### Chapter 42: Two Old Chums
For players, the imperial capital map opens up only after reaching level ten, and from then on, they can use a Teleportation Array to get there. However, once they head to the main city, they can’t go back to the Beginner’s Village.
But for NPCs? That’s just a quick jaunt!
Xu Xiaofeng had agreed with Edward to meet at five in the afternoon to head off to the imperial capital since she had work earlier.
Soon enough, a whole day at work flew by.
Just a little fishing, some time spent on the livestream, and counting the cash – a day goes by quick when you’re having fun!
As the time approached, Xu Xiaofeng kicked out the remaining stragglers and shut down the livestream.
And the reason?
Why does a little loli need a reason to do anything!
She spotted Edward in the corner, wearing his hood and looking like he hadn’t moved in ages, then hopped right onto the Teleportation Array.
She couldn’t even be bothered to tidy up the table and chairs on the array – hey, they’d be used again tomorrow, right?
The Teleportation Array whirred to life, mostly because the fancy setup was just for show, a little curtain to keep prying eyes away.
But Edward’s gaze lingered on the ground until the white light enveloped them, and she vanished.
“What a little rascal… I don’t even know what to make of her. Sometimes she’s too alert for her own good, and then there are times she couldn’t care less,” Edward mused to himself, letting out a soft sigh.
Because he realized that the formations on the ground were complete fluff, with no real power behind them. The key was the person using them.
He had no ill intentions toward this little loli; if it had been someone else seeing such a treasure, they would’ve snatched her right up!
After the flash of white light, Xu Xiaofeng materialized in another plaza.
This place was many times larger than the one in Falling Leaf City, and the ground looked extra fancy.
The plaza had a few scattered pedestrians, and in the distance were buildings of all shapes and heights.
The sky was dimming, but the sights of the imperial capital were anything but dreary – in fact, they had a vibrant life of their own.
“Wow, is this the imperial capital, Emerald City? It’s spectacular!”
Xu Xiaofeng looked like a country bumpkin who had just stepped off the last train from nowhere, eyes wide and jaw dropping.
Sure, she played a village girl in the game, but in reality—well, in other games and TV shows—she had seen her fair share of dazzling sights.
Those virtual experiences might not compare to this real-life splendor, but they sure elevated her sense of awe.
So… she was acting!
Edward chuckled, “This place is on a whole different level than Falling Leaf City. If you ever think about settling down here, you’d better be ready!”
“Hmm, hmm!”
Xu Xiaofeng nodded vigorously, her gaze darting around like a curious puppy.
“Alright, let’s get you a tour.”
After some thought, Edward extended his hand.
Without hesitation, Xu Xiaofeng grabbed it.
The two of them walking down the street together painted a picture of harmony.
After two hours, they had only explored a bit of the eastern area of the outer city.
Emerald City housed over a billion residents, sprawling out over a massive area.
Divided into internal and external city zones, plus the central imperial城. Each of these zones further splintered into four districts: east, west, north, and south.
With such a vast area, they had set up countless Teleportation Arrays. Residents often had to teleport just to get around.
However, Edward had primarily brought Xu Xiaofeng out for a familiarization tour, so they had been on their feet for two hours, nearly wearing her legs out!
“Let’s call it a night. Where do you want to stay tonight?”
“Back to Falling Leaf City. I’m just here to have a look.”
“Okay.”
“Uncle, are you planning to move to the imperial capital later?”
“Not for now.”
Xu Xiaofeng breathed a sigh of relief. If Edward came along, her work would definitely be restricted.
But she didn’t know Edward had already been following her around for quite some time!
“In that case, can you introduce me to some locals? A letter of introduction would be even better.”
“Sure.”
At that, Xu Xiaofeng perked up, joy lighting up her face and making her heart race.
She specifically wanted a letter instead of a face-to-face intro. Once she had that letter, she could do whatever she wanted!
Quickly, she changed the subject, “Hey, Uncle, why are you wearing a hood?”
Edward’s hood covered his face so well that only his eyes peeked out.
“It’s a habit. Let’s head back.”
Edward smoothly steered the conversation elsewhere.
Thus, two old chums with their own mischievous agendas managed to put on a show of peace.
They considered each other’s intentions as just the surface level when really, each had secrets lurking in the shadows of their minds. There might be someone plotting on even deeper layers…
Let’s not think too hard about it; it’s a classic case of them each doing their own shady deeds without stepping on each other’s toes.
By the time they returned to Falling Leaf City, it was nearly eight o’clock.
Xu Xiaofeng waved goodbye to Edward and dashed into her house, quickly logging off.
Edward stayed behind, watching until the lights in her window went out before he finally left.
Once home, Edward found Frieda.
“Frieda, in a few days, I think I’ll be heading over to Emerald City with her.”
“I’m going too; I can help!”
Edward hesitated, thinking for a long time before finally murmuring, “Sorry.”
Frieda gently caressed Edward’s cheek, “What are you apologizing for? Just being by your side is enough.”
Taking a deep breath, Edward nodded, “Yeah…”
Frieda studied Edward for a moment in silence before finally asking, “What were you up to the other day?”
In the past, she wouldn’t have dared to ask such a question.
Edward had his own business, his own goals, and he never shared them with others or wanted anyone prying into them.
Frieda never did anything to upset him.
But the atmosphere this time seemed like an opportunity. Plus, what that girl said earlier had piqued her curiosity.
Edward paused, then gave a brief answer, “There have been some disturbances from disaster beasts, so I went to investigate. I found that quite a few remote cities have been affected.”
“I encountered a disaster beast in Blue Moon City that hadn’t been wiped out yet and took it down.”
“You’re alright, right…?”
“Eh, it was just a mid-tier bronze disaster beast, took care of it without a hitch.”
“That’s good.” Frieda let out a sigh of relief, “Did you find out anything?”
“Nothing yet. We’re waiting for news from the imperial city. Should have something in a couple of days.”
Even though he didn’t gather any intel about the disaster beasts, he learned that they had indeed caused damage to several cities.
The worst hit was Blue Moon City, which suffered a quarter of its area destroyed.
If he hadn’t rushed in to eliminate the disaster beast, things could have been much worse.
After all, disaster beasts appeared in remote cities like Falling Leaf City, and those places typically lacked strong defenses and adequate garrison forces.
For instance, in Blue Moon City, the strongest city lord was only silver level, who ultimately fell to the bizarre and powerful claws of a disaster beast.
