Echoes of the Past

Chapter 9 Breaking the Fog

Located in the wealthy district of Kren, where safety was assured, Suiyue drifted off to sleep on the lawn without a care in the world.

There's no training tonight, so Nanan needs to brush up on Nora's current knowledge, especially everything about "going deep into the Black Fog."

As Suiyue mentioned, in the early stages of the Black Mist's arrival, the Church's "divine punishment" theory was rampant, causing many people to give up resistance and even actively welcome the so-called divine punishment.

The resulting large-scale collapse is suspected to be the main reason for the accelerated erosion in the early stages of the black fog.

The emphasis on "suspected" is because Suiyue has limited access to information, and what she can see is only the sect's own opinion.

The two remaining major powers of Nora today, Solize and Onze, can be traced back to the first year of the Black Mist.

Those who doubted or even fiercely resisted the "divine punishment" theory condensed into the earliest prototype in dire straits, and unknowingly became the last light of the Nora continent.

The Church of Dawn is the state religion, and its history can be traced back to the Gray Star era.

"By firmly believing in and following the will of the Church, the world will usher in the dawn and see the light before the age of darkness."

After the black fog spread, the Dawn Cult's beliefs and the doctrine of divine punishment became the spiritual sustenance that most people clung to in their despair.

Suiyue was grateful for Dawn's rescue, but she had no interest in joining Dawn, let alone any faith.

She firmly believes that only those with fragile hearts need faith to numb themselves and deceive themselves.

The world is in such a mess, and the "nightmare" that everyone is chanting is faintly visible in the black fog. It's ridiculous that you can be saved by blindfolding yourself and shouting slogans.

She preferred to believe the sages who had spent years studying the black mist rather than the church.

To defeat the black fog, you must first understand it.

This is a microcosm of the bitter situation faced by Soliz and Onze.

Exploration may uncover a tragedy from 100 years ago—a plague-like nightmare devouring the borderlands.

Without exploration, a complete blockade and encroachment on the border is merely sealing off the death knell of destruction, and burying one's head in the sand, believing that peace and tranquility exist beyond the border.

Countless people, suppressing their innate fear of the unknown and nothingness deep within their souls, stepped into the all-consuming black mist.

They used themselves as anchors, trying to explore possible patterns, and at the cost of their lives, summarized the experiences that could be bought with blood for those who came after them.

For 374 years, Nora scholars and heroes have followed one after another in their quest.

On the path paved with the blood and flesh of pioneers, they painstakingly lit the candle of knowledge, trying to illuminate the boundless darkness and seek ways to forge a sharp blade to pierce it.

Compared to when Nanan was still alive, when Nora was referred to as an "adventurer" in a scattered and inconsistent manner, now all those who carry out this mission are collectively called—[Mistbreakers].

To be honest, Nan'an felt particularly warm and familiar upon hearing this title.

As someone who only plays a support role in Dota, going to the front to break the fog of war before a team fight, taking skills for the carry, and dying for the carry are game mechanics ingrained in my DNA.

Nowadays, the fogbreakers in Nora, who are officially organized, mostly share the same professional qualities, except that there is now some competition among them.

"What about the Fog Breakers who signed up and built their own teams?"

Nan'an was curious as to why the unofficial staff did not appear in Suiyue's narration.

"Your experience dealing with adventurers back in the Gray Star era is pretty much the same as mine," Suiyue said, shrugging. "At least that's what I've seen and heard."

All incomprehensible and illogical phenomena and existences within the black mist are collectively classified as Divine Nightmare.

Nightmares come in all shapes and sizes, and even the most experienced Fog Breakers would never dare to claim that they can quickly determine their specific type and potential danger based on their outward appearance.

Among the many anomalies, there are also some "seeds of hope" that, while seemingly like nightmares, may actually lead to breakthroughs in research.

The Wind Velvet Grass that is now widely known was brought back from the depths of the Black Mist by the leader of the adventure team, who defied all opposition and risked his life.

Whether it is a calamity brought by a divine nightmare or a treasure that brings annihilation, it tests not only luck but also judgment and strength.

Over time, the exploration deep into the black fog also came to be called gold panning.

Nan'an nodded slowly, but then suddenly remembered a crucial detail: "Wait, how many years has the history of 'gold panning' been around?"

"About 150 years? I don't remember the exact details." Suiyue admitted, "I'm not very interested in history. The reason I could say it clearly before was because the nuns of Dawn forced me to memorize it."

"150 years..." Nan'an pondered. "Logically, the edge of the Black Mist should have been thoroughly explored by now. If you continue to venture deeper, how will you ensure your return?"

"Hmm..." Suiyue scratched her head. "It's really hard to talk about it without being there in person."

"Then you'll need some specialized equipment, right?"

"Uh... I thought it was algae stone? Oh well, I'll find out when we get there."

Nan'an noticed something amiss and squinted at Suiyue: "Have you ever panned for gold?"

Suiyue chuckled, rubbing her "ox horns" as she looked away with shifty eyes.

"Look me in the eyes." Nan An reached out and pinched her cheeks, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Did you actually go in?"

Under the pressure of the seniority, Suiyue didn't dare to be defiant.

"No...no."

"But you talk like you've been there yourself, and you're eager to try it out."

Nan'an was shocked. Suiyue talked non-stop, shouting with great enthusiasm that she wanted to take him all in on the game, as if she were a seasoned casino veteran.

In the end, it turned out that it was like Xiao Chu Nan teaching people how to date, but in reality, it was about "military strategy."

Those who have never been in a relationship are all relationship experts.

The "gold rush" sparked by the Windgrass Adventurers' fame had a tremendous impact.

Even today, it is still seen by many as a gamble, a shortcut to turning a bicycle into a motorcycle.

Suiyue already held the attitude of "it's good to be alive, it doesn't matter if I die," and now that she has this "summoned creature" to rely on, it's understandable that she wants to go in and gamble.

Nan'an himself had no resistance to stepping into the black fog.

Whether it was thirst for knowledge, curiosity, or something else, as Suiyue, this chatterbox, went on and on describing the various aspects of the black mist, a strange, indescribable flutter did indeed stir deep within him...

It was as if a faint, ethereal voice was guiding him from the shadows, urging him to explore that unknown realm.

A consensus was reached: Nan'an would be responsible for the planning, and Suiyue would be responsible for its execution.

The primary task is to find out what equipment is needed to enter the Black Mist.

Nan'an's suggestion made Suiyue's eyes light up, and she chuckled.

Upon waking up, Suiyue performed a spectacular somersault. Just as she was about to open her food box, eat breakfast, and head to her destination, she suddenly discovered that the lawn was surrounded by people.

Adults and children passing by cast mixed glances of surprise, amusement, or suspicion.

She was treated like a tourist attraction.

There really wasn't a zoo in the affluent area, and Suiyue filled that gap with animal performances.

Suiyue is Suiyue; she remained calm and composed even when surrounded by onlookers, eating and walking without any psychological burden.

Following Nan'an's directions, she returned to the castle where the governor was located.

Piri's head was throbbing. Hearing Suiyue's name, he only wanted to shut her out, but when the butler said that Suiyue was eating heartily outside the manor gate with a food box in her arms, eating in a wicked and disgusting manner...

Pirion sighed helplessly and slumped back into the armchair.

"Let her in."

He paused, then called to the butler, "Before bringing her here, have the maid wipe her mouth clean."

Pirion couldn't forget the way Suiyue had been munching on the lamb last night, her mouth dripping with oil. Just thinking about it made his mouth and hands feel oily too.

Just like last night, he summoned several magicians to witness the meeting, which took place in the same drawing room.

The only difference from last night was that no food was prepared.

Thinking that Suiyue had already eaten the leftovers from last night, there was no need to go through the trouble, but the first thing Pirion heard was still...

What are we having for lunch?

Pirion was no longer going to compromise; he sat up straight and adopted a businesslike attitude.

"Miss Suiyue, I hope this visit is worthwhile for me to make time to sit here, otherwise..."

He intended to threaten to throw her back into the cell, but stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence, leaving only two meaningful hums.

If Nan'an hadn't reminded her, Suiyue would have already grinned from ear to ear.

As they expected, Pirion avoided any unnecessary association with her.

This, in fact, leaves room for utilization.

"Your Excellency, I simply wish to ask you a few questions."

Pirion's expression softened slightly: "Ask me anything I can answer."

"If I want to become a Fog Breaker, what do I need to prepare in the worst-case scenario?"

Suiyue noticed that all the magicians present were glancing at her sideways.

Pirion opened his mouth slightly in surprise, then slowly stroked his chin with his fingers and stated in a deep voice, "The essential items... In theory, you need to prepare sensory items related to Wind Velvet Grass, as well as a 'Algae Stone'."

"That's all?"

"That's all. This is the minimum requirement to enter the Black Mist." Pirion emphasized loudly, "What I'm giving is not an official opinion, nor does it represent my personal view. It's simply a basic statement based on the observations of a few among the Mist Breakers. I do not provide any specific guidance regarding adventures in the Black Mist, nor do I encourage Miss Suiyue to take any rash or immature actions. If Miss Suiyue takes any action as a result, I, Pirion Sass, will not bear any responsibility."

"Um, may I register through Lord Pietro?"

Pirion reiterated, "I can arrange a clerk for you, but that does not mean I am personally providing you with any assistance; it is merely carrying out the procedures of the Solitz Fogbreaker Registration Agreement."

Nan'an couldn't help but chuckle as he listened.

This guy's got some serious oil, and the disclaimer is absolutely thorough.

"Uh, one last question... could you send me some diatomite?"

Pirion smiled slightly.

……

……

"Although I was kicked out, at least the registration process went through. As long as I pass the basic review, I'll be a formal 'Fog Breaker'."

Suiyue was very happy and didn't mind being "led" out by the maid.

Nan'an fell into deep thought: "Let's leave the review aside for now, but how do we deal with the algae stone? I heard from Pirion that it's not cheap."

Suiyue touched her large horn: "How about I break it off and sell one first?"

"what?"