Sir Crispian suppressed his inner fear of the huge monster in front of him, trying to appear calm, and also tried to create a light-hearted and humorous atmosphere with his words.
Of course, the effect would have been better if his legs and the arms hidden in the wide sleeves didn't shake so much.
There is no way! Even low-level professionals cannot be immune to the dragon's might, not to mention ordinary people who don't even have a professional level.
It takes considerable courage to stand before a full-grown green dragon and not immediately turn and flee.
Anyway, Sir Crispian had seen the white dragon's sudden attack and the centipede's charge in the Misty Mountain Area, so he did have some courage.
Zuo Si smiled and patted the green dragon's head, signaling it to go into the woods to avoid human sight. Then he walked closer and explained with a smile: "I had no choice. You know, it would take at least two days to get here from Askatra, even if I ride a horse. And I have never been here before, so I can't use teleportation magic, so I had to choose to ride a dragon and fly here."
"Hahahaha! Well, it seems that I didn't think it through. I should have sent a carriage to the castle to pick you up in advance."
As the green dragon disappeared into the night, Sir Crispian finally recovered completely and took the responsibility for this small disturbance on his own initiative.
Obviously, he overlooked the very different ways of thinking between spellcasters and ordinary nobles.
The biggest difference between the two is that the latter usually cares about "dignity" and "pomp", while the former cares about efficiency.
You have to know that in just a few minutes when the dragon landed, many horses in the nearby barn began to run around because they were frightened, and the servants in charge of taking care of the horses chased them desperately.
After all, many of these horses are valuable stallions used by guests attending the banquet to pull carriages, and the price of each one will not be less than one thousand gold coins.
If you lose something and pay for it, that's a small matter; but making the owner lose face is a big matter.
After a brief greeting at the door, Sir Crispian immediately took Zuo Si into the living room of the manor villa.
As soon as they entered the room, the guests who were originally whispering stopped everything they did and all turned their eyes towards the door.
To be precise, it was cast towards Zuo Si, the chosen one of the goddess of poison and disease.
Although he had not been in Athkatla for long, he had already done many things that left these top dignitaries dumbfounded.
In particular, he took advantage of the attack on the diplomatic mission to suppress Baldur's Gate and forced it to make huge concessions, thus successfully winning the approval of many great nobles and chambers of commerce.
The reason for holding the banquet today, in addition to asking him how to suppress competitors without starting a war, is also to accept his idea of officially entering the upper ruling class circle of Amn.
Out of basic courtesy and responsibility as a host, Sir Crispian first introduced Zuo Si's identity to all the guests. Then he directly blocked all the guys who tried to approach him and quickly went to the study on the second floor.
Twenty or so middle-aged and elderly men and women, who looked to be between 40 and 60 years old, had been waiting here for a long time.
Needless to say, they are the real rulers of the country and the leaders of all the major families.
In addition, there should be six other review members hidden among them.
Sir Crispian took the trouble to introduce Zuo Si to one person after another.
This whole process alone lasted more than ten minutes.
But no one present showed any impatience, but waited patiently with a smile on their faces.
When everything was over, an old man who looked to be in his early sixties spoke first: "Everyone, we are all the most powerful and prestigious families in Amn, and many of our families can even trace their history back to the end of the Calimshan Shan Dynasty.
I believe you all understand why we are gathered here today.
In the recent negotiations with Baldur's Gate, the Chosen One of the Goddess of Poison and Disease, Talona, the Honorable Lord Soth, taught us all a lesson with his great wisdom and political skills.
He got at the negotiating table something we hadn't gotten on the battlefield: significant concessions from Baldur's Gate on trade and tariffs.
There is no doubt that this time, both the diplomatic operations and the economic blows have caused our competitors to suffer heavy losses.
In particular, the cooperation with chambers of commerce in other cities and regions to raise the prices of daily necessities completely divided and disintegrated the relationship between the lower-class people and the merchant class in Baldur's Gate gave us a new idea and successfully intensified the conflict between the city and the farmers in the surrounding areas.
It is for this reason that the foolish and greedy dukes of Baldur's Gate had to choose to retreat.
Because the foundations of their rule have been shaken.
Through this example, we can summarize many useful experiences and then apply them to other competitors.
After all, starting a war is the stupidest thing to do.
Not only is the cost of investment too high, but even if you win you may not necessarily get what you want.”
"I totally agree." Another 40-year-old bearded man nodded slightly. "For us, gaining control over trade in a certain region will always bring us more profits than actually occupying and managing it. This is a truth that has been proven long ago. And in the economic field, apart from the oligarchs in Sembia, no country or city-state can rival Amn."
"That's right! This is why we invited Lord Soth to visit us today. He comes from another world and possesses many insights and valuable knowledge that we don't understand." The female noble who was about fifty years old also echoed.
"Then Mr. Soth, could you please explain to us how you were able to make such an accurate judgment under such a complicated situation?" The leading old man asked politely with a smile on his face.
Zuo Si nodded gently: "Of course. In fact, it is not as complicated as you imagine.
There are only a few options for putting pressure on an independent political entity.
The first is military pressure, which is known to everyone. That is, using powerful violence to make the other side feel the threat of destruction and death, and eventually force them to retreat out of fear.
Of course, as the gentleman said, the cost of waging war is too high and the risks are also very great.
It is so big that few countries and city-states can afford one or two painful defeats.
Not to mention the loss of food, armor, weapons and various supplies, the pensions and the death and capture of so many young and middle-aged laborers alone would deal a huge blow to the government's prestige and even shake the foundation of its rule.
In addition, maintaining a large and well-trained army for a long time will also put tremendous pressure on finances.
Therefore, war is always the last resort option.
In comparison, the second point of diplomatic pressure is much easier.
When doing this kind of thing, you must first have a sufficient and unquestionable legitimate reason, and then put yourself on the side of justice, portray the other party as an evil villain, and criticize from a moral high ground.
The second is to create and manipulate public opinion, let as many people as possible know about the matter, and then mobilize the people's empathy and let them join in condemning a certain country or city-state.
Finally, and most importantly, do everything you can to win over other surrounding forces, especially those churches and organizations in the good camp, and force them to express their stance through various means.
When the above three elements are present, the country or city-state will inevitably fall into diplomatic isolation and absolute moral disadvantage.
At this time, the second step can be launched, which is economic sanctions, while dividing and disintegrating the enemy's various social classes and provoking and intensifying internal conflicts.
Not only will they be unable to unite and overcome difficulties, but they will also blame and be hostile to each other.
As we all know, in the eyes of most lower-class civilians, bad guys have no human rights and are not worthy of sympathy.
After successfully creating an evil country and city-state, we can unite merchants from other surrounding areas to launch various attacks on them.
For example, suddenly restricting the inflow of some daily necessities such as food, salt, cloth, steel, etc., and then taking this opportunity to sharply raise prices, causing an increase in people's cost of living, which in turn leads to social unrest and accumulation of dissatisfaction.
When this turbulent and dissatisfied mood accumulates to a certain extent, the contradiction will be like a volcano about to erupt, containing unimaginable destructive power.
By that time, all it would take is a little instigation from the local Shadow Thieves Guild to trigger a horrific riot.
If things go wrong, it could turn into a brutal civil war that violently overthrows the current government.
In addition, when carrying out this step, you can also consider winning over and supporting a group of local businessmen as internal supporters by promising benefits, constantly inciting confrontation between the poor and the rich, civilians and nobles, and creating strong hostility between each other.
In short, remember one thing: the strongest fortress is always breached from the inside.
As long as you pay more attention to the hidden dangers within your competitors, and then find ways to intensify these conflicts and cause unrest and chaos, you can easily defeat them completely.
This is true of Baldur's Gate, and it is also true of Sembia, which practices serfdom.
Even the seemingly enlightened Waterdeep City actually contains a huge crisis..."
With a voice that was neither hurried nor slow, Zuo Si used clear logic and coherent language to explain some of the simplest and most basic "fool-proof" operating methods to these Amn executives.
After all, the other party paid expensive "tuition fees", so he was very generous and taught a lot of "little tricks".
In fact, in the continent of Faerun, due to the conflicts between the camps of good and evil, order and chaos, the class consciousness of the people here is weak, or even non-existent.
But now, when Zuo Si clearly put forward this concept and gave a series of practical suggestions, all the Amn dignitaries present showed either solemn or thoughtful expressions.
Because they realize that this set of rules is a "double-edged sword" that can be used against enemies as well as against themselves.
After a long period of silence, the old man who spoke first finally let out a long sigh and exclaimed with a slightly emotional tone: "What amazing wisdom. It seems that as long as these are mastered, Amn will soon enter a period of strong expansion. But what I want to know now is, what do you think of the situation in this country?"
"In what aspect?" Zuo Si asked with a smile.
"Of course it's an internal conflict. Or to put it another way, what can we do to ease the relationship between the merchants and nobles and the lower-class commoners and ensure that similar situations will not happen in Athkatla?"
The old man directly raised the problem that was bothering him.
As the top dignitary of this business empire, he possesses extraordinary vision and understanding, and is well aware of the crisis hidden beneath Am's prosperous appearance.
For example, there is the huge slum in the city, and those gangsters who can't find a decent job and wander around all day.
In addition to the city, there were also many traditional nobles outside the city who used various means to seize the land of self-cultivating farmers, or converted farmland into grassland to raise horses and cattle and sheep that could make more money, and fired and drove away all the tenant farmers, leaving them to fend for themselves.
If someone uses similar means against Amn one day, the latter's collapse and self-destruction will definitely not be much slower than Baldur's Gate.
Zuo Si replied meaningfully: “To ensure the smooth operation of a country and regime, it is nothing more than satisfying two basic prerequisites.
That is, people's need for security and basic material needs for life and survival.
Simply put, it is to maintain a good law and order environment while allowing as many people as possible to have a job to support themselves.
If that cannot be met, then find a way to transfer the crisis externally.
You should have considered this a long time ago, right?
For example, the law of pioneering and the law of the sea.”
"Oh? What do you think of these two codes?"
The old man suddenly became interested, and his eyes sparkled with a deep light.
"By encouraging exploration and opening up overseas colonies, those farmers who have lost their land and citizens who can't find jobs can be sent to other places. This is one of the ways Amn is currently using to transfer its own crisis. In addition to this, there is another financial means."
Having said that, Zuo Si took out a "Dante" gold coin from his pocket and gently placed it on the table.
"I have done tests. A gold coin like this made by Am contains only about 40% precious metals, and the rest are cheap metals such as lead, tin, and iron.
This is true not only for gold coins, but also for other silver coins, silver-gold coins and platinum coins.
And it explains why Amn has always been so interested in controlling trade routes rather than conquering more land.
Because actually occupying a piece of land means taking on the responsibility of protecting the residents on that land.
But you don't want to take on that responsibility, and the cost of fulfilling that obligation.
Just the opposite!
You have adopted a smarter and more cunning way of colonization, which is economic colonization.
By occupying trade routes and monopolizing a region's commerce, local residents will gradually accept and recognize the value of Amn's currency.
As a result, the region will need a lot of currency to support its daily transactions and various economic activities.
Both businessmen and civilians will try every means to hoard.
This hoarding is equivalent to indirectly increasing the credit and demand of the currency, and bringing unimaginable wealth to the coin minters.
I call this way of gaining wealth through coinage [seigniorage].”
Before he finished speaking!
Everyone present stood up and applauded at the same time.
The old man in the lead exclaimed loudly: "What incredible wisdom and insight! I didn't expect you to notice even this. I originally thought that this secret could be kept secret for a long time."
But Zuo Si smiled and shook his head: "No, you are wrong. I believe that many people in the continent of Faerun have noticed the ratio of precious metal content in Amn gold coins.
It's just that the value of currency does not actually depend on itself, but on two other things, called credit and anchor.
The latter determines what the currency can buy.
The former determines how many people are willing to use it.
The two complement each other.
Today, merchants from Amn can be found in every corner of Faerun, offering nearly every type of merchandise.
Therefore, the currency minted by Amn would naturally be accepted by almost everyone.
But if one day Amn's finances and trade run into problems and it can no longer provide so many goods, then these currencies will naturally and inevitably depreciate.
The only way to avoid similar crises is to maintain and expand our trade advantages.”
"That's right! This is exactly the policy that Amn has always pursued. It seems that you have a unique and profound understanding of politics, diplomacy, economy and trade. Excuse me, are you interested in accepting the title of special adviser to the Council of Six?" The old man narrowed his eyes and tested cautiously.
"What are the benefits?" Zuo Si asked calmly.
"The advantage is that from the moment you accept this title, you will be the top ruler of this country just like us. You can enjoy all kinds of unknown hidden privileges, and even participate in elections when there is a vacancy in the six-member council." The old man smiled and revealed his trump card.
Zuo Si stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then quietly gently: "Okay, I accept. But there is an additional condition."
"Oh? What are the additional conditions?" The old man showed a curious expression on his face.
"Bernard and I are planning to sponsor an expedition team. If nothing goes wrong, they should discover an unfamiliar continent on the other side of the Traceless Sea. I hope that when the news comes back, everyone here can ensure that the benefits we deserve will not be lost."
Zuo Si made his request directly.
Because he knew that such heavy news could not be concealed, so he simply took the opportunity today to confront the other party.
"What? A continent! On the other side of the Traceless Sea?"
"Really?"
"Goddess of Fortune, bless you! How much trade and wealth can a completely unfamiliar continent bring?"
"Oh my God! Doesn't that mean..."
For a moment, the dignitaries who had been very calm originally showed reactions of shock, greed, or excitement.
You should know that Snowfall Port in the Shadowmoon Islands and Nanzalu Port in the southern Chult Jungle have brought Amn unimaginable and amazing profits.
It even allowed two previously unknown families to take off on the spot and gradually enter the ranks of top prestigious families.
"Quiet! Mind your manners!"
Seeing that the scene was a bit chaotic, the old man in the lead couldn't help but slammed the table hard.
Under his strong suppression, order was quickly restored in the study.
But this order is only superficial.
Secretly, everyone started to make their own plans.
After all, the benefits of a continent are so huge that no one will back down easily.
The old man obviously sensed this, frowned, and asked in an uncertain tone: "How do you know there is a continent across the Traceless Sea? Where did this news come from?"
Zuo Si shrugged and responded, “Sorry, I have no comment on this.
However, the expedition team should return with news and new routes by October or November next year at the latest.
By then, you will be able to distinguish the true from the false.
And I don't want much, just a 50% share will be enough.
As for the rest, you can discuss how to distribute it among yourselves.
The old man pondered for a long time, discussed in a low voice with others around him for a moment, and finally nodded.
"No problem! On behalf of everyone present, I agree with your terms in principle. However, the specific details will have to wait until the news comes back before we discuss them. Finally, you are welcome to join us and become one of us."
"Thank you. I am also honored to join the Am family."
After saying this, Zuo Si raised his glass to signal everyone present, and then pretended to drink.
The others responded by raising their glasses, tilting their heads back and drinking it all in one gulp.
At this point, the core part of today's banquet has been completed.
The organizer of the banquet, Sir Crispian, stood at the door and watched the whole process, without even the right to say a word.
Because any one of the families behind the twenty or so people in the study could easily pin him to the ground and rub him repeatedly.
However, compared to those guys outside who paid for the admission tickets but didn't even have the right to attend, Sir Crispian was actually lucky.
At least he knew many secrets that only the top leaders knew.
For example, how to use economic, diplomatic and public opinion means to bring down a city-state or even a country; Another example is the coins minted by Amn, which only contain 40% precious metals, and the Council of Six used these coins to openly and frantically make money;
Finally, there is news from another continent to the west of Wuhen.
After the "big shots" in the study left in batches and returned to the living room on the first floor to attend the banquet, the ambitious noble finally came to his senses and said in a very complicated and envious tone: "Congratulations, Lord Soth. You are already one of the masters of this country."
"It's just a consultant, no big deal. And I don't have much time to waste on endless trivial matters. My real identity is a spellcaster, not a politician or family leader."
Zuo Si threw the glass of wine in his hand into the corner nonchalantly.
Ever since he had seen the brewing process of Faerun at Dagger Beach, he had made up his mind to never touch any alcoholic beverages.
"That's why I'm so jealous. After all, you've easily reached a height that others may never reach in their entire lives. You have to know that since the founding of Amn, the number of families and individuals accepted into the true ruling core circle has never exceeded 40."
As he said this, Sir Crispian took a big gulp of liquor and stood near the railing on the second floor, looking down at the guests who were talking and dancing in the hall below. It seemed as if a fire was burning fiercely in his heart.
Because he understood that being allowed to sit in on the trial today was actually an opportunity, an opportunity to enter the top level of power.
If you work hard enough and achieve great success in the next series of external actions.
Then in ten or twenty years, he and his family might be able to cross that invisible barrier.
Just when Zuo Si was about to say something, a middle-aged man in a gorgeous suit came up from downstairs and bowed to the two of them in a very exaggerated manner.
"Good evening, Sir Crispian. And you, Sir Thors, the Chosen of the great goddess of poison and disease, Talona."
"This is..."
A hint of doubt flashed in Zuo Si's eyes.
He searched the memory area of his brain and was 100% sure that he had never seen the other person before.
"He is the Duke of Farthington Roanole, whom I have spoken of before."
Sir Crispian quickly put away all the emotions on his face and made a brief introduction as a banquet host.
Farthington Ronoel?
Isiah Ronor's father? Zuo Si's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible hint of teasing, and he immediately said with a smile, "It turns out to be Duke Ronor. It's an honor to meet you."
"No! I should be the one who is honored."
Farthington hastened to bow again modestly, placing one hand on his chest.
Although he usually acts arrogantly towards ordinary people, he will put on a different face in front of the real powerful people in this country and try to please them at all costs.
This is what is meant by "bullying the inferiors and flattering the superiors."
According to Zuo Si's investigation, the guy in front of him successfully established cooperative relationships with some judges and guard captains through bribery.
Not only does he have a large smuggling business in Athkatra, but he also has close ties with the slave-catching teams that supply gladiator slaves to the Bronze Crown Inn, secretly trafficking various humans, halflings, and elves into Calimshan.
Many of them were children who were abducted before they reached adulthood.
Just as he was secretly thinking about how to deal with this guy, Farthington immediately came closer and whispered in a low voice, pretending to be mysterious: "Sir South, when I came here, I prepared a gift for you. It is in the carriage outside."
"Gift? You are not..."
Sir Crispian seemed to have guessed something, and his expression suddenly turned a little ugly.
Because this is in his manor! If there is any scandal, the whole family will be disgraced.
"Don't worry. I was very careful and wasn't seen by anyone."
After that, Farthington took the lead and walked in front to lead the way.
After a while, the three of them arrived at the open space behind the manor villa.
In an inconspicuous corner, there was a black, fully enclosed carriage parked, and even the windows were covered from the outside.
Two fully armed guards stood nearby, observing the surroundings vigilantly.
Farthington didn't make any sound. He just waved his hand to drive the guards away and opened the locked car door with his own hands.
moment!
An elf girl with ropes tied around her hands and feet and a cloth stuffed in her mouth appeared in sight.
Her skin was dark brown, and she had long, shiny black hair. She was about 1.6 meters tall and looked quite thin, and her weight was certainly no more than 60 kilograms. She was wearing very little clothing, with only a simple homemade leather armor on her upper body and a leather miniskirt that only covered her thighs on her lower body.
As for age, there is no way to tell from appearance.
Without a doubt!
This is a typical wild elf.
Unlike their noble, elegant cousins who possess a great deal of knowledge, technology and magical power, they are like a savage tribe among the elves, living in isolated wastelands and forests.
Some gold elves and moon elves even believe that those who have abandoned their traditions and become barbarians can no longer be called elves.
In fact, the appearance and history of the wild elves can be traced back to the Three Crown Wars ten thousand years ago, which was the elves' own civil war.
Several elven kingdoms, countless cities and villages were destroyed in this catastrophe.
Among them, some homeless refugees hid in the remote mountains and forests, and gradually became the earliest wild elves.
Due to their small number and isolation from the outside world, they gradually abandoned all the red tape and actively chose to embrace nature and the wilderness, eventually evolving into what they are today.
However, there are not many wild elves living in Amn, only a few small tribes.
"How about it? Are you satisfied with this gift? You know, in order to catch her, I lost several smart and powerful hunters." Farthington asked proudly.
As for this female elf, she had obviously been fed some kind of sleeping and anesthetic drugs. She was now in a deep coma and had no response to anything in the outside world.
"Satisfied! Of course I am satisfied!"
Zuo Si gave a very dangerous smile.
Because just now, he suddenly had an idea and thought of how to make this "scumbag" in front of him get the retribution he deserves.
Farthington had not yet realized that the target of his flattery had murderous intent on him, and he began to talk incessantly about the process of searching for and hunting the wild elf tribe, and how these pointy-eared guys could be sold for a high price in Calimshan.
He also deliberately emphasized that the wild elf girl in front of him was a low-level druid and her value was much higher than other slaves.
Zuo Si listened to the Duke of Ronor's boasting with a smile on his face the whole time, and occasionally he would agree with him, but in fact he had already sentenced him to death in his heart.
Under his disguise and deception, Farthington thought he had successfully made a powerful friend.
The two of them returned to the banquet scene, chatting and laughing, as if they were old friends who had not seen each other for many years.
Only the owner, Sir Crispian, noticed that something seemed amiss.
Because in his impression, Zuo Si never seemed to be so close to anyone he met for the first time.
What's more, Farthington Ronor and the family behind him are not important characters.
However, the shrewd Sir Crispian did not show any abnormality. Instead, he was interested in seeing what Zuo Si was going to do to the Ronor family.
…
While the banquet continued in the manor, a fierce battle was taking place in the sewers of the temple area far away in the city of Athkatla.
One of the two warring parties is Erinikas, who is looking for the temple of the ancient sun god Amaunator, and the other is a group of beholders entrenched nearby.
After just one encounter, all the goblins, gray dwarves and vampire servants led by Erinikas were wiped out.
Because these guys can't withstand the terrifying ray scanning of the Eye Demon.
Especially the vampires who did not eat control, without exception, were turned into a pile of worthless dust by the green dissociation rays.
Even Erinikas himself and his sister Badi were hit several times, leaving hideous scars on their skin.
Especially the huge Elder's Eye hiding in the back, which can not only release various rays and anti-magic force fields, but is also a warlock with a spellcasting level as high as LV17.
In addition, there are more than a dozen beholders and a large number of smaller Gauss beholders around. As soon as you show your head, you will be besieged by countless rays.
In addition, the slaves who are controlled by charm are also a big trouble.
"Damn it! Where did these beholders come from?"
Badi covered his chest which was torn by energy and couldn't help but cursed under his breath while gritting his teeth.
You don't need to ask to know that she was just hit by a dissociation ray.
Fortunately, its vitality is strong enough, otherwise it would have turned into a pool of powder like those descendants.
"I don't know! But I have a hunch that these beholders must know something, otherwise they would never block the passage." Erinikas responded with a gloomy face.
He had just added a lot of protective magic to himself, but he was suppressed by the opponent's anti-magic field as soon as he met the opponent, and almost died.
fortunately!
In addition to cannon fodder, this exploration also brought two clay golems, which blocked most of the attacks at critical moments.
However, the two loyal golems were quickly destroyed by the spell cast by the Eye of the Elder.
"We can't go on like this! We must retreat immediately! Otherwise, if we are blocked, these beholders will tear us to pieces."
Badi glanced at the monster searching in the distance and gave his advice.
You have to know that vampires are not liches, and there is no way they can be reborn after their bodies are completely destroyed.
What's more, she was not sure whether the Elder's Eye could cast a terrifying positive energy spell.
Erinikas lowered his head and thought for a moment, then nodded immediately: "Okay, let's retreat."
As the last word came out of his mouth, he quickly chanted the spell, summoning a large number of various alien creatures at once, and they all rushed towards the location of the Eye Demon.
Since each beholder has a large number of eye stalks, they can observe the surrounding environment at a 360-degree angle without blind spots.
When a large number of enemies were discovered, they immediately changed direction and started the ray bombing mode.
In the blink of an eye, colorful lights flashed in the air, looking like lasers from a distance.
It was as if the world of fantasy suddenly turned into the world of science fiction.
However, the Eye Demon's rays do more than just damage, they can also cause effects such as charm, control, dissociation, petrification, sleep, instant death, slowness, fear, etc.
So in the blink of an eye, this large group of summoned creatures were either controlled by charm, turned into stone statues, ran around screaming, fell to the ground and fell asleep, or turned into a pile of dust.
Others seemed to be in slow motion, with every move becoming extremely slow.
After just ten seconds, all the summoned alien creatures were wiped out, while the eye demons were unharmed.
But Erinikas and Badi had already used this time to cast teleportation magic and leave.
Under the command of the Eye of the Elder, the Eye Demons conducted a careful search of the surrounding passages. After confirming that the enemy had really left, they quickly returned to their nests.
Only a few beholders, gauss beholders and a large number of slave guards were left nearby.
Erinikas, who had successfully returned to the sewer base in the shopping mall area, was now standing in front of a huge portal, stroking his chin and lost in thought.
After three to five minutes, he sneered and said, "I understand!"
"Understand what?"
Badi casually threw away the body of the slave whose blood had just been sucked dry.
With the replenishment of fresh blood, the wounds on her body were healing at an incredible speed.
"I understand why Soth gave out so much important information so easily. He knows that it is impossible for us to defeat so many beholders and reach the temple with our strength alone. So he is waiting, waiting for us to take the initiative to seek cooperation, and then take the opportunity to put forward more conditions and requirements." Erinikas analyzed meaningfully.
Badi immediately showed a disdainful expression when he heard this: "Humph! Can't we slowly accumulate strength, you produce constructs and golems in large quantities, I convert more vampire descendants, and then use the advantage of numbers to directly flatten that beholder nest?"
Erinikas shook his head slightly: "In theory, it is possible. But the problem is that you have ignored the most important time.
Whether it is to create constructs and golems, or to transform more vampire descendants, it takes a considerable amount of time.
But Thors obviously won't give us that long.
So the only option now is to cooperate after paying a certain price.
It seems that the chosen ones of Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, are more difficult to deal with than expected.
And I think those beholders are lingering nearby because there is something hidden in the temple that interests them.
Maybe this is exactly what Soth wants."
"Do you need me to contact the woman named Rain?" Badi asked in an uncertain tone.
"No, there's no rush. Since we agreed to meet in two weeks, let's wait a little longer. I just need to use this time to observe the actions of those beholders so that I can have more bargaining chips in the next negotiation."
After saying this, Erinikas quickly cast a spell, transferring his own injuries to the slave next to him, and then walked straight to the room full of clones of the Elf Queen Alistar.
It goes without saying that he was going to vent all the boiling anger and desire in his heart in this way.
As for Badi, he stood aside with great interest as he watched his brother torture and abuse the clones, his eyes revealing a strong sense of pleasure.
After all, it was the Elf Queen Alistar herself who ordered the deprivation of the two's elven identities and life essences and their exile.
Therefore, Badi had a hatred for her that could not be described in words, and in his heart he extremely longed to one day strangle Alixing's neck with his own hands, suck her blood bit by bit, and then transform himself into a vampire derivative.
Unfortunately, this idea cannot be put into practice.
Badi knew very well that the Elf Queen Alixing belonged to Erinikas.
If you dare to cross the line, you will immediately be subjected to the latter's terrifying wrath.
But fortunately, as her life form changed from the living to the undead, her personality and behavioral habits were also undergoing drastic changes.
He even began to become addicted to the extreme pleasure brought by drinking blood and indulging in various desires.
Especially the newly transformed dark elf vampire, who can provide a lot of interesting and wonderful experiences in bed...
(End of this chapter)
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