Pillar of Yita

Fang Hong was stunned by the light—azure and bluish hues intertwined, flowing in the darkness, so beautiful that it seemed like a dream. But wasn't that the exact same glow from the dagger? Only this light was much purer.

Still puzzled, he unexpectedly discovered that the Construct Hounds seemed to fear the light, hesitating at a distance.

Overjoyed at the sight, Fang Hong felt like a drowning man who had grasped a lifesaving straw. He hurried to his feet and took a quick step forward to pick up the Crown, raising it with both hands. The glow from the crown intensified, and indeed, the Construct Hounds shrank back in fear.

Heaven never seals off all exits!

Upon witnessing this scene, Fang Hong couldn't help but let out a long breath. But then he glanced at the glow swirling on the crystal—truly the same as the light that had emitted from the dagger, with azure light and blue ripples in between, very unique, dreamlike and fantastical.

Could there be a connection between the two?

Just as this question flashed through his mind, a sharp howl came from afar, and a Construct Hound, as if struck by a cannonball, flew past Fang Hong and smashed into the metal wall behind him.

After a loud crash, scraps and pieces, including one of its metallic eyes, rolled over from that direction.

Another flash of white light streaked through the darkness, and another Construct Hound's massive head fell to the ground. Only then did Fang Hong realize someone had arrived. He looked up just in time to see two more enormous hounds topple.

It was too fast. He estimated that these Construct Beasts were at least Level 10 creatures, but they fell easily; the newcomer must be Level 20 or above. At the fourth tier, that would mean at least one level higher than Sicape and Kroid.

But Fang Hong had the nagging feeling it could be even higher.

Even basic-level Construct Beasts had a degree of intelligence, and realizing the enemy was unbeatable, they scattered and fled. The unidentified attacker did not pursue but merely emerged slowly from the darkness.

Illuminated by the light of the Crown, Fang Hong saw the figure clearly.

Miya wore a tight suit with a star-shaped pendant at her collarbone, shining brightly, just like the Crown in his hand. Her flawless face was reflected in her light silver eyes, which held a starry glimmer while she calmly watched him.

In her hands were two slender War Blades, emitting a faint glow in the darkness, one worn on each side—those he had personally refurbished.

She spoke softly, "I didn't expect you to come here."

"Miya, you..."

Fang Hong had a thousand questions, but upon seeing Miya, they turned to ash. His mind was a mess, like it was stuffed full of tangled balls of yarn. He blurted out a nonsensical reply before not knowing what to do next.

He suddenly felt like a complete idiot—

"Give it to me, Ade. It's of no use to you," Miya said while looking at the Crown in his hand, her voice gentle and unhurried.

Fang Hong then realized, bowed his head, and turned the Crown in his hand half a circle, examining the engravings on it and caressing the teal crystal with his hand.

It was a true masterpiece of artistry, with a silver material engraved with flora and fauna patterns including Ivy and Wild Rose, Heath, mountains and caves, cities—yet not in the style of Elves, but more like the work of Dwarves.

After a moment, he finally looked up, "This is?"

"The Hailin Crown."

Fang Hong was startled, then looked at the Crown again. "...This is the Hailin Crown? Forged alongside the Morning Light Holy Sword as one of Colin Ishurian's two great Dwarven Holy Relics, it's been lost for over four hundred years... how could it be here?"

"It's quite a long story," Miya said, "If you'd like, I can explain it to you."

"There's no need," Fang Hong shook his head. He had some understanding of the history of the Crown: "...Is it important to you?"

Miya nodded slightly.

Fang Hong hesitated but still passed it to her. However, when he released his grip, the Crown did not leave his palm but instead hovered in the air, suddenly shining bright. Fang Hong saw an Emblem of a Crown gradually appear on the back of his hand, already half-formed in a blink.

"This is..."

He suddenly paused, as once more the Phantom Vision appeared before his eyes: dense streams of data falling in front of his vision, pages of window opening and closing after self-inspection.

It was the complete Invoker interface, which Fang Hong now clearly saw for the first time.

"I... I can't let go of it..." he said in shock, about to call Miya for help when before he could voice it, Miya moved swiftly, stepping forward and covering his mouth with her hand.

This was the first time Fang Hong had been in such close proximity to the goddess in his heart; he could almost smell the faint fragrance from her fingers, like that of flower petals. His heart nearly stopped beating, distracting him even from the vision before his eyes, and he looked at her, somewhat at a loss.

Miya's gaze was steady, her eyes as clear as a lake, asking abruptly, "Do you still have the Dagger on you?"

Fang Hong didn't understand the significance; the Dagger had been lost underground. But recalling the recent events, he nodded. It was then that he saw Miya bow her head slightly and whisper something softly.

What? Fang Hong was bewildered.

And then all of a sudden, he felt a coolness at his chest.

Miya's hand was still covering his mouth, but her other hand rose from below and thrust upwards, the sharp War Blade piercing straight through his chest, penetrating his beating heart. Arterial blood sprayed out, cascading down her blade, a glaring crimson like the wine of crushed grapes.