“Wohooooo! We did it!”

Dozens of recruits seemed to be cheering with joy. They celebrated successfully conquering level 60 on the pillar. According to them, this was an achievement to be proud of.

Now there are Challenge Quests that need to be completed to access the new locked features. That includes continuing the ascent to level 61.

And of course, that wouldn’t be happening now. Apart from running out of supplies, they needed to return to the camp to recuperate.

After all, Viktor and his party had been fighting on the Pillars for three weeks straight.

“Alright, time for us to go back.”

Viez broke Viktor’s daydream. But only replied with, “Hm.”

Viez’s eyes narrowed at Viktor’s response. “What? Is something bothering you? You’ve worked hard. Even the star of the battle this time.”

Despite breaking through level 60, Viktor wasn’t entirely happy. He was still frustrated with the amount of spirit force he got. Even though he had defeated hundreds of Orc Champions, he only got 10 spirit force.

Spirit force – 163 -.

He needed 47 spirit foces to reach the Sky Realm middle stage.

Viktor shook his head. “No, you’re wrong, Viez. The main star this time is her.” Viktor’s finger pointed at the charming black-haired woman who was in the middle of the crowd.

Anna.

According to Viktor, without her presence, this expedition might not have gone smoothly. Maybe there will be many people who died in the process. Anna plays an important role in organizing the recruits into battle.

She was the best strategist Viktor had ever met.

“I need someone like Anna—No. I need Anna.”

Viez understood Viktor’s words. She agrees Anna was more talented than her in battle.

“Speak of the devil,” said Viez.

The person they were both talking about walked up to them. Immediately Viktor quickly stood up and his Batman mode was back on.

“What is it, Captain Anna?”

Suddenly Anna hugged Viktor. Viez’s eyes opened wide seeing Anna’s action. Likewise with Victor. His mind went blank for a moment. He didn’t expect Anna to hug him.

“Ahem.” Viez cleared his throat. Then Anna immediately let go of her arms,

Anna saw Viktor’s face covered by a mask. He seemed to be smiling. “Thanks for the hard work, Metal Guardian. Honestly, this was an amazing experience. This was the first time I’ve led this many people. I also ascended to the Sky Realm Peak Stage.”

Viktor immediately understood. “Yeah, I should be the one thanking you. Thanks to you, I was able to complete Viktor’s request.”

After Viktor Romano’s name was mentioned, Anna’s mood changed. “You’re such a great person, why would you want to work under that person.”

From behind the metal mask, Viktor sighed. He didn’t understand why Anna didn’t like him so much. Viktor wanted to take off his armor and show who was behind Metal Guardian.

“Mr. Viktor is not what you think,” Viktor replied curtly. He didn’t know what else to say. If he tried to get Anna to accept Viktor Romanov, it would be suspicious.

Meanwhile, Anna just nodded.

Viez who knew the atmosphere was starting to change, then took the initiative. “Perhaps it is time for us to return to the camp.”

After that the three of them approached the recruits. Viktor gave them a few words.

“Thank you for your hard work. There is a Quest Challenge before us, but with the current conditions, we can’t do it now. So, for now we return to the camp to rest and supply supplies.”

“Yeah!”

Even though the recruits’ faces looked tired and battered, they could still answer loudly.

Then they all got off and returned to the camp.

…

The way down was different on the way up. There was silence, no monster roars or metal clashing sounds. There was only the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs and the laughter of the recruits joking.

All calm. Peace. But it doesn’t last long.

When they reached level 31, they saw a group of people in black and red uniforms at the gate of the hall. Viktor stopped, as did the rest of the group.

In the front row was a young man. Viktor felt familiar with the young man, as if he had seen him somewhere. But he forgot.

But not with Anna and Viez. The two women’s originally relaxed expressions stiffened.

“Why are they here?” mumbled Anna.

Meanwhile, Viez clicked his tongue. “Looks like they’re going to be looking for trouble.” An annoyed tone escaped his mouth.

Viktor finally gave up on remembering them, he then asked Viez. “Who are they?”

“Red Faction.”

As a bell rang in Viktor’s head, he remembered who the young man was. “Nikolai Yakov.”

Instantly, the memories of his conversation with Nikolai began to appear in his head, including his carelessness at that time. And now, that person was in front of Viktor.

“Bother.”

Viktor tried to calm himself, If seen, the number of Viktor’s entourage was far more than them. Even though the recruits looked exhausted, there was no way they would dare to challenge 1000 Sky Realm people with their current numbers.

“Djinn, how many are there?”

60 Human – Sky Realm Initial stage – Battle power 62 to 68

30 Human – Sky Realm middle stage – Battle power 70 to 74

9 Human – Sky Realm peak stage – Battle power 79 to 90

2 Human – Saint Realm – Battle power 99-120

After seeing their strength Viktor calmed down. The Orc Champion he had faced was far stronger than these 100 Sky Realm people.

Viktor then started to speak. “I’m sure you all know them. But you don’t have to worry, we won the numbers. If they do anything, you know what to do?”

Without needing to answer, the recruits understood Viktor’s point. Then they all walked after Viktor from behind.

Arriving at the center of the hall, these two different groups looked at each other. Their expressions all looked tense, as if ready to draw swords at any moment.

The most youthful-looking person in the Red Faction group stepped forward. There was no expression of fear, only arrogance in his wok.

“I finally found you Northstar”