The sky seemed to be falling with a layer of dark ashes, hiding the afterglow of the setting sun under the dark red clouds.
The streets that are gradually shrouded in twilight are even quieter than during the day. In a hotel in the Terrash district, orange lights have just been lit at this moment. The residents of the Outer Harbor after a day's work,
I often choose to come here to have a drink.
There were not many people in the hall at the moment. Alyssa was looking away from a short distance away. There were a few people sitting sparsely at a few tables in the direction of her gaze. Most of these people were dockworkers from the outer port and miners from nearby mines.
, farmhands, soldiers or small workshop owners, or adventurers from other areas, mercenaries looking to earn a few bucks from their lives.
These people looked worried at the moment, holding wine glasses and discussing in low voices the situation that was getting worse day by day.
For this city, everyone with a little wealth has already fled to the south, and even to the more distant places of Elpahim and Fenris. Those who are still here are just because they have no way out or livelihood.
The lower class citizens who maintain this.
It didn't take long for Fang Plover and his party to figure out the general situation in Gula Port after entering the city.
There has been no news from the Four Towns area, and the adventurers sent by the Adventurer's Guild to the north have not returned any useful information. The rumored northern army has always made people in the port panic. And outside the city
There were also riots by the redeemed, bandits swarmed around, and it seemed like there was chaos everywhere.
Because of these reasons, production and life in the city have come to a standstill, and the knock-on effect is that ordinary people's livelihoods are getting worse day by day. Even these entertainment places that should have been lively and noisy in the past now seem unusually deserted.
The harder the days are now, the more people place their hope on the 'mysterious protection', as if as long as the barrier is opened, everything will return to the past.
Under such circumstances, it is unrealistic to expect the citizens of Gullah to recognize the true face of the Crow's Claw Temple, so they can only find another way. The crystal was last seen in public three days ago, when it appeared in Val
It is in a museum in the German District and is closely guarded by the Gray Knights.
The governor of Gula gave a speech there that day, seemingly to regain people's confidence.
That speech did have a certain effect.
After the speech, it is very likely that the crystal will still remain in the museum, guarded by the Crow's Claw Temple. However, there are also rumors that the Gray Knights sent it to a safer place for storage, perhaps in the ancient
The Clock Tower in the city center, or the underground of the City Hall.
These three places are the most closely guarded places in Gula Port today. It is almost impossible to sneak in easily without alerting anyone, but fortunately, Fang Plover has no such plan.
In his opinion, the crystal was important, but the warlocks from the Star and Moon Council in Gula Port and the craftsmen from the Craftsmen Association must have carefully inspected it inside and out. And even these masters couldn't see anything.
Abnormal, he does not think that he is any special than others.
What he is really concerned about right now is how this crystal was sent to Gula Port?
Judging from the information they received in Gula Port, it was basically consistent with their previous guesses. It was the Crow Claw Temple that escorted the crystal to Gula Port.
The Gray Knights claimed to have discovered this crystal in the Altori region. Its origin is related to the favor of the Storm Lord Aidanlian, so it has demonstrated the ability to protect against the minions of darkness.
Regardless of whether the Gray Knights told the truth, at least some details were mentioned in their descriptions - for example, the crystal was found in Snowstone Castle, and its discoverer included a member of the Artori Parish.
Patriarch of the diocese, and owner of Snowstone Castle.
Both of these two people have arrived at Gula Port at this moment. This news surprises Fang Plover. Because he is almost certain that between the patriarch and the owner of Snow Stone Castle, at least one of them is in that underground illusion.
appeared in.
If they are all one of the many figures who appeared in that illusion, then they must know part of the truth, or at least be involved in the inside story.
But the question now is how to find these two people.
The identity of the owner of Snowstone Castle is still a mystery, but the patriarch is rumored to have settled in a certain temple. There are currently only two Aidanlian holy seats in Gula Port, one in the south and one in the north.
But the one to the south is located in the slums of Outer Harbor and has poor conditions, so it can almost be ruled out.
The one in the north is located in a noble area of the inner city. I heard that the Gray Knights banned free entry and exit of the inner and outer cities shortly after the closure of Gula. Now it seems that the patriarch is very likely to be in the inner city.
In the city. However, it is not easy to enter the inner city now. Fortunately, snakes have their own ways, and rats have their own ways. As long as you have money, there are very few things that cannot be done in Gula Port.
Fang Yu first asked Miss Nightingale to pretend to be a businessman who wanted to open the joints, and posted a mission at the Adventurer's Guild in the city. As expected, someone volunteered to contact them not long after, claiming that they could help them enter the inner city.
The man made an appointment to meet them here at a time, and now it was almost the appointed time, so Alyssa would look around the hall with a vigilant gaze.
However, while she was patrolling, she suddenly heard someone knocking on the glass from behind. She turned around and saw a young man's face appearing outside the window not far away.
The other party was only wearing a thin coat and his face was a little pale. He looked at them warily from the window. He opened the window and asked, "Aren't you a businessman?"
"We are indeed not businessmen." Behind Alyssa, Fang Plover said at this time.
He knew that he couldn't hide it from the other party, but he didn't intend to hide his identity. After all, this group of people had nothing to do with the merchants anyway: "We are adventurers, but right now we have a commission in hand, and we need to go to a place in the inner city."
trip."
But when the young man heard this, he only took a step back and shook his head: "Sorry, I can't help you. I don't want to get into trouble."
After saying that, he turned around and planned to leave.
"Please wait a moment," Sylvide called out to the other party: "Since you have accepted the commission, how can you be afraid of trouble?"
The young man was startled for a moment and turned to look at them. However, because the noble lady had put on makeup, she looked like just an ordinary female adventurer at the moment.
He hesitated for a moment before replying: "That's different..."
"It's no different," Sylvester shook her head. She looked at the other party who was standing in the cold wind with a disheveled expression and said, "You are in need of money. We can double your reward."
This sentence seemed to impress the young man, causing him to stand there with a frown on his face. He did not speak for a while, but he had no intention of leaving.
"Three thousand Lisels," Sylvide directly raised the price to three times, striking while the iron was hot: "As long as you take us into the inner city, what happens after that has nothing to do with you. Even if we get into any trouble,
It has nothing to do with you."
The young man raised his head in disbelief and looked at them. Finally, he gritted his teeth, raised his hand to make a deal gesture, and then pointed to the table in front of everyone: "Give me your food."
I have one share, and this is not a place for conversation, so you come with me."
Fang Yu looked at him a little surprised, but still nodded, picked up a basket of bread from the table, handed it to the other party, and motioned to Tian Lan to go to the front desk to check out.
The young man took the basket nervously, then picked up the kraft paper and carefully wrapped the bread, and then handed the basket back. Then he stood outside the window, waiting for the people of the Seven Seas Brigade, watching them
After walking out of the hotel, he waved in this direction and led them in one direction without saying a word.
Fang Yu and others followed the young man through two or three blocks, and then entered a winding alley. For the sake of safety, he released a clockwork goblin and passed the clockwork goblin's
From the field of view, it was generally seen that they had left the original business district and entered the lower city area.
This is the outer port area of Gula, close to the dock. Due to the large number of dock workers and lower-class workers living here, it has formed the largest slum area in Gula Port. A factory area is reflected in the distance.
From everyone's field of vision, Fang Plover could even see a cluster of towering chimneys in the direction of the port.
Gula Port is famous for its mines. The high-quality iron ore and coal mines have formed a natural coal and iron complex here. A large number of steel plants are located here. In the language of the elves of Avenquin, Gula is originally
It represents the red rock.
After passing through the factory area, everyone entered a low shantytown. Fang Plover knew that this was the slum of Gula. The young man led them around the shantytown and passed a long time.
It took a long time to stop in front of a dilapidated cabin.
He stopped in front of the hut, then turned around and looked at the people of the Seven Seas Brigade who were approaching. Fang Yu was about to ask, but the young man suddenly raised a finger to them and put it to his lips.
Signaling them to be silent.
"Cole?"
There was a rustling sound in the house, like the sound of something heavy mopping the floor. Fang Pulwart turned the Clockwork Fairy in that direction, only to see a tall middle-aged man limping away from inside.
come out.
The other person was holding one hand on the wall and the other on a chair. He was standing on the ground with his only remaining leg, and there was only an empty trouser leg hanging down on the other leg. The previous voice was obviously that of the other person.
The sound of dragging that chair.
The middle-aged man stood at the door, looked at the things on the table, and couldn't help but be stunned: "Where did you get all this food?"
"I took a job," the young man replied, "and I will also get a sum of money. We haven't had anything to eat for several days. With this money, we may be able to at least survive this winter.
.Uncle Walid, please distribute these foods to everyone later——"
"Cole, where are you going?" Walid asked in a deep voice.
The young man was startled, then turned around and replied: "There is a group of adventurers who want me to take them to the inner city."
"The inner city is not stable now," Walid shook his head. "The Gray Knights do not allow anyone to enter or leave the inner city now. Cole, don't put yourself in there for us."
"If I don't go, all of us will starve to death." The young man sighed: "And the Gray Knight has chosen me, so it is unlikely that I will come back alive. If I really leave and never come back, I will have to
Please take care of my sister and my mother."
Walid was silent for a moment and opened his mouth to say something, but in the end he remained silent and only nodded slowly to him.
The young man also nodded gently to him, then put down the things in his hands, turned around and walked out.
Fang Yu also took back his Clockwork Fairy at that moment, and then opened his goggles. He raised his head and saw the empty-handed young man walking out of the shack. He stared in that direction and suddenly asked the other person:
:
"What did the Gray Knight ask you to do?"
The young man was stunned and couldn't help looking at them with some surprise, his eyes full of confusion.
"Those Gray Knights, what is their purpose here?" Fang Pliance asked again: "You said they chose you, where are they going to take you?"
The young man looked at him as if he had seen a ghost, his face changed drastically and he said: "...how do you know what I just said?"
Fang Yu raised the clockwork fairy in his hand and waved it in front of the other party. "As you can see, I am an alchemist. Although we promised to pay you money first, we must take some precautions, but please don't worry, I have no intention of doing anything.
I'm interfering in your private affairs, I'm just curious about the previous scene."
The young man fell silent and looked at him with a complicated expression: "Is that a clockwork fairy...? Are you...a craftsman?"
Fang Plover nodded.
"...The Gray Knights are arresting people," the young man thought for a moment before replying: "The army from the north is approaching Gula Port, and there are also dragon beasts, shadow men, and minions of the dark dragon... But inside the port
The military strength of the garrison has been stretched thin. In order to protect the city, the Crow's Claw Temple requires all young adults to be conscripted into the army..."
conscription?
Fang Yu was slightly startled?
In his imagination, it was impossible for the Crow's Claw Temple to pay attention to the army in the north. This was evident from the fact that they had suppressed the news of the fall of the four towns until now.
But they are not recruiting troops to deal with themselves. They suffered a small loss on the battlefield not long ago, but judging from the strength of the Crow's Claw Temple in the north, it is far from time to use the reserve force, let alone
Needless to say, he went to Gula to recruit troops.
They used such a large reserve force, and the investment in funds and supplies was not a small amount. Why did the Crow Claw Temple prepare such a large army to attack Elpa Xin?
"Because you are going to be drafted into the army," Fang Plover asked, "that's why you came to accept our commission. Who are the people you are helping?"
"They are my co-workers," the young man replied softly: "Uncle Walid lost his right leg while trying to save me in a mining accident... I don't know if I can come back alive, but without this
Uncle Walid and the others will definitely not be able to survive this winter if they don’t have enough money.”
"Are you miners?" Baggins asked a little surprised: "Has the situation in Gula Port gotten this bad? But it shouldn't be like this. I remember that this city was famous for its nearby mines.
The mines brought prosperity, and although most of the profits went to the nobility, the citizens could always share in the dividends of urban development. When I left Kaurin-Ithurion, it was still prosperous, and people from other places moved here with their families to seek opportunities to make a fortune.
There is an endless stream of people, and even though the northern border is in turmoil, aren't the factories and mines still in operation?"
The young man looked at him, shook his head and said: "The factories and mines are still in operation, but what does it have to do with us? Sir, what you are talking about is the past. This was indeed the case in Gula in the early years. But it is different now.
Well, since these mines and factories were handed over to those people, they have alchemists and machines that can't use up their strength, so they no longer need us."
Alyssa sighed and replied: "Mr. Baggins, he is right. Nowadays, the nobles no longer operate the mines themselves. These mines have long been contracted to several major guilds of the Rainbow Alliance. They are only responsible for participating in the shares and paying dividends.
. Mines, steel plants, docks and commercial areas, several big guilds have monopolized all aspects of Gula's industries. These industries are used to support the war between their unions. The bottom citizens who have sold their labor force living here have been living here for ten years.
Instead of being less oppressed, the oppression has been further aggravated."
She paused, "It's just that in the past, this port served adventurers and mercenaries, and the selectmen spent money lavishly, so it could still maintain a false prosperity. But since Charter City was reduced to ashes by the dragon beast attack
After that, the northern border became turbulent day after day, and this seemingly stable system is now on the verge of collapse..."
Ai Xiaoxiao's eyes widened, her forehead was shining brightly, and she couldn't help but said: "How could it be?" In her understanding, the opening of the Star Gate has brought benefits to both worlds. Human beings have brought benefits to both worlds.
With the advent of civilization, super competition has given the selectors layer after layer of halo, but that is not what is said in the propaganda.
But Tianlan shook his head, "Actually, it's almost the same in other places. When I left Twelve-Colored Iris, I remembered that the situation there was not necessarily better than here. The Grand Guild only cares about profits and doesn't care about anything else. In their case
Under the influence of , the attitude of the Chosen towards this world has become more and more indifferent. The refugees in Gray Owl Town today... are just a reflection of the current situation. In fact, I heard that the situation in Oshu is even worse, and the ruling class of the empire
Colluding with the plundering capital from behind the Star Gate, those people don’t care about the life and death of the people below. Several uprisings have broken out in the empire since last year..."
The Parral blinked and looked at her curiously: "Really? Why have I never heard of such a thing?"
He still remembered that when he left the Hill of Giant Trees, there was still a scene of singing and dancing. And the competition among the selectors in the second division was far less serious than that in the other two divisions, and at least the relationship between people was still maintained.
With a beautiful appearance.
"That's just because you don't know," Tian Lan sighed a little unusually: "The alliance and the nobles worked together to whitewash peace, just like here, and the empire's suppression was even more vigorous. Only the top brass knew about those riots.
I also got the inside details of the Twelve-Colored Iris. Besides, the members of the Grand Guild don’t even bother to associate with the ordinary electors, so how can they care about the affairs of the aboriginal people? There is no such thing as the Seven Seas Brigade.
It’s an event that attracts people’s attention, so it’s normal for the news to be suppressed.”
"But in fact, there are not without wise people in the empire. The daughter of the deceased former emperor Ted III, the eldest princess of the empire noticed the crisis and planned to change it, but the power of the nobles combined with the electors overthrew her
Now, Her Royal Highness the Princess is missing..."
The little girl shook her head in disgust: "Actually, it's because I can't stand this that I..."
But she suddenly raised her head, realized that she had lost touch with her words, and quickly closed her mouth.
However, the Papalar people didn't care about this, and just smacked their lips. He, a person without guild membership, is exactly what Tianlan calls an 'ordinary elector'. But how can the Papalar people care about this? 10
What's so great about bicolor irises? He wouldn't be afraid of them.
Fang Yu glanced at Tianlan. He had actually already guessed about the identity of this little girl, but he had just confirmed something at this moment - how could ordinary people know these inside stories? Of course, ordinary people cannot easily slip out of the youth training camp. See
You will understand it when you look at Jita and Luo Yu.
He looked at Luo Yu next to him, but the latter seemed to be still immersed in his own world and didn't notice anything.
Several selectors from Tapolis fell silent after hearing this conversation. The Knights once advertised themselves as a role model for free selectors, but as members of the Rainbow Alliance, they are also the builders and maintainers of this system.
Or? Everything they were used to seeing in their daily lives seemed particularly harsh when they heard it from Tianlan's mouth.
They may think that they no longer care about this——
But everyone has been trapped by interests for a while, but they have had the dream of a hero in their hearts. The reason why people yearn for the top players wrapped in layers of halos in the Super Competitive League is not precisely because of the inner feelings in their hearts.
This yearning?
But what is packaged is only the coat that is packaged——
But when those layers of vanity are stripped away, people have to face the bloody reality. What exactly do they bring to the world?
Is Aitalia really more prosperous under the influence of Star Gate?
Several members of Tapolis opened their mouths, intending to refute, but they didn't know how to speak. The reality of the entire northern border was before them. They may not have caused all this, but these are really what they are chasing.
A heroic dream?
They cannot answer this question in their hearts.
Among the crowd, only Saya couldn't help but look up and glance at the red leaves beside her.
It was as if she only understood what the other party was pursuing at this moment, and what Yugudola and the former president had been insisting on. The past events of those so-called heroes had just turned into memories of the past, and they had once crossed the stars.
The people in the sect lived up to their ideals, but what about her and the others?
Fang Yu only looked a little at ease, and glanced seriously at the young man in front of him.
He came to this world chasing such ideals and stories. To him, Stargate symbolizes the beautiful side of human beings, the exploration of the unknown, the narration of courage, and the affirmation of his own civilization. But Scarpe
The foolishness that the young lady once laughed at has now turned into something more determined.
The young man was slightly surprised when he listened to their discussion. He always felt that the people in front of him were a little different from those he had seen in the past. Although they all came from the same place, he did not dare to ask more questions.
, just looking at each other silently.
"Let's go," Fang Plover said to the other party, "Let's go to the inner city."