Pillars of Ita

Chapter 1163 Combat Meeting

After Fang He's body fully recovered and he gradually adapted to the blessings of the two goddesses, the last days of the Seven Seas Brigade remaining in this free port were visibly running out.

In a blink of an eye, Attalia entered early November again. Even in the area of ​​Saint Xuan, the temperature began to drop significantly. The north wind blew from the winding fjord glaciers of Guta with a biting and bone-chilling meaning, and the circulation along the coast began to change.

The time is ripe to head to the Hill of Giant Trees.

During this time, the Holy Secret Society has been fulfilling its agreement, transporting materials from the Freeport area, delivering approximately two tons of mithril and half a ton of refined gold to the warehouse occupied by the military. They will then be sent to the Hill of Giant Trees, to a shipyard on Silver Island, and together with the military's supplies, they will meet up with the Seven Seas Traveler at the Hill of Giant Trees.

The remaining materials were moved to the bottom of the Seven Seas Traveler. The lady dragon knight from the military sent them a design. Fang He looked at the top few pages of the blueprints and showed a look of surprise, "... Is this the design of the magic cannon?"

"The 'Siren' Abyss-03 model has two versions, 18-pound and 12-pound. The caliber of the 18-pound gun is about 100 mm and can be used on the main gun deck. The 12-pound gun can be used as secondary firepower. As for the auxiliary guns on the upper deck of the bridge and the bow and stern, you have to figure it out on your own."

"Is this from the military...?"

Fang He was pleasantly surprised. He was having a headache about the magic cannon. This thing was not so easy to get, especially the ship-mounted magic cannon, which was almost a contraband. One had to go through special procedures or register with a guild to be eligible to purchase it.

The association did have some old-fashioned designs, but he didn't like those antiques that were from a century or two ago.

"What are you thinking?" Shang Wangyou glanced at him speechlessly. "How could the headquarters give you this? This is... I got it by accident. It is a previous generation product that was eliminated from Star Gate Port in the second competition area. But even if it is eliminated, it is a military standard equipment."

This cheap dragon knight sister whom he just met can't even lie. Fang He thought - how could this thing be obtained by chance? Moreover, with her status, even if she got it, she should hand it in. This thing was most likely given to him by the military.

Anyway, it's something from the second division, so it can be considered a good use of the military's remaining energy.

Shang Wangyou looked at him and warned him, "We are leaving now, be careful."

Fang He nodded. The military would first send the supplies to the Silver Chain Islands to meet up with them, but Shang Wangyou and their fleet would not stay there. Next, they would go to Rotao to carry out a mission.

Of course, the specific matters are confidential, so I won’t tell him.

Fang He sent the military personnel away from Saint Xuan, but Stargate Port still left a third-class battleship and a frigate to patrol nearby to prevent the pirates from gathering again, and all the members of Jeffreyt's Red Team were taken away.

Who told them to stay with the pirates?

But this is not a big deal and will not cause any serious damage to Jeffreyt's Red Team. At most, some people will be held responsible for it. As for the deputy leader of the Blood Oath, he will probably not be able to stay in Jeffreyt's Red Team anymore.

After watching the military fleet leave the port, he called Ian, Lark and Marigold first and formally invited them: "Next we will go to the Giant Tree Hill. If you wish, we will send you home."

"But I have another suggestion." Fang He crossed his hands and placed them on the table, looking at the three people. "I would like to formally invite you to join the Seven Seas Brigade. I am very optimistic about you. Your performance in the Storm Islands has also won the trust of each of us."

"Wait, Mr. Captain...what did you say?"

When Marigold was halfway through, the female wizard was so surprised that her golden eyes lit up. Lark beside her seemed a little calmer, but the small movement of gently smoothing the corner of her clothes still revealed her inner nervousness.

She benefited a lot from her stay in the Seven Seas Brigade. Both Fang He and Cui Xisi were much more outstanding than the most powerful alchemist she had ever seen. The two of them had been consciously teaching her some things, and those areas were unheard of for her.

Ian, the oldest of the three, was also caught off guard. The experienced warrior didn't know where to put his hands for a moment. He just kept stroking the edge of his shield and stammered, "Mr. Ed... No, Captain... You want us to stay?"

They witnessed the legend of the Seven Seas Brigade with their own eyes along the way, and it was inevitable that they would yearn for it. The three of them even discussed it privately - of course, the usually calm Lark did not say much, but the wizard lady had imagined such a scene more than once.

But when such a scene really appeared, Ian and Miss Wizard almost thought it was an illusion.

After all, even Ian felt that such an idea was a bit far-fetched. The gap between them and everyone in the Seven Seas Brigade was there.

"Nothing." Fang He admired the three's frankness, which was why he kept them. "I am notifying the Second Regiment of the Seven Seas Brigade to rush to Saint Hugh's to meet with Ms. Catherine. If you don't mind, you can join the Second Regiment first."

"Second Regiment?"

Fang He nodded. When Catherine was mentioned, he remembered that he hadn't seen the female pirate for a while. Since she came out of the temple of the Holy Secret Society, she seemed like a different person and was no longer so casual when talking to him.

She had been staying on her ship these days, preparing for the next trip to the Silver Chain Islands. Ocean voyages required more manpower, but the pirates of Saint Xuan were not reliable at all. Fang He had an idea -

Since its establishment, the Second Regiment has been operating independently from the Main Regiment. May has led them for a period of time and is very impressed with their performance. It is time for them to return and act together with the Main Regiment. They may not return to Corin-Ishurian for a long time, so there is no point in keeping the Second Regiment here. Catherine is short of manpower and has a new ship, so they can adapt to life in the air and sea in advance.

According to his plan, the Second Regiment will also go to the Second World one day in the future, so it is good for them to set foot on the Sky Sea one day earlier. On the other hand, these are trustworthy personnel, much more reliable than ordinary sailors.

According to the last message he received from the Second Regiment before the communication between the two worlds was cut off, Senlin and his team should be heading to Elderon. He asked the military to help him send a message to the Iron Hall area, and judging from the time, the other party should arrive in a week at most.

He looked at Ian, Lark and Marigold. In fact, he had the idea of ​​inviting the three to join the group for a long time, but he had never made up his mind because joining the second group meant that they would have to stay in Corin-Ishurian.

He still tended to respect the other party's opinions, but now there was the best opportunity.

The captain's room was quiet for a moment. Marigold and Ian both looked at Lark. In fact, there were well-known guilds that extended olive branches to the craftsman girl before, but she declined them one by one for their sake.

Although the two wanted to stay, they still had to see the opinions of their companions. Lark nodded gently and said, "We are willing. Staying in the Second Regiment is more in line with our ideas. After all, with our level, if the captain asked us to stay in the First Regiment, I would refuse."

Fang He smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. He extended his hand to the three people and said, "Don't worry too much. The Second Regiment will also act together with the First Regiment in the future. It's just a name. In short, welcome to join the Seven Seas Brigade."

In this way, with him and Cui Xisi in the first group, plus Luo Yu who may return to the group soon, and Pasha and Lark in the second group, the Seven Seas Brigade's lineup of craftsmen is extremely strong - two top craftsmen comparable to first-tier guilds, a shipwright who also serves as a wizard, and two newcomers with unlimited potential - it would even be better to say that this lineup is somewhat luxurious.

Many top brigades may not have such a configuration.

  After arranging the matters for the three people, before the final day of sailing was selected, Fang He gathered all the members of the Seven Seas Brigade who remained in Freeport and held a final combat meeting before departure:

"Next, the Seven Seas Brigade will go to the Giant Tree Hill to bring back Miss Atila and Mr. Reid. As the earliest members of this team, the Seven Seas Brigade will never give up on anyone. But this mission will be quite difficult. It may involve a deceased god, a conflict between an Elf King and the Holy White Forest. The major guilds of the second division will undoubtedly get involved. Moreover, because of Miss Mia, they are our opponents."

"In order to complete this mission, we must fully anticipate the troubles we will encounter and the price we will pay. I will not force you to do so. I have already entrusted Ms. Catherine to inform the Second Regiment that will join her. If any of them are willing to withdraw, I will not stop them. As for you all, I choose to believe in you. Let's first talk about what we will encounter next at Giant Tree Hill—"

He looked at everyone in the meeting room that was temporarily set up on the air combat deck - Catherine nodded to him, the female pirate looked indifferent. The life of a privateer was always bloody, and she was already accustomed to life and death.

On the other hand, Marigold, Ian, and Lark, who had just joined, also attended the meeting. However, Fang He had already asked for their opinions, so the three of them did not show much surprise. As for the others, most of them were core members of the Seven Seas Brigade. Not to mention a dead god, they had also defeated real gods.

Among these people, Miss May has a strong sense of justice, while Tianlan, Jita, Xiangzi, Luo Hao and the Paparars have been with the elf lady for a long time and have deep feelings for her, so naturally they would not say no.

Fang He looked at Daryl and Tracis beside him. Miss Catman was a straightforward person. Although she had a sharp tongue, she would not back down at this time. "I have to go back to the temple too. We'll talk about it later."

She said so, but when the time really came, could she stay out of it completely?

As for Cui Xisi, seeing Fang He's gaze looking at her, she gently placed the teacup in her hand on the table, "It's nothing, I'm used to it. You have the final say, I'm a member of the group, so I naturally have to obey orders..." She lightly weighed the handle of the teacup with her fingers, but couldn't help thinking in her heart.

  Will I have such a position in this team one day?

"So what is the captain's plan?" Miss Nightingale leaned against the shadow of the corner, playing with the dagger in her hand and asked him.

"I plan to rescue Miss Atila directly, but before that, I have to at least ask her what she thinks," Fang He replied, "If she is willing to leave the White Tree Temple, we will take her away directly."

"But what if Miss Atila doesn't want to?" Alyssa asked softly. "She is the saint of the White Tree Temple and a unicorn girl who serves Aimaya. She believes that she has a responsibility to the Holy White Forest. We all know Miss Atila's character. She couldn't have been unaware of what she would face when she returned to the Giant Tree Hill. But she still went back to face her responsibilities."

"You are right," Fang He nodded. He had already considered all of this. "That is Miss Atila's responsibility. If that is the case, we will help her solve this problem. She is responsible for Ms. Aimaya, not the White Tree Temple. We all know this."

Miss Nightingale looked up and glanced at him in surprise.

  She thought Fang He's plan would be more reckless, but she didn't expect that she had already thought through the whole process. She stopped what she was doing and looked at Cui Xisi. Based on her understanding of that woman, she knew that she would definitely raise objections:

"Wait a minute, how is it possible?" Cui Xisi was stunned for a moment before she spoke, "Is it the plague, or the death of apoptosis, or the reappearance of the Shadow Temple? Or is it both? But is the problem that simple? Behind it is the struggle for power between the Elf King and the Council of Elders. The Elf Court will not give us this opportunity."

"Master," she said solemnly, "I must remind you that our identities cannot be made public in Giant Tree Hill at the moment, because Miss Mia..."

She glanced at Mia - the wolf girl was admiring the night view outside the ship and seemed unconcerned about the meeting.

"It's not like we don't have a chance," Fang He spread out his hand, with a gleaming silver coin lying in his palm. "When we were in Storm Islands, Ms. Roman said that a dead god was related to us. Maybe all this will be confirmed in the Giant Tree Hill."

"She asked us to go to the Giant Tree Hill to witness it, and she and Lady Aimaya both gave us blessings. Lady Aimaya is the master of the forest, and the spreading ash branches are closely related to her. She remained silent in front of her believers in the Holy Tree Temple, but she looked at us..."

"Perhaps the two goddesses want us to go to the Giant Tree Hill to investigate the matter of the plague. This matter may be closely related to the coming of the evil star, and also closely related to Miss Attila. In any case, it is worth a try -"

Alisa fell silent.

Indeed, the three goddesses are closely related to the Hill of Giant Trees, but the Forest Lady has remained unusually silent. Did the withered twin goddesses have a great impact on her?

But she had been looking for the power to break the situation from the outside. Since the time of Istania, the goddess had always been keeping her eyes on them, and this time her manifestation in the Holy Mystery Society seemed to explain something more.

She found that what Fang He said made sense. The Seven Seas Brigade would never give up Attila and Reid, so these might be their most important opportunities to win back the Elf Lady - the mistress of the forest would never ignore the Giant Tree Hill.

Cui Xisi was also a little speechless: "...But, do we want to take the initiative to participate in the chess game of God?"

"It's not like we haven't participated before," the Papara people said disdainfully, "From the God of Death Deka to Narsu, it's happened several times. Fortune and wealth are sought in danger, and high risks bring high rewards. Haven't we all experienced this?"

"Parker, where did you learn these weird words?" Tianlan looked at him with a frown.

Fang He looked at the Paparars and the poet lady. Like Taliel, they were also from the second division. Returning to Giant Tree Hill was like returning to their second home - but their performances were very different.

The Paparars were full of energy, but Tianlan showed little interest - this might have something to do with her brother.

Miss May didn't say anything. Staying in the Seven Seas Brigade was the mission assigned to her by the Grand Commander, and she also agreed with many of Fang He's practices in her heart. Returning to Giant Tree Hill was just a new experience for her.

Unfortunately, the teacher was not in Cowlin-Ishourian, and she was a little disappointed that she did not see Ms. Rhea when she returned to St. Hugh's.

"Gods are not that scary, and Ms. Roman also said that Ms. Aimaya chose us because we are on the same side as her," Fang He replied, "We want to rescue Miss Attila, and she wants to quell the disaster at Giant Tree Hill. Our goals are the same." When the others heard this, they stopped refutation.

It’s better to say that Parker’s words did dispel some of their doubts. It’s not like they haven’t faced god-level opponents before, and this time there are even more powerful forces standing behind them.

"Since everyone agrees," Fang He said, "let's talk about Giant Tree Hill."

He looked at Jita, and the naturalist lady nodded to him and unfolded the map of Giant Tree Hill that she had prepared long ago.

Fang He looked at the map and said, "The Hill of Giant Trees is different from any continent we have been to, because it comes from the towering giant tree Terraka. There used to be more than one such holy tree in Ataria, but now the Holy White Giant Tree is the only remaining remnant of the holy tree—"

"The sacred tree grew to form a canopy that blocked out the sun, and its roots took root in the sea of ​​clouds to form a continent. This is the origin of the name 'Giant Tree Hill'. This continent is divided into six regions from south to north and from east to west, from the bottom to the top."

"The first place we will arrive at will be Linoril. This is the most densely populated area in Giant Tree Hill and the busiest economic activity area. It includes three areas, Sanshak, Floating Cloud Hill and Silver Wind City, and Silver Wind Port is the economic center of Giant Tree Hill."

"This is also the area where the most mortals live in Giant Tree Hill. Elves and mortals live together in Linoril and form a new aristocracy. These upper-class nobles control the operation of Silverwind Harbor. Among them are elves, humans, and major guilds."

At this time, Jita added:

"The Holy White Royal Family of the Court of Radiance does not welcome the emerging upper elves of Linoril, but there are not many conflicts between the two. There is just little communication. You can regard Sanshak as an area that is more influenced by secular forces."

"Leaving Silverwind Harbor, we reach Sanshak, the traditional homeland of the Paparars, a land ruled by the Lord of the Mountain. From here, head north into the Floating Cloud Hills, where dense roots lead to two areas, one is the Nightingale Forest, and the other is Roshar."

"Roshar is the hometown of the fairies. It is the northernmost part of the Giant Tree Hill and is connected to the Silver Mountains that pierce the sky. Mist covers the valley here all day long. Except for a small number of fairies who are curious about humans, most fairies live here."

Fang He couldn't help but look at the fairy lady beside him. The fairy lady was gently pouring tea for herself with the silver tea set he made. When she noticed her knight's gaze, she raised her head and her eyes met his.

Her emerald eyes looked calm. To her, Rochelle was a name that was both unfamiliar and familiar. Although the mountains and forests there held many of her memories, those memories had actually long since become blurred.

Before she went to the Silver Tower to study, that had already become a distant past, but the experience in that spire was clearer in her memory.

Then, there was a long sleep and awakening——

Every bit and moment after waking up is something she treasures in her heart.

"…The middle of the Nightingale Forest is the most extensive jungle in the Giant Tree Hill. Before the Elf Court migrated north, this was where the Autumn Elves lived. But after the Scar of Asa began to spread, they gradually abandoned this area and went to the Silver Mountains to establish the Shining King Court."

"Further north of the Radiant Palace is the location of the Holy Tree of the Elves. The trunk of the Holy White Tree is the forbidden area for the elves. There is a Holy White Forest there. Legend has it that this is where Lady Aimaya ascended to godhood. It is also the place where every unicorn girl receives the grace of God."

Daryl then spoke up, "That's where the Temple of the White Tree is. It's also called the Temple of the Sea of ​​Trees. You can call it whatever you want. At the end of the Holy White Wood, there is a shadowy forest. That's where the altar is, the entrance to the Gray Forest."

"The elves call that place Sadovre."

"Is that our destination?" asked Boatswain Baggins.

Fang He nodded, "But I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to get to the Holy Forest through the Yaoguang Royal Court, but we still have another way to go."

He looked at the naturalist lady, and Jita nodded and continued, "Divided from the Nightingale Forest, to the west is Ravenrell, to the south is Mistville, and the forest of Heimwol is where the moon elves live. It was once a major battlefield during the second coming of the curse, and it is still a restricted area with few people going there."

"But Ravenriel means the land of the West in the Elven language. There lives a brass dragon in the golden forest. They call it the Lord of the Golden Country. It is not a dark dragon and is strange and friendly to outsiders. If we can answer some of its questions, maybe we can go through the golden forest to the Silver Mountains—"

"So our route is to start from Silver Wind Harbor, pass through Sanshak and Floating Cloud Hill, cross the Nightingale Forest, pass through the territory of the brass dragon, and then reach the Silver Light Mountains?" Luo Hao asked: "I seem to have heard someone mention the brass dragon. Didn't you say that you are its guest of honor, Parker?"

"I, well..." The Paparar hesitated, "It's been so long, it may not remember me."

"It'd better be..." Luo Hao sneered and glanced at the guy.

"So why don't we enter the Silver Mountains from Roshar?" asked Baggins.

"Because there is a mark of Yasa there," Jita replied.

"Yasha Mark?"

"That was part of the Verdant Scourge..." the naturalist lady said softly, "When the Verdant fell, part of it fell on the Terraka tree, leaving an ugly scar in the Nightingale Forest and Heimwor, thus cutting off the passage from Roshar to the Silver Mountains..."

Hearing this, Fang He suddenly remembered something. Miya's teacher, the Storm Witch Rota, had a famous deed in the Mark of Yasha, where she had a fierce fight with another dragon knight, causing the Mark of Yasha to become unstable again.

Hence the title of witch.

By the way, thanks to her teacher's "reputation", Mia seemed to be in a doubly wanted state in Giant Tree Hill. The Elf Court expelled the Storm Witch from Giant Tree Hill and stipulated that she and her relatives were not allowed to set foot in Giant Tree Hill for the rest of their lives.

He couldn't help wiping his sweat. He almost forgot about this matter. There were so many talented people on his ship.

……

After the meeting, a battle plan was drawn up. Although the Seven Seas Brigade had not yet gone to the Giant Tree Hill and lacked understanding of the situation there, and was unable to draw up all the details of the plan, they at least had a general goal.

Fang He watched everyone leave one by one, packed up his things, and returned to the captain's room with the naturalist lady. He handed a stack of information to Jita and said, "Giant Tree Hill is different from Xintaan and Corin-Ishurian. The elves also have prejudices against humans, so you need to collect more information about everything there to complete the ship's database."

"Thank you, Jita."

Jita pushed up her glasses and shook her head, and replied in a low voice: "This is what I should do, Master Captain."

Fang He nodded to him and watched her leave. There was a faint sound of a door opening behind him. He turned around and found that it was Sylvie, his ship officer. His eyes fell on her. The ship officer was a little absent-minded today. In such a meeting, she would definitely make some suggestions in the past.

At the very least, she would plan a route for them, or supplement what he said and put forward some of her own opinions based on her area of ​​expertise.

He keenly sensed that the other party seemed to be thinking, "Sylvie, what's wrong?"

The ship officer was startled at this. She seemed to come to her senses and looked up at him. Then she forced a smile and replied softly, "I'm sorry, it's my own business and I'm sorry for affecting you."

"What's wrong? Is it Narsu's curse again?" he asked.

"Not entirely," Sylvie shook her head. "The military brought a letter from my family. The Prime Minister accepted them back and forgave you and me, as well as my father, and rehabilitated him."

"Right now, they hope I can go back and take charge of the situation for them."

Fang He looked at his ship officer with some surprise. He didn't expect that she had such prestige in the family - that family was naturally not on her mother's side. He had also seen the attitude of the Sibeka family towards her, so Hilvid must be talking about the Albert family.

The family from which Sir Ma Wei came.

"That prime minister has bad intentions," he said quickly. "Now that he and the king are in a difficult situation, he will naturally strive for all the power he can. But with that guy's narrow mind, he will definitely not give you any good rewards in the future."

"I know," Sylvie nodded. "I didn't plan to reply. They accepted each other's kindness without my knowledge. I don't want relatives like them. But I just..."

Fang He was silent. He certainly understood what the ship officer was thinking. That was her father's family, and everything she did was to find Sir Ma Wei and restore the glory of her family.

But that's how it was. Those who were supposed to support her betrayed her behind her back.

He rarely saw the ship officer show such a weak side. When he was distracted, Sylvie had already leaned gently into his arms, "Don't talk, let me lean on you for a while, okay?"

"..." For the first time, Fang He was troubled by his own poor speaking skills. "I will be with you, and everyone will stand with you."

The ship officer couldn't help but burst into laughter, as if all her troubles had turned into sweetness, and she said softly: "Of course I understand, of course I understand, Ed, my captain. I told you this just because I hope you know it all, but what I'm really worried about is not this. I heard that voice again recently."

"Naersu?"

"No," Sylvie shook her head. "It's definitely not her, but another me. Sometimes I can sense my own contradictions. I'm not as simple as I appear to be. Ed, I want a lot."

She looked up at him, her light blue eyes full of deep longing, "I'm just worrying unnecessarily, but don't worry, I will defeat her."

"We will be heading to Gwanghae soon," Fang Yu said, and he couldn't help but feel a little worried. "I have already convinced Miss Miya. She... is actually very easy to talk to. She is not such an unreasonable person."

Sylvie smiled faintly.

But she suddenly blushed again, as if she had thought of something, and her eyes avoided a little, "Ed... I, I don't want to see her for the time being."

"What's wrong?" Fang He looked at her in surprise. He had never seen the ship officer like this before. Although she and Miss Mia didn't get along well, she had never shown any fear in front of the Witch of the Sea.

"Nothing, don't ask..." Sylvie said softly, "Anyway, just listen to me."

Fang He looked at her and sighed in his heart.

It seems that persuading Miss Mia is not enough, he also needs to persuade his ship officer. What happened to these two people? There is nothing wrong between him and Miss Mia. They are obviously innocent.

……

(End of this chapter)