongzi You was different.
She extended her arm and shook hands with Gongzi You with a sweet smile, “Hello, I’m Sour Apple.”
Fleeting Ti stared coldly at Sour Apple as she shook hands with Ye Ci. His face was devoid of expression as he smacked the skillboook against the back of her hand with a loud “Pop!” that proclaid to the world that he was not a person who harbors any protective feelings for the fairer sex.
“Aiya!” Sour Apple imdiately retracted her hand.
Even Ye Ci was startled by Fleeting Ti’s sudden action, “Little Gongzi, this is Absalom’s wife. Don’t get too close to her.” the man said with a smile.
“Huh?” Ye Ci was baffled by his words.
“I heard that idiocy is contagious.” Fleeting Ti raised an eyebrow, ignoring the angry roars of Sour Apple.
Laugh erupted from Ye Ci who was observing their interaction. She was slightly jealous of the relationship between Fleeting Ti with Absalom and Sour Apple. They must be very good friends in real life...
Ahh... Good friends in real life? How enviable... Ye Ci began thinking about her comrades in Upwards Ho!. I haven’t seen them in days... I wonder how they’re doing?
“Here, Hawkeye, just as promised.” Fleeting Ti extended an arm to Ye Ci as he held Sour Apple at bay with his other hand, pretending that the raging woman did not exist.
Ye Ci accepted the skillbook with a smile and imdiately learned the skill. She then pulled the whistle out from her inventory and blew hard. “Hehe, we et again, Elf.” ca the voice of a Goblin.
Orthus was still alone when he appeared. The Goblin crouched on a huge boulder and faced Ye Ci with a smile.
“Indeed, we et again, Mr.Orthus. I’ve brought you the person that you’ve always wanted to et, as per our agreent.” said Ye Ci as she took a step back, revealing the form of De’frei behind her. After a short mont of stunned silence, the two Goblins held each other in an embrace and cried to their heart’s content.
Ye Ci and Fleeting Ti waited patiently for their reward as the two Goblins talked about old tis. Fleeting Ti turned to face Ye Ci with a smile, “Have a pleasant journey.”
A pleasant journey? Ye Ci was initially baffled by his words. Ahh... I’ll be leaving soon.
For reasons unknown, Ye Ci could feel sadness welling in her heart. It felt as if she had just arrived in the Western Continent. The ghost of a smile ford on Ye Ci’s lips as he stared at Fleeting Ti and the brilliant grin on his face, “You take care as well.”
The conversation between Orthurs and De’frei ended just as the duo was done with their farewell. De’frei walked up to Ye Ci and Fleeting Ti and bowed deeply at the duo before vanishing into thin air, “We shall begin our journey soon, Elf. Let know when you’re done with your own preparations.”
Ye Ci nodded and was about to leave when a person grabbed hold of her arm. It was Fleeting Ti, who imdiately let go the mont she turned around, “Don’t you have anything to say, Little Gongzi?”
A hint of bitterness crept onto Ye Ci’s tongue as she stared at the smiling face of Fleeting Ti. “I wish you people the best of luck with the Mithril ore vein, and the restoration of Saint Light City. Oh, and good luck with the Alert Level 1 as well.”
Sour Apple’s head bobbed up and down as she listened to Ye Ci’s words. Even when they were enemies, Gongzi You was quite a sincere person.
However, Fleeting Ti was not satisfied with her answer. He leaned in closer to Ye Ci and whispered into her ear, “Don’t you have anything to say to ?”
Ye Ci could feel goosebumps rising as Fleeting Ti’s soft voice crept into her ear. His words gave her another sensation as well. Was it embarrassnt? A sense of awkwardness? Or was it sothing entirely different? Perhaps it was a little of all three.
Ye Ci stood dumbfounded for a few seconds before taking a step back. Her face was a shade of red as she walked towards Orthus, “Ahh, you’re right. I hope you can stay alive until the next ti we et so that I can kill you myself.”
The blush on Ye Ci’s face did not go unnoticed by Fleeting Ti. Despite the sweetness he can feel in his heart, Fleeting Ti could not hold back the urge to speak out to Ye Ci, “Aiya, Little Gongzi, you promised to not fight the next ti we et...”
Ye Ci was already starting to grow used to Fleeting Ti’s tendency to play word gas after her days spent with the man. She imdiately delivered a riposte at the man’s play of words, “I only gave my word that I will not kill you, it doesn’t an that I will not beat you up.”
“Fine, you promised to not kill !” Fleeting Ti admitted his mistake without even flinching.
“Alright then, you better stay alive until the next ti we et.” Ye Ci shot him a cold sneer as she boarded Orthus’ flying machine.
“Alright, Little Gongzi, I hope to see you again soon.” Fleeting Ti sighed, his shit-eating grin was still on his face. He even blowed a kiss at Ye Ci.
His gesture sent a shiver down Ye Ci’s spine and she almost fell from Orthus’ flying machine. “You idiot! I don’t want to see you ever again! If we do et, I’m not Gongzi You if I don’t kill you!” Ye Ci finally exploded into rage.
“Co! Don’t take pity on just because I’m lovable...” Fleeting Ti spread his hands wide open and laughed as Ye Ci’s expressioned darkened.
Even Sour Apple’s expression darkened when she heard Fleeting Ti’s words.
Ye Ci, who was holding on to Orthus, blushed, “Fleeting Ti, you bastard! You bastard! You bastard! You’re the most shaless person I’ve ever known!”
Despite being on the receiving end of Ye Ci’s verbal abuse, Fleeting Ti was still able to sohow produce a piece of satin and waved it at her, “Until next ti! I’ll definitely miss you!”
Ye Ci continued shouting at Fleeting Ti, but her voice was not able to reach his ears over the loud noise of Orthus’s machine. Her expression, however, was a telltale sign that her words were not exactly pleasing to the ears.
Sour Apple could feel goosebumps popping up all over her body. Dear lord! she could not believe her eyes and ears, will Fleeting Ti even do sothing like that if he’s not interested in that girl?
This is too scary...
She pinched her face, and the pain told her that it was not a dream. Since when is Fleeting Ti like this? Why do I not know anybody about it? Sour Apple was about to throw so mockery at Fleeting Ti when she noticed that the man’s expression had grown cold the mont he retracted his gaze.
Sour Apple imdiately swallowed her words. She knew the reason behind Fleeting Ti’s behavior.
A smile ford on Sour Apple’s lips, “What? You’re missing her already?” she sighed.
Even when he was a man and she a woman, and despite their sowhat rocky relationship because of White Fairytale, Sour Apple had known Fleeting Ti for more than a decade. She knew what was going on in his mind. He was rely sparing himself from the feeling of loneliness.
Fleeting Ti narrowed his eyes at Sour Apple, “Why? Planning to tell a certain soone about what you saw?” his expression beca that of a sly fox in the blink of an eye. He was fiddling with the reigns of the unicorn that he did not managed to give away, but there was an unmistaken killing intent in his eyes.
This was a behavior that was rarely displayed by Fleeting Ti. He would usually remain indifferent and ignore Sour Apple at the ntion of White Fairytale’s na. This ti, however, was different. The killing intent and the cold expression on Fleeting Ti’s face was sothing that was not familiar to Sour Apple. She ca to the realization that Gongzi You ant more to Fleeting Ti that she had ever imagined. “I’ll never involve myself in the thing between you and White Fairytale ever again.”
“There’s nothing going on between us.” Fleeting Ti had always maintained a clear standing in this matter, “She’s just a forr schoolmate of mine.” his expression grew colder, “I wish that I’ve never knew her.”
“It’s my bad.” Sour Apple grimaced, “I’ll never ddle with White Fairytale’s affairs again. Are you satisfied with this answer?”
“It has nothing to do with .” Fleeting Ti mounted his unicorn, “thank you for coming all the way here to deliver the skillbook.” and he began to leave.
But how could Sour Apple allow him to leave so easily? She imdiately called out to Fleeting Ti, “Do you care a lot about that Gongzi You?”
Fleeting Ti stopped dead in his tracks and turned around to face Sour Apple after a slight pause, “She’s the woman I like.” he said with an arrogant smile.
With that, Fleeting Ti left towards the direction of Saint Light City.
Sour Apple was left dumbfounded. She let out a long sigh when she thought of Gongzi You, and then of Fleeting Ti’s behavior. So things are just full of mystery, and they could not be changed.
With a smile, she mounted her black warhorse and headed back to Saint Light City as well.
Silence once against settled in the Bloody Wilderness.
With its incredible speed, Orthus’s flying machine was able to reach the Southern Continent side of the Tempest Ravine in a very short amount of ti.
The sky was already darkening, shrouding the land with shadows. Orthus stood on a pillar of the bridge and stared at Ye Ci, “You did better than expected, Elf.”
“Can I take that as a complint?” Ye Ci shrugged with a smile.
This a smile from Orthus. His facial features were even uglier than the rest of his kin, which made discerning the Goblin’s thoughts hard for Ye Ci whenever he made an expression. Of course, Orthus wasted no ti in continuing the subject. He pulled a gold gilded book out of his pack and threw it at Ye Ci, “I really have nothing that I can thank you with, but it will make us Goblins look bad if I don’t thank you properly. This book is for you.”
The book was imdiately snatched out of the air by Ye Ci. It was way thicker than the book given to her by De’frei. The words “Goblin Engineering: Siege Engines” were embroiled on the brown cover of the book, and its pages were not made with paper, and was instead thin goatskin. Despite the obvious traces that the book was often used by its previous owner, its pages were not torn nor were they worn.
Ye Ci’s heart skipped a beat when she noticed the title of the book.
Oh my God! Goblin Siege Engines!
In Ye Ci’s last life, a fragnt of the book first appeared in the ga six years after the launch of Fate in a chest behind a very powerful BOSS. It took 30 fragnts to make a complete book, but the drop rate of the fragnt was very low, and the dungeon was very difficult to clear. Even at the ti of her reincarnation, there was only of few of such books in Fate.
But in her current life, Ye Ci was able to obtain a full copy of the book after only a single year, and this was a great source of joy for her.
By the ti the third expansion pack was introduced to Fate in Ye Ci’s last life, players from all over the world had sward into the ga. The siege battle system of Fate was already refined at that point in ti which brought more rewards to players. In its undeveloped stage, a siege battle in Fate was fought with human waves tactics, and this ant that the odds were heavily stacked against the players on the attacking side. With the introduction of , siege battles were made significantly easier. The human waves tactic that was previously employed was imdiately replaced with the deploynt of powerful siege engines.
Engineering players were able to prosper as the demand for siege engines rose. At the later state of the ga, Engineers were a finite resources that was highly sought after.
Of course, this was sothing that happened in the later stage of the ga.
Based on Ye Ci’s mory of her last life, the player who completed the sa Epic-tier quest had not received this book.The player did not reveal the content of the quest completion reward, but one thing was certain: if he did received the book as a reward, siege engines would be introduced fairly early into the ga.
In Ye Ci’s last life, this Epic-tier quest was the first quest of the sa tier to be completed two years after Fate was launched. The player completed this quest slightly later than Ye Ci, but the fragnts surfaced six years after Fate was launched. If the anonymous player received the book, he would never allow it to go to waste even if it was not of use to him. He would definitely sell the book to a major guild for a handso price.
Such an occurrence, however, did not happen. This ant that the player in Ye Ci’s last life had failed in obtaining this book. This was probably related to the completion rate of the quest. thought Ye Ci to herself. She knew nothing about the details of the party that explored Vo’sok in her last life, but she was glad that she was able to obtain such an overpowered item as a reward by not abandoning Ciel.
She began reading the description of the book.
: The most treasured knowledge of the Goblins. It is the pinnacle of Goblin technology. Rarity: Epic. This items can be passed to up to 20 users with unlimited. Numbers of usage: Unlimited. Class required: Master Goblin Engineer.
An Epic-tier item! Even when the book is not an equippable item, the impact that it could bring to the ga is colossal! It’s a sha that the requirent to use this item is too high... Only a Master Goblin Engineer can read this book. There’s not even many Expert Engineers in this ga yet!
Whatever, I’ll just hold on to it. I’m guaranteed to get rich with this thing around!
This was the best reward to Ye Ci ever since she started the quest. She happily placed the book into her inventory and cast a glance at Orthus, “Thank you for the gift.”
“You don’t have to thank . I wouldn’t have given it to you if Vo’sok was not destroyed” said Orthus with a dismissive wave.
I knew it! This has sothing to do with the completion rate!
“With Vo’sok destroyed and the Goblin race scattered throughout the land, we won’t be using this for a very long ti. I might as well give it to you while we’re at it. I hope that this book will be of use to you. We Goblins love it when our machines are able to bring change into the lives of others.” Orthus’ expression softened. The bad tempered Goblin appeared gentle as he talked about his hobby.
Orthus stood up and said to Ye Ci, “Go tell Moore that I will try my best to get the job done.”
I knew it! There’s sothing unusual about Moore! He was in contact with the Doran Thieves Guild and a neutral race like the Goblins.... Just what is he up to? Moore is good friends with the lord of Red Lake City as well. I wonder what’s going on between them...
The completion of the quest in Ye Ci last life brought little to no change to Fate. This ti however, was different. Ye Ci could already start to see the change.
Despite her suspicions, Ye Ci replied with a polite tone, “I will deliver your words to Lord Moore, Mr.Orthus.” and she turned around to leave.
Just then, Orthus called out to her.
“Hey, Elf...”
“What is it, Mr.Orthus?” Ye Ci turned around to face Orthus once again. Ye Ci’s common sense told her that there should be no more quests from Orthus, but she was always happy to respond to a special NPC like him.
“I’ve heard from my teacher that you were talking to Ciel about the Dragonia?” asked Orthus after much hesitation.
Ye Ci was alard. The Dragonia was only ntioned by many NPCs in the ga after the introduction of the new patch. She had never encountered any NPCs in her past life that would talk about the race before the patch. Could Orthus’ words be so sort of hint?
Despite her thoughts, Ye Ci was still able to maintain a smile on her face, “You’re correct.”
“Where exactly have you seen a Dragon?”
Orthus had apparently not been a major city. The Dragonia had been ntioned in many of the books in the libraries, and the bones of a Dragon could often be seen in museums. This was why players knew about the existence of the Dragonia despite their limited knowledge of the race.
“There have been ntions about the Dragonia in the libraries of the main city of each continent. Even if little was recorded about the race, it’s still an interesting read.” said Ye Ci with a smile. She spoke up again when Orthus nodded and was about to end the conversation, “But I’ve seen Altera with my own eyes before.”
“What?!” exclaid Orthus. The Goblin was apparently shocked by Ye Ci’s sudden revelation as he stared at her with mouth agape, “Were you talking about Altera, the Queen of the Dragonia?”
“I did not know who she was, but... She’s beautiful.” Ye Ci’s subtly reminded Orthus that he had said too much with a smile on her face.
“H-how do you know that it’s Altera?” from the weariness in Orthus’ eyes, it was easy to tell that he did not wish to let Ye Ci in on more secrets.
“She was covered with red scales, and there was silvery feathers between her eyes. It’s all written in the National Library. I’m certain that it was her. There’s not many of them with feathers, and a Dragon with feathers between its eyes was quite unique.” the smile remained on Ye Ci’s face.
Orthus spoke up softly after a long mont, “Tell , Elf... Where did you see Altera?”
“In Dark Clay City.” nodded Ye Ci, “Altera was flying past the Swamp of Sorrows to the direction of the Middle Continent.
“What the hell has Moore done?” Orthus was enraged, but the Goblin waved his hand dismissively after realizing his slip, “Alright! Off you go, Elf. Farewell.” and the Goblin vanished into thin air.
The Doran Thieves Guild, the Goblins, and even the Dragonia... Orthus was not the only one who was concerned about Moore’s intentions. Even Ye Ci herself could feel a strong sense of curiosity welling within her. Just what the hell is the lord of the Dark Clay City up to?
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