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Chapter 374
chapter 306 part 1
Chapter 305: “Red” Orland, the Sunlight Scripture Arrives
Inside the Central Fort of the fortress wall.
It wasn't as spacious as one might imagine; on the contrary, it felt somewhat narrow and cramped. Along the walls of the hard stone-slab floor, sconces enchanted with "Enduring Light" magic were placed at regular intervals. Even so, the entire interior remained oppressive and dim.
Tang Zheng, Guild Master Botejin, and "Black" Pabel descended the spiral staircase.
With every footstep, a faint echo reverberated between the walls.
At this moment.
Tang Zheng finally learned the identity of the client for the second Adamantite-rank quest.
"The Warrior King, Gagaran?"
Tang Zheng's voice was filled with surprise. He looked with astonishment at Guild Master Botejin, who had intentionally stayed a step behind him.
"The Adventurer's Guild accepts quests from demi-humans? I mean… in a place like the Holy Kingdom."
"Black" Pabel remained silent, seemingly unconcerned by Tang Zheng's words.
"Normally, that would be impossible. Forget the Holy Kingdom, even in other countries, it… well, something like this probably wouldn't happen."
Guild Master Botejin’s expression was somewhat complex as he slowly began to speak.
"This time is truly a special case. We are unfamiliar with the specific situation and terrain of the Abelion Hills. In this matter, we require the assistance of the demi-humans."
Tang Zheng waved his hand.
"That's not what I mean. My relationship with this 'Warrior King' Gagaran isn't as good as you all seem to imagine," Tang Zheng replied.
"But that 'Warrior King' Gagaran specifically asked to see you," "Black" Pabel suddenly interjected, his pace slowing slightly. His tone was laced with worry.
"The demi-humans do not trust us humans, and similarly, we humans do not trust the demi-humans."
"But this 'Warrior King' Gagaran took the initiative to fight his way out of the hills to seek aid, bringing detailed information with him—that is worthy of admiration."
"We need the demi-humans' assistance. Otherwise, that vast expanse of hills will be nothing but a dead land for us."
"He spent ten years in the Baharuth Empire. Perhaps there's someone in the Empire that 'Warrior King' Gagaran trusts more, but there's no time for that now."
"As it stands, you are the only one who already knows Gagaran. Only the two of you can precariously maintain this fragile cooperative relationship between humans and demi-humans in the coming situation."
Having learned it was Gagaran, Tang Zheng already understood the cause and effect of the situation, and he feigned a pensive look in response to these words.
His eyes, however, were perfectly calm.
From the very beginning, Gagaran had been a card Tang Zheng intended to use to connect with the Free Will Adventurer Team.
"Something of this magnitude shouldn't be your decision to make," Tang Zheng said, looking at "Black" Pabel beside him.
"Mm."
"Black" Pabel nodded lightly, replying seriously, "This is the strategy determined by Her Majesty, the Holy Queen."
"Otherwise, even with the status of the Nine Colors, I wouldn't have the ability to bear the repercussions and consequences of a collaboration between humans and demi-humans."
"I see," Tang Zheng remarked with a sigh. "Your queen is as gentle and kind as the rumors say."
"Black" Pabel glanced at Tang Zheng with his narrow eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words.
Using "gentle" and "kind" to praise a ruler was hardly a fitting description. He knew Tang Zheng didn't mean it that way, and besides, such rumors were common even within their own country.
"Black" Pabel couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
"If you said what you just did in front of Her Majesty's admirers, you would definitely be challenged to a duel."
"Black" Pabel still chose to give a word of warning.
Tang Zheng chuckled softly.
The three of them were heading towards the cell where Gagaran was being held—or more accurately, where Gagaran had allowed himself to be imprisoned.
It was a method of showing sincerity, albeit a bit clumsy.
Tang Zheng didn't believe that such a method could quickly earn the Holy Kingdom's trust. The reason they had mobilized their elite forces so quickly was likely due to a warning from the Slane Theocracy.
Before they even reached the location of the prison cell, Tang Zheng could hear the faint sounds of arguing echoing in the air.
"Lord Orland, you can leave the watch to me now. You've been sitting here for a day and a night. You need to get some proper rest."
A steady voice rang out.
"—Hey, I've already told you, I'm personally guarding this demi-human!"
A gruff voice followed immediately after, thick with impatience.
"Or do you lot have something else in mind? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking! The hatred for demi-humans in your eyes, you can't even hide it!"
The gruff voice roared.
"This is a powerful warrior who defeated me, a true warrior I acknowledge! How could I possibly hand him over to you?"
"Hah."
"Are those filthy nobles who barely survived after having their territories stripped from them trying to vent their anger on a truly powerful warrior like him?!"
"Lord Orland, watch your words!"
"We have no such intentions, and you're not the only one who upholds the so-called 'warrior spirit'!"
"We are soldiers. We obey orders! Even if we harbor personal resentment, we would not let it interfere with our duty!"
The sounds of the heated argument grew clearer, reaching the ears of Tang Zheng and the others as they approached.
"Black" Pabel's already sharp and dangerous gaze turned cold, and he couldn't help but quicken his pace.
Soon.
The three arrived at the location of Gagaran's cell.
They saw a powerfully built, burly man wearing a helmet with horns sitting at the entrance of the cell, in a standoff with a soldier squad.
With the arrival of Tang Zheng's group, the arguing came to a halt.
The soldier squad was the first to spot "Black" Pabel walking at the forefront. Their expressions changed in unison, and they hurriedly and respectfully bowed their heads.
"Lord Commander!"
"…!"
"Lord Commander!"
The burly man also turned his head, looked at "Black" Pabel, and a wild, beast-like smile spread across his face. "You're back."
As he spoke, the burly man's gaze shifted to Tang Zheng, sizing him up and down with eyes full of curiosity.
"Orland! Is that how you address a superior officer? How many times have I told you?!"
"Black" Pabel spoke with a cold expression, making the members of the soldier squad shrink back in fear.
"My apologies, Lord Commander!"
Orland finally scrambled up from the ground, performing a salute that looked standard in form but was executed with a certain casualness.
Orland—one of the Holy Kingdom's Nine Colors, a powerful individual who had been granted the title of "Nine Colors" by the previous Holy King based on his power alone.
Although he and "Black" Pabel both belonged to the Nine Colors, in terms of military rank within the Holy Kingdom, he was only at the level of a squad leader.
This situation was due to Orland's dislike for taking orders; to command him, one had to be stronger than him. This had repeatedly led to conflicts with superior officers and nobles, resulting in his demotion dozens of times.
In the entire Central Fort, the only person he would obey was "Black" Pabel, who had defeated him once before.
"'Red' Orland, is it?"
Chapter 305: “Red” Orland, the Sunlight Scripture Arrives
Inside the Central Fort of the fortress wall.
It wasn't as spacious as one might imagine; on the contrary, it felt somewhat narrow and cramped. Along the walls of the hard stone-slab floor, sconces enchanted with "Enduring Light" magic were placed at regular intervals. Even so, the entire interior remained oppressive and dim.
Tang Zheng, Guild Master Botejin, and "Black" Pabel descended the spiral staircase.
With every footstep, a faint echo reverberated between the walls.
At this moment.
Tang Zheng finally learned the identity of the client for the second Adamantite-rank quest.
"The Warrior King, Gagaran?"
Tang Zheng's voice was filled with surprise. He looked with astonishment at Guild Master Botejin, who had intentionally stayed a step behind him.
"The Adventurer's Guild accepts quests from demi-humans? I mean… in a place like the Holy Kingdom."
"Black" Pabel remained silent, seemingly unconcerned by Tang Zheng's words.
"Normally, that would be impossible. Forget the Holy Kingdom, even in other countries, it… well, something like this probably wouldn't happen."
Guild Master Botejin’s expression was somewhat complex as he slowly began to speak.
"This time is truly a special case. We are unfamiliar with the specific situation and terrain of the Abelion Hills. In this matter, we require the assistance of the demi-humans."
Tang Zheng waved his hand.
"That's not what I mean. My relationship with this 'Warrior King' Gagaran isn't as good as you all seem to imagine," Tang Zheng replied.
"But that 'Warrior King' Gagaran specifically asked to see you," "Black" Pabel suddenly interjected, his pace slowing slightly. His tone was laced with worry.
"The demi-humans do not trust us humans, and similarly, we humans do not trust the demi-humans."
"But this 'Warrior King' Gagaran took the initiative to fight his way out of the hills to seek aid, bringing detailed information with him—that is worthy of admiration."
"We need the demi-humans' assistance. Otherwise, that vast expanse of hills will be nothing but a dead land for us."
"He spent ten years in the Baharuth Empire. Perhaps there's someone in the Empire that 'Warrior King' Gagaran trusts more, but there's no time for that now."
"As it stands, you are the only one who already knows Gagaran. Only the two of you can precariously maintain this fragile cooperative relationship between humans and demi-humans in the coming situation."
Having learned it was Gagaran, Tang Zheng already understood the cause and effect of the situation, and he feigned a pensive look in response to these words.
His eyes, however, were perfectly calm.
From the very beginning, Gagaran had been a card Tang Zheng intended to use to connect with the Free Will Adventurer Team.
"Something of this magnitude shouldn't be your decision to make," Tang Zheng said, looking at "Black" Pabel beside him.
"Mm."
"Black" Pabel nodded lightly, replying seriously, "This is the strategy determined by Her Majesty, the Holy Queen."
"Otherwise, even with the status of the Nine Colors, I wouldn't have the ability to bear the repercussions and consequences of a collaboration between humans and demi-humans."
"I see," Tang Zheng remarked with a sigh. "Your queen is as gentle and kind as the rumors say."
"Black" Pabel glanced at Tang Zheng with his narrow eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words.
Using "gentle" and "kind" to praise a ruler was hardly a fitting description. He knew Tang Zheng didn't mean it that way, and besides, such rumors were common even within their own country.
"Black" Pabel couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
"If you said what you just did in front of Her Majesty's admirers, you would definitely be challenged to a duel."
"Black" Pabel still chose to give a word of warning.
Tang Zheng chuckled softly.
The three of them were heading towards the cell where Gagaran was being held—or more accurately, where Gagaran had allowed himself to be imprisoned.
It was a method of showing sincerity, albeit a bit clumsy.
Tang Zheng didn't believe that such a method could quickly earn the Holy Kingdom's trust. The reason they had mobilized their elite forces so quickly was likely due to a warning from the Slane Theocracy.
Before they even reached the location of the prison cell, Tang Zheng could hear the faint sounds of arguing echoing in the air.
"Lord Orland, you can leave the watch to me now. You've been sitting here for a day and a night. You need to get some proper rest."
A steady voice rang out.
"—Hey, I've already told you, I'm personally guarding this demi-human!"
A gruff voice followed immediately after, thick with impatience.
"Or do you lot have something else in mind? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking! The hatred for demi-humans in your eyes, you can't even hide it!"
The gruff voice roared.
"This is a powerful warrior who defeated me, a true warrior I acknowledge! How could I possibly hand him over to you?"
"Hah."
"Are those filthy nobles who barely survived after having their territories stripped from them trying to vent their anger on a truly powerful warrior like him?!"
"Lord Orland, watch your words!"
"We have no such intentions, and you're not the only one who upholds the so-called 'warrior spirit'!"
"We are soldiers. We obey orders! Even if we harbor personal resentment, we would not let it interfere with our duty!"
The sounds of the heated argument grew clearer, reaching the ears of Tang Zheng and the others as they approached.
"Black" Pabel's already sharp and dangerous gaze turned cold, and he couldn't help but quicken his pace.
Soon.
The three arrived at the location of Gagaran's cell.
They saw a powerfully built, burly man wearing a helmet with horns sitting at the entrance of the cell, in a standoff with a soldier squad.
With the arrival of Tang Zheng's group, the arguing came to a halt.
The soldier squad was the first to spot "Black" Pabel walking at the forefront. Their expressions changed in unison, and they hurriedly and respectfully bowed their heads.
"Lord Commander!"
"…!"
"Lord Commander!"
The burly man also turned his head, looked at "Black" Pabel, and a wild, beast-like smile spread across his face. "You're back."
As he spoke, the burly man's gaze shifted to Tang Zheng, sizing him up and down with eyes full of curiosity.
"Orland! Is that how you address a superior officer? How many times have I told you?!"
"Black" Pabel spoke with a cold expression, making the members of the soldier squad shrink back in fear.
"My apologies, Lord Commander!"
Orland finally scrambled up from the ground, performing a salute that looked standard in form but was executed with a certain casualness.
Orland—one of the Holy Kingdom's Nine Colors, a powerful individual who had been granted the title of "Nine Colors" by the previous Holy King based on his power alone.
Although he and "Black" Pabel both belonged to the Nine Colors, in terms of military rank within the Holy Kingdom, he was only at the level of a squad leader.
This situation was due to Orland's dislike for taking orders; to command him, one had to be stronger than him. This had repeatedly led to conflicts with superior officers and nobles, resulting in his demotion dozens of times.
In the entire Central Fort, the only person he would obey was "Black" Pabel, who had defeated him once before.
"'Red' Orland, is it?"
