Old Friend
After sending out the message, Han Dong immediately went to the Mysterious Academy to meet Mr. Black and White.
As a "prophet," Mr. Black and White must have known about the invasion of evil spirits into the abandoned Underground Sewer, and he must have known the location where these evil spirits were lurking... but he did not take action to deal with it.
Han Dong needs to confirm one thing.
Top floor - Stargazing Room.
Mr. Black and White is observing the movement of the stars through a telescope.
"Sir, you were able to know in advance that the Book of the Dead - Ocular Codex had flowed into the Underground Sewer... You must also be very clear about this Secret Stone Incident, right?"
Is the reason for not disclosing the intelligence because it's within a 'controllable range'?
Today, Mr. Black and White is wearing White Mask, exuding a completely different aura, and he's not very talkative...
"If I meddle in everything, some truly dangerous things might be overlooked... 'Stargazing' doesn't allow you to observe every detail of everything."
In most cases, what I see is just the trend of a line.
Although some lines are dangerous, after undergoing some twists and turns, they will return to a preferred trajectory.
And, as you said.
As long as the events are within our 'controllable range,' the Knight Order will only intervene to a certain extent... We'll entrust you, the Knight-Errant, with this valuable opportunity for training, allowing you to adapt to the harsh environment outside the city in advance."
"Thank you, Mr. Black and White."
Upon receiving this reply, Han Dong immediately left.
Now that Mr. Black and White has determined that the incident is under control, Han Dong and his group can take over the matter.
However, before Han Dong stepped into the elevator, Mr. Black and White's voice came:
"This incident is a bit strange, and it just so happens that you possess the 'key'... Don't accidentally open the door to the abyss."
"Thank you, sir."
Han Dong wanted to investigate this incident for three main reasons.
Firstly, more than a thousand Copper Coin is no small sum, and he felt embarrassed to keep owing Demps money.
Secondly, the inorganic material—stone—is an evil substance that Han Dong has never seen before.
I want to take this opportunity to learn about this inorganic life outside the city, not to mention that there is also a [Demon] mixed in... If I can make direct contact with it, I can truly understand and test the strength of the [Demon], and prepare for 'breaking the seed' in advance.
Thirdly, it might be able to help one's Good Friend.
Upon returning to the entrance of the Adventurer's Guild.
Han Dong's invitation, which he had extended in advance, has already been answered.
Friends who hadn't seen each other for almost a year were leaning against the side of the Adventurer's Guild... Just standing there attracted the attention of many female students.
Wearing a tough vest, the muscle lines on the outer arms subtly suggest the perfect shark silhouette beneath the clothing.
Beneath the shiny blond hair was a sunny and handsome young face.
Compared to a year ago, he looks more mature... or perhaps it's just an illusion caused by a few stubbles that weren't completely shaved off.
Her blonde hair seemed to have grown long since she hadn't taken care of it for a while, and a rather stylish little ponytail was tied behind her head.
This person is fundamentally different from Demps's 'handsome'.
Sunny, tough, and quite dependable... Standing next to this person, you can feel absolutely safe.
"Brother Allen!"
Ignoring the girl's advances, the man immediately spotted Han Dong approaching from a distance, greeting him as he stepped forward.
"Cas!"
The two, who hadn't seen each other for a year, embraced warmly.
In a sense, Cas was the first friend Han Dong met and decided to become close to after coming into this world, and the 'upright' aura emanating from Cas was extremely rare.
"The nearly year-long intensive training has finally come to an end."
"Congratulations!"
Through physical contact, Han Dong could sense that Cas, who had now reached the [Seed Breaking Stage], had undergone a qualitative change compared to before...
"I was just saying I'd like to meet up with you in a few days... What's the rush to see me?"
"Cas, do you have a specific goal for breaking the seed?"
"Yes..." Cas was, after all, from a noble family, and had considered the goal of breaking the species in advance.
Cas continued, "Through this training camp, I plan to take the [Overlord] route."
With the help of the Writers Association to which her father belongs, the location has been narrowed down to the "Sana Mountain Range," which are about 230 kilometers away from the Holy City.
Inside, a group of "superhumans" specializing in physical cultivation gather, possessing defensive capabilities far exceeding those of other life forms of the same level, as well as unique combat abilities.
"[Overlord]? A type of Crusader Talent Tree?"
"Hmm, a crusader route with thick skin and lots of blood."
It allows me to stand in front of the team and absorb a lot of damage... Of course, the Overlord is different from a purely defensive Crusader; its offensive capabilities are also quite good.
"I think... you probably don't need to go all the way to the ' Sana Mountain Range,' there's a perfect target for you right here in the Holy City."
"What's the meaning?"
"You'll find out soon... We're waiting for someone else! Besides inviting you, we've also invited another person."
About ten minutes passed.
A pure white steed galloped in, and the Knight-Errant walking on the street quickly made way for it.
As Cas stared at the blonde beauty on horseback, he grabbed Han Dong's shoulder and whispered, "You haven't already 'taken care of' Knight Sylest, have you?"
"Don't talk nonsense... She might kill you if she hears you."
Han Dong sent a message saying that he needed help with something concerning the safety of the Holy City.
Vino Sylest arrived immediately, dressed in light silver armor.
"Cas, are you done with your special training?"
"Um."
"My sister keeps mentioning your name lately, remember to visit her when you have time."
"I know, I already met with Sophia yesterday."
"Once you become Formal Knight, hurry up and hold the wedding... understand?"
"Okay... hehe." To be honest, Cas was completely focused on his Knight's Path and didn't think much about matters of the heart.
Having said all that...
Vino stopped the horse in the stable and came to Han Dong's side. "Speak, what is it?"
"Come up here and tell me that a group of friends are waiting for us... This matter involves the [City's Otherworldly Demons]. Sister Wino, you should know about this."
"Secret Stone?"
"Hmm... However, my friend has a unique clue. Come with me."
When Han Dong led the two of them to push open the door to the VIP room.
Mia immediately turned fierce, staring at Knight Veno as if she were a sympathetic rival.
"Knight!?"
Upon seeing Vino, Abel and the others immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.
After all, the status of Formal Knight is far above that of these Knight-Errant... and Vino's reputation seems to be quite significant.
"Everyone, please make yourselves at ease Sister Wino is a friend of mine, and she is leading this operation privately."
"I haven't agreed yet." Vino said arrogantly, crossing her legs and sitting down next to Han Dong.