"Hillmond has successfully advanced…"
His eyes then fell upon the youth standing in the centre of the room, who barely exceeded two metres in height.
"Derrick, do you know why, after the first expedition to the
Derrick thought for a moment and replied: "Chief, on the one hand, you wanted to see if there was another route that could bypass the area and reach the seaside. On the other, you were waiting for another Elder of the Six-member Council to advance to Sequence 3."
And now, both of these matters had been accomplished: Nearly five months ago, an exploration team from the City of Silver had discovered a concealed path that skirted the mountain where the Giant King's Court lay, reaching the coast—only for that ocean to prove illusory, utterly impassable. Attempting to enter the water by force would only cause one's body to gradually disintegrate.
Meanwhile, another demigod of the Six-member Council, Wetheit Hillmond, had finally advanced, becoming a Sequence 3 Silver Knight. He could now possess his own Honorific Name and respond to the prayers of the remaining City of Silver residents within a certain range.
Colin Iliad sighed.
"Very good. Your understanding of the situation is clear and thorough.
"Had there been any other way, I truly would not wish to lead you all back into the Giant King's Court to attempt opening the palace where the 'Dark Angel' slumbers…"
At this point, the "Demon Hunter" paused briefly before continuing.
"I have no idea how great a danger such an expedition might bring. I can only make thorough preparations in advance. Now that Hillmond has finally succeeded, even if something unexpected happens afterward and we fail to return, he and the remaining Elders will be able to hold the City of Silver together. Everything can continue to function while we wait for the next opportunity."
He studied Derrick for a few seconds, then nodded in approval.
"You've grown better than I expected. If it weren't for the fact that this whole matter of the Giant King's Court originated with you, I would very much like to keep you here in the City of Silver, under the title of an Elder-elect of the Six-member Council."
Hearing this,
This was the glimmer of hope he had seen—a chance, in his eyes, to save the City of Silver. He was willing to give everything for it.
Colin Iliad showed a rare, faint smile.
"You're still too young. Once you've been through as many things as I have, you'll understand that compared to drawing your sword and sacrificing yourself in a blaze of passion, enduring humiliation and helplessness, standing firm in the darkness—that is far harder and far more painful.
"If you don't believe me, you can go ask Hillmond later. Ask him whether he'd rather lead an expedition to the Giant King's Court or remain in the City of Silver."
Derrick fell silent, opening his mouth but finding no words to say.
Colin Iliad did not continue this topic. Instead, he asked: "Have you fully digested your 'Priest of Light' potion?"
"I fully digested it last week," Derrick answered frankly.
Colin Iliad nodded and asked: "Have you gathered all the supplementary materials?"
Derrick hummed in acknowledgment: "I have. The only thing left is the ritual, which isn't prepared yet."
His ritual required him to strip away his strongest and most unwilling emotions to relinquish, and channel them back after consuming the potion.
After several discussions at
"Monster Hunter" Colin did not rush him, saying calmly: "Don't be anxious. The second exploration of the 'Giant King's Court' still requires some time."
"Are we waiting for me to become the 'Lightless One'?" Derrick proactively asked.
Colin Iliad did not deny it, giving a slight nod: "We are also waiting for Lovia to become the 'Black Knight.' Her materials and ritual are already prepared."