But it was only later that they realized it wasn't as simple as they had thought. Of course, there were such people among them who longed for the free Stargate Era, always putting the first and second generation of Invokers, that most glorious and legendary period, first, which is why they stubbornly chose the path of the Lone Wanderer.

But more often, they were those marginal characters overlooked by the major forces, unable to join the major Guilds for various reasons. Many of these people actually longed to join a large Guild, even if only as peripheral members.

And the remaining ones harbored various thoughts; on one hand, they envied the benefits of the Grand Guild members, and on the other, they were unwilling to become cannon fodder, which is why they remained outside the main forces, becoming scattered Free Summoners.

These two types of people defined the mainstream of Free Summoners in the New World today, and people like him instead became the exception. As for the so-called Free Guild, it was merely an organization for these people to band together for warmth. An existence like the Tabopolis Knights Order was quite rare.

Fang Hong saw the thoughts of these people but wasn't surprised. He only said, "You worry about the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team, afraid of offending them? You really shouldn't. Think about it, do they even recognize you? They simply don't care about Free Summoners."

He continued, "What right do they have to block this place and prevent others from entering? It's nothing more than relying on their own strength, but their strength here isn't the strongest. There are other challengers here. Besides, as you've seen, when Free Summoners band together, isn't the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team equally stuck in a deadlock with them?"

After hearing Fang Hong's words, those people were visibly moved, but still dared not agree, only asking, "Then what do you want us to do?"

"It's simple," Fang Hong looked at these people, paused for a moment, and then said word by word, "We are actually Free Summoners as well, just from another place. I understand very well that Free Summoners often need to unite to survive. You must know quite a few people around here, right?"

Those people looked at them incredulously: "You are Free Summoners too? Don't joke around, how could Free Summoners be as formidable as you?"

Fang Hong was momentarily at a loss for words.

Frankly, he didn't know how to explain to these people either, because it was purely coincidental. Take the previous battle for instance. The most conspicuous performer, Xiangzi, actually hailed from a Grand Guild—not that Rain Listener could be considered a small Guild in any case at Fenris.

Moreover, Xiangzi was personally chosen by the Lonely White Field, which had once spent some time in VEM. At that time, VEM was a truly top-tier club; his judgment was clearly not limited to that of a mere Rain Listener.

That is to say, Xiangzi truly had the potential to enter a real top-tier Guild, but those top-tier Guilds often had their own ways of nurturing newcomers, and they did not fancy outsiders, however talented.

And the one with the actual strongest combat capability, Prince Tainaric, was from one of the three great Lizardmen clans of Andasok, a true royal, and an exceptionally skilled warrior, having nothing to do with the Invokers at all. Moreover, it could hardly be considered a true member of the team.

Plus, the last to take action was Big Cat People, whose background was even more outrageous. He was a Paladin from Marlan of Rota, and had once been a Hall Guard Knight for Ameya in Giant Tree Hill, although he was sheltered by Miss Atira, one without some capability would not likely pass the Forest Elves' scrutiny.

Not to mention, Reed himself wasn't an Invoker either.

In short, this peculiar group of individuals made Fang Hong's team seem very combat-ready, as if, at first glance, they were definitely the foundation of a Grand Guild.

Perhaps even an expeditionary group of some second-tier Guild.

But in fact, Xiangzi merely had the potential, but the actual level of combat power was the same as his, also constrained by Level. And Tainaric, he was only temporarily with them during the trial.

Only Big Cat genuinely counted as part of the team, but given his age, his talent was actually not as good as Miss Sicape or Mr. Kroid. As for the other members of the team, they were even more lopsided, with the Papalarians now emerging as major combatants, and the only reliable combat force was perhaps Miss Hilveld's maid.

Unfortunately, Xiesta, aside from caring about her mistress's daily routine, was utterly indifferent to other affairs.

As for following his commands as Captain?

"Sorry, he would probably just get a reply: 'Suspicious guy, please keep away from the young mistress.'"

Therefore, Fang Hong scratched his head mentally while explaining to these people, "Actually, we're not really that strong; it's just that those others were too weak and got caught off guard by us. I have no need to lie to you, right?"

"Okay," although his explanation was awkward, those people weren't really concerned about it. They probably wouldn't mind if Fang Hong were a member of the Grand Guild as it could help establish a connection. They discussed quietly for a moment before asking, "We do know quite a few people here, but everyone has scattered now, and besides, they might not be willing to stand up against the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team."

"No worries," Fang Hong replied, having anticipated this outcome and understanding their concerns: "Please rest assured, I am not asking you to be cannon fodder on the front lines; at least on this point, I don't agree with how the Grand Guild operates."

"We didn't mean that, friend..." the people hurriedly explained.

But Fang Hong shook his head, interrupting them: "My request is simple; please help gather others. With all the chaos here, bringing everybody together will at least prevent those hyenas hiding among the crowd from fishing in troubled waters, right?"

The people nodded: "That's true, then what?"

"Then stay in this place," Fang Hong answered: "Of course you can secretly support those who are confronting the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team, and then wait for an opportunity."

"We'd be more than happy to," the people responded: "Honestly, with the Grand Guild being so domineering, who would enjoy it? But what opportunity are we waiting for?"

"Don't ask, you will see," Fang Hong said sternly: "I just want to ask you one thing, if you had the chance to break through the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team's defenses and participate in this trial, would you go?"

The people looked at each other, casting doubtful glances before replying hesitantly: "Of course, the rewards for this trial are so generous and there's not much danger, who wouldn't want to participate? It's not that we don't want to join; it's just beyond our abilities, not to mention the Red Cloak Team, even the Blood Oath Alliance presents a challenge for us."

"That's enough," Fang Hong stated, looking at them pointedly: "Go ahead, the opportunity will arise, and that's what I want you to do, patiently wait for the moment when the opportunity arrives. Until then, do not leave Saint Peru Valley lightly."

The people nodded their heads, still very confused but thankful as they left the area.

Watching them disappear into the forest, Miss Hilveld couldn't help but ask curiously, "Do you really think they'll do as you said?"

"Not necessarily," Fang Hong replied: "But I understand these people; for something solely beneficial, they will try it no matter what."

"Actually, you told them too much, Captain. If you hadn't told them those were people from the Jiefulite Red Cloak Team, they might not have been so hesitant." The noble thought for a moment before answering.

"I understand," Fang Hong replied indifferently, but he turned back to look at the noble girl: "But that's my principle, Miss Hilveld. I hope they can help, but that doesn't mean I want to achieve my goals through lies."

Miss Hilveld was slightly taken aback.

A moment later, an inexplicable gleam shone in her eyes as she gave him a deep look.

However, Fang Hong had already turned away because at that moment, he heard a strange whooshing sound coming from atop the trees. Actually, not just him, everyone heard the noise.

They looked up in that direction.

...

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