Chapter 122: Protecting the Loli is Everyone’s Responsibility!

The follow-up to the mobilization ceremony wasn’t particularly noteworthy. All it amounted to was Yuna, as the Saint of Bright Light, the Acting City Lord of Mingguang City, and the Patriarch of the Summerfield Family, somewhat embellishing the significant and crucial role Xī played during the “Masquerade Devil Disaster,” and formally recognizing her with some rewards that looked valuable but were truly trivial.

Of course, this triviality was from the perspective of a certain Priestess.

Afterwards, having completed the mission and received thunderous applause and cheers, mixed with strange shouts like “Miss Xī, I love you!”, the White Fox Girl triumphantly exited the review stage and returned to the back room.

After all, the previous praise from a certain Saintess had been excessively enthusiastic and exaggerated, almost going so far as to inflate her strength, mystery, beauty, poise, and character all at once. Though Vilyric understood this was merely an effort to establish a flag for the Expeditionary Army…

It was awkward for her, Miss Vilyric. Even when using a fake identity, it didn’t mean someone had lost their sense of shame.

With the mobilization meeting concluded, the Expeditionary Army officially set out from Mingguang City.

This time, there were many accompanying personnel for the army’s departure. Aside from the Saint of Bright Light personally heading to the east, leaving behind the Mingguang Knights commander named Pedrick, and Yuna’s trusted subordinates guarding the Western City, the Lingyin Merchant Association also deployed a supply team to assist the Temple Knights in transporting and replenishing supplies, while the one tasked with protecting and leading this supply team was…

“Nice to meet you, Miss Xī. I am [Soul].”

“I have already been informed of what happened earlier by my mentor. There is no need for thanks for saving my life; if you ever need anything in the future, please feel free to find me at the merchant association. I will do my utmost to help.”

“…?”

In front of the suddenly appearing, overly polite gray-clothed swordsman, who sported seven swords at his waist, along with his three companions from [Grim Reaper’s Scythe] who were preparing to board the carriage, the White Fox Girl paused for a moment before turning to give them a scrutinizing glance.

This kid, who had previously seemed half-dead, had recovered surprisingly quickly… The Oracle’s old guy not coming out must mean he sent them as representatives of the Lingyin Merchant Association, which was indeed expected.

After sizing up the civility of the gray-clothed swordsman, Vilyric couldn’t help but internally scoff.

This guy looks so serious that if it weren’t for seeing that “Mona” in the spirit world before, no one would guess he was a hidden loli enthusiast…

Thinking of the little Succubus Loli beside her in the carriage, the Priestess couldn’t help but label the gray-clothed swordsman as [dangerous] in her mind, and her tone naturally grew cautious and distant.

“It was merely a small effort, no need to take it to heart.”

Nodding slightly as a gesture, the White Fox Girl promptly turned and vanished into the carriage.

“Uh…”

This action left Mr. Soul, who had intended to continue speaking, a bit dumbfounded. He then exchanged weary smiles with his companions and murmured, “Is Miss Xī always this aloof? Isn’t it a bit hard to approach her…”

Upon hearing this, the twin sisters, particularly the girl with short hair covering her left eye, [Dark Lotus], shook her head with irritation.

“You showed up way too out of nowhere, suddenly rushing over to thank her and spewing a bunch of nonsensical things; who wouldn’t be bothered?”

Naturally, her sister, [Dark Spirit], chimed in, “Captain, her status is different from anyone you’ve interacted with before. Not to mention her displayed strength, just the words [Spiritual Fox Priestess] should tell you the weight of this; did you not see how respectful our mentor was towards Miss Xī?”

“Be cautious.”

The most composed one, the [Ferryman], suddenly spoke up, interrupting the assassin girl’s voice, and sensing something, the four’s expressions grew solemn.

Soul looked around to confirm that no one was eavesdropping on their conversation before nodding again.

“Regardless, having the opportunity to accompany a person who only exists in legends is a lifelong fortune for us. Previously in Demon Town, failing to recognize Miss Xī’s identity and meet with her was a missed opportunity; this time, we must seize the chance well.”

“Especially you, Ferryman. Your secret arts are rooted in the same power as Miss Xī’s. If you can closely observe and gain some insights…”

For Soul’s kind reminder, the middle-aged man in a poncho just continued to shake his head silently.

“Fate comes and goes; there’s no need to force it. This is someone I certainly cannot aspire to reach. Let’s just go back for now.”

“Isn’t it worth trying… well, that’s fair, let’s head back.”

…

“… Is it yet again Cangyun Mountain?”

Inside the carriage, the just-seated White Fox Girl muttered almost inaudibly as she listened to the gradually fading footsteps.

The folks from Grim Reaper’s Scythe even know this name; how strange… where on earth is this mountain?

“Miss Xī, what is Cangyun Mountain?”

Seated beside her, Tilysha, naturally unaware that a certain Priestess could hear the low conversation outside even in a soundproof carriage, asked curiously. Vilyric just smiled and shook her head.

“It’s nothing. So, how’s everyone adapting to this place?”

At this, the blue-haired girl and the little Loli nearby almost nodded in unison.

“It’s amazing! This is my first time riding in such an impressive carriage; Mingguang City is truly wealthy!”

“Mm-hmm! Eudora thinks so too!”

It’s no wonder they were so astonished.

The carriage they were now in was custom-made by the Summerfield Family for long-distance military campaigns, utterly different from the ordinary merchant caravans, a veritable super luxury vehicle.

Just this section, where Vilyric and the others were, measured over ten meters in length and width, standing more than three meters tall, with the surrounding walls made entirely of heavy metals that incorporated low-tier magic crystal powder, boasting defensive capabilities comparable to a crossbow turret shield and exceptional stability. Inside, it was furnished with various high-end furniture and magical equipment for daily living, comfortably accommodating 5-10 people for meals, resting, or even long-term habitation.

Thus, it eliminated the need for the arduous travel associated with merchant caravans — not only the labor of traveling but also having to leave the carriage at night to set up campfires, cook, and erect tents for sleeping, with any conveniences requiring a discreet spot to tend to.

You could say they optimized both comfort and security to the max.

Of course, such a massive carriage with numerous facilities bore a considerable weight, which ordinary horses couldn’t sustain for long.

Thus, just like how the special scale-horned beast carriage was used solely by the princess during the Western War of the United Kingdom, the power behind this “house on wheels” was certainly not ordinary horses, but real magical beasts.

Bright Crystal Beast.

A creature as grand and stout as a house, entirely enveloped in translucent heavy armor resembling pale golden crystal, similar to a land turtle.

This magical beast had three pairs of stout legs resembling stone pillars, with adults measuring at least eight meters long and four meters tall. When moving, it appeared like a huge golden stone with legs.

While its speed was average, like the second-tier magical beast, the scale-horned beast, the three-tier Bright Crystal Beast excelled in endurance and defense, able to withstand most third-tier damaging magic with its physical form. Moreover, it had a gentle temperament, was herbivorous, making it quite easy to raise and train.

Most importantly, the Bright Crystal Beast possessed remarkable adaptability to light and would naturally gravitate towards followers of faith-based magic. Hence, it became one of the most popular high-tier magical beasts in the Holy Empire.

   

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