I have an appointment with you

The grey gate opened deep in the black fog, and the betrayed bloodline members carefully looked at this strange land. They were either worried or expectant. No matter which one, they knew that there was no turning back.

The Speaker walked out of the gray door. Hazel, who was standing beside him, took a breath of the air that smelled of black mist and smiled.

"Our deal is now complete. Speaker, I should still call you Gravekeeper."

"Call me what you want, it doesn't matter."

Hazel said, "How cruel! We are allies after all. Aren't you worried that your plan will fail? Unscrupulous businessmen are not so easy to deal with."

“Even if you have the power to buy everything, there are things you can’t accomplish. Humans are very complex creatures. I have tried my best. The rest is up to fate to decide who wins and who loses.”

The Speaker of the Parliament looked into the depths of the black fog, his eyes deep and calm.

"Initially, I asked the profiteer to stay in Partington because his ability was too special and could easily pose a threat. To be on the safe side, I also asked Abbott to return to Partington disguised as a traveling doctor, ostensibly to spread the medicine and further expand the influence of the secret brew. In fact, there was another purpose, which was to attract the profiteer to come and investigate."

"Partington is the seat of the Chamber of Commerce, so the merchants will certainly maintain the stability of the city. Once he confirms Ai Bo's identity, he will naturally choose to stay in Partington to prevent the next risk. Then I can invite him to the central building. Even if they find something wrong with me, the unscrupulous merchants will definitely take the bait."

"Are you so confident?"

"I have confidence in the profiteer. The ability to deal with everything is extremely terrifying, so as long as we set the bait, he will definitely come to see the situation. The truth is sometimes more important than life, and we may not be able to kill him."

Hai Shizi was a little surprised and said, "Your [Judge] bloodline can even judge fallen gods. Isn't that enough?"

"Things that can deal with gods may not be able to fight against demons. The profiteer must have made preparations. However, even if he survives, the rest of the matter is already decided. Your Majesty sent the portal here specifically to allow the black fog to enter Partington. The increase of pollutants will inevitably be accompanied by the spread of black fog. Use the fixed-point teleportation array you made as a medium to connect to the depths of the black fog through the portal, and spread the pollution and the devices made by the [Craftsmen] in Partington."

"Use the brainworm's blood vessels to build a thought network covering the entire city, and then transport the pollution device through the thought network to promote further mutation of the host."

"After all, these steps are all to speed up the absorption of external pollution by humans. It doesn't matter if there is a problem in any link. The medicine that was drunk before, the pollution brought by the promotion of the [Portal], the spread of the black fog, and the chaos of humans in this situation will all become the accelerator of mutation. In that case, humans will become monsters."

A complex expression flashed across the face of the chairman of the council: "Besides, not everyone refuses to welcome chaos. Alienation brings not only disasters, but also power and..."

"Benefit."

In Partington, the black district.

There is always a shadow on the other side of light. As the Black Forest Tavern becomes stronger, some people are unwilling to join the tavern and try to survive.

After the cleanup at the Black Forest Tavern, these people should have survived. However, a sudden change changed the situation in Partington and the fate of some of them.

"Why are you running? Did I let you run?"

The man with a full mane kicked the other man to the ground, and the two lackeys beside him said: "How dare you defy my brother? Do you want to die?"

The man's expression changed several times, and he swallowed his anger and said, "I just stole some of your goods before. There's no need to do this."

"It seems you haven't figured out your identity yet."

The man sneered and slapped the man to the ground. Looking at the man who was in such a bad state, he felt happy.

He was originally just an ordinary, frail man, but in this disaster, his blood suddenly awakened and he became a lucky man who controlled power. People who used to only please him now became his venting objects, and everyone else had to submit to him. The joy of controlling power was so overwhelming that he couldn't stop.

As long as this chaos doesn't end, he can rely on his strength to dominate! Thinking of the hidden wealth in this city, the man's eyes flashed with excitement. He knew too many places where rich people lived, and robbing any of them would allow him to have no worries about food and drink for the rest of his life.

At this moment, a light appeared in the sky above Partington. The sound of the contract rang in everyone's ears, and the people in the room were startled and their expressions changed.

"You all have to listen to me. Those who don't will be thrown out to feed the monsters. Do you hear me?"

No, if he lets Partington restore order, wouldn't the power he just gained be useless? The man's eyes were red, and he roared at the threatened person beside him.

"Don't agree, or I'll kill you!"

Under his threat, the others trembled in agreement and were forced to choose to refuse.

The weak boy who had always been bullied wiped the blood off his hands, and after the initial panic, only joy remained in his heart. Looking at his companions' mixed eyes of fear and flattery, he felt infinite joy in his heart.

It's different now! He is no longer the same person he used to be! He will not be bullied anymore and has the power to defeat everyone! Even the classmates who laughed at him must respect him!

"That's good. I don't want to be bullied anymore. I'm going back to Partington!"

On the commercial street, a shop owner shook his head like a rattle, unwilling to give up the wealth he had accumulated over the years even if it meant death.

"This money means everything to me. If I have to pay, I'd rather die!"

The voices come together, washing away the condensed wishes.

Disasters bring not only despair, but also change and strength.

Some people are able to dominate others, some indulge in revenge. While some people lose, others gain new benefits, hoping that despair will continue, and this nightmare will never end.

The more dangerous the moment, the more the complexity of human nature is exposed.

The people of Partinton held their breath and looked up at the contract scroll in the air, which was breaking into pieces, symbolizing that the price paid by the contracting party was insufficient.

Seeing this scene, people felt powerless and their despair grew stronger.

...Is there nothing that can be done?

Is it just a matter of giving up?

In silence, the black-robed merchant stretched out his hand again, drawing a graceful arc in the air.

Golden light emanated from the cuffs, reshaping the shape of a scroll.

Mason sighed inwardly. The profiteer's blessing was impeccable, and the curse was minimal. He had placed many hopes on this vest. If he died, what would happen to the White, Violet, Black Forest Tavern, and the Chamber of Commerce?

But there are some things that have to be done, even if it means sacrificing his vest, he must do it. He will have more vests, but there will only be one Partington in the world.

"Now that you've made up your mind, just do it."

The red paint outlined the shape of a scale, one end of which fell heavily to the ground. The sound of treasures falling to the ground was endless, and the flames generated by the burning wealth were blazing. Under the urging of the unscrupulous businessman, this completely unequal contract was realized.

The treasures in the storehouse disappeared one by one. The little heart beat in the chest, sending out a warm and gentle breath. It was expecting something, calling for something.

The black-robed merchant reached into his chest, took out the warm, beating heart, and crushed it with force.

In the town, the Pegasus that was originally leisurely suddenly raised its head and stared in the direction of Partinton. With tears in its eyes, it flapped its wings and flew high, circling and neighing loudly towards that place.

The loud voice attracted the attention of the townspeople, and Ronald looked up at the Pegasus. Its snow-white fur reflected golden light in the sunlight, as if it was waiting for its rider.

As the transparent heart broke, the old knight's laughter rang in the black-robed merchant's ears, and his rough and powerful hands rested on the black-robed merchant's shoulders.

He said, "Fly, fly. Rodney's Pegasus can overcome any obstacle."

An illusory Pegasus flew out from the golden light and rushed towards where the scroll was.

Another person put his hand on his shoulder, and a strange voice whispered, "Thank you for saving my wife."

One, one, and another.

First, the souls of those used as pawn reserves began to burn, and many people in the Black Zone who committed crimes under the name of the Black Forest Tavern died wailing, leaving only the core members. And the ownership of these people's souls was transferred to Bai.

Secondly, a glow-fly-like light flew out from the living. Violet turned her head suddenly, staring blankly at the empty back. At that moment, she seemed to feel a familiar touch brushing her cheek, whispering something softly. But when she tried to catch it, the other person's voice had dissipated with the breeze.

Originally humans separated the good from the evil in people, keeping half in the human world and sealing the other half in the other side of the world.

The black fog swallowed up the souls of the dead, but the goodness of people did not disappear. The thin hope was placed in the living, forming a cycle of good and evil in the era of black fog.

Those points of light merged into the contract. The excruciating pain of tearing the body came from the chest, and the wealth that had originally healed the wound was returned. Blood flowed continuously from the chest of the profiteer, blooming into a bunch of gorgeous blood flowers.

"Owner!?"

Bai's face turned pale as he stared at the profiteer's mask in horror. The pale mask cracked in the middle, and finally with a crackling sound, blood flowed out.

The profiteer shook his head, signaling him not to panic. Even though he was seriously injured, he remained calm as usual.

"This is the last lesson I'm going to teach you, kid."

He spoke to the latter in a gentle manner, and tears welled up on his face. He shook his head vigorously and before he knew it, he was sobbing uncontrollably.

Great panic surged in people's hearts. Why was fate so cruel that it always took away important people from them?

"Please don't do this, Master. This city is not worth your sacrifice..."

The young man grabbed the other's clothes, his face pale: "Let's go back to Xinzhen, okay? Take Nu Mian with you. Don't worry about these things anymore, let's go back, now!"

"Don't be willful, Bai."

The profiteer smiled softly and reached out to touch his hair, his voice was very gentle, as if he was treating his own child tenderly.

"Keep growing up. The Chamber of Commerce will be handed over to you in the future. Don't forget Newtown. Everyone has a home, and I hope your home will be there. Remember to get along well with Mason, because he will be your lord in the future."

I didn't leave.

Mason said softly in his heart, but we can never meet in this capacity again.

He understood more and more what he should do. The black-robed merchant took a step forward and laughed wildly and recklessly.

"I am a legend trader, a gambler of fate, a profiteer of miracles and disasters."

A huge world tree appeared in the sky above Partington, echoing the illusory door. Its lush branches and leaves swayed, and there were countless stars above. Each leaf recorded the direction of fate, and anyone who saw it would know that this was the world tree. The whole world was born because of it.

Tall circular buildings surround the majestic World Tree, and astrologers travel between the buildings, recording the trajectory of fate. The Sky River runs through the sky above, shining with unimaginable grandeur. A goddess wearing a black veil walks on the high platform, and immediately a well-informed person hums.

"That is the kingdom of the goddess of fate, a place built around the world tree to observe fate."

In the center of the courtyard, the red-haired swordsman sat under a tree, chatting and laughing with the handsome blue-eyed knight. A translucent long sword was placed on his knees, and the pure white Pegasus strolled leisurely. When passing by another place, he sniffed curiously.

The black-robed merchant patted its head with a smile and took out a bag of horse grass to lure it. The Pegasus snorted disdainfully and walked away gracefully. The black-robed merchant sighed, turned his head and said something to a blurry figure beside him, his gesture seemed extremely gentle.

The priest in white robes sat higher up, his long silver hair rustled by the wind, and his eyes looked far away. There, there were countless blurry figures wandering around. It was not until the two knights called out that he jumped down from the lowest branch and returned to his companions under the vast starlight.

Carefree, extremely beautiful, peaceful and tranquil. The sound of wind comes from the swaying branches, and the threads of fate intersect here. The souls from the past live in the world tree. They enjoy the never-ending eternity and defend the tranquility and peace of the world tree.

【Land of Stars】

This word immediately popped up in the minds of many people of noble blood.

The profiteer, Oreius of the Luo family, the Son of God of the Church, these people are said to be from the land of stars.

Arnold couldn't help but be distracted. According to what he knew, the Noble Association did look for information about the "Land of Stars" at the beginning, and regarded it as one of the five taboos, the clue of the "Contaminated World Tree", but there was no gain.

These people seemed to have popped out of nowhere. There was no record of the Land of Stars in the historical records. In addition, many things happened, and these three people never mentioned the Land of Stars again, so the association gradually gave up further investigation.

But now, the Land of Stars appears before people in such a real appearance.

The world almost stopped at this moment, and the profiteer looked around as if he had realized something. A devil with double horns and cunning eyes appeared beside him. Surrounded by countless souls and treasures placed on the treasure shelf, he looked up at the glowing scroll with a look full of regret.

"It's a fine collectible, but it shouldn't have been in the hands of the devil. You made a bad decision, newbie."

The black-robed merchant's body was shattered, and more blood flowed out. First it was red, then gold. It was as if something had cut his body open, and molten gold flowed out. The pale mask was still staring at the devil that suddenly appeared, and he had understood something.

"How should I address you? The original owner of the Godhead."

"You can call me [Devil Lord]. In the era before the Black Mist, I tempted the most holy knights to fall and deceived people into desire and wealth. But first of all, I have long since gotten rid of the low taste of trading everything with souls. My collection is full of everything. I have met some ordinary wishes of human beings and occasionally helped the great cause of the Twelve Gods. Just like your name, you can also call me a profiteer."

The Devil Lord shrugged his shoulders and said in a relaxed tone: "As the black fog spread, even the demons in the abyss could not stand the erosion. The abyss where we live was destroyed, and all the demons, devils and other abyss creatures fled to the main interface. As a result, the God of War went crazy and started a war between gods. In order to survive, I had to make a deal with those righteous gods. This is why I appeared here."

"I regret that you do not have my approval. Our paths do not cross, so I will take back my power."

The profiteer asked: "Will anyone get it later?"

This question made the Devil Lord turn his head. Apart from his ferocious horns and vertical goat eyes, he did look very much like a human.

"It's a question that you have to pay a price to get the answer to."

The Devil thought for a while and gave up the idea of ​​trying to get something out of the other person. After all, he couldn't use the benefits he got, and he didn't like sacrificing himself for the benefit of others. So he answered cheerfully.

“No.”

"The power I have left is only enough for one inheritance, and it will be exhausted after this inheritance. Each godhead symbolizes a path. Gods carry hopes and walk the path they symbolize, with only one purpose, which is to lead mankind to a more distant future. The road to the future is not immutable. Even now that the gods have perished, humans are constantly generating new possibilities, such as now."

Saying this, the [Devil Lord] pointed to the city of Partington, which was burning in death, and a look of intoxication appeared on his face.

"A beautiful breath. Desire, ambition and fear are fermenting. Can you hear this moving melody? Newcomer, a new path is being born in front of you. The birth of the old gods always steps on the death of the new gods. Now is the time for my path to end."

The black-robed merchant, with blood on his chest, looked at him quietly: "You don't look that scared."

"Why should I be afraid?"

The Devil King smiled and asked, "The real me died when the black fog came. What is talking to you now is just my remains. If it is just my remains, why are you still afraid of death?"

He leaned close to the profiteer's ear and whispered sweetly like a lover.

"I like your story, but it's a pity that you lost the game. Out of sympathy, you chose to make an improper deal. You didn't get enough chips, and you also lost yourself."

The devil's hand passed through the unscrupulous businessman's body and took out the godhead condensed by the brilliance of wealth. The crystal clear multi-faceted body reflected the brilliant firelight, exuding an intoxicating beauty.

The Devil Lord laughed and threw it into the sky. The hard crystal shattered in the air, becoming the last piece of the puzzle of the contract.

Finally, he snapped his fingers and said jokingly, "By the way, let me change your color. To be honest, black robes are not suitable for a [pure] guy like you."

As he spoke, the world in the eyes of the profiteer shattered, and the black robe on his body faded little by little, turning into pure white like snow, and then was stained red with blood.

The always treacherous merchant fell backwards in a white robe. The contract above his head emitted a dazzling light, dispelling the dark fog in Partington City.

Countless chains extended from the phantom of the starry land, binding the portal that was still spreading pollution. The illusory door, sensing the danger, began to shake, and countless twisted and blasphemous patterns appeared on the door, but it still could not escape the restraint. The insane portal was forcibly compressed into an ordinary door, and then teleported to another place by the profiteer.

"I am willing to exchange my wealth for Nidhogg's resurrection."

The jewels that were originally used to treat the unscrupulous merchant's wounds but were returned to him started to burn. The flames stopped moving.

The profiteer said "huh" lightly. The resurrection of the bone dragon was not successful. This meant that someone had already resurrected it.

He then said: "I use this wealth to exchange for a possibility."

The jewels disappeared. The profiteer said to the man, "Help me up."

Bai held back his tears and carefully helped him up. The profiteer looked at Partington in front of him and said softly.

"I'd trade everything I have left for a hope for the future."

From this moment on, the unscrupulous businessman completely lost the ability to exchange.

The mask broke in two and fell off, revealing a fleshy face without any facial features, and black hair hanging down in disorder. His figure seemed to be erased from this world bit by bit with an eraser. Bai grabbed him in panic: "No!"

"It's time for you to grow up, Shiro."

The profiteer didn't say anything harsh. He took one last look at Bai and spoke gently.

"Don't cry for me, Bai. I have taught you many things. For a businessman, kindness is equivalent to death. But even so, don't forget your original intention."

"Remember, you are not a monster, you are a human being."

The spiritual power was drained from this body like water, and the black-robed merchant's body gradually melted, and finally evaporated without a drop left. White tears dripped, in vain.

A drop of something wet fell from the sky, and then turned into a continuous rain. The heavy rain poured down from the sky, as if turning the world into an upside-down seabed.

The bloody smell that had lingered in Partinton for a long time finally dissipated under the washing of rain. When the clear rain water came into contact with human bodies, it immediately became filthy.

The monsters roared in pain and gradually regained their human form in the rain, before all of them fainted from exhaustion.

The sound of the rain was silent and the survivors stared at the downpour in a daze. They subconsciously reached out to catch a handful of water. The water also gently cleansed their bodies.

The rain washed over Bai's body. He sobbed and lay on the place where the profiteer had been, his tears mixing with the rain and rolling down.

"It's gone, it's really gone..."

The aura on the other side of the contract completely disappeared.

After a while, someone sighed softly. An umbrella was opened over his head, blocking the heavy rain.

The other person squatted down and touched his hair. He turned around subconsciously and met a pair of gentle eyes.

"...Mason? What are you doing here?"

"The profiteer sent me here. Don't forget, the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce is in my territory. I have connections with both Oreius and Canaan. I am also an insider about the Land of Stars. The profiteer knew that you would be very sad, so he asked me to come and take a look at the situation."

Xue Pai wiped away his tears. The white-haired boy felt a lump in his throat and buried his head in his arms.

"The master has disappeared."

"Um."

"I want revenge."

"Okay, I'll help you."

"...I will make them all pay the price. I will make the Chamber of Commerce number one. I will kill all the followers of the Black Mist."

Bai's shoulders trembled slightly, and his voice was filled with tears. A huge sadness filled his heart, making him eager to find an answer.

"I will make New Town the best town for humans. My master told me to treat New Town as my home. Mason, I won't lose my family again, right?"

The hand stroking his hair paused slightly, and then the boy's gentle voice was heard.

"Um."

"I have made an agreement with you. From now on, no one from the new town will be left behind."