"However, this person's strength is not weaker than those in front of us. I discovered this privately, so be careful."
Fang Hong knew that the sky pirates worshiped the legendary sea monster Hydra, and this mythical creature was also the common ancestor of the multiple-headed Hydra Lizard of today's Eteliria. Because the Hydra had many heads and the body of a dragon, the sky pirates called the strongest among them the Sea Monster Chief.
For instance, the Pale Pirates speak of twelve leaders, while the Blood Shark Sky Pirates have seven chiefs. Of course, there is a significant difference among these leaders.
After Rolin finished speaking with him, he naturally said to the other, "Then let him keep looking."
The man laughed heartily upon hearing this: "But why would he look for you out of the blue?"
Rolin replied: "That is his business."
The man scrutinized him with his one remaining eye, a tawny pupil that was extremely rare among the locals.
After a while, he revealed a malicious smile: "You wouldn't be thinking of betraying us, would you, Mr. Rolin? You know how we sky pirates view traitors."
As he spoke, he placed a hand on the hilt of his curved blade.
Witnessing this scene, Fang Hong instantly became tense.
But Rolin stretched out his hand to stop him, then looked at the man and said, "Are you questioning the master?"
Upon hearing this, the man hesitated a bit and slightly moved his hand away from the blade. He looked at Rolin and seemed to utter a hoarse sound from his throat:
"Don't act so high and mighty; you're nothing but the master's slave."
Rolin remained unfazed: "Why don't you try it and see?"
The man cautiously stepped back.
Yet he paused there and said, "Don't think you can do as you please; I understand your little tricks."
"The master won't stoop to argue with something like Pudra, but before you scheme, don't forget there are others watching you, Mr. Rolin."
Fang Hong was quite confused, instinctively glancing at Rolin.
However, after hearing this, Rolin still remained calm and replied, "No need, your every move is watched by the master."
The man's expression changed slightly, muttering a curse under his breath.
Still, he seemed somewhat suspicious of the relationship between Rolin and Pudra, hesitating to leave as he watched the three suspiciously.
The four of them stood at a stalemate, and just as Fang Hong was starting to feel anxious and planning a course of action, a sky pirate approached hurriedly from the side.
The person whispered something into the man's ear.
The man frowned slightly, suddenly glanced at Rolin and said, "You're lucky." Then he left hurriedly with the sky pirate.
Fang Hong watched their backs disappear, still somewhat surprised. Beside him, Atira softly said, "The sky pirates have found Hilveld and the others."
Fang Hong was startled, instinctively looking at Elf Miss.
Atira responded, "That sky pirate said it; his voice was low, but I heard it. The conversation mentioned another party besides the Descendants of Flor, probably referring to us."
"Moreover, they vaguely mentioned the paladins of Marlan, if not Reed, then Sir Diket."
Fang Hong was ready to take out the communication crystal without thinking.
However, Rolin stopped him first. After coughing heavily for a bit, he weakly said, "Not here, the other side must have left spies. Follow me."
Fang Hong glanced back.
He thought since the other just left, even if they had found Hilveld and the others, it would take some time, so he put away the communication crystal.
The three passed through the tunnel, entering another ruined area. Here, they were close to the exit to the surface, but severe damage surrounded them, evidence of some past event causing numerous tunnel collapses.
It seemed this was why the Blood Shark Sky Pirates did not leave personnel here.
After some time, Rolin suddenly looked back, then said to the other two, "Alright, Pudra shouldn't be here, they didn't follow far."
Fang Hong took out the communication crystal, but glanced at the other—his face was unusually pale in the darkness.
He pressed the crystal and couldn't help but ask, "What was that before?"
Rolin shook his head, saying, "They just suspect I am colluding with Pudra."
Fang Hong already had his suspicions but still asked, "Colluding with Pudra, does that mean the Dragon Worship Sect is not unified?"
"The Dragon Worship Sect was never unified," Rolin replied, "the Blood Shark Sky Pirates were established by that person, and he parted ways with the faction Pudra belongs to long ago."
"That person?"
"Remember what I told you before, the 'Demon'."
"The one who gave you 'Strength'?"
In the darkness, Rolin nodded.
Fang Hong was silent for a moment, "Then with Pudra?"
Rolin shook his head and said, "Pudra is just wishful thinking on his part. I can't betray that person; I signed a master-servant contract—but regarding this matter, I can't tell you much."
Fang Hong looked at the other, unsure if he was unwilling to mention it due to the contract or simply wanted to avoid the topic.
But he still asked, "Is it worth it?"
The Chosen are ultimately to return to the Stargate, and everything experienced in Eteliria will eventually transform into Starlight, and no contract can stop that level of strength.
But to achieve such strength, to this extent, is it really worth it? Moreover, given the other's situation, even returning through the Stargate, the military will immediately pursue legal responsibility.