[Achievement Unlocked: Met Sampo]
[Received Achievement Points: 5]
"Hm?"
This system notification that suddenly popped up made Fu Zhu raise an eyebrow in surprise.
Why did the achievement unlock suddenly now? Didn't they meet Sampo half an hour ago?
Setting aside the possibility of system lag, the criteria for this achievement might require the relevant person to have a clear impression of oneself, rather than just a passing nod.
Understanding this point, Fu Zhu's heart instantly warmed with excitement. Meeting one person grants 5 Achievement Points; if he just met a few more people, wouldn't he never lack mods in the future?
Indeed, the old ancestors' saying was right: when away from home, more friends mean more paths.
However, the system surely wouldn't be this generous. Presumably, only meeting important figures during the Trailblazing journey would unlock achievements.
Otherwise, Fu Zhu would just need to find a way to get a lot of money, find a crowded place, wildly scatter cash, and then announce his name. Wouldn't he achieve Achievement Point freedom instantly?
Of course, even with this condition, Fu Zhu was quite satisfied. He had previously looked at the Mod Store; even a game-breaking mod like Equivalent Exchange only cost 1000 Achievement Points. With hard work over a few months or a year, it was still achievable, let alone other smaller mods.
While Fu Zhu was still fantasizing about which mods to prioritize buying, the Silvermane Guards focused their gazes on him.
The Silvermane Guards had initially prepared to apprehend Sampo along with Fu Zhu's group. But Fu Zhu turning around and throwing the escaping Sampo right in front of them left them unsure how to proceed.
Could it be that these people weren't the suspect's accomplices?
Sampo was also caught off guard by Fu Zhu's sudden 'betrayal'. By the time he reacted and wanted to escape, sharp-eyed Silvermane Guards had already pinned him to the ground, thoughtfully applying a double set of shackles for him.
Knowing escape was now impossible, Sampo could only look up and question Fu Zhu mournfully, "Buddy, aren't we supposed to be on the same side? What are you doing!"
The Silvermane Guards, who had just relaxed their vigilance towards Fu Zhu's group, immediately tensed up again upon hearing this, gripping their weapons tighter.
Perhaps deliberately letting their companion fall was a ruse to lower their guard?
Seeing the guards' reaction, Fu Zhu knew they had been bluffed by Sampo's words again. He helplessly pointed at the apprehended Sampo.
"He is the suspect you identified, and we helped you capture him. Are you willing to believe the words of a suspect, or the words of concerned citizens?"
Fu Zhu's words immediately cleared the minds of this squad of Silvermane Guards.
That's right! They helped capture the suspect; that counts as a merit, no matter how you look at it.
Once the Silvermane Guards understood the key point, they immediately lowered their weapons. The squad leader at the head bowed slightly to Fu Zhu's group with a hint of apology.
"My sincere apologies. We were momentarily overly vigilant. Thank you all for your assistance in apprehending this suspect."
Dan Heng and March 7th sighed in relief seeing the misunderstanding resolved. March 7th smiled and waved her hand.
"Helping out when we see injustice! We're just warm-hearted people!"
"Yes, if not for your righteous actions, apprehending this individual might have been somewhat difficult for us. However..."
The Silvermane Guard leader's tone suddenly shifted, becoming somewhat troubled.
"Although you helped us capture the suspect, leaving the city without authorization violates Belobog's laws. We must ask you to return with us for investigation. But please rest assured, we will not make things overly difficult for you."
"Ah, this..."
March 7th's face immediately fell. Scratching the back of her head, she looked helplessly at Fu Zhu and Dan Heng. Dan Heng gave her a barely perceptible nod.
With the merit of helping capture the suspect, the Silvermane Guards likely wouldn't make things too difficult. Besides, the blizzard was approaching, and they indeed needed to quickly get to the city called Belobog to take shelter from the snowstorm.
Seeing that Fu Zhu's group had no objections, the Silvermane Guard leader gave a signal. Some guards were assigned to escort Sampo, while Fu Zhu and the others were positioned in the middle of the formation as they advanced.
This way, they could both protect these helpful citizens and guard against the possibility that they were 'criminals'.
After all, fundamentally, the mission of the Silvermane Guards was to defend the front line; they couldn't truly trust others based solely on a few words.
.....
Perhaps because they were already within Belobog's perimeter, Fu Zhu's group had a smooth journey without any unexpected incidents. Before long, a towering city wall, curving outwards to both sides, appeared before them.
Seeing the city wall, the tense heart of the Silvermane Guard leader finally relaxed completely.
"We finally made it back before the blizzard hit. Everyone, please come inside with us first. Commander Gepard will be responsible for your investigation. After the investigation concludes, we will arrange transport to take you back to Belobog."
Although Fu Zhu's group was curious – if this wasn't Belobog, then where was it? – now wasn't a good time to reveal they were outsiders. They needed to at least wait until meeting with high-ranking personnel before disclosing anything.
The Silvermane Guard leader went forward and spoke a few words to the gate guards. Accompanied by the sound of engaging gears, the heavy, imposing gate slowly opened, and Fu Zhu's group was led inside.
Inside the gate was a scene starkly different from the snow-covered world outside. Tents of various sizes and prefab structures stood everywhere, and the air was tinged with the smell of blood.
This made Dan Heng, March 7th, and Xing frown involuntarily. Clearly, the civilization on Jarilo-VI at this point in time was not experiencing a peaceful era.
Many Silvermane Guards patrolling within the military camp instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons upon seeing Fu Zhu's group, only looking away and moving on when they noticed the accompanying guards.
"Everyone, please follow me this way."
The leader guided Fu Zhu's group into a slightly larger tent to the side, while Sampo was escorted elsewhere by the remaining guards.
After leading them into the tent, the leader left, merely instructing them to wait there for a moment.
Just as the leader had said, not long after, a tall man clad in bright white armor with golden hair walked in.
The man scanned Fu Zhu's group of four, nodded, sat down at the long table, and gestured for the four to sit as well.
Once Fu Zhu's group was seated, the man finally spoke.
"I am Gepard, the commander responsible for the front line. I have heard the general situation from my subordinates. First, allow me to thank you for your assistance. However, leaving the city without authorization is against the law. Now, please state your names, addresses, and the reason for leaving the city."