Chapter 164: Act 97 – The Fall (Part 2)
After Leidi finished speaking, no one interrupted. A cool breeze swept across the battlefield under the night sky, carrying a faint scent of blood. The demonic leader of the Card Mercenary Corps and the Dark Priest stood silently in the wind, seemingly digesting the information contained in the words.
Conrad lifted his head and smiled slightly. It seemed to be an expression of appreciation towards the young man’s cooperation, though he was always appreciative, whether for the death of others or their obedience.
“Twelve silver-ranked guards,” he repeated the white-haired youth’s words, “what do you think?”
“Twelve?” The Dark Priest raised his head slightly. “It seems possible—even if it’s a ruse, it is a fact that Makarolo’s main force does not include that young man.”
“No, there’s no need to doubt anymore. Indecision only leads to trouble.” Conrad waved his hand to interrupt him and turned back to the young man kneeling on the ground. “Are you a noble of the Kingdom of Destiny?”
Leidi was taken aback and hurriedly nodded.
“Good, it seems you are more valuable than those people.” Conrad smiled like a demon, “We don’t need worthless individuals, so they have all been dealt with. But you are different, resolute and knowing what you want. The Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps is finished. Those who know how to adapt are the wise. Are you willing to work with us?”
The white-haired young man looked up, momentarily distracted, unsure of what the other meant. Of course, he was also afraid that this demonic figure would take advantage of him. Conrad had previously mentioned his identity, making him fearful it might put him in danger. But the other’s words were quite clear; if he refused, his fate would be the same as those useless people.
Leidi couldn’t help but become conflicted again. He had already betrayed his conscience once; at this moment, he felt like a failing merchant who had invested more money hoping for a return but found that the money he put in might also be lost. He instinctively did not want this to happen. Conrad had offered him a final lifeline, and after hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and grasped at it.
If he’s going to die, that’s a concern for the future.
The young mercenary leader laughed. “Alright, I’ll lend you a person—no, a team. You’ll lead them to catch up with those fifteen individuals. You don’t necessarily have to kill them, of course, but if you really manage to do it—then I’ll give you my position as the leader.” Conrad leaned down and patted the young man’s face. “Don’t worry, I won’t deceive you. After all, once this task is done, I’ll have to go elsewhere.”
However, Leidi barely heard what he said, as the white-haired youth instinctively breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that he only had to pursue someone named Brendel. He had prepared himself for a desperate act, but of course, if he didn’t have to resort to that, it would be best. At that moment, he couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of relief, thankful that his choice hadn’t been wrong.
Moreover, there was that enticing condition.
Although the Card Mercenary Corps wasn’t as famous as the Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps, it was still one of the major mercenary groups in the Southlands. The thought that he might potentially hold the position of leader made Leidi feel a surge of excitement.
However, when he raised his head, he froze. He saw the figure in a black priest’s robe step aside, revealing another silhouette cloaked entirely in a long black cape, with dark energy swirling around it. After a slight pause, Leidi recognized the weapon protruding from beneath the cloak. “Xi…”
“Oh, so her name is Xi?” The Dark Priest smiled darkly. “Well, let’s continue calling her that; after all, I’m not gifted with naming. If you complete this task, she’ll be given to you—”
The white-haired young man gulped, his hands tightening instinctively. He had a fondness for the red-haired girl, which was a well-known fact within the mercenary group. However, Xi only had feelings for Aike, regarding others with merely brotherly affection. Leidi understood this all too well, yet he still harbored a slight hope—wondering if, after Yula married Aike, he might have a chance.
But he knew deep down that the likelihood of this chance was slim.
He took a breath. Although the Xi of this moment looked somewhat different from the girl of the past, what did that matter? He suddenly recalled Conrad’s words; the Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps was done for, but he knew Yula was still alive—few were aware that he not only liked Xi but also had eyes on the blind girl—yet this was a hypothetical that he dared not voice.
At this moment, however, the beast lurking in his heart seemed to stir.
Conrad noticed Leidi’s expression and smiled subtly. He turned back and tossed the dagger back to the Dark Priest—it was the other’s ritual dagger, not to be carelessly used for murder. As a member of the Herb Keeper, he certainly understood this; the ritual was a sacred act, part of the plan to welcome the return of the Dark Dragon.
The Dark Priest glanced at the red-haired girl and quickly followed suit. He lowered his head submissively and praised, “You truly are a master at manipulating hearts.”
In fact, only he knew that this demonic young man had not asked those mercenaries any questions from the beginning. Every act was performed for Leidi’s benefit; from the very start, Conrad had recognized the other’s weakness.
“Humanity is inherently weak; the instinct to seek benefit and avoid harm is an animal trait. I never manipulate anyone; I merely offer them more choices,” the leader of the Card Mercenary Corps replied. “You know, compared to those who boast of honor and justice, I have one flaw—I never lie.”
The Dark Priest chuckled softly, “But humans are cunning; they will not show their weak sides.”
“Which is why I say that interrogation is an art.” Conrad chuckled. “What I value is his identity, laying a dark piece in the Kingdom of Destiny that may come in handy one day. But why did you agree to lend him that newly acquired pet?”
“Let that girl see how bad her old companions can be while her own will still hasn’t faded. Only by recognizing the dark side of humanity can she accelerate her acceptance of the information provided by the blood of the gods,” the Dark Priest replied.
“A good plan.”
“What do you think, honorable leader?”
“We should get ready and head to Hyeugil first. They’re actually advancing northeast, knowing full well it’s the territory of the Lizardmen, going against common sense. If it weren’t for my understanding of human nature, that sly fox would have almost deceived even me this time.”
“To be honest,” the Dark Priest shook his head, “I don’t like dealing with that stinky lizard.”
“Neither do I.”
Conrad removed his blood-stained gloves and replied.
The stars from last night seemed to foretell a clear day today; the brutal killings in the forest might have gone unnoticed by anyone but the parties involved. The only trace left was a few faint black smoke trails in the sky behind Brendel and his companions. The blazing sun continued to beat down on this forested area, and the overlapping treetops revealed a breathtaking emerald green after absorbing plenty of sunlight—life’s green.
Although this was merely a nonexistent possibility, having experienced a night of slaughter, the mercenaries couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps these trees had grown so lush by feeding on the blood. They whispered among themselves, but their low voices were not lost on the young man’s keen perception.
“Feudal superstition is truly terrifying.”
Brendel muttered, turning the dark card in his hand over and over. Despite its silver quality, it presented an eerie black hue, while Metisa smiled warmly from the illustration, creating a stark contrast. This was his only black card, yet where could he find a land card that could provide dark elements?
If only he could summon that girl soon, he could continue his journey for quite a while without issues. However, it remained a directionless task at present.
He stared at the card—suddenly halting his movements, once again convinced that the flicker he sensed in his heart last night was indeed a response from the card. This meant that another card from the same set of cards he possessed existed in this area, and a bridge-like resonance had formed between the cards—if he were not yet a Spell Traveler last night, the reaction would not have been ‘card resonance,’ but rather a ‘resonance reaction’ like the magic that occurred in Golden Tree Gorge before.
Only he found that the destiny card resonating with it was this one?—the Unicorn Knight representing “Metisa.” The “Eternal Song” set was created for him, yet even Brendel had not expected a new rule to join the set in such a short time.
That could be a newly generated destiny card or something resonating with Metisa’s properties, whether it was equipment, creatures, or barriers; all in all, it indicated that there was potential to be sealed within this set of cards. Unfortunately, it could not be a land card, as Brendel already knew that land cards would not resonate with any cards except in exceptional cases.
This resonance had already occurred six times since last night, each time drawing closer. The last time, a little over an hour ago, was almost right beside them now. This discovery left Brendel puzzled; could it really be some kind of creature? Or was someone moving with that card?
He lifted his gaze to the sun; after a night of traveling, it was nearing noon. Above black iron strength, or once one’s constitution reached three energy levels, one or two nights without sleep wouldn’t cause any impact. Only Roman and Antinna appeared to struggle slightly; when Brendel returned his gaze, he checked the condition of the two ladies, fortunately, helped along by the wild elf sisters, they could barely keep up with the group.
Time was short. Because they had delayed at the Order Altar, they now had to seize every moment. (To be continued. For more chapters, please log in, support the author, and support legitimate reading!)
