Chapter 398 - Heart Knot
Although the most shocking moments were over for the mercenaries, they couldn’t help but felt amazed after Rhode led them into the Fortress and witnessed the neat, majestic and sturdy buildings. They were extremely surprised and pleased, especially when they realized that this Fortress belonged to them. Unparalleled pride emerged in their hearts at the thought of themselves being owners of this place! They firmly believed that they had made the greatest choice in joining this guild and devote themselves to this young man! Oh, Lord! He could even build up a Fortress in a blink of an eye. What other things could he possibly not do?
Apart from Rhode who welcomed them into the Fortress, Canary and Mini Bubble Gum gave the mercenaries a surprise. And their appearance proved a more logical speculation for the mercenaries towards this Fortress — After all, to the mortals, beings of the Legendary stage were not far from Gods. Many legends told that those who entered Legendary stage were omnipotent. Of course, this was only an illusion which those without the capabilities would see. This was why, after meeting the two ladies, many of them were suspicious. But, most of them were able to accept this reasoning — It wouldn’t be too difficult for both of them in the Legendary stage to create this majestic Fortress together.
This was, of course, a part of Rhode’s tricks.
After the Fortress was built completely, Rhode and Canary constructed the Summon Gates that were located in the stronghold and Fortress respectively. Rhode then removed the lock on the Sphere of Mystery and shifted it within this Fortress — Of course, unlike in the stronghold, the Sphere of Mystery wouldn’t need to be kept at a corner. Instead, Rhode placed it on the highest level of the Fortress which was also where his room was. Firstly, that would be the place where Canary and Mini Bubble Gum would live in and it would be much more convenient for them to protect the Fortress. Secondly, after activating the training grounds in the mirage, Rhode wouldn’t need to keep the precious Sphere of Mystery in the underground training ground anymore. After all, people would get to know of it and unlike previously when Starlight had lesser members. Considering the future, it’s best to be a tad more careful.
However, this gave Rhode a delightful surprise. After shifting the Sphere of Mystery, he accidentally discovered a special function in the territory construction system — The Fortress and Deep Stone City were wide apart in terms of walking distance. However, if the distance between both places was measured by drawing across a straight line, only a mountain distance away was between them. Of course, this unclimbable mountain would prevent anyone from crossing, but it couldn’t stop the system’s capabilities. In other words, the territory of the Fortress and the domain of the stronghold were linked together, which meant that the Sphere of Mystery could radiate its powers towards both locations. In other words, Canary and Mini Bubble Gum could shuttle freely between them!
Through this matter, Rhode was finally educated that the radiating range of the Sphere of Mystery was correlated to his own influential zone. In other words, the influential zone of both the Sphere of Mystery and Rhode’s territorial control were equal!
This was great news for both Canary and Mini Bubble Gum. Although Rhode’s influential zone in Deep Stone City was only the size of his stronghold, the system recognized the entire territory in the Land of Atonement. In other words, both of these ladies finally could put an end to their cooping-at-home lifestyles and go for leisure walks nearby — But of course, they still couldn’t go on long journeys and unable to assist him by his side too much.
On the contrary, Rhode didn’t intend to over-rely on both of them. After all, no matter what, Canary and Mini Bubble Gum were illusionary guards with limited powers that the Sphere of Mystery projected and weren’t real humans. Furthermore, according to Rhode’s plans, this Fortress was only expedient as his final goal was to seize the Land of Chaos. However, this didn’t mean that Rhode needed to give up his stronghold and Fortress. No matter if it’s the stronghold in Deep Stone City or the Fortress in Land of Atonement, he needed to protect all of them. And since he couldn’t give up these two places, he would need someone trustworthy to manage them.
Rhode had decided that after the Fortress was built entirely, he would pass the managing rights of the stronghold to Shauna and Kavos. Both of them were familiar with Deep Stone City and were once mercenary leaders. After the Fortress was built completely, the main functionalities of the stronghold would be to convey messages and assign some missions to Rhode. In other words, this stronghold would become an ‘office’ in Deep Stone City for Starlight Guild. And the true guild responsibilities would expand in Land of Atonement. Rhode would attempt to cultivate a trustworthy confidant during this period of time in order to have someone managing the Fortress when they needed to visit Land of Chaos.
“That’s for sure.”
Rhode nodded kindly. After hearing Rhode’s response, Marlene slightly blushed and even revealed some nervousness.
“Then… Mr Rhode, I have a request.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
Marlene bit her lips and lifted her head courageously. She looked at Rhode in the eyes with quirky emotions.
“Tomorrow night… Can you come to my room please?” Marlene asked.