Insect King Brain Core

"Being born into a great family isn't necessarily a bad thing." Andrew sighed, sounding both reflective and discontented. "Maybe it gives you certain advantages in some ways, but you lose a lot too—your freedom, for example. I'm rather envious of you. You're free to go wherever you want." Clearly, Andrew resented his family for banishing him to this godforsaken place.

"Everyone has their own difficulties. Let's not talk about these trivial things." Yi Kong smiled and waved a hand, then secretly transmitted, "Andrew, I've been through both the Netherworld Domain and the Purgatory Domain this time. I brought you some good things while I was at it."

"How could I accept that?" Andrew's eyes lit up beneath his gleaming white armor, but he hesitated as he transmitted, "How could I accept that? You went through all that trouble and risk to get these through adventuring and trading."

"Andrew, what are you talking about? We've only known each other for a few years, but we get along so well, it's as if we've been friends for a thousand." Yi Kong transmitted, sounding displeased. "Don't worry. These are just gifts from a friend, not a bribe. I've never asked you to do anything for me, Yi Kong. If you keep saying things like that, we won't be friends anymore."

"All right, all right. I was wrong." Andrew apologized through their private transmission. "Don't stand within the cannons' range below the fortress. Come up here." As he spoke, he glanced at the men and women following behind Yi Kong, dressed like human warriors or mages. With some puzzlement, he transmitted, "Yi Kong, I thought you never brought servants with you. These humans seem to have decent auras and a little strength."

"I had no choice. The place I went this time was far