Listening to Fang Hong's question.
In the darkness, Atira just gently shook her head, answering in a somewhat indifferent tone, "It's about what happened outside when we were trapped down here, Ade. But I'm not clear on the specifics either, it seems someone took advantage of the night to surprise attack the sky pirates stationed here, Bakins mentioned a fleet."
"A fleet?"
"About seven or eight ships, Bakins thinks it's the Colin Ishurian Royal Navy."
After hearing Atira's description, Fang Hong's first reaction was that it was impossible. "Mr. Bakins must be mistaken. The Colin Ishurian Royal Navy would not be able to arrive here now unless they received the news and left Jussel a week ago."
"But a week ago we were still by the Shimmering Galaxy, and we didn't receive any news from the Elfendo Council at that time, and Teacher Ande didn't inform us about the situation on Idus. Miss Atira, think about it, the closer Elfendo Council only knows about the Blood Shark Sky Pirates landing at Long Shore, how could the farther Colin Ishurian Navy be so informed?"
He continued, "Moreover, I've heard that the commander of the Colin Ishurian Southern Fleet, Earl Alphonse Ravier, is also a mediocre person. He will definitely first report to the current Prime Minister before making any decisions on his own."
As a Forest Elf, Atira was neither knowledgeable nor interested in the political situation within Colin Ishurian. But seeing Fang Hong able to maintain a clear mind and analyze the logical connection at this moment, she nodded lightly in agreement.
The Floating Ships belonging to the Colin Ishurian Royal Navy are all private property of the Royal Household. These fleets are led by nobles with familial ties, capabilities, or unwavering loyalty to the Royal Household. The Ravier Family has been leading the Southern Fleet since the time of the previous old Duke, until it was passed down to the current young Duke. Little Ravier is not as shrewd and capable as the old Duke, but his strength lies in his obedience.
Moreover, his loyalty is not only to the Royal Household but also to the Prime Minister, making him a versatile figure greatly valued by the current Prime Minister. However, to say this man possesses any commanding talent or inherited his father's genius would be completely untrue.
Sending a message from the Jussel Fortress to Golande via magical means takes at least a day and a half, plus the time for courier delivery within the court, which would take at least half a week to go back and forth. This means the Southern Fleet would have to receive the information and make related movements at least half a month in advance.
Fang Hong was skeptical that the Colin Ishurian Southern Fleet could be so well-informed half a month ago.
But if there is any other force in Colin Ishurian capable of sending out seven or eight Floating Ships at once, aside from the Elfendo Council, it would probably only be the Invoker's forces. Among the Invoker's forces, even the top ten Guilds could not all boast such a display.
Apart from Silver Weslan and Elite, the other eight Guilds would probably find it challenging. But considering the Guild Alliance, the range broadens, with the East Commonwealth, Rainbow Alliance, and Descendants of Flor all being capable.
Thinking of the Descendants of Flor, a light bulb went off in Fang Hong's mind. Could it be the Descendants of Flor?
After all, he had recently encountered someone from their side here.
He glanced at Atira, who at this moment also realized that the ones she previously followed were indeed from the Descendants of Flor. She wasn't foolish, and after hearing Fang Hong's description, she roughly guessed that what Bakins considered 'navy' might be precisely the Descendants of Flor.
Fang Hong saw her expression and understood that she had thought of the same possibility, so he asked softly, "Miss Atira, do you think so too?"
Atira only nodded slightly.
However, why the Descendants of Flor would suddenly appear here and be engaged in a deadly fight with the Blood Shark Sky Pirates was quite puzzling. Fang Hong didn't care much for either party; he had already formed deep enmity with the Descendants of Flor at Morning Dawn Star and was hoping to see them and the Dragon Worshippers destroy each other.
Although he found it a bit strange, at this moment, he was more concerned about Eve's safety. Having obtained the Dragon's Heart, the most urgent task was to return to her side and fulfill the promise—unraveling what truly happened here in the past.
And ending this girl's obsession.
Along with everything the Dragon Witch left here.
He was particularly worried that the Descendants of Flor might discover Eve. Even though he knew she was merely an obsession, at this crucial stage of the mission, anything could happen, so it was best to avoid adding new complications.
On his way here, he was pursued by Qing and had to flee in haste, not realizing how lengthy this underground passage was. But the way back felt interminably long. Only after fumbling in the darkness for an unknown length of time did he vaguely feel the surroundings becoming familiar.
Then Fang Hong took out the Illumination Crystal and waved it around, discovering he had indeed reached a location not far from where he previously found the natural cave of the 'Dragon's Initial Scale.' A slight joy blossomed in his heart as the surroundings were quiet and undisturbed, indicating the Descendants of Flor had not yet penetrated this area deeply.
After rounding the corner ahead lies the place where he previously battled with the Dragon's Claw henchmen. Feeling somewhat anxious, Fang Hong quickened his pace, hurriedly striding into the natural cave behind.