He glanced at his Communication Crystal, and on the Light Page was a message from Sophie sent not long ago, stating that a task force had been established at Stargate Port, preparing to conduct an in-depth investigation into the Descendants of Flor in secret.
Of course, this was a matter not to be exposed to the light, and Sophie had repeatedly emphasized not to leak this information.
Fang Hong was slightly surprised, as he had just submitted the letter a few days ago, which contained no concrete evidence, merely his account. Yet, it seemed that after the experiences with Fanric and Idus, the people at Stargate Port held considerable trust in him as a 'collaborator.'
Of course, he also realized that Su Changfeng was likely behind this push——
However, the responsible cooperative attitude from Stargate Port made him very satisfied, at least indicating that his opinions were valued.
After reading it, he deleted the message from the Communication Crystal and then sent Sophie a reply to put her at ease. Sophie immediately sent back a picture—a selfie——showing her meeting Xi in a small restaurant, where the Silver Weslan Princess was giving him a subtle smile under the candlelight:
"Thanks——"
The sender had added such a line.
Fang Hong clearly understood her intent and couldn't help but smile slightly before swiftly deleting the picture. After all, it was her private matter, shared as a sign of trust, yet keeping such content in his Communication Crystal seemed inappropriate.
Primarily, he was also wary of Su Changfeng settling scores later.
He looked up just as the Forest had finished discussing matters. The other party turned around and asked him: "Ade, I have a question."
Fang Hong nodded.
"The several teams of the Tabopolis Oak Knights, including the team led by the 'Red Leaf' lady you mentioned, they actually still belong to the original 'Oak Knights', right? Although nominally they are out of the original guild, they are still organized, aren't they?"
Fang Hong thought for a moment, believing the other's concern was about this issue, and replied: "No matter how many teams or squads belong to the original 'Tabopolis Oak Knights', it actually doesn't concern you much. You should have seen the 'Alliance' guidelines; it's not a compulsive organization, regardless of the strength of teams within, they can't give orders to other teams."
However, to his surprise, Forest shook his head: "That's not what I mean, Ade."
Fang Hong paused: "Then what is it?"
"I mean," Forest replied: "Ade, how do you view this 'Alliance'?"
"Me?" Fang Hong thought for a moment: "I naturally support it."
"So within this alliance, each has its organization, and as long as they adhere to the alliance's guidelines, they can become a member?" Forest asked again.
"Precisely so."
"Then, since that's the case, the Tabopolis Oak Knights can have their organization," Forest replied: "Why can't the Seven Seas Travel Group have one? We think we can join this 'Alliance' in the name of the Seven Seas Travel Group's subordinate teams."
Fang Hong looked at them in astonishment, as this approach wasn't all that strange, just he had never thought in that direction before.
He couldn't help coughing and asked: "Why do you want to do this?"
Forest smiled, speaking frankly: "Actually, we originally wanted to stay with the Seven Seas Travel Group, Ade, you should be able to tell, right? But we also understand that at the nascent stage of this team, you don't need many people, just consider us as extending the Seven Seas Travel Group's peripheral members. When the opportunity arises in the future, you can prioritize considering us."
Fang Hong was dumbfounded by what he heard.
In the Second World, some well-established old Free Adventure Groups, after a certain period of operation and accumulation, have subordinate teams in the First World, which isn't news. However, for an Independent Adventure Group in its infancy, when even its founder is somewhat of a rookie, having a subordinate team is something worth laughing about.
Yet, when he looked closely at Forest and the others, he found they were serious.
He couldn't help but say: "Wait, everyone, the Seven Seas Travel Group itself is merely a new team... Of course, if it truly grows in the future, and you are willing to join, my door is always open, you don't have to do this."
But Forest replied: "Ade, once the Seven Seas Traveler is built, you guys will be leaving Colin Ishurian, right?"
Fang Hong froze, then answered: "Not necessarily." He was thinking about making a trip back to Elpaxin first, since Mr. Mazak had entrusted him with a task, and although he had responded in the letter, handing over the Ring of Golden Flame in person would be best.
Though he felt slightly embarrassed about the Ring of Golden Flame, as he had already dismantled it beyond recognition.
Then there was Mount Eldron to visit, one of the main reasons he had come to this world, and after acquiring the Floating Airship, it was time to fulfill his long-cherished wish. Lastly, there was the journey south to Nogness and Ka Cuilan, for he still had an agreement with the Sta Ritualist there.
Once all these were accomplished, the Seven Seas Travel Group would turn north, passing through Saint Hugon to reach Scepter Coast.
To complete the commission given to him by 'R.'