Kapitel 174: Chapter 174: The Target Appears, Starlight Tower!
"Unsettled?" Sunan raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
With the Immortals gone, the southeastern region of the continent had been relatively peaceful these past few years—unless you counted the ongoing war between the Starlight Alliance and the Azure Gold Empire.
Rose's tone was grave as she asked, "Has Night Owl contacted you recently?"
Sunan's eyes flickered, and he shook his head.
"Neither has he contacted me, which is very unusual. Given Night Owl's style, he would surely have convened another meeting by now."
Sunan agreed with Rose's assessment but said, "Perhaps he's busy with his training."
"Maybe," Rose continued, "but I suspect something might have happened to Night Owl."
Sunan immediately understood the implication of her words.
"Are you suggesting someone is after Night Owl for the Starlight Tower key he holds?"
If there was anything likely to cause trouble for Night Owl at this time, it would undoubtedly be the key to the Starlight Tower.
Rose solemnly nodded, "It's very possible."
"Our battle with the Immortals was quite the spectacle, attracting attention and investigation. The existence of the Starlight Tower key might no longer be a complete secret. With the tower's emergence imminent, it's not surprising someone would take a risk."
Sunan nodded, acknowledging the possibility.
The downfall of the Immortals had indeed drawn the attention of many opportunists. It wouldn't be surprising if someone pieced together clues about the Starlight Tower.
Even without this, there was Ivans to consider.
Among wizard apprentices, there were plenty of sharp minds. If someone deduced the connection between the Kessler family and the Starlight Tower, Ivans would be in danger.
Despite being a third-circle legendary knight, Ivans was vulnerable without the protection of the Holy Fist. If several third-level wizard apprentices banded together against him, he would struggle to defend himself.
In that case, the Starlight Tower key would no longer be a secret.
And the members of the Forest Cabin, who held the keys, would naturally become prime targets.
Night Owl could very well have encountered trouble for this reason.
However, all of this was speculative. Night Owl might simply be engrossed in his training.
Either way, Sunan wasn't particularly concerned.
After all, his relationship with Night Owl wasn't strong enough for him to worry about Night Owl's safety.
He also wasn't worried about anyone foolish enough to invade the Star Alliance's territory to steal his Starlight Tower key.
If they did, Sunan would be pleased—considering it a delivery of spoils right to his doorstep!
Rose had probably sought him out for protection after realizing this.
If Night Owl truly met trouble over the Starlight Tower key, her situation would be equally precarious. Staying with Sunan afforded her the security she needed.
"Whether or not something happened to Night Owl will become clear once the Starlight Tower appears."
Sunan dismissed the topic casually, glancing at Rose.
"You're welcome to stay in Youhuo City for as long as you like."
"But let me be clear: if you bring trouble and I have to deal with it, my fee won't be cheap."
"I understand." Rose breathed a sigh of relief.
With Sunan's reputation bolstered by his victory over Saulo, everyone in the southeastern continent knew of his prowess. She doubted anyone would dare to provoke Sunan here.
If someone did, it would be an enemy too formidable for her to handle alone, making Sunan's protection worth any price.
Sunan then summoned Carolina to arrange accommodations for Rose.
Initially anxious, Rose now had the leisure to take in the surroundings. Her eyes wandered through the corridor windows, observing the cityscape below.
She noticed several stone golems patrolling the streets.
Though she rarely ventured into the underground world, Rose had kept an eye on Star Alliance's rapid expansion, recognizing it as one of the most formidable powers in the southeastern underground.
The Star Alliance's strength lay in its Magic Rune Knights and golem army.
Information on the former wasn't hard to come by.
Reports detailing the Seven Knight Academies of the Starlight Duchy graced the desks of high-ranking officials in various countries.
Many nations even established their own knight academies, modeled after the Starlight Duchy, to train knights from commoner and peasant backgrounds.
Yet, even with identical systems, their results paled in comparison.
The main difference was the lack of a Star Alliance, which provided abundant Dragon Blood Fruits, enchanted weapons, and magic constructs.
As for the golem army, its position underground made intelligence gathering difficult.
No one knew exactly how many golems the Star Alliance possessed.
Rose's gaze shifted to Carolina, who was leading the way. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity as she asked, "I've heard the golem army sweeping the battlefield for the Starlight Duchy came from the Star Alliance?"
Carolina turned, giving Rose a knowing smile. "I thought you didn't meddle in surface wars. What piques your interest?"
"Just curious. It's my first time seeing a golem army in action," Rose replied, her tone genuinely curious.
Carolina smiled, "If you're curious, why not join the Star Alliance and see for yourself?"
"Join the Star Alliance?"
Rose was genuinely surprised, not expecting Carolina's invitation.
"Indeed," Carolina said with a charming smile. "You should know by now the Star Alliance's strength. Joining us would surely be beneficial."
Rose had to admit she was tempted.
She'd never considered such a move before, but Carolina's suggestion made it seem appealing.
The Star Alliance's resources were renowned, and even the smallest glimpse was enough to inspire awe and envy.
Gaining access to those resources would greatly benefit her wizard path.
As for concerns about being taken advantage of, Rose wasn't worried.
She knew the Star Alliance had nurtured many wizard apprentices and treated them fairly, adhering to the principle of equivalent exchange.
The Star Alliance had a solid reputation in this regard.
Joining the Star Alliance was akin to joining a resource platform.
It was similar to the Forest Cabin but with closer ties and certain obligations.
For instance, protecting the Star Alliance's interests.
This was something she could accept.
"...Is this your idea, or Sunan's?" Rose asked after a long pause.
Seeing Rose's interest, Carolina smiled, "Our master has thought about it."
She wasn't lying.
Carolina knew her master wanted someone to manage the base and handle various affairs.
Rose was an excellent choice.
With her noble background, she likely had administrative experience. As a third-level wizard apprentice, she'd manage the base's affairs well.
Her status as a member of the Thornflower Duchy's royal family wasn't an issue.
Carolina had learned a crucial lesson during her time in the Star Alliance.
When you benefit enough from an organization, you gradually become part of it, naturally protecting its interests.
Wizard apprentices and royal nobles collaborated mainly for resources.
As long as Rose gained more from the Star Alliance than the Thornflower Duchy, her allegiance would naturally shift.
Blood ties? Ha, Rose's blood relation to the current Thornflower Duchy royalty was likely distant.
Without vested interests, she wouldn't bother with the Duchy's affairs.
This was the mindset of many wizard apprentices who lived for centuries.
As a subordinate, Carolina felt obliged to ease her master's burdens.
If she could persuade Rose, it would solve one of her master's concerns.
After much deliberation, Rose finally said, "I'll consider it. Let's discuss further after dealing with the Starlight Tower."
Carolina smiled, knowing when to stop, and continued leading the way.
Once Rose was settled, Carolina reported back to Sunan.
After hearing her report, Sunan pondered.
He had indeed considered inviting members of the Forest Cabin to join the Star Alliance, but the potential complications led him to postpone the idea.
It might be better to revisit this plan after becoming a formal wizard with overwhelming power, reducing potential issues.
Sunan also had other plans.
By then, the base might be ready for deeper reforms.
"For now, let's set this aside."
Sunan waved the matter off, adding:
"Besides a few key areas, Rose can visit wherever she likes. Accompany her personally."
Though he wasn't inviting Rose to join, letting her learn more about the Star Alliance and leaving a good impression couldn't hurt.
Carolina understood and nodded respectfully.
"Also, halt the Star Alliance's expansion temporarily. Station a golem army on standby at Dragon Forest."
"Recall the golem army supporting the Starlight Duchy. Once replenished, have them standby at Dragon Forest too."
With the Starlight Tower's opening imminent, Sunan decided it was time to prepare.
For starters, having two golem armies in the cube as a precaution seemed wise.
It was also a chance for the Star Alliance to consolidate its recent gains.
As for the surface world, the Starlight Alliance had firmly secured the upper hand in the war. Withdrawing the golem army wouldn't impact the outcome significantly.
With everything arranged, Sunan returned to constructing talent crystal models.
The following period was calm, with none of the trouble Rose feared.
The steady routine of training continued into mid-Frostfall (November).
Sunan was in his meditation chamber, constructing a talent crystal model, when he suddenly sensed something and opened his eyes.
With a thought, the Starlight Tower key appeared in his palm.
Previously unremarkable, like an ordinary stone, the sigil stone now glowed with a faint blue aura.
Sunan closed his fingers around the stone, and a vision flashed in his mind.
He saw a colossal tower, five to six hundred meters tall, suspended in the sky.
Its deep blue structure stood majestic and magnificent against the blue-white sky, a classic Gothic design adorned with intricate carvings, pointed spires, and arches. Vivid clouds and energy particles swirled around its peak, making it seem as if the entire tower was soaring into the heavens.
The vision lasted only a few seconds before fading from Sunan's mind.
But he immediately understood that the tower in the vision was the legendary Starlight Tower!
"It's finally here!"
Sunan exhaled deeply.
Since uncovering the Starlight Tower's clues, he had eagerly awaited the emergence of this wizard's legacy.
Now, the target had finally appeared!
Whether or not he could construct a super talent crystal model depended on the Starlight Tower!
Rising from the meditation chamber, Sunan returned to Youhuo City.
Emerging from the top of the stone pillar, he saw Rose already hovering in mid-air, waiting.
"The Starlight Tower has appeared!" Rose said, her tone tinged with barely concealed excitement.
Sunan nodded, saying only, "Follow me," before turning to leave.
Rose was puzzled but followed.
The two quickly reached the space portal in Youhuo City.
Seeing the strange portal, Rose's curiosity was piqued.
As Sunan continued through, she hesitated momentarily before following.
A moment later, her vision was filled with an endless expanse of green.
Staring at the majestic forest before her, Rose couldn't hide her shock.
But when she saw the ancient, grand Dragon Skeleton Tower, she gasped.
Dragon bones!
That pressure could only come from true dragon remains!
"Where is this?" Rose couldn't help but ask.
"Dragon Forest, the ecosystem park."
Sunan replied without turning, heading toward another space portal.
Rose stood stunned, disbelief written on her face.
She knew what an ecosystem park was.
A dimensional space known for large-scale cultivation and breeding.
She hadn't expected Sunan to control an ecosystem park.
And it seemed to be thriving, vibrant and prosperous.
Just how many secrets did this man hold?
Watching Sunan's back, Rose couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration, adding to her interest in joining the Star Alliance.
Shaking off her thoughts, she quickly caught up with Sunan.
Passing through another space portal, they returned to the surface world, arriving at Base No. 1 near Bright City.
As expected, Kyi was already waiting at the base.
Upon noticing the key's change, he had rushed to the base to await Sunan.
With little need for words, after a brief exchange, the three flew in the direction indicated by the key.
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