The open space in the center of the settlement was surrounded by layers upon layers of people.
Lin En stood on tiptoe to look inside. The young woman with the red headscarf was pinning her opponent to the ground, her knee against the opponent's back, and one hand gripping the wrist, decisively locking down any room for resistance.
The onlookers clapped and cheered, some whistled, and others threw some Mora into the arena.
"That's incredibly strong!"
Lin En sighed; the man looked at least three times heavier than her.
Ronava stood to the side, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, and spoke.
"It's all brute force, no skill whatsoever; it's all show and no substance."
Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly arose on the outskirts of the crowd.
The two looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of people walking along the wider dirt road to the north of the settlement. The one leading them was a tall woman with red hair that looked like it was burning in the sunlight. She was wearing leather pants and walked with a brisk pace. She was obviously Mavuika.
Beside her was Xilonen, who was frowning as he spoke to her.
Lin En subconsciously moved closer to Ronava.
Ronava's expression didn't change, but Lin En noticed that her gaze lingered on Mavuika for a moment before returning to her.
As Mavuika walked to the edge of the open space, the crowd automatically made way for her.
The young woman with the red headscarf got up from the ground, saw Mavuika, immediately stood up straight, and gave a Natlan bow.
Mavuika nodded to her and said something in a low voice that Lin En didn't hear clearly. Then she turned to look at the craftsman beside her.
"Is it really impossible to fix it today?"
Mavuika's voice carried a hint of helplessness as she examined a piece of metal from different angles.
Xilonen shook his head.
"It can't be fixed. It's practically a pile of pieces. It'll take at least three days to reassemble."
Three days.
Mavuika repeated it.
"The pilgrimage begins the day after tomorrow."
That's why I told you not to always use your car as a weapon.
Xilonen rubbed her forehead. This was the third time Mavuika had come to her this month, and the most crucial thing was that only three days had passed.
Mavuika sighed, put the metal plate away, and her gaze swept across the crowd before settling on it.
Lin En paused noticeably when she saw her gaze fall on Ronava.
Something was churning in those fiery red eyes—not surprise, but more like an unpleasant confirmation.
She paused for two seconds, then stepped forward. The crowd automatically made way for her, and Xilonen followed behind, looking over with some confusion.
" The Ruler of Death?"
Mavuika stopped a few steps away, her tone neither cold nor warm.
What brings you to Natlan?
Ronava looked at her, her golden eyes calm as ever.
"Looking for something."
What are you looking for?
" Celestial Nail."
Ronava said.
When Mavuika heard the words " Celestial Nail," her expression tightened and she became scrutinizing.
" Natlan does indeed have a Celestial Nail. What do you need it for?"
"You think you can stop me by just borrowing a portion of my power?"
I've heard about your situation; we can talk about it.
Mavuika suggested that Ronava had helped Natlan before, it would be risky to clash with her now... She then looked at Lin En, whom she knew nothing about, and thought it best to talk to him.
She glanced at Xilonen, who shrugged, indicating that she didn't know either.
In a stone chamber of the Children of Echoes.
"Is the Abyss making moves in Natlan?"
Mavuika withdrew her gaze and looked back at Ronava.
Are you sure?
"Uncertain."
Ronava put it very simply.
"But I destroyed the array's core at Tsurumi Island. There's a supply line pointing southwest; beyond Sumeru is Natlan. You can look it up yourself."
Mavuika remained silent for a few moments, then stared at Ronava for a while, her eyes still filled with doubt. She couldn't possibly completely trust Ronava.
You weren't the type of person who would proactively help others before.
"Mavuika said."
"It will come at at least some cost."
Ronava did not avoid her gaze.
"The past is the past."
Mavuika snorted, which was taken as acceptance of the answer.
She turned to look at Lin En, sizing her up and down.
Who is this?
" Lin En, my comrade."
Mavuika's gaze swept back and forth between Lin En and Ronava twice, her expression shifting from scrutiny to a subtle, slightly surprised look.
She opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end she just shook her head.
"Alright, you do seem to have changed, but the Children of Echoes are selecting warriors for the pilgrimage these days. There are too many people and too much gossip in the settlement, so don't cause any trouble."
"Can."
Ronava agreed.
Mavuika glanced at her again, clearly not quite believing her.
But she didn't say anything more, turned around and walked outside, drawing the attention of the onlookers back to her.
Xilonen followed behind, glancing at Lin En curiously as she passed by, before quickly catching up with Mavuika.
She doesn't seem to like you very much.
Lin En waited until they were far away before speaking in a low voice.
"Everyone has their own likes and dislikes; her dislike for me doesn't affect my life."
Ronava's long explanation, Lin En nodded repeatedly and said...
"You seem quite optimistic now."
"Having spent so much time in the mortal realm, one is bound to learn something."
Ronava explained.
She probably thinks I'm arrogant.
"Is there?"
Lin En thought that Ronava had helped Natlan, and yet Mavuika thought she was arrogant. How could she receive help and then turn around and think that the other person was wrong?
Ronava didn't answer; she simply turned and walked into the settlement.
"Find a place to stay, we'll set off again tomorrow."
Lin En followed, took a couple of steps, and then looked back.
Mavuika was standing in the open space discussing something with Xilonen, Xilonen was gesturing beside her.
The young woman with the red headscarf stood to the side, anxiously awaiting the selection results.
" Ronava."
Lin En quickened her pace and caught up with her.
"Um."
"You said the Abyss's transport lines lead to Natlan, is that a guess or true?"
"Half true, half false."
Ronava lowered her voice.
"There is indeed a line pointing southwest from the core of Tsurumi Island, but I'm not sure of the exact landing point. Since she hates the Abyss, we can take advantage of that."
Lin En nodded.
The two found a habitable stone house on the east side of the settlement. The owner was a one-eyed old man who, after accepting Mora, gave them a small but clean room against the wall. The window faced the open space in the center of the settlement, offering a view of the selection process.
Lin En put the bundle on the ground and walked to the window to look outside.
Another game started in the open space, this time between a tall, thin man and a short, stocky man. The two fought back and forth, and the onlookers shouted deafeningly.
Mavuika sat on a stone bench on the north side of the field, with Xilonen standing beside her. The two looked around and whispered to each other.