Chapter 174 - 173: New Shortcut for Map Exploration (Part 1)

Words : 1131 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Inside the inn, after their playful antics, the four Trailblazers and Bailu, still nestled in her trash can, settled down to enjoy some food and drinks while discussing their plans. Pei Guang said, "No need to rush. Let's take our time eating before we head out to find Kafka." Stelle, looking determined, added, "Even though I have some fondness for Kafka, she did tell us to find her ourselves. Pei Guang, have you figured out how to handle her?" Before Pei Guang could answer, March 7th suggested, "How about this? When we catch her, we dance right in front of her. But this dance might not be mocking enough. Pei Guang, do you know any silly and easy-to-learn dances that would get under her skin?" Pei Guang thought for a moment, "I have a few in mind. They're simple, catchy, and the more people join, the better the effect." March 7th beamed, "Great! Teach us, Pei Guang." Pei Guang said calmly, "No rush. Let me arrange a remix with the Star Destroyer first. When it's time, I'll start, and you just follow my lead." Hearing this, Stelle's eyes sparkled. "Oh? Count me in when the time comes." Pei Guang nodded, "Of course. By the way, March, remember to record it. We need to post this scene of camaraderie with the Stellaron Hunters online for the entire universe to see." March 7th gave a thumbs-up, "No problem, I'll make sure it's perfect." Stelle then asked, "Hey, Pei Guang, your guesses are always so on-point. Can you teach me a few tricks sometime?" Pei Guang reflected, "It's not really something I can teach. It's all from accumulated experience. Once things calm down, I'll share all the games I've played with you. Master them thoroughly, and you'll be set." March 7th chimed in, "Count me in too!" Pei Guang laughed, "No problem. Everyone's invited!" As the three talked, Bailu's small hand emerged from the trash can to grab a drumstick, and she exchanged a knowing look with Welt. Both of them, as the more sensible members of the group, could only watch in disbelief at how the others' antics had reached such a level of absurdity. After eating, drinking, and finalizing their plans, the group left the inn, with Tingyun waiting outside after securing travel permits for them. Tingyun greeted them warmly, "Ah, you're here!" Pei Guang replied, "Miss us already?" Tingyun smiled, "Of course~ I'm eager to join in capturing the Stellaron Hunter and earning some recognition. The Aurum Alley is under the jurisdiction of the Artisanship Commission, so it took some time to get the necessary permissions. Like at Cloudford, the defensive wards are down, and the gates are unguarded. The Cloud Knights are preoccupied with tracking the Stellaron's location, leaving the area vulnerable and teeming with monsters—a perfect hiding spot." Pei Guang nodded, "Alright, let's go!" Tingyun asked, "Are you sure you don't need any other preparations?" Pei Guang, with confidence, replied, "No need. Trust me: we'll find her and capture her directly." March 7th declared, "If Pei Guang says it's possible, then it's definitely possible." Pei Guang cautioned, "Don't overhype it. I've had my fair share of failures." Stelle reassured him, "Come on, Pei Guang, you've succeeded more times than not. It'll be fine." Tingyun smiled, "Alright then, if you're ready, let's head to the Aurum Alley." The road was smooth, and upon arrival, Tingyun asked curiously, "How do you plan to find Kafka, Pei Guang?" Tingyun had a few gadgets from the Artisanship Commission ready, but she was eager to see how he would approach this. Pei Guang surveyed the structure as he spoke, "It's simple... well, sort of." Pei Guang found an open space with no machinery or structures overhead, perfect for his experiment. The Aurum Alley, now overrun by mara-struck soldiers and hidden constructs from beyond, was teeming with danger. After assessing the area, Pei Guang said, "If we search traditionally, we'll have to fight through countless enemies. That's too much hassle. Stelle, come help me: we're taking a shortcut." Stelle was ready, "What's the plan?" Pei Guang reassured, "Just a moment. I need to test an idea I've been too cautious to try before. Little one!" He tapped the trash can and asked Bailu, "Quick question: can you heal minor injuries and fractures?" Bailu's voice came from inside, "If it's a simple break without fragments, I'll have you back on your feet in three minutes." Pei Guang smiled, "Perfect! Time to test that risky idea of mine." He pulled out a small, one-centimeter-high "bucket," followed by a larger bucket filled with water, which he stored in his inventory. Then, he placed a mechanical construct from his pack onto the ground. Tingyun was stunned by the appearance of such a large machine but said nothing as Pei Guang climbed onto its hand, raising him about ten meters into the air. March 7th shouted nervously, "Pei Guang, what are you doing? Don't do anything crazy!" Pei Guang called down, "Relax! I'm just testing something I've been meaning to for ages. Now that we have healing on standby, I can finally try it out." Welt, who suspected Pei Guang was about to attempt a risky gamer trick, still asked, "Are you sure about this?" Pei Guang replied, "In theory, yes. But life only gives you one chance, so I'm playing it safe! I'll test it from around fifteen meters—worst case, I take some fall damage. But with a healer around, it's no big deal. Step back, everyone! Time for some experiments." Everyone instinctively took a step back as the Engine of Creation, under Pei Guang's control, extended its hand. He calmly leaped onto the mechanical palm, which lifted him to a height of about ten meters. Standing atop the machine, Pei Guang checked the position of the shallow water puddle he'd prepared. Once he confirmed everything was aligned, he jumped from the height. Although this jump wouldn't usually be problematic for him, he wanted to confirm if his theory held water. During that brief moment in freefall, Pei Guang took a deep breath, muttering, "If everything else works, it'd be absurd if this didn't!" Pei Guang landed in the puddle, and to his delight, there was no forceful impact. His eyes shone with understanding—his theory was correct. The explanation didn't matter much; after all, who playing a game ever fully deciphered its code? Players only delve into technicalities when their favorite NPCs face trouble and need mod support!

Chapter 174 - 173: New Shortcut for Map Exploration (Part 1)

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