He suddenly panicked and blurted out, "I, I didn't mean it that way, Miss Hilveld. I meant that there are plenty of opportunities for the ship, no need to dwell on these matters."

Pfft—

Seeing his awkwardness, Hilveld couldn't hold back her laughter.

It was only then that Fang Hong, startled, looked up and saw that the noble lady wasn't looking tearful at all. She stood there, a sly smile playing around her eyes, watching him.

"Miss Hilveld…?"

"Don't worry, Captain, these people were actually brought here by me," she said.

"Huh?"

Hilveld raised a finger to her lips, signalling him to keep quiet.

It was only then that Fang Hong noticed that the maid who had been by her side all along was nowhere to be seen. He looked around, but saw no sign of Xiesta.

"About earlier—"

Fang Hong suddenly stopped talking, looking at Hilveld's bright eyes, realizing he had been duped by the young lady again.

He fell silent, gazing outwards.

Outside the ruins, the Dragon Worshippers were closing in, hardly ten meters away. Their voices were even faintly audible. But Fang Hong calmed down inside, faintly aggravated.

He didn't care much about this, but he didn't like being treated as a fool, especially among team members, where honesty often mattered much more than hidden agendas.

He felt he had respected her privacy enough, but the noble lady seemed to take it as a joke, and although it wasn't wrong, it subtly made him uncomfortable.

He shut his mouth and said no more.

Hilveld seemed to perceive something and glanced at Fang Hong with concern, whispering, "Are you angry?"

"No."

"I'm sorry."

Fang Hong blinked in surprise, looking back at her.

Hilveld blinked apologetically, "I went too far with the joke because your angry face is too amusing, irresistibly so."

Fang Hong's face turned red, feeling like his thoughts had been read accurately: "No, it's just—"

"I understand," the noble girl whispered softly, "When the right time comes, I will be honest with you, Captain. But can you give me a little time? I assure you, my intentions towards this team are sincere."

Fang Hong looked at her, sighed, and then nodded gently.

"This team means a lot to me, Miss Hilveld," he said softly, "I may not have much experience, but I'll strive to do my best. However, if anyone tries to sabotage it, I certainly won't let them get away with it."

Hilveld looked at him, gently shaking her head.

"What is it?" Fang Hong asked, puzzled.

"Nothing, it's just that you remind me of someone," she said.

"Someone?"

"Someone I despise, yet also admire greatly."

Hilveld gazed quietly into the distance, her voice taking on a wistful tone.

The two stood very close to each other.

Fang Hong could almost feel the fragrance of her breath.

But the noble lady seemed not to want to continue on this topic, and she said no more. Fang Hong didn't press the matter, as Dragonfire Guild members were already pushing through the door.

Fang Hong instinctively raised the control gloves in his hand, but Hilveld suddenly reached out, holding his hand and gently shaking her head.

"Wait—"

She mouthed.

"Wait for what?" Fang Hong asked the same way.

"Watch."

Hilveld's eyes turned towards the street outside.

Fang Hong turned in that direction too, and suddenly, he saw a Dragonfire Guild member's head snap sideways and drop down.

He was astonished, only then seeing clearly—it was an arrow.

Elf's distinctive feather arrows.

Falling like raindrops.

They seemed to come from all directions, yet it felt like archers were everywhere. The Dragon Worshippers and Dragonfire Guild members did not anticipate an ambush here, and were promptly struck down by arrows in the initial moment.

Someone screamed in anger, drawing a weapon; others, with faces of terror, started running; some sought cover, but it was all in vain.

The seeming magical arrows, as if having eyes, singled out each cultist, striking each one with an arrow, sending them to meet the saints of the darkness.

Fang Hong saw the Dragon Worshippers who had entered scramble desperately to take cover behind walls, but arrows entered from another direction, breaking through windows and piercing the throats of these people.

They stared wide-eyed, gurgling sounds escaping their mouths as they slumped to the ground against the wall, dying instantly.

The silent arrows had already led Fang Hong to their master.

Forest Speaker—

A special branch of Elf Archers.

"Guard of Dawn, Elf Archers,"the remaining Dragon Worshippers outside screamed hysterically, "You guys again, how did you end up here?!"

But their only response was the sound of a bowstring.

Fang Hong heard from a distance the thud of something heavy hitting the ground.

He had already guessed the identity of the arrivals, but still turned back to look at Hilveld. The noble lady smiled apologetically, "I did say, Captain, I took care of some things earlier. You just didn't listen carefully—"

Fang Hong was about to say something.

But the door below opened again, and a beautiful and elegant Lady Elf walked in from behind. She had a unique beauty different from Atira, with naturally curly hair shimmering with a platinum glow, confident and peerlessly graceful.

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