Chapter 2168 - 59: The Moment of Departure (Part 3)

"They did want to use this opportunity to oust the people of Twilight, but unfortunately, the forces backing Twilight are too formidable—the Descendants of Flor, who dares to offend them? But it's true that the people of Twilight have done some disreputable things, which facilitates mutual understanding, and the conflicts between them and the Holy White Stone Guild will likely be resolved."

He chuckled: "Speaking of which, the biggest beneficiary in this matter is actually the Holy White Stone Guild. I've heard their team gained significant reputation during this incident and received recognition from the Tree People. They are on the brink of becoming the core team."

Fang Hong was slightly taken aback, not expecting the captain of the Holy White Stone Guild to benefit from disaster, and Time Reflection would likely enjoy incidental benefits due to this. However, what he truly cared about was Alice; it seemed Miss Nightingale would probably continue to stay with the Holy White Stone Guild.

After Cuiye finished speaking, she suddenly said: "You really shouldn't consider that proposal, my friend? The Holy White Stone Guild may have gained significant fame in this battle, but compared to you, it's nothing."

Fang Hong looked at her with some surprise, wondering what gains he unknowingly received from this battle. The Poet glanced at the Communication Crystal on his chest before speaking: "Do you remember the public channel we created?"

Fang Hong nodded.

"They've decided to keep this channel long-term and use it as the public channel on this battlefield. As the founder of the channel, you should be aware of your status, right?" Cuiye continued: "Currently, this place is incredibly popular, and it's foreseeable that more and more people will join the channel in the future. If you're inclined to stay here, it won't be long before your reputation surpasses everyone in this place, even equalizing with the guild chairmen and captains."

He lifted his head, looked at Fang Hong with a rare serious expression, "I'm not sure if you comprehend how significant and advantageous this resource is, but if you leave, it might become someone else's in the future. Of course, I say this because I also have interests involved, given that I'm one of the channel's founders—yet I'm aware that I, as a founder, am not very useful. If you're not here, I'll soon be replaced by others."

Fang Hong couldn't help but be surprised after hearing that. Indeed, he hadn't considered these aspects. However, in Eteliria, this certainly counts as substantial political capital; who wouldn't wish for unanimous calls to action? All those guilds in the Southern Region, didn't each seize the initiative or slowly establish themselves with capital investment?

The increasingly mature Super Competitive scene today requires far more investment to form one's own force than in the past. Staying here, leveraging his status in this public channel, along with his abilities and the current popularity of the place, one day he might indeed form his own team here, as Cuiye said. It might not be impossible for him to stand equal with the guild chairmen here.

However, Fang Hong thought for a moment and shook his head; it might sound tempting, but it's not what he truly desires. Besides, being compared to mere guild chairmen in South Nogness is nothing; he has pledged to Miss Sicape that he would establish a grand fleet, the most elite adventure group in Eteliria.

His real ambition is to contend for power on par with the top Grand Guilds, challenging such elite Guild Alliances like the Descendants of Flor as a Free Summoner.

That's the pursuit he truly desires.

Of course, saying this now would only invite ridicule, and he's no longer that adolescent caught up in fantasy. If he had to recount those original words before Miss Sicape, he might not even have the courage to say them aloud.

But those words have long transformed into convictions within his heart, no longer spoken but shown through actions.

Therefore, he shook his head, did not respond to Cuiye's words.

The Poet looked at him for a while, then understood Fang Hong's determination to leave, sighed softly, but wasn't too disheartened. Although watching a good opportunity slip away, he himself is a bit lazy, and he understands—it's probably the stubbornness of youth.

Didn't he come this far similarly?

"Well then, I'll take my leave," Cuiye smiled, "If the chance arises, I hope we have opportunities to collaborate."

Certainly, this last sentence is only a courtesy. Eteliria is such a vast place; once one leaves, who knows if there will be a chance to meet again?

However, Fang Hong called out to him at this moment: "Mr. Poet."

Cuiye turned back, thinking he might have changed his mind.

But Fang Hong remained silent for a moment before finally asking the question he'd long wanted to: "You should have recognized our identities, right?"

Cuiye was slightly startled but then smiled, winked at him: "What? Of course not."

"Really?"

"Indeed," the Poet appeared very sincere, "Then who are you?"

He then waved at Fang Hong's group and turned to walk into the Forest.

But after only a few steps, his voice carried from that direction: "...I certainly don't recognize any heroes of Dolifen, or Fanric's Dragon's Alchemist. Such things have never happened, and if asked, I'd just say I don't know."

Fang Hong was stunned, then chuckled to himself.

It seems as Hilveld said, he already knew their identities long ago.

But it appears this Poet is indeed a smart person, well aware that smaller groups are more approachable than Grand Guilds.

...