Suspicion of incompetence and possible embezzlement by the Four Gods Sect intensifies among major guilds, further complicating relations.

The Star Embers Guild, due to its early withdrawal and relatively minor losses, sees a slight rise in reputation thanks to President Robert’s calm demeanor during the chaos, drawing the attention of some with ulterior motives.

However, no one can link the events at the ruins to Robert, as he was always visible outside at the time.

When Duke collected the Seeds of Light and the altar, he was deep within the ground beneath the altar, unnoticed by anyone.

The disappearance of the altar was a matter of moments; even if someone had been watching, all they’d see was a blurred image through the light membrane, unaware of what transpired.

The Light Sect, shocked internally, is rife with undercurrents.

The radicals lament missing a godsend opportunity, blaming the conservatives for their cowardice and sluggishness.

Meanwhile, the conservatives secretly rejoice for not being embroiled in a fruitless and heavy-loss struggle, further suppressing the radicals’ adventurous tendencies.

Dali secretly reports that the sect’s higher-ups are puzzled by the disappearance of the core artifacts, but due to their strength limitations, they dare not openly investigate, only quietly collecting information.

Among the Four Gods Sect, there are suspicions that the Light Sect might be involved, but the reports from their plants indicate that the Light Sect was uninvolved, even internally debating whether intervention was necessary.

Robert believes that in the short term, the Four Gods Sect will focus on internal reorganization and external investigation, slightly easing pressure on players and the Light Sect directly, but intensifying covert surveillance.

The fervor among players has been severely dampened, with many teams withdrawing; the Ashen Mountains area will be relatively desolate in the short term. Yet the legend of the "mysterious disappearance of the ultimate treasure" will persist, becoming a haunting enigma among players.

The Star Embers Guild requires a period to discreetly digest the impact of the recent action, solidifying their current territory and avoiding becoming the focal point for the Four Gods Sect or certain obsessive player groups.

Having grasped the general situation, Duke had a rough understanding.

He once again contacted Robert, instructing him to come alone to the potion shop’s backyard.

Soon, Robert’s figure quietly appeared, a trace of fatigue on his face, but his eyes remained sharp, still carrying a hint of the recent busyness.

"Master Duke." Robert greeted respectfully.

"Your guild handled this operation well," Duke remarked.

He’s been watching closely; the guild members led by Robert possess commendable qualities, well-disciplined, unlike the frivolous players.

For these Star Embers guild members, this is a livelihood, no different from going to work.

"Entirely thanks to your strategic planning, I merely followed orders," Robert flattered obsequiously.

Without further words, Duke waved his hand, several metal boxes of various designs, all inscribed with runes of spatial expansion and concealment, appeared on the small cottage’s open ground.

These were part of the resources he ordered or exchanged through the Star Dome Commerce Association channels from the Seville Empire.

"These are some resources intended to assist your development here," Duke introduced them one by one.

The first box contained a large amount of refined magic potions, primarily for efficient healing, stamina recovery, temporary energy boosts, and basic resistance enhancement, far superior in quality to the crude local products of the Oracle Plane.

These would become the Star Embers Guild’s hard asset and assurance in recruiting elites and undertaking high-risk missions.

The second box held dozens of exquisite witchcraft artifacts, including Luminescent Amulets that enhance individual defense, Explosive Rings that can release a second-level energy shock once, and special compasses for secret communication and short-distance positioning among others.

These are crucial for Robert and his core members for survival and reversing the tide in critical moments.

The third box contained creations from the Mechanical Wizard Civilization of the Seville Empire, including one hundred sets of basic powered exoskeleton arm guards, adjustable to the user’s physique, offering both excellent protection and flexibility with key areas embedded with miniature energy circuits.

Two hundred Hummingbird Recon Mechanical Bodies, throwable and deployable as small fixed reconnaissance posts upon landing, and five Defender-II portable crossbows, requiring multiple operators, capable of firing concentrated energy bolts, accompanied by an ammunition box.

These mechanical creations are relatively easy to operate, powerful, and differing remarkably from the Oracle Plane’s power system, effective in critical moments.

Even with Robert’s steadfast resolve, his breath subtly paused at the sight of these dazzling resources, emanating the aura of advanced civilizations from another realm.

These resources could rapidly elevate the Star Embers Guild’s strength, securing their position in the top player faction, even granting unique advantages in certain areas.

These items require substantial magic stone expenditure even in the Wizard Civilization, but for Duke, who possesses over a billion Level 1 magic stones, this is insignificant.

"Make good use of them," Duke spoke solemnly, "In the short term, focus on consolidation, digestion, and concealment. Continue to expand your influence and gather resources, knowledge, and intelligence unique to this realm.

Keep an eye on the Four Gods Sect and Light Sect’s movements, especially internal changes in the latter. I need a stable and increasingly powerful agent here."

"Yes! I shall fulfill Master Duke’s expectations!" Robert replied determinedly.

"Go. Proceed with caution."

...

After Robert’s departure, he proceeded as usual, gathering new magics for Duke, mostly those he prepared in advance, knowing Duke’s penchant for them.

Three days later, just as Duke was preparing to leave Azure Vault City, an unexpected visitor knocked on the tightly shut door of the Star Embers Potion Shop.

The visitor made no attempt to conceal their formidable aura, a scorching, vibrant energy field with distinct fiery fluctuations, clear even through the door, not something ordinary players or low-level sect individuals could possess.

Duke, while organizing his final preparations in the backyard cottage, sensed the visitor, frowned slightly, instantly discerned their identity and intent—a high-ranking member from the Four Gods Sect’s Fire Sect.

At such a sensitive time, the visit of a powerful Fire Element mage is no coincidence.

He swiftly concealed all potentially suspicious auras, especially suppressing the fluctuations of the God of Light’s divine status to the minimum, leaving only a slightly reserved but still pure spiritual power field befitting a traveling mage’s identity.

He walked slowly to the front hall, opening the shop’s door.

Outside stood a middle-aged man in a crimson mage robe with golden embroidery, the hem embroidered with a leaping flame emblem.

His visage stern, sporting neatly trimmed short beard, his brown-red eyes seemingly calm yet revealing a probing glow deep within.

The concealed energy around him noticeably reached the level of a second-level Magic Master.

He was accompanied by two composed fire sect guardian warriors in light armor, respectful in demeanor yet vigilant in positioning.

"Forgive the intrusion," the red-robed mage spoke first, his voice resonant, carrying a hint of aptly measured enthusiasm, "I am Hector, serving as a Deacon of the Fire God’s Hall. I’ve long heard of a remarkable traveling mage in Azure Vault City known for crafting wondrous magic potions, but fate has weaved our encounters apart.

Recently, upon hearing of your return, I came specifically to visit, hoping for a chance to exchange insights."

His gaze swiftly scanned Duke before settling upon Duke’s serene and unaffected expression.

Duke inwardly sneered, realizing the exchange was merely a guise for testing. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

It seems the Four Gods Sect indeed intensified checks on all unusual figures in the city following the ruins incident.

A mysterious alchemist like himself, who conveniently left and returned during crucial times, naturally drew their attention.

He wore a smile befitting a traveler’s identity, polite yet slightly distant and weary, stepping aside: "Ah, it’s Deacon Hector, I’ve heard much. Though this humble abode is simple, please, do come in."

The tone was neutral, neither warm nor discourteous.

Hector, along with the two warriors, entered the shop, their gaze seemingly casual as it swept over the somewhat empty shelves, leaving behind only the most basic player-crafted inferior potions and a dusty counter, with burgeoning curiosity deep within their eyes.

"It appears your business operates rather leisurely," he remarked with a faint smile.