With the death of Sarevok, a large number of Baldur's Gate troops began to surrender to Zhentil Keep in an organized manner. The war that determined the ownership of a large area of land north of Amn and south of the Winding River finally came to an end.
Fuzol Chamberlain successfully won the final victory at the cost of nearly 7,500 people, most of whom were goblin cannon fodder.
Now, Baldur's Gate, the pearl of the Sword Coast, is like a naked and defenseless girl, waiting for him to conquer and ravage.
But before that, the "Tyrant of the Moon Sea" still has one thing to do, which is to kill all of Sarevok's followers, as well as those forces that have had in-depth cooperation with him, such as the Shadow Druids sect headquartered deep in the Cloak Forest, and those bandits who want to escape into the Sharptooth Forest.
In short, when it comes to rooting out the evil, the Church of Bane, the God of Tyranny, is very familiar with the process and didn't give these guys any chance to breathe.
They immediately divided out one or two teams of a thousand men, and using the intelligence extracted from the prisoners, they quickly carried out ruthless massacres and sweeps in several areas.
Before leaving, they did not forget to set a big fire near the other party's camp, directly igniting the nearby weeds, trees and forests, ensuring that even if a few lucky people occasionally escaped, they would be turned into charred corpses under the fire and thick smoke.
It is obvious that neither Zuo Si nor Fuzzol Chamberlain had any respect for nature, and they did not care about the impact of forest fires in remote areas on the environment and climate.
To be precise, most of the land in Faerun is in its original, undeveloped state. The area occupied by cities, villages and cultivated land is very limited, not enough to cause any damage to the ecological balance.
Just the opposite!
Monsters, animals, and barbarians in the wilderness often pose a huge threat to towns and villages.
So Zuo Si let the fire burn for three full days and three nights, and then he used the power of magic to change the weather and create a heavy rainstorm, which extinguished the two forest fires that had already spread.
By the time the raging flames were completely extinguished, the army of Zhentil Keep had already entered Baldur's Gate and captured the city built by the legendary pirate Baldur's Gate.
After occupying the city, the first thing Fuzzol-Chamberlain did was to carry out a major purge of the upper ruling class.
Including several guild alliances controlled by shapeshifters, forces affiliated with the dukes, and the branch of the Shadow Thieves of Amn in this city, none of them escaped the disaster.
Because of the principle of rather killing a thousand innocent people than letting one go, this purge almost caused the collapse of the original ruling system in the city.
The once powerful wealthy merchant class was uprooted almost overnight.
Under the iron fist of tyranny, any resistance is futile.
Fuzor Chamberlain plundered almost all the wealth accumulated by these merchants and dignitaries for generations, and then reduced the entire family to slaves, packed them up and shipped them to Westgate Port on the easternmost part of the Dragon Coast, and then sent them back to the slave market in Zhentil Castle by water to be sold.
Facts have once again proved that when dealing with capital and vested interest groups, nothing is more effective than naked and undisguised violence and death threats.
In this way, the Tyrant of the Moon Sea not only gained astonishing wealth, enough to repair Zhentil Keep, which was severely damaged in the war, and even launch several more wars of foreign expansion, but also allowed the church of Bane, the god of tyranny, to take root in this land.
Most importantly, through a series of military conquests, he not only made a name for himself, but also trained a group of powerful and highly motivated soldiers.
Later, if they could extract two to three thousand of the most elite troops and send them back to Zhentil Keep as reinforcement, Zhentil Keep would then have a fully armed army of six thousand men, enough to launch a war to conquer the entire Moon Sea.
There is no doubt that this was the real intention that Fu Zuoer Chamberlain wanted to achieve when he agreed to cooperate with Zuo Si.
He wanted to make his title of "Tyrant of the Moon Sea" worthy of its name.
By clearing out the original ruling class and taking away their wealth along the way, Zhentil Castle not only made up for its previous losses, but also had sufficient financial strength and resources.
In particular, the confiscation of ships from several ports such as Simon, Tesir, Pross, and Irip allowed Fuzol Chambery to possess a powerful fleet that could deploy troops to any coastal or even riverside city through the Moon Sea and the Falling Star Sea.
If this terrifying deterrent is used properly, it can even force those cities to sign an agreement with him to build temples and churches of the God of Tyranny in the local area, making the entire city submit to the will of the great God of Tyranny Bane.
So after occupying Baldur's Gate and completing the established goal, he began to shift the focus of his work to how to transport the plundered wealth back faster and faster.
In just a few days, all the river transport ships in Baldur's Gate were requisitioned, loaded with all kinds of food, gold, silver, jewelry, weapons and equipment, and slowly transported along the Chongsa River to Dongxing City, from where they were changed to horse-drawn carriages and transported to the port on the Dragon Coast.
Although local residents were extremely angry about such blatant and undisguised plunder, they dared not speak out.
After all, the army of Zhentil Keep has a size of over ten thousand, and almost every city has hundreds or thousands of troops stationed there, as well as vassal troops recruited from the local area. For ordinary people to start a riot to drive out the invaders is basically no different from suicide.
The Temple of Lathander in Belgost once tried to resist, but was surrounded and suppressed by a dozen dark guards, and even the temple was destroyed.
More than thirty young paladins and priests fell into darkness afterwards and chose to join the church of Bane, the god of tyranny.
Because they felt that since the Lord of Dawn had called on his believers to rise up in resistance, he should also send down his incarnation to help them when they were in despair, just like he did to Sammaster, the founder of the Cult of the Dragon.
But the result was that no matter how heavy the casualties were, until the entire army was finally annihilated, Losander did not send down his incarnation.
So in extreme disappointment, these young people, who were easily affected by emotions and impulses, spurned the gods they believed in in the past and turned to the hostile Bane to vent their inner hatred and anger.
However, what they didn't know was that it wasn't that the Lord of Dawn didn't send down his incarnation, but that he was targeted and intercepted by the God of Tyranny.
When two powerful gods appear to check and balance each other, whoever has stronger influence in the church on earth and more powerful voters will win the battle.
Obviously, Losander did not have any voters who could compete with Zuo Si and Fuzor Chamberlain, so naturally he could not really help the believers in the Temple of Belgost.
They could only watch helplessly as their entire army was annihilated, and countless believers abandoned their faith and joined the enemy camp.
This is undoubtedly the negative side effect of frequently responding to the believers' prayers and sending down incarnations.
As the representative of the gods who "really helps when something happens", the Lord of Dawn can be said to be one of the gods who descends to incarnate most frequently.
Although this earned him enormous prestige and influence among the mostly good-hearted civilians, it also brought him a heavy burden.
Because saving lives and fighting evil are things that you must keep doing once you’ve done them.
Otherwise, it will involve the issue of "different treatment" which is very likely to cause conflicts and resentment.
After all, as a lawful good god, the most important thing is to treat believers equally and fairly.
If you save this one today, but don’t save another one tomorrow.
What would the unsaved people think? Am I not as important as the other person in God's eyes, and am I not as pleasing to God as the other person? People are not worried about the scarcity of people, but the inequality of their wealth.
Under such a huge psychological gap, it is easy to generate emotions such as imbalance, disappointment, and resentment.
Coupled with the drive of the instinct for survival, falling into evil becomes a very normal phenomenon.
Fuzor Chamberlain took advantage of this and continuously recruited lawful good paladins and priests along the way. Now he has expanded the size of the church several times.
Even the ruler of the city of Eltoril, Delt, who is a LV17 paladin, has been transformed into a powerful dark guard. He is now leading his troops to patrol the banks of the Chongsa River to ensure that no bandits or monsters dare to attack the transport ships.
With the precedent of the Church of Lathander, the rest of the people would seriously consider the consequences even if they wanted to resist.
Of course, what is more important is that now all the people and forces in the west of Faerun continent have turned their attention to three places.
They are Waterdeep to the north of Baldur's Gate, the Kingdom of Cormyr across the Dragon Coast, and Amn to the south of Baldur's Gate, and they expect these three political entities with strong military power and influence in the region to take action.
Whether it is King Assan IV, who is ambitious and wants to make great achievements, or the masked lords who have two voters of the magic goddess in charge, or Zuo Si, who has already undermined the Council of Six and become the actual ruler of Amn, they all have enough strength and motivation to send troops to expel the forces of Zhentil Keep.
It is also because of this that most civilians feel that they can still endure it a little longer.
After all, the evil army of Zhentil Castle is currently targeting nobles and wealthy businessmen, which has nothing to do with him.
…
At this moment, in the Lords' Council Hall of Waterdeep City, the only public lord, Piergalen, was sitting in his seat, holding a piece of intelligence just delivered by a spy, and said in a nervous and anxious tone: "I believe you all know how bad the situation in the south is now.
Fuzor Chamberlain, the chosen one of the tyrannical god Bane, has completely occupied Baldur's Gate.
Not only that, he also destroyed the Temple of the Lord of Dawn in the town of Belgost and razed it to the ground.
In addition, it has been confirmed that the Duke Sarevok who just took office in Baldur's Gate is the descendant of Baal, the god of murder.
The bizarre deaths of several other dukes and their families were almost all planned by him.
His purpose is to start a war and killing to strengthen his own power, and then inherit the throne of Baal's blood and become the new god.
Fortunately, another son of Bhaal named Aberdare stopped his ambition.
With the death of Sarevok, the army of Baldur's Gate lost its will to fight and finally chose to surrender to Zhentil Keep."
"Son of Bhaal! Is the prophecy of Alandor the Wise finally beginning to come true?"
A masked lord asked in great surprise.
Kelben, who was sitting opposite, nodded slightly: "Yes, it has already started.
And I know this Aberdare. He is Gorion's adopted son and grew up in Candlekeep.
I never thought that in the blink of an eye, he would have to face his cruel and dark fate."
Hearing this, another masked lord complained disapprovingly: “But the actions of this young son of Baal have disrupted our deployment.
His killing of Sarevok on the battlefield was the direct result of Baldur's Gate's failure to hold off the forces of Zhentil Keep for a period of time as expected.
Now we face an evil that has taken over a vast land from the Dragon Coast to the Sea of Swords.
Especially Fuzor Chamberlain, who unified Zhentil Keep and the internal disputes of the Zhentarim, will definitely not be satisfied with maintaining the status quo. "
"I think it would be better to start a war and drive them out while Zhentil Keep's army is still under control.
At least we must drive them out of Baldur's Gate and ensure that sea transportation routes remain open.
Otherwise, once the other party gains a foothold and begins to rule, it will inevitably threaten the security of our maritime trade routes.
You know, ever since the land-based merchant caravans were constantly squeezed out of their living space by the airships of the Trade Alliance, many merchants have left Waterdeep and gone to other towns that have signed treaties to do business.
If things continue like this, our economy and tax revenue will plummet in less than half a year."
Yet another masked lord stepped forward to voice his opinion.
Piergalen nodded in agreement: "I totally agree. But the problem is that our current finances are not enough to support launching a large-scale war."
"How many people can be mobilized specifically?" The masked lord who spoke earlier frowned and asked.
"No more than 3,000 men can be kept on the expedition for a month and a half."
Pierre Gallen gave an exact number with a wry smile.
There is no way around it. Waterdeep has not yet joined the Trade Alliance and cannot enjoy the low-cost transportation convenience brought by airships.
Several meetings were held to discuss the matter, but in the end, no consensus was reached because of the quarrels and wrangling between the nobles and leaders of different guilds.
The disadvantages of not completing centralization are fully reflected at this time.
The decline in overland trade means less tax revenue and worse fiscal situation.
If it weren't for Waterdeep's strong financial resources, any other town would have exploded long ago.
Of course, things aren’t much better now.
After all, the capital will eventually be used up.
Will we have to cut public spending and military expenditures? You know, there is a maze of ventricles owned by the mad wizard Halaster Blackrobe under Waterdeep! God knows if the monsters inside will suddenly rush up from various entrances and kill people.
Therefore, Waterdeep maintains a powerful army and mage corps not for showing off or demonstrating strength, but because it is really a rigid need.
"What? Only 3,000 people! This is simply suicide!
Fuzor Chamberlain has at least 20,000 troops under his command! Damn it!
Is there really nothing we can do?"
A masked lord who looked like a woman suddenly stood up and slammed the table.
"Perhaps we can try diplomatic means. For example, unite Amn in the south, Cormyr in the east, and the Nelanther Islands in the western sea, or call on the lords of the north to form a coalition?"
The masked lord who had been sitting in the corner without saying a word suddenly suggested.
Hearing this, Pirgalen immediately couldn't help laughing out loud: "Hahahaha! My dear friend, are you kidding? Ever since the destruction of the Arcane Brotherhood, the towns and lords in the North have been fighting overtly and covertly for a long time in order to compete for interests.
Especially the establishment of the trade alliance has made everyone devote all their energy to making money and expanding their trade volume like crazy.
Many towns, relying on the military assistance and protection provided by the trade alliance, simply disbanded their militias, preferring to pay less extra money every year.
If we call upon the Northern Lords Alliance now, I'm afraid most of the members won't even be able to gather ten people.
In fact, this organization has long been defunct in name only.
As for diplomacy...
Both the Nelanther Islands and Amn are now in the hands of Soth.
That is to say, if we do not send troops, he will be the one who has the right to decide the ownership of the vast land from Baldur's Gate to the Dragon Coast."
As the last word came out of his mouth, the whole hall fell into a terrible silence.
There is no doubt that Zuo Si's rapid rise and expansion has brought an enormous sense of oppression to Waterdeep that cannot be described in words.
You must know that before this, neither the pirate city of Luskan in the north, nor Baldur's Gate in the south, nor Amn, which has the best commerce in Faerun, could pose a real threat to Waterdeep.
For a long time, Waterdeep was the supreme leader of all the towns in the North.
Both Neverwinter and Silvermoon followed Waterdeep's footsteps, forming a loose but united alliance.
But now, Neverwinter and the Silvermoon Alliance have completely turned to Zuo Si, who can bring them security, prosperity, and greater benefits, so it goes without saying that other towns will also turn to him.
On the contrary, Waterdeep was isolated because it had not yet joined the trade alliance.
Dagger Beach, which has always been a loyal follower of Waterdeep, is now gradually out of control.
Although Zuo Si has not yet wielded the economic stick to impose sanctions on Waterdeep, the latter has obviously begun to feel very uncomfortable.
After about two or three minutes, Khelbourne was the first to break the silence and stood up and said, "Let me go to Askatra to talk to Soth.
But you'd better be mentally prepared, because with his personality he will definitely ask for a lot.
In addition, it would be best to come to a conclusion as soon as possible regarding joining the trade alliance.
Otherwise, the longer it takes, the greater our losses will be.”
"Then I'll trouble you."
Pirgalen cast a grateful look at the archmage who had protected Waterdeep more than once.
Despite their political differences and even more than one argument, he believed that Khell would truly devote everything to Waterdeep.
"Let me take charge of the mission to Cormyr. I happen to have some friendship with King Yasan IV, so I can take this opportunity to test his attitude."
Leila took the initiative to take on another diplomatic mission.
In fact, many of Waterdeep's most important diplomatic tasks have always been handled by Khelben and Lyra.
After all, they are the chosen ones of the Goddess of Magic and are also powerful legendary wizards. Their connections are simply beyond the reach of other masked lords.
Most countries and city-states would not want to offend them, and would even desire to establish good friendships with them so that they could ask for help when they were in crisis.
In addition, because they lived longer, made more friends and helped more people, many rulers owed them favors.
This allows them to be very comfortable in diplomatic work, and they don't have to rack their brains like other masked lords to think about how to win the other party's favor.
…
Just as the Waterdeep Council was making its decision, in the court of the Kingdom of Cormyr, far south of the valley and west of Sembia.
Yasan IV also summoned his confidants and several great nobles to discuss whether to send troops.
As the king, he sat on his own throne, staring at the map hanging in the hall, and asked in a slightly low voice: "If we send troops across the Dragon Lake now to cut off Zhentil Castle's retreat and force Fuzor Chamberlain to fight us, what are the chances of winning?"
而且我必须提醒您，按照目前的局势，您根本无法召集太多的封臣。
尤其是靠近桑比亚边境的封臣。
因为那边的局势已经混乱到了难以想象的程度。
大量的难民拥挤在关隘附近，每天只能靠着少量的粮食勉强维持生存。
一旦他们涌入王国境内，必然会造成剧烈的动荡与破坏。”
王室大法师——凡格达·海斯特不慌不忙将自己掌握的情报全部说了出来。
由于科米尔王室一直都遵循着古老的传统，那就是由一名大法师来辅佐国王处理国事，并在必要的时候阻止其在冲动暴怒之下失去理智的命令。
所以他拥有非常大的权力，同时也是现任国王最信任的幕僚。
“桑比亚那群该死的奸商！如果不是他们瞎折腾，科米尔的粮食价格怎么会在短短一年之内如此剧烈的波动。”
亚桑四世咬牙切齿的低声咒骂。
要知道桑比亚跟科米尔之间原本的关系就不怎么好，经常会因为边界无法确定的问题爆发矛盾。
再加上封建王权与资本寡头之间天然的对立，两个国家统治阶级怎么看对方怎么不顺眼。
之所以没打起来，还是因为科米尔王国的势力足够强大，并且本身也并不好战。
可虽然战争没打起来，但并不意味着和平。
桑比亚利用其自身发达的商业与资本力量，经常暗中在科米尔王国内搞事情，高卖低买、囤积居奇都是正常操作。
反正只要不违反法律，科米尔的贵族们也拿这些人没办法。
亚桑四世在位期间就经历了不止一次由桑比亚商人搞出来的麻烦，所以对于这些家伙没有一丁点的好感，全是鄙夷跟仇视。
“陛下，请冷静点。
其实这次桑比亚的崩溃与混乱，对于我们来说未尝不是一件好事。
只要那些寡头的统治被推翻，那么我们就有可能迎来一个不那么咄咄逼人和讨厌的邻居。
相比之下，眼下这点动荡和混乱都算不了什么。”
凡格达·海斯特面带微笑的劝慰道。
亚桑四世无奈的叹了口气：“哎——希望如此吧。看来出征计划又要泡汤了呢。坐视散塔林会和散提尔堡的势力不断扩张，这对于我们科米尔王国可不是什么好事。”
就在大法师还想要开口说点什么的时候，一名身穿铠甲、看上去二十岁刚出头的年轻姑娘突然从外面闯了进来。
由于没有佩戴头盔的关系，可以清楚的看到她拥有一头与亚桑四世一样的黑色长发和相似的五官，盔甲下边的身材明显经过严格锻炼，不管是大腿、臀部、还是手臂，都有相当结实的肌肉，虽然拥有令人羡慕的美貌但行为举止却相当粗鲁。
一名守在门口的卫兵想要将其拦住，但却被毫不留情的一把推开，踉跄着后退了好几步差点一屁股坐在地上。
旁边另外一名卫兵更是连拦都不敢拦，直接冲国王和大法师露出了无可奈何的苦笑，紧跟着深吸了一口气高呼道：“雅卢赛尔·娜卡琪亚·欧拜斯齐尔公主驾到！”
是的！
这位宛如骑士一样穿戴打扮的姑娘不是别人，正是亚桑四世的小女儿，被科米尔贵族和平民尊称为“钢铁公主”的雅卢赛尔。
按照费伦大陆原本的历史，她会在自己父亲与红龙——纳拉法罗萨托瑞尔同归于尽后出任摄政王，用铁腕手段将蜂拥而起的叛乱镇压下去，维持了国家内部的稳定和团结。
当然，现如今的“钢铁公主”还仅仅只是个叛逆、甚至有点争强好胜的年轻女孩，不少同龄人私下里都将其称之为“男人婆”。
因为相比起其他温柔贤淑的贵族女性，她把太多时间花费在实战训练、策马奔腾、研究战略战术方面。
几名妄图追求这位公主殿下的青年，无一例外都被其在一对一的决斗中狠狠打过一顿。
“钢铁公主”这个称号也是因为在参加对抗无尽荒野游牧民大军作战时表现英勇赢得的。
“父亲！我听说您又要准备打仗了？”
雅卢赛尔直接无视了一旁的大法师，用充满了兴奋与期待的语气向亚桑四世询问。
对于她来说，这个世界上没有什么比战斗和战争更有趣的游戏了。
“雅卢赛尔！我说过多少次了，不要在王宫内穿着你的铠甲，而是要换上公主的裙子。还有，你年纪也不小了，是时候应该考虑婚姻的问题。”国王扶着额头一脸无奈的训斥道。
尽管有这么一位英武果敢的女儿让他很欣慰，甚至一度非常的骄傲自豪。
但随着这位公主的年纪越来越大、行事作风越来越像个男性，根本不理会那些贵族青年的追求，他终于开始意识到情况不妙，想要进行纠正。
可为时已晚。
亚桑四世有一段时间甚至觉得要是自己的女儿变成儿子，那一切就都完美了。
不过公主就是公主，永远也无法成为王子。
至于魔法变性这种事情，在社会风气相对保守的科米尔王国绝对是不能做的。
面对父亲的训斥，雅卢赛尔的反应是一脸无所谓的耸了耸肩膀，笑着回应道：“抱歉，父亲。
您应该最清楚，我从小到大一共就只穿过三次裙子。
那种拖拖拉拉连步子都迈不开的衣服不适合我。
至于婚姻……
您至少应该找一个能打的过我的人吧？ 否则的话，我宁愿一辈子不结婚，也不要嫁给一个窝囊废。
好了，比起这种无聊的小事，还是让我们来谈谈战争。
您打算什么时候出兵？ 我愿意率领三百名骑士作为前锋。”
看着这个一听到战争就会兴奋的女儿，亚桑四世也是无语到了极点，立刻摆了摆手打断道：“别想什么战争了。
根据凡格达·海斯特的建议，王国现阶段不适合打仗。
就算要打，也轮不到你这个公主出场。
更何况这次的敌人可不是那些连魔法都不会使用的野蛮人，而是整合了散提尔堡和散塔林会的傅佐尔·钱伯瑞。
如果你还像之前那样鲁莽，那么随时都有可能被对方俘虏乃至杀死。”
“傅佐尔·钱伯瑞？月之海暴君！”
雅卢赛尔两眼微微放光，显然并没有因为班恩选民的赫赫威名就吓破胆，反倒是有一种跃跃欲试的冲动。
毕竟这个年纪的人大多都抱着一种要建功立业、名扬天下的渴望，她自然也不例外。
就在这位钢铁公主张开嘴还想要说点什么的时候，门外的卫兵突然推开门走进来汇报道：“陛下，深水城的使者莱拉女士造访。她希望能立刻得到您的接见。”
“莱拉女士？！”
亚桑四世先是吃了一惊，紧跟着迅速从王座上站了起来。
有同样反应的还有一旁的大法师——凡格达·海斯特。
两人相互交换了一下眼神之后，国王这才重新坐下并命令道：“请莱拉女士过来。记得礼貌一点，她可是王国最尊贵的客人之一。”
“明白！”
卫兵赶忙单手抚胸鞠了一躬转身离开。
没过一会人功夫，他就带着莱拉又回来了。
“日安，尊贵的亚桑四世陛下。非常荣幸能够得到您的接见。”
莱拉十分优雅的欠了欠身，脸上一如既往挂着矜持而又礼貌的微笑。
“我也非常荣幸能够再一次见到您，女士。”
亚桑四世不敢托大，迅速起身回了一礼。
毕竟魔法女神的选民一直都跟科米尔王国保持着相当不错的关系，他的父亲和爷爷还曾经向伊尔明斯特请教过一些关于过去的历史。
莱拉先是巡视了一下四周，确认没有什么可疑的家伙之后，这才开门见山的问：“我想您应该已经收到关于博德之门陷落的消息了，是吧？”
亚桑四世微微点了下头：“是的。散提尔堡大军的征服速度比我预料中要快太多。
才没过多久便占领了从巨龙海岸到剑湾的广袤土地。
这对于我们所有人来说都是一个巨大的威胁。
如果我没猜错的话，您应该是代表深水城前来结盟，然后邀请我们一起出兵对付傅佐尔·钱伯瑞？”
“嗯，是的。不过稍微纠正一下，将要与您一起出兵的并不是深水城，而是商业帝国安姆。”
在说这番话的时候，莱拉脸上浮现出了意味深长的笑容。
很显然，作为魔法女神的选民和凯尔本的妻子，她早就已经知晓了左思要吞并北方地区的计划。
因此夫妻俩这才一个动身去阿斯卡特拉找左思，另外一个来到科米尔。
他们的目的非常简单，那就是让科米尔王国在傅佐尔·钱伯瑞撤退的时候狠狠给他来上一下。
最好是拦截下所有的物资，不给散提尔堡和散塔林会势力得以发展壮大的机会。
Just as Zuo Si expected, whether in the good camp or the evil camp, everyone has their own ideas and interests.
Therefore, even allies who cooperate with each other may engage in some small actions in private.
There is no way to avoid this kind of thing.
…
On the other side, far away in the Mage Tower of Askatra, the capital of Amn.
Zuo Si, who had just signed the devil's contract with Erinikas, was meeting Khelbourne who had come from afar in the reception room.
After the two met, they didn't say a word, just looked into each other's eyes and drank cup of tea after cup.
After the pot of tea was finished, Khelben sighed and broke the silence and asked, "Why did you accept Asmodeus' invitation to join the forces of Hell?"
"Because I found that my personality is very compatible with the devil, and I also need to become a quasi-divine power to fight against the gods."
Zuo Si gave the answer very straightforwardly.
"So what is your current identity? Elect? Tyrant? Devil? Planeswalker?" Khelben continued to ask, stroking his beard.
Zuo Si smiled and replied, "Of course it's the Planeswalker. I can give up all my other identities when necessary, but I will never give up the power of a Planeswalker.
So please don't worry about what I will do to the world as a devil, because there is no need.
If I wanted, I could easily acquire billions of evil, corrupt, and depraved souls from other worlds."
“I never doubted that.
Because the super-giant city with almost no borders on the ninth level is enough to explain many problems.
Your evil is not the superficial violence, destruction and killing, but a deep exploration of the dark side and desires of human nature.
The reason why many souls continue to push their limits is not because of you, but because they themselves cannot control their impulses. "
When he said this, Kelben's eyes suddenly became extremely complicated.
Because he was one of the very few people who observed the young planeswalker in front of him changing from mentality to thinking, and eventually becoming what he is today.
"Have you been to the level I rule?"
Zuo Si raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Kelben nodded with emotion: "Yes, I have been there.
I have to say, judging from the comfort, convenience, enjoyment and indulgence of desires alone, it can indeed be called a paradise for the fallen.
I believe that if mortals knew that there was an entire level in Baator that looked like that, they would probably rush to sign a devil's contract.
Because there are things there that they have never enjoyed in their lives, and they can give free rein to their wild hearts that are constrained by laws and morals.
Perhaps the only thing to note is that when a soul has fallen to the extreme, it will be pulled into the torture chamber and squeezed into energy to keep hell running.
But as a place to relax, have fun, unwind and find excitement, your ninth floor is simply perfect.”
“Hahahaha! Thank you for the compliment, this is exactly the result I hoped for.
In my opinion, the process of corruption should not be painful and dangerous, but should make people indulge in it unconsciously.
Otherwise, mortals will become alert and fearful and will not dare to continue sliding into the abyss of depravity.
In a way, this is also a kind of transaction.
I give those souls who enter the ninth plane a city that never sleeps where they can enjoy, vent and indulge themselves.
And after enjoying enough of everything, they will sacrifice their souls and become part of the devil's army.
We both got what we wanted, so it’s a win-win.”
Zuo Si laughed as he expounded his views on evil and depravity.
In his eyes, the other levels of Baator Hell were too eerie and terrifying, always giving people a feeling that either the natural environment was too harsh or there were deadly traps everywhere.
How could such a state of affairs induce mortals to voluntarily join hell? As the saying goes, if you want to take something, you must first give it.
If you want to lure more mortals into depravity, you have to create a place that makes them feel happy, joyful, and delighted.
Then the fame will spread throughout all levels of the universe.
When more and more people come to the ninth floor and go back to tell others about the splendor and beauty of the huge cyberpunk city, mortals will become eager to try it.
Once the brand effect and scale effect are formed, this place will become the most attractive place for mortals to join in all levels of Baator Hell.
Even when signing a contract, mortals would prefer to sign a contract to go to the ninth floor.
This means that except for Asmodeus, who holds the highest authority in the entire Baator Hell plane, all other lords at all levels will be defeated in the competition for the ownership of souls, and the gap will widen little by little, eventually establishing Zuo Si's unshakable position as the crown prince and prince of Hell.
"Yes! There was no coercion or threat. All choices were made by the mortals themselves.
This is also the most terrifying thing about you.
Okay, enough talk about the devil and hell for now.
I came here this time with a mission given by the Council of Lords of Waterdeep.
Tell me, when are you going to clean up that mess up north?"
Khelbourne decisively ended the previous topic and began to ask Zuo Si about his next plans and arrangements.
Only by clarifying the arrangements here first can he give the Kingdom of Cormyr an accurate time to act, and attack from both sides to make Zhentil Castle vomit up all the benefits it has gained.
(End of this chapter)