Rocky did want to make money by hunting demons, but he never thought of completing this task alone, because he knew he couldn't do it, not even with the successful enhancement of the Void Magic Armor.
So his initial thought was to team up with Liliya!
"You mean... you want me to wear those rune equipment left by Wensel?"
After listening to Rocky's explanation, Liliya didn't immediately refuse but furrowed her brow and sank into contemplation.
She could see that Rocky had thoroughly prepared for this plan, not only having made arrangements for Thunderhawk City but even considering her. It could be said that he thought about everything meticulously, but... would his preparations prove useful?
Would equipping herself with the rune equipment left by Wensel allow her to face the demons...?
Thinking of this, Liliya glanced at Rocky and then asked, "Rocky, just how powerful is the equipment Wensel left behind? Tell me the truth."
"Each piece of rune equipment in terms of strength is no less formidable than my Void Magic Armor!"
Rocky quickly provided an answer to this question without any exaggeration!
The equipment he found in the laboratory was indeed very powerful. These items themselves were not ordinary, and all had runes personally drawn by Wensel!
That was the most important thing!
Wensel was a master who invented the mana rune. Calling him the most brilliant genius in the world would not be an overstatement, so the rune equipment made by him in terms of strength was definitely not inferior to the Void Magic Armor. There was no doubt about that.
"I see..."
This answer made Liliya furrow her brow even tighter. Her facial expression changed in an instant, filled with worry and expectation, eager to try yet riddled with hesitation, clearly caught in inner conflict.
Indeed, Liliya was conflicted because if Rocky hadn't exaggerated, then with the rune equipment left by Wensel, she was somewhat tempted to try hunting demons.
But at the same time, she worried for Rocky's safety, because no matter how good the equipment is, it's just external support. Hunting demons is like dancing on the edge of a knife; the slightest mistake could be fatal, which left Liliya wavering.
"Liliya, it's decided. You're going with me to hunt demons!"
"Wha-what! I haven't even..."
While Liliya was still undecided, Rocky had already made the decision for her!
"Liliya, I believe in you. As long as you're by my side, I certainly won't have any problems."
Saying this, Rocky took off into the air, flying toward the City Lord's Mansion.
"Rocky! What are you doing?"
"I'm going to get you the equipment, and you need to start training me right away. We don't have much time."
As Liliya thought, Rocky indeed had comprehensive preparations for hunting demons. Not only had he enhanced his Void Magic Armor, but he also intended for Liliya to train him!
Rocky knew better than anyone how dangerous hunting demons was; he certainly didn't want to die doing it. So besides external preparations, he hoped to improve himself. Although time was tight, even a slight improvement before departure could increase the success rate, and he intended not to give up on that slight chance of success.
Thus, once he successfully convinced Liliya, they immediately started sparring, engaging in actual combat training.
Following this, Liliya initiated a week-long intensive training for Rocky!
During this week, Rocky didn't return to the laboratory because the week was quite short, even very brief. If he wanted to improve within such a limited time, he had to focus all his energy on training, without any distractions.
Liliya was naturally quite satisfied with this dedication, and to help Rocky see results in such a short time, she was relentless and merciless, putting him through hellish drills.
Time passed day by day, and the week's time flew by.
On this day, Thunderhawk City, slowly flying in the sky, gradually came to a halt, with the entire city suspended high above.
"City Lord, please... be careful..."
At that moment, within the Skyport of Thunderhawk City, a Skyship was ready for takeoff, and both Rocky and Liliya were similarly prepared to board.
Seeing both of them ready to set off, Aileen, who came to see them off, found herself at a loss for words apart from urging caution.
She had only learned about the mission a few days before and was shocked upon hearing Rocky's plan. She instinctively wanted to dissuade him, but it was of no use. All Aileen could do was take care of Thunderhawk City during Rocky's absence.
"We'll be fine."
With a hearty laugh towards Aileen, Rocky appeared quite relaxed: "During this period, the city is in your hands. Ensure the city's guards and Skyship are always prepared. Once you see the signal, come to pick us up immediately."
"Alright."
Since they were going to hunt demons this time, it wasn't convenient to bring all ten Skyships from the city; that would be too ostentatious and likely attract a swarm of demons.
Therefore, Rocky not only dispatched only one Skyship this time, but after he and Liliya landed, the Skyship would return. When they wanted to return to the city, they would signal Aileen, who would send the Skyship to pick them up upon seeing the signal.
Such arrangements were bold, so bold that even Aileen found it hard to believe, for it essentially meant Rocky was entrusting his life to her!
Why did Rocky trust her so much?
Even Aileen herself didn't know the answer to this question. She only knew that when Rocky informed her about this plan, beyond disbelief, she felt a trace of emotion.
"We're off. Remember to watch for the signal!"
As Aileen reminisced about the events of the past few days, Rocky and Liliya already boarded the Skyship. After waving a farewell to her, the Skyship gradually ascended, soon flying toward the ground.
"Fei, prepare all Skyships for takeoff, and keep an eye out for the City Lord's signal at all times."
Watching the Skyship slowly disappear into the clouds, Aileen turned to a nearby Guard and said.
This Guard was Felly, who had initially welcomed Rocky at the Skyport. He had now been promoted by Liliya to one of the deputy captains of the Guard Corps, specifically responsible for managing the Skyships at the Skyport.
"Yes!"
Responding with a salute to Aileen, Felly then led his men to prepare.
...
...
Leaving aside those on standby in Thunderhawk City, Rocky, aboard the Skyship flying towards the land, sat quietly in the cabin, seemingly resting with his eyes closed.
It was his second time returning to the land. Thinking about it amused him, as in Rocky's memory, he had never set foot on land in his life, yet now, within merely a month or two, he had returned twice. The frequency was indeed quite swift.
It was precisely because of his recent visit to the land that Rocky's excitement this time was much lower, no longer standing at the ship's prow like last time to feel the wind. Instead, he sat quietly in the cabin.
"When we land, follow my lead, and do not act on your own," Liliya cautioned from beside him as Rocky secretly pondered whether he was returning to land too frequently.
Liliya, now donned in brand new equipment—the rune equipment left by Wensel—looked completely transformed. These items were already extraordinary, covered in rune-embellished designs.
Despite the stronger new equipment, Liliya remained cautious, not forgetting to remind Rocky not to act on his own accord.
Of the two, only she had seen a real demon. Rocky's understanding of demons remained theoretical, so they had long agreed that she would lead the actions once on land.
"Alright."
Rocky, glancing at Liliya, nodded seriously.