PS: This is the last update for today. I've updated 13,000 words in one day. I'm so tired. Asking for votes and tips!
Wayde was only halfway there when the great alchemist pointed his golden staff at Wayde's face. No one could see the expression on Wayde's face behind the golden mask. "Mercenary, you have two choices."
"Our deal is over. You can rush up and taste the consequences of attacking a great alchemist of the Empire."
"Or, you can follow me into the mine. After this, I'll pay you a new commission. This commission is real gold. I can guarantee it with my reputation."
"I'll give you two minutes to think about it."
The Blood Axe mercenaries had no choice. Between offending the great alchemist or betting on his reputation, they could only choose the latter. There was only one choice from the beginning to the end.
"Alright, we accept." Wayde thought that it was fortunate that Emilia had already packed up and left. Otherwise, she would also be dragged into this mess. Wizards were all arrogant, especially the great alchemist in front of them. He was only responsible to the emperor of the Empire and the chief wizard of the Empire.
The mercenaries packed up and followed Wayde into the mine.
An hour later.
The damp and dark tunnel made the mercenaries feel very uncomfortable. They always tried to get as close to Wayde as possible. The golden light at the tip of the great alchemist's staff seemed to be the guarantee of everyone's lives.
Wayde held a large map in his hand. He carefully identified where the complicated tunnels led to.
There were two of the world's most precious metals hidden in the deep underground mining area of Marlin Castle: vibranium and mithril. They were buried in some very deep places in the mining area. By chance, Galt had obtained a map from a dwarf. Although it was a long time ago, the great alchemist still wanted to see if the treasures were still buried in the depths of the mining area.
As for why he didn't inform the Empire's army or other strong people, it was because Wayde didn't want to share the precious vibranium and mithril with his partners. He also didn't want these treasures to be taxed.
The way alchemists did things was different from normal spellcasters. Alchemists never liked to look for partners. They preferred to act alone. These adepts were all experts in using guns and all kinds of mechanisms. They were also equipped with countless terrifying potions. They would not be at a disadvantage if they fought alone.
Galt was even stronger, this Great Alchemist also had outstanding swordsmanship.
Who knew that not long after they went deep into the mining area, the group would see the corpse of a demon hunter. This demon hunter looked like he had fought his way out of the encirclement. His body had been shot full of holes by pistols and crossbows, and he had been dead for a long time.
"Great Alchemist! It's a demon hunter! "Wayde motioned for the mercenaries to stop and asked for Galt's opinion.
"Demon Hunter? How long has he been dead? "Gert's voice did not fluctuate, but his figure stopped.
"Died … It might have been a day or two. Great Alchemist, what should we do?" The mercenaries were terrified of this place.
"Let me take a look." Gert stopped and checked the injuries of the dead Demon Hunter.
After a while, the Grand Alchemist slowly said, "It's the Primal Chaos Sect! This demon hunter was attacked by the Primal Chaos Sect and died. "
The mercenaries looked at each other. A young mercenary stepped forward and asked tentatively, "Then … What should we do now?"
"… The mission is temporarily suspended. Let's find traces of the Primal Chaos Sect first." The Great Alchemist was never muddle-headed when it came to matters of principle. He was very clear about what should be done first and what should be done later.
Destroying the Primal Chaos Sect was always more important than his own personal interests.
So that afternoon, the Marlin Castle Senate announced an emergency meeting.
In the lavishly decorated chamber, the Sea Church, the Church of Wealth, several nobles of Marlin Castle, and the representatives of the High Elves were all present.
A piece of cloth with a blood-red mark of Primal Chaos was thrown in the middle of the satin table. The Grand Duke of Marlin Castle Schultz's angry voice could be heard throughout the chamber. "Tobias! I need you to give me an explanation! Why did the Primal Chaos Sect appear in the deep mining area of Marlin Castle?! Why did the Great Alchemist of the Empire know about this?! Why did the vice president of the Demon Hunter Guild, Jacob, become a headless corpse in Marlin Castle?! I need an answer! "
The person the Grand Duke was yelling at was called Tobias Schwaben. This noble in his fifties was the owner of the title of Count Ghent. He was also the general of the Iris Flower Guards of Marlin Castle.
The defense of Marlin Castle was divided into two parts. The Empire's army was stationed outside the city and was responsible for security outside the city. The Iris Flower Guards were stationed inside the city and were mainly responsible for security and patrolling. When necessary, they would also fight as an army, but that was rare.
"I'm very sorry, Your Grace. I've already sent people to investigate this matter." Count Ghent's forehead was covered in sweat.
"This is not the answer I want. Tell me, my general. How can I explain this to the Empire?" Schultz said in frustration and anger.
Everyone knew that the Empire's emperor wanted to take back the sovereignty of Marlin Castle. For a long time, the Empire had been looking for ways to interfere with the internal affairs of Marlin Castle. However, because Ludwig had included the independence of Marlin Castle in the founding ceremony, the Empire had returned empty-handed many times.
However, if news of the Cult of Chaos openly operating in Marlin Castle spread, then the Empire would have an excuse to interfere with the internal affairs of Marlin Castle.
This time, the Cult of Chaos was discovered by the Empire's great alchemist. There was no reason for him not to report this matter to the emperor.
Tobias wanted to refute that no one knew what was in the deep mines. The dwarves' tunnels were thousands of meters underground. Who knew what was hidden in the tunnels? He would not send his army to their deaths.
However, seeing the unfriendly gazes of the lords, Tobias could only admit his mistake. "It's my mistake. Please forgive me. I'm willing to take responsibility for this matter."
After Count Ghent said this, the lords did not want him to take responsibility. In fact, all of them knew that no one knew what was in the deep mines. If they made Tobias take responsibility for this matter, it would set a very bad precedent. If they made Tobias take responsibility today, they could be the ones responsible tomorrow.
After a simple discussion, Schultz and Aldrich came to a decision. "The whole city is under martial law! Immediately form an expeditionary force! Carefully clean up the deep mines and give His Majesty an explanation. "
After the plan was finalized, a noble suddenly spoke up. "By the way, Your Grace, if … I'm saying if, we can't find the evidence and the culprit, will you take responsibility for this matter?"
Schultz narrowed his eyes.
Adelbert Casanova, a member of the Marlin Castle House of Lords, a viscount, and the second richest merchant in Marlin Castle. This dissolute merchant was also the chairman of the Gentlemen's Alliance.
"Adelbert, I know what you want to do, but what I want to say is that all of us have to take responsibility for this matter." Schultz emphasized softly. There was a hint of contempt in the duke's voice. "If you want to do something, think about it. If Marlin Castle loses its autonomy because of this, what kind of responsibility do you have to take?"
Adelbert did not say anything.
At this moment, a yawning voice sounded faintly. His accent was very strange. "I say, gentlemen? Have you finished your discussion? Can I go back now? "
Everyone turned to look at the person who spoke.
This was a high elf. He was wearing the most luxurious elven silk clothes. His long blond hair hung down from both sides of his pointed ears. He was very handsome, but his handsome face was overflowing with arrogance. "The monkey caused the problem by himself, so the monkey should solve it himself. This matter has nothing to do with us elves. Alright, I have to go. Otherwise, I'll be late for my afternoon tea."
After saying that, the High Elf yawned, and gestured for his servants to follow him. He then walked out of the Council Hall without caring about the feelings of others. He only nodded at Schultz to indicate that he was leaving.
Anger flashed in the eyes of the humans present, but it quickly turned into helplessness.
This high elf was the high elf ambassador to the human Empire, Tamargo Den Caben, the governor of Ifetau Elven Enclave, and the high elf Phoenix King's representative in the old world.
Extreme arrogance was his trademark. Because of this, this high elf had many conflicts with the city council. However, due to the high elves' powerful fleet and the close trade relationship between the high elves and Marlin Castle, the nobles did not dare to do anything to him. Most of the time, only Schultz was able to gain some respect.
The council hall fell into silence until Aldrich, the archbishop of the Sea Church, asked, "Where's the great alchemist?"
"The great alchemist? He should be on his way back to Brunswick now. "Schultz sighed slightly. The duke said," Carry out the decree as soon as possible! "
The administrative structure of Marlin Castle was very efficient. Under the duke's orders, carts of gold were pulled out from the large chambers of commerce and churches to recruit the underground expeditionary force. Many mercenaries and adventurers were tempted by the wealth to join. It only took half a day for Marlin Castle to immediately gather an underground expeditionary force of more than two thousand people, ready to go to the underground and sweep the deep mines.
Marlin Castle's actions obviously disturbed some dark creatures hiding in the underground tunnels.
Just when the expeditionary force was still replenishing their supplies and had not yet set out, an uninvited guest came to the manor of the Aesthete Club outside the city.
Anida was sitting on a luxurious sofa, talking to her servant, a tall and thin man, in a low voice.
"What has that barbarian from the north been doing these days?"
"He brought his little girlfriend to walk around the whole Shield Coin Street, buying clothes everywhere."
"Does he know of our existence?"
"He came to visit the Aesthete Club, but he was not very interested. He didn't come again after that one time."
"Hiss … Did he not find out?"
A servant walked in. His skin was dark purple. "Master, Belt is here."
"Belt!!! He still dares to come! " Anida gritted her teeth. This beautiful woman no longer had her usual elegance and calmness. "How stupid! He didn't even know how to clean up the scene after eliminating the demon hunters! Those who believe in the Blood God are really stupid idiots! "
"Forget it. Let him in!"
A tall figure walked in from outside. Compared to the Belt Jacob had seen, the violence and filth radiating from him were more obvious. On the one hand, it showed that the death of his mentor had taken a toll on the Fallen Hunter's psyche. On the other hand, it showed that the Blood God favored his followers.
But Belt's footsteps were unsteady. Jacob's last attack had severely injured the Fallen Hunter. When he discovered Marlin Castle was organizing an underground expedition, Belt had no choice but to return to the surface.
Anida knew that she had to protect the fallen hunter, or she would be in danger. So she arranged for Berthe to hide somewhere else. "Follow my servant to hide there. The situation is very tense now. Go and fully digest your new power. We'll talk about other things after this fuss dies down."
"Anida, I have to remind you that Jacob and that Laing guy are in cahoots. Jacob has a record of this mission." Belt's breathing was weak.
Anida waited until Belt was led away by her servant. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that something was wrong.
Laing and that Master Demonhunter were in cahoots?
She decided to act.
The Aesthetic Society's leader got into a carriage and headed for a secluded village on the outskirts of the city.
The roads in this village were like a winding maze, and the houses were all connected together. The villagers in the village were shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere. This village was famous for producing all kinds of politicians and scholars. They enjoyed high prestige because of all kinds of outstanding talents.
After showing her identification with the Aesthetic Society's symbol, Anida met with the man she wanted to see.
He was a stooped man wrapped in a black robe. Only his eyes were visible. When he saw Anida, he asked, "What brings you here, leader of the Aesthetic Society?"
"Cut the crap! I need you to use a prophecy spell on someone. Help me understand his background. "
"The stronger the target of the prophecy, the greater the price you have to pay. Are you ready to pay the price?"
"You won't be short."
"Who is the target?"
"The human hero from Nord, 'Sledgehammer' Laing!" Anida didn't say much. She pulled out a pouch full of gold coins and placed it in front of the stooped man. "Enough?"
"Not enough."
The Aesthetic Society's leader pulled out three more gold coins. "Enough?"
"Not enough!"
Anida took a deep breath and pulled out twenty more gold coins from her spatial ring. "Is this enough?"
Twenty thousand gold coins was comparable to the annual income of a few small dukes.
"More or less." The stooped man finally nodded. "I don't want to make things difficult for you, Leader Anida. But the prophecy comes at a price. If I don't have enough magic, I'll have to overdraw on my life force. If I don't have enough life force, it'll affect the village's altars and my master. "
"That's enough for you to scan every single one of the Knights of the White Wolf!" Anida chuckled softly. Her sweet demeanor was indescribably vicious. "Do it!"
The stooped man's eyes flickered. If he wanted to use the Great Prophecy Spell on that famous human hero, it meant that he would lose at least ten years of his lifespan. However, for the sake of money, the stooped man decided to take a gamble.
As he did, Laing's face appeared in the crystal ball on the table.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
