Chapter 663 - Between Light & Light (I) (2/2)

But Rhode couldn’t remain calm after witnessing the system reward.

[System Reward: Unlocks a Phantom Guardian]

A line of words without EXP and special techniques. However, this was the best reward that Rhode could ask for.

He was given the opportunity to unlock three Phantom Guardians when he first received the Sphere of Mystery. However, he could only unlock two out of three as his levels were too low. Rhode didn’t give much thought about it as the emergence of Mini Bubble Gum and Canary was astonishing enough. Besides, their performances left him genuinely satisfied and he stopped thinking about the third Phantom Guardian. In any case, he believed that the chance to unlock the third Phantom Guardian would come naturally when his level had reached the requirement.

But he didn’t expect to receive an additional opportunity to unlock another Phantom Guardian.

This meant that, in the future, he could have a total of four Phantom Guardians if he completed this mission and his levels reached the requirement of the Sphere of Mystery. Since this was the case… There were many formidable beings on this continent like the three Archangels and Four Legendary Generals of Country of Darkness. Would he be able to create four of his best companions too?

Rhode had made up his mind. No matter how harsh the conditions were, he would need to complete this mission and receive the reward. Although Marlene and Lize coordinated well with him in battle, they lacked the farsightedness and unique perspectives of the players. Currently, he didn’t have the spare time to training up his subordinates. He eagerly hoped to search for a companion and helper who could see through the enemies’ plans in the shortest period possible. In such an ‘accelerated’ process, Phantom Guardians were naturally the best choice.

This Dragon Soul Ceremony was the best opportunity to fulfill his wish.

Howling Gorge.

The ice-cold wind raged over the towering cliffs, engulfing the entire world with fluttering snow. The chariot transporting Rhode’s group had reached the waist of the mountain. Rhode squinted at the tiny flames dancing in the distant. Got to say, Lydia’s invitation was indeed original and ingenious. She didn’t make Rhode’s group head into Golden City. Instead, she invited them to the Howling Gorge to head out from there together to the Country of Light.

“Why must we come to such a place, Leader?”

Anne yawned and gazed at the snowy scenery lazily. If it was spring, perhaps she could have admired the picturesque view below the mountains. But now, the whistling snow had whitened the surrounding entirely. Why would Lydia choose this place?

Rhode twitched his brows and didn’t answer. He also wasn’t clear as to why Lydia had chosen this place. The players weren’t knowledgeable about the Howling Gorge. Even a ‘walking library’ like Rhode wasn’t too clear of the situation as this was considered a forbidden ground of the Munn Royal Family, where players would be prohibited from entering. Rumor had it that only a specific class of players who had gained a certain level of prestige could enter the Howling Gorge. Fearless players who barged their way in were punished mercilessly by the Battle Angel Army. Not only that, but their reputation in Munn Kingdom fell to ‘Hostile’. Thereafter, no other players were foolish enough to test the system after the previous pitiful players knowingly violated the law and got punished for it. According to the players who had once entered the Howling Gorge, there were some hidden secrets about the Munn Kingdom in that place, but they didn’t know the specific details.

But now, this wasn’t a problem for him to resolve. The chariot slowly approached the flickering radiance, standing out in the fluttering snow.

Shortly after, a majestic, enormous stone-made castle emerged before them with the solid curves and lines of the cliff accentuating its shape. Even though the snow was whistling strongly, the group could vaguely see the dazzling, brightly lit indoors.

They stepped down from the chariot and arrived at the castle entrance. Shortly after, the heavy, pitch-black door opened wide and two female servants emerged. As soon as they witnessed Rhode’s group, they hurriedly approached them and bowed respectfully. Rhode nodded in response before handing over Lydia’s invitation letter. One of the female servants took over the invitation letter and scanned the content. Then, she extended her right hand and touched the letter with the ring on her index finger. In the blink of an eye, a light blue radiance emanated. She returned the letter to Rhode and said.

“Welcome to Purple Lily City, Sir Rhode. Please come with me. Royal Highness has been waiting for your arrival.”

“Woah…”

Anne exclaimed in awe at the decorations of the majestic castle as soon as the heavy doors closed behind them and cut off the whistling snow. Not only Anne, but even Rhode and Lize also widened their eyes in astonishment.

If Golden City had given them an incomparable sense of luxury, then this Purple Lily City was more of a city filled with magical coloration. Several magical light spheres were suspended in the air above the dome, a few meters high, emanating gentle brilliance that illuminated the hall. Not only that, but the magical rays on the sleek walls also zipped skyward as though they were bouncing and flashing to an unknown fluctuation frequency.

At this moment, an indifferent, yet familiar voice greeted them.

“Welcome to Purple Lily City, Sir Rhode. It’s been a while.”

Rhode turned around and spotted a black-haired young lady approaching him with a harp in her hands. Her black pupils were glinting with obvious dissatisfaction.