The beam of light Moen released toward the sky before leaving not only pierced through the entire tomb but also alerted all the powerhouses within the Violet City-State.
Before long, two figures arrived through the air from the direction of the inner city, silently looking down at the massive hole that had suddenly appeared beneath them.
One of them, a tall and thin young man, looked at the white-haired and white-bearded old man beside him and nodded noncommittally.
“Lord City Lord, what do you make of this? Based on that commotion just now, a Saint Rank mage must have fought here, and not just any ordinary Saint Rank.”
The white-haired old man was none other than the official ruler of the Violet City-State, Grand Duke Joseph.
The old man waved his hand dismissively, his brow furrowed so tightly that the wrinkles on his face formed deep crevices.
“It is indeed as you say, but I cannot think of any old fellow who would sneak around here. Judging by the magical effects, it looks somewhat like Eventador’s methods, though I don’t believe he has the leisure to wander aimlessly around this place either.”
“Is that so... Our Adventurers Guild hasn't received any relevant intelligence on this end either. In that case, I’ll take these four little ones back first. If I recall correctly, they are members of my guild. I’ll see if I can get any information out of them. Also, should the survey of this place wait until the City Lord’s Mansion personnel arrive?”
“No need. You can handle these matters. I’ll look around elsewhere to see if I can find any other clues.”
Duke Joseph shook his head, then transformed into a streak of light, leisurely flying toward the depths of District One.
Having received an affirmative answer, the man bowed slightly in the direction Joseph had departed, then descended through the large hole to the bottom of the tomb.
“Mhm... quite the grand undertaking. But why haven’t I seen these magic formation symbols before? It’s really a struggle for me to study this; no wonder the Grand Duke didn't want to get involved,” he muttered to himself, a trace of helplessness appearing on his face.
“If this magic formation had actually been activated, I’m afraid the entire District One would have been blown to the sky, wouldn't it? But who stopped it?”
“Then again, can someone really create something like this right under our noses? Could it be the Demons...? But this doesn’t quite look like their style... Tsk! I can’t make sense of it. I’ll have to wait for the professionals to identify it. I’d better take you all back first.”
After looking around the tomb, the man sighed helplessly. He then raised a hand into the air and made a lifting motion.
Immediately, an invisible force, like a giant palm, gently lifted the four unconscious youths.
Under his guidance, the four slowly rose and eventually returned steadily to the surface.
Taking one last look at the massive pit that had pierced a hundred meters deep into the ground, the man shrugged and left the collapsing graveyard with the four youths without looking back.
“Ugh... where is this? I’m not dreaming, am I... hiss...”
When Starlight opened his eyes again, he found himself lying on a wooden single bed. A sharp sting from his palm confirmed that this was not a dream.
A moment later, he realized with a start that the hair ornament he had been clutching tightly had pierced his palm, leaving a faint trail of blood.
“Yo! Little Star, you’re awake! We’re already back in the Violet City-State! This is a room in the Adventurers Guild.”
Following the voice, Starlight saw a figure wrapped in bandages like a mummy. If it weren't for the familiar voice and the exposed green eyes, he wouldn't have recognized him as Po Kong at all.
“How did we get back to the city? Weren't we... weren't we underground in District One? ...Moen... what about Moen and Xia Duo?!”
Starlight sat up from the bed while clutching his throbbing forehead. Still somewhat confused, he suddenly realized that two people seemed to be missing from the room.
“Don’t worry! Both of them are fine; they’re just settled in the room next door. They even visited once while you were out! What’s this? You ask about the women as soon as you wake up... shouldn't you care about your brother’s health first? Is there something going on here?”
Po Kong laughed teasingly as he sat down opposite Starlight, poking fun at him.
“No... I just see that you still have the energy to joke, which means you’re fine! Anyway, what’s with all the bandages? Aren't there healing spells?”
Starlight’s expression became slightly awkward. Knowing his verbal skills were no match for Po Kong, he quietly changed the subject.
“Hehehe... Little Star, you’re dodging the question! There must be some secret! Let me tell you now, if you’ve taken a liking to Xia Duo too, then we’ll have to compete fairly!”
To his surprise, Po Kong ignored Starlight’s question and addressed the topic directly.
“...Huh? What are you talking about? I have no intention of competing with you... Besides, my head is still spinning, so stop pulling my leg, alright?”
Starlight couldn't help but smile bitterly as he waved his hand at Po Kong, signaling him to quickly change the subject.
“Mhm... so that’s how it is. As expected, the one you like is... Ahahaha, fine, I’ll stop! Don’t be shy! Let’s go back to talking about my injuries, shall we?!”
Po Kong wanted to continue teasing, but seeing the slightly annoyed look in Starlight’s eyes, he quickly gave a hollow laugh and forced the conversation back.
Just then, a soft knock came from the door, followed by Xia Duo’s clear and pleasant voice: “Are you awake? Can I come in?”
Starlight was about to get up from the edge of the bed to open the door, but Po Kong pushed him back down.
Po Kong winked at him, his eyes clearly saying: “Let me do it! Let me do it!”
Then, despite his limited mobility, he hopped toward the door in a comical, bouncing manner.
After a few attempts, he successfully opened the door with his bandage-wrapped hand.
“Ehehe! Xia Duo, you’re here! Little Star is already awake! Come in and sit, come in!”
Xia Duo stepped lightly into the room and rolled her eyes at Po Kong, seemingly unmoved by his fawning tone, though for some reason her face was slightly flushed.
Following closely behind her was Moen, dressed in a pale green gown. After seeing that Starlight had regained consciousness, both of them nodded slightly to him.
When Starlight’s gaze met Moen’s gentle smile, his heart couldn't help but tremble slightly. It was as if a warm current had flowed into his heart, making the entire room feel brighter.
After entering, Xia Duo naturally pulled over a nearby chair and sat by the bed to start chatting, while Moen turned to check on Po Kong’s injuries.
Rate on N.U.
