T0 Gaming Guild Saves the World.

Chapter 648, Section 647: Huge Explosion
On the way to Fragrant Wind City, Ke Xia barely spoke to Jiang Heyi, but he had a close conversation with French Fries.

Strangely, she neither asked a question that could easily make people feel uneasy, such as "What is the relationship between the two of you?" nor did she ask Jiang Heyi's preferences in an aggressive manner, as she did in the game.

Just chatting.

They talked about everything under the sun.

Most of the stories were anecdotes and interesting tales from her travels ashore. Once they started talking, it turned into a back-and-forth storytelling session between the two of them.

Jiang Heyi didn't participate; he just listened, his mind preoccupied with his meeting with Kurien.

With less than a month until the incident, the preliminary work has been meticulous enough, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the main events they have planned will unfold on time.

But the "historical inertia" mentioned by the ruler made him uneasy.

This meeting is of great significance, directly determining whether they can become heroes who can influence the course of the Anna Continent through facial recognition in half a month.

The wild grass brushed against Jiang Heyi's nose, drawing his gaze downwards.

French Fries, half-squatting in front of him, grinned mischievously and shoved the straw into Jiang Heyi's mouth as he was about to speak.

That's how it was in my past life; I'd entice him to talk, then sneakily press my lips to his.
Frozen fries died completely after the wedding.

God knows how she learned it all on her own.

Something's wrong; she seems like a completely different person after getting married.

It's as if the fries that relentlessly hack and slash people in the game were just a dream.

Jiang Heyi has no memory of what happened after he turned 30, but based on his own understanding, it would be against his personality not to retaliate against being repeatedly provoked.

Therefore, he most likely opted for a magical duel.

The consequences were obvious: yet another lovey-dovey couple was born...

If it weren't for the tight schedule and heavy workload upon landing in Anna, she would have probably revealed her true, more "tomato and fries" nature to acquaintances.

Is this nearing the final chapter, and you can't hold back anymore?
At least they didn't stick their mouths up to each other in front of outsiders.

Lost in thought, the fries opened their mouths.

"We're almost at Fragrant Breeze City. Is there anything we need to arrange in advance?"

It's also one of French Fries' skills to skillfully switch between forms, as if she wasn't the naughty child who just stuffed straw into his mouth.

"No."

"No?"

French Fries sat down next to Jiang Heyi and put his arm around his shoulder.

This action made Kesha's eyes light up, and he looked eager to try it himself.

"Your original intention in going to Falling Star Sea was to gain Queen Mirrorheart's favor and approval, and then pretend to casually reveal this relationship in front of Kurien, thus adding another layer of assurance to your harmless image on the Ana Continent, right?"

"But a small change occurred during the process, and Kesha followed along, wagging its tail."

"Actually, you already have a better plan in mind that can make Kurien lower his guard, you're just hesitating about whether to use it or not, right?"

Jiang Heyi's script had been read, but he pretended to be calm and said, "I guess so."

"Is that so?" Fries stretched chuckled. "Whatever. We've had such a smooth run, and we're about to have a chance to beat the game in one life. It'd better if everything goes well, or next time I'll shove your head into a Hagi Dragon's mouth and grind it up!"

"As long as you're willing to give it up."

"I'm willing to give it up. Anyway, we'll continue to reincarnate, so I'll just die with you."

Upon arriving at the mansion of the jailer in the suburbs of Xiangfeng City, Jiang Heyi could already sense the subtle, yet palpable, presence of those watching him from all sides.

Kesha looked around and whispered in French Fries' ear.

"Does your friend actually have the ability to recruit so many powerful magicians? What does he do, and why is he so afraid of death?"

At this moment, she had no idea who she was about to meet.

Thinking of this, French Fries pursed his lips slightly.

"He's probably the most cowardly guy in all of Anna."

"That's outrageous! I'd better see who this coward is." Kesha couldn't wait.

Upon entering the studio, the sense of being spied on lessened, but the siren's powerful perception still allowed her to detect some deliberately suppressed magical energy hidden in the corners of the corridor and within the room.

"They have the strength, but their ability to conceal themselves is lacking."

The French fries asked, "Where are you hiding?"

Ksha curled its tail, transforming it into an arrow that pointed to a door beside it.

Fries got excited and knocked lightly on the door: "Hey, are you there?"

Ksha whistled: "Oh, he's suppressed the flow of magic again, and he's even holding his breath."

A few seconds passed.

"Wow, there's even a spell to control your heartbeat rhythm, not bad at all."

Jiang Heyi sighed: "They were just doing their job, are you trying to suffocate them?"

He had no doubt that, given the dedication of Curryn, the center-back, he could really hold his breath until he lost consciousness.

Sure enough, after they left, the guard inside the room was drenched in sweat and on the verge of collapse.

The meeting place was a dark underground room in the center of the manor courtyard, a place where the jailer could paint in peace to avoid being disturbed.

The walls have been reinforced and inlaid with carefully arranged lighting crystals that emit a soft and steady light, illuminating this underground area as bright as day, so that you don't feel any sense of oppression in the underground space.

An antique-style long table was placed in the center of the dark room, and three figures had already taken their seats on either side, waiting quietly.

Hearing the sound of the dark room opening, the jailer hurriedly came out.

Upon catching sight of Kesha, he was initially taken aback, but then he understood.

Potatoes are right no matter what they do.

Jiang Heyi's gaze passed over the jailer's shoulder and met Wick's deep eyes as he slowly stood up.

Then, his gaze turned to another elderly man sitting quietly in a soft armchair.

The other person's expression appeared calm and normal, but their sharp eyes flashed with an undisguised, hawk-like precision in their scrutiny.

It was none other than the ruler of the Ana Empire, the Lion King, Kurion.

"It seems that you are the true master of the boundary between reality and illusion, hidden behind Rainbow Rain and Jailer Brother."

Kurien's voice was steady and powerful; despite his advanced age, his words still carried an air of authority that commanded respect without anger.

"It's vastly different from what I imagined... You're too young."

Kureen and Wick privately speculated about Jiang Heyi's appearance.

In their view, the person who could select and train so many mages with different talents and outstanding abilities must be a great mage of similar age to them.

It's highly likely that it's a 9th order that they were unaware of.

When they first saw Jiang Heyi, they were truly shocked. They concealed their shock well, but when they spoke, their voices trembled slightly.

Too young, really too young.

How could someone so young possibly become the leader of this group of young magicians?

Could it be... a technique for spirit body swapping?

Jiang Heyi bowed slightly to show respect before walking to the other side of the long table.

“Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty.” His tone was calm, revealing neither nervousness nor arrogance. “May I have a seat?”

"Of course, please have a seat. This is a private meeting, so there's no need for excessive formalities."

Kurien raised his hand in acknowledgment, but inwardly he was once again surprised by the other person's composure and affability that belied his age.

He was certain that the person before him clearly understood what Rainbow Rain, Eleravia, and the boundary between reality and illusion—this three-in-one gift package—meant.

Yet he showed no arrogance whatsoever, exuding a composure and maturity beyond his years.

It seems he truly is a great sorcerer who can switch bodies with his spirit.

Wick nudged Kurien with his arm; their years of tacit understanding gave him a quick hint as he caught sight of Ksha who had come with him.

Kraken?

It seems Wick knows the siren's background, which is why he's so eager to make him realize something.

Just as I was wondering, Jiang Heyi took the initiative to start a conversation.

“I roughly understand why His Majesty Kurien wants to meet with me. I can tell His Majesty clearly that I have no ill will towards the Anna Empire, no intention to compete with you for profit, and no interest in undermining your rule.”

Such a direct, simple, and even blunt opening statement caught Kurien off guard.

He had carefully prepared many words for this meeting, intended for probing, maneuvering, and even strategic maneuvering, but now they all seemed to be useless.

The other party seemed to have no intention of engaging in any pretense or probing, and instead chose to get straight to the point.

His straightforward style makes him seem more like a passionate young man.

Is he really a genius?

“If we disregard the empire’s territory as an interest, then there is indeed no point in vying for it.”

"Your Majesty is probably referring to the Blue Lake Wetlands, the territory that Jailer Bro acquired," Jiang Heyi guessed that Kurien would mention it. "The reason we chose that place is to find a usable resource for the Empire."

"Oh?"

"There is a natural teleportation array in this area that connects directly to the alien continent of Devilland."

Kurien and Wick's pupils dilated in shock, but Jiang Heyi's words were not yet finished.

"As far as I know, this is the only natural long-range connection that can be reliably used in the entire Ana continent. The other one is less stable and its reliability is questionable. It is located deep in a coral reef in the Falling Star Sea and connects to another region."

Kurien immediately connected the dots by identifying the group as visitors from another continent: "Are you from Devland?"

“Your Majesty, there is no point in exploring our past.” Jiang Heyi skillfully avoided a direct answer. “We are currently just adventurers who have strayed into Anna due to a magical accident. Our homeland is too far away, and these teleportation arrays cannot help us return home, so we can only stay here.”

Seeing that the conversation was now under his control, Jiang Heyi became increasingly relaxed and natural.

“We have no desire for this natural teleportation array, nor do we intend to use it for personal gain. It is a natural treasure belonging to the beings of Anna Continent, and its ownership and right of use should belong to you.”

"The location of the manor does not necessarily have to be fixed in that area. We did need to use the teleportation array to verify some important speculations before we purchased the land. Now that this mission has been completed, we have no objection to returning this land to the Empire."

Kurien rubbed the corner of his mouth. In an instant, a bridge connecting the empire to the other continent was added to its territory. As a valuable strategic resource, he couldn't make any plans lightly.

However, the other party's sincere and frank attitude, and clear and organized explanation, made him genuinely feel the goodwill extended. Just as Wick said, apart from being able to misjudge children, he was not usually foolish in judging people.

Kurion asked, "So, the reason Eleravia is with you is because she understands your talents?"

Jiang Heyi nodded: "Just like Tina back then."

The witch who put the collar on the dragon has been dead for a hundred years, but her lingering influence still allows Arela to grow up healthy and well.

By the standards of a dragon's lifespan, Eleravie is just a child at the beginning; her future may very well be longer than that of the Anna Empire.

No one knows when the collar's durability will run out. Now, a century later, a new group of "Tina" has appeared to readjust Aerelavi, the significance of which to the Ana Empire is self-evident.

Having arrived here, Kurien had already made plans for many things.

"You are not without desires, are you?"

This was also within Jiang Heyi's expectations.

Simply extending goodwill without any desire would seem strange to anyone.

Even Kurien, whose ability to judge people is at its peak, couldn't help but have some doubts.

"We need status."

Kurien laughed: "Status, huh? So that's why Rainbow Rain came to the capital to show off its power?"

"Rather than showing off our strength, we hope to find a suitable opportunity to attract magicians of similar skill levels to challenge and improve," Jiang Heyi said. "If we can reach the 9th rank, we will have more confidence even if we embark on our journey home amidst a possible surge in magic power."

"Is a magic surge coming?"

Kurien suddenly tensed up.

The last surge of magic gave birth to the bizarre life form of the Demon, and the Empire could only adopt a policy of observation and observation to prevent the threat from spreading.

The Anna Empire may seem prosperous now, but it is actually just a case of overheated prosperity and superficial prosperity. It is hard to imagine what kind of chaos the violent upheaval of the magic tide will bring.

"Based on the cycle, it should be within the next 50 years."

Kurien breathed a sigh of relief, then he noticed that the siren, whom Wick had specifically warned him to watch out for, had slid right up to Potato.

"50 years, are you sure? Isn't that very close?"

"Ksha, don't get excited. We're just making an estimate, an estimate."

"But it's very close."

"Don't try to wrap your tail around my hand. That's close enough for you sirens, but for us humans, it's still a full 50 years away!"

Kesha?

The familiar name made Kurien's eyes widen.

He looked at Wick with an inquiring gaze, and the other nodded slightly to him.

Fallen Star Heksha, the most beloved young siren of Queen Mirrorheart.

Because of his outstanding abilities and amazing talent, he was regarded by many priests as the future Lord of the Fallen Star Sea or a core candidate for High Priest.

If there's one thing that's criticized about her, it's probably that she's too unconventional.

Everyone who has met her is deeply impressed by her energetic and proactive approach, always ready to do whatever comes to mind.

She and Renee were known among the Anna nobles as the strongest rising stars of the terrestrial and sea races, respectively.

While the other side was chattering away, Kurien whispered in Wick's ear.

"Why is she here?"

"I don't know... It seems that her relationship with Potato is quite ambiguous. If I remember correctly, for some sirens, the tail is a sensitive part, but she is already using her tail to seduce Potato. This is one of the courtship signals."

Jiang Heyi's naive reaction made Kurien even more certain that this was not a case of spirit body swapping.

They're really young.

Still such an outstanding and upright young man... just looking at him makes me realize how old I have become.

Having shaken off Ke Xia's attempts to exploit the situation, Jiang Heyi was able to continue the conversation.

"We realized that in the Anna Empire, the nobility wields immense influence. Without sufficient status and position, one can hardly move an inch and is likely to be harassed by some powerful nobles, therefore..."

The first lesson that people from other continents learn when they arrive in Anna is that "the nobles of Anna are all insects."

They abide by the laws and rules of Anna, striving to integrate into the local community, and seeking the emperor's tacit approval to gain a status far exceeding that of an adventurer's group, all to avoid being harassed and discriminated against by the nobles.

The elderly lion king rested his hand on his forehead.

He didn't realize that he should be praising Potato and his group for their efforts to respect the Anna Empire in every way, and for their gentle approach to using force and violence to establish their status.

I should explain again that there are good and bad people everywhere. Anna also has nobles with conscience, such as Brendan, whom you have dealt with before, who just likes to watch beautiful women sing and dance.

Especially when Potato said those words, there was a hint of helplessness in his voice.

He could also discern from his ears the unpleasant things that might have happened along the way, things related to the nobility.

Seeing that his old friend looked tired, Wick continued the conversation.

"Just out of curiosity, Master Jailer, did you come to Fragrant Breeze City to paint with the idea that 'the fool's money is my money'?"

The prison guard was enjoying the delicious food on the long table all to himself, and nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

"In mainland China, this is called, 'Come quick if you're stupid and rich,' and 'I'll make money off whoever has money.'"

"Currently, the most idiots on the Anna Continent are this large group of old-money nobles. They are both stupid and rich, so it would be a shame not to lend them some money."

French Fries said casually, "Your paintings don't have such lofty critical meaning. It's just that you feel pretty good about painting, and it happens to make money."

"Sigh, the frozen fries have been returned to the factory for a limited time. If you can be this cold to potatoes, I'll admire you."

How do you know I don't do this in private?

"Oh~~~ Potato really knows how to play, using everyone as a contrasting subject to make fun of, huh? Eating is so good, of course not as good as me, hehe."

Jiang Heyi quickly stopped, afraid that the topic would extend to strange things like licking, prison guards, and Meimei playing with things.

The little rant actually helped relieve Kurien's inner turmoil and frustration.

He watched with great interest as the close-knit group exchanged seemingly sarcastic but actually intimate words, and couldn't help but think of himself back then.

They also had a small circle of four people.

The more he thought about it, the more amusing it became, and Kurien actually laughed out loud in front of outsiders for the first time in a long time.

"Master of the Jailers..."

Jiang Heyi tried to correct him: "Don't call him 'master,' calling him 'prison guard' is already giving him the honor of being an elder."

Kurion said helplessly, "This is not something I can decide. Ever since the master of the prison guards appeared in Anna three years ago and spread that wild, unrestrained and naked painting style, whether the surface artists are willing to admit it or not, he has become a historical totem for the shift of 'inner' art from underground to above ground."

"No one can deny his historical status. Even if, as you say, he may leave Anna in the future, it will not stop this continent from marking the era of painting and art change with his name."

"Even if I were the emperor, I would not have the right to change the title of a person whose historical status is determined solely by his current performance."

"Perhaps in Rainbow Rain, at the boundary between the real and the virtual, he is a jailer, and his status is probably very low. You can all bully him. But on the continent of Anna, he is an indisputable master."

These words made the jailer involuntarily raise his head.

Kurien's identity, plus what he said.

My soul reached its climax!
This is the highest recognition of his work!
He retracted all his slander against the Ana Continent. The Ana Continent was right!

Jiang Heyi glanced at the fries.

"You can write novels here too; we're no worse than the jailer."

"Yes, you could write about Liu Bei too! That's a blue ocean market!"

French Fries clenched his fist: "I'm writing a serious novel, so all of you shut up and get down to business!"

Kurien also noticed that if the topic turned to the prison guard, it would always take a strange turn, so he coughed.

"So, the core need is a status that is not influenced or disturbed by nobles. Is there anything else?"

Jiang Heyi thought for a moment: "Some permissions... I heard that to communicate with members of the Mage Tower, special permission is required?"

“That’s not difficult. I’ll order one specially for you,” Kurien asked. “Is there anything else you need?”

"Not for now. In exchange, we will continue to respect His Majesty Kurien and the Anna Empire. If His Majesty remains wary of us, we can leave Anna immediately."

"That's not necessary."

Kurien felt somewhat disappointed.

He suddenly thought of his children.

He was polite and courteous, yet possessed a gentle nature that allowed him to wield power and influence without abusing it; these qualities could be sensed in any conversation.

When his children were born, he envisioned how each of them would grow up to be successful.

But now, apart from a handful of people...

Hi!
If potatoes were his offspring, the future of the empire, he wouldn't be so worried.

With a consensus reached, the detailed negotiations are proceeding smoothly.

The manor doesn't need to be moved; Kurien doesn't want the outside world to know about the teleportation array for the time being.

The empire lacks a stable environment to establish communication with other continents; a hasty appearance would only cause unnecessary turmoil.

Kurien did not immediately give a specific answer on how to smoothly acquire "status," as this required him to think about it carefully.

When the time was right, Kurien casually mentioned, "This siren is Ksha from the Fallen Star Sea, right? Captain Potato, you've been to the Fallen Star Sea too?"

"For some reason, we rescued Ksha and were treated to a feast."

"Oh?" Kurien's lips curled up. "May I ask what your current relationship with Kshatriya is...?"

Kesha's tail twitched, pointing directly at Jiang Heyi: "I like you!"

"..."

"..."

Kurien actually just wanted to test the relationship between Falling Star Sea and Potato's group, but he never expected that Ksha would suddenly jump out and reveal so much.

He was stunned.

Even someone as experienced and composed as him, honed by years of imperial life, had never witnessed such a scene.

(End of this chapter)