Chapter 137: The Wise Wolf Holo?

The people of Flonyard are exceptionally simple and warm-hearted, a stark contrast to other worlds. Their lives are untroubled by basic needs like food and clothing, thanks to the abundance provided by magic. The land yields bountiful harvests year after year, and the economy thrives with a variety of magical products. Indeed, this prosperous world is a coveted paradise.

However, Zhang Fan now faced his greatest crisis yet: penniless in a world where Flonyard's currency was essential. He regretted approaching the tantalizing grill stand for a skewer of meat, especially without any money. Since morning, he had not eaten, and now, he pondered over a barter exchange for the tempting skewer offered by the dog-eared vendor.

As Zhang Fan contemplated his dilemma, a gentle voice intervened, offering coins to the vendor and claiming the skewer.

"What are you thinking about, Hero?" The speaker, laced with a hint of sarcasm, caught Zhang Fan off guard. He turned, astonished to see her. Could it be?

"Do you recognize me?" Standing before him was a young girl, about fifteen, with striking orange-brown hair and sharp wolf ears. Her large tail swished behind her, her blood-red eyes sparkled, and her delicate features were unmistakable. It was Holo, the Wise Wolf, his favorite anime character, now right in front of him.

Holo, the wolf deity from the legends, was revered as the guardian of Pasloe's harvest. However, when the villagers no longer needed her, she set out for her northern homeland. Despite her mature and wise demeanor, she harbored a vulnerable, lonely side that invoked a sense of tenderness.

"Aha, so you do know me. Interesting. Hero, may I have a word with you?" Holo expressed surprise at being recognized but quickly regained her composure, taking the skewer and gesturing for Zhang Fan to join her for a chat.

Accepting her invitation, Zhang Fan had many questions, particularly about her presence in this game world. He was convinced she must be another player.

"What land knows of the Wise Wolf Holo?" they conversed on a bench near a small square. Holo, intrigued, asked how Zhang Fan knew her.

"Your renown as the Wise Wolf is widespread. How did you leave Pasloe, Holo?" Zhang Fan asked, masking his true knowledge.

Holo explained waking up one morning to find herself in the game, suggesting Pasloe no longer needed her. Zhang Fan asked if she knew a traveler named Lawrence, to which she replied in the negative, indicating her story had not reached that chapter yet.

Assuming Holo sought him for a team-up mission, Zhang Fan gladly agreed, trusting her intelligence and abilities. Despite her initial hesitation, Holo's trust in Zhang Fan's sincerity led her to join forces with him.

Introducing themselves formally, their newfound partnership was interrupted by Eclair, the dog-eared guard captain. Zhang Fan wondered what brought her to their location.