Chapter 110: The Cooperation of the Deities (Seeking Collection)

Chapter 110: The Cooperation of the Deities (Seeking Collection)



The night was pitch-black.

A wooden boat sliced through the darkness, heading deep into the heart of the Black Swamp.

At the boat's front, a lantern hung, its soft glow illuminating the surroundings and guiding their path.

Karl controlled the Minor Mage's Hand, propelling the boat forward.

Behind him stood Angel Remiel, hands clasped behind her back, her eyes shimmering with a white aura as she gazed into the distance.

An angel.

A true angel.

An existence only found in stories.

Karl never imagined that he would one day share a boat with a genuine angel.

The pure aura emanating from her seemed vast and endless, carrying a power that could soothe all.

Tier 2?

Tier 3?

Undoubtedly, she was far beyond Tier 1!

"Honorable Angel," Karl began, his initial surprise and awe giving way to a calmer tone. "May I ask why you seek the Gray Robe Wizard?"

"Mortal," Remiel replied, her expression unchanging. "That is not a question you should be asking."

Hmm?

This angel seemed a bit tsundere.

He could tell she wasn't angry, just seemingly unaccustomed to communicating with others.

So, she used coldness and rejection as substitutes.

"Is Katherine alright?" Karl asked again. "From what I know, deities and angels reside in the Divine Realm. When they descend to the mortal world through a believer's body, it consumes the believer's life force."

"Eh?" Remiel's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to look at him. "You seem to know quite a bit."

"Hmph!"

The angel let out a soft snort. "Arrogant unbeliever, daring to pry into the realm of the gods. After death, you will be nailed to the Unbeliever's Wall and suffer endless torment."

"Honorable Angel," Karl sighed. "I am a Wizard Apprentice, seeking knowledge and truth. I am not bound by the constraints of deities."

"Hmm..."

"In ancient times, there seemed to be an agreement between wizards and deities, where they wouldn't interfere with each other. My soul shouldn't be able to go to the Unbeliever's Wall either."

Remiel remained silent.

She didn't know about this agreement. In her mind, deities were all-powerful.

An agreement with wizards?

That was true.

Could it be that...

even gods could yield?

Just like this time, when she was tasked with something?

A moment of distraction flashed in her eyes, quickly replaced by the white aura, reaffirming her conviction.

'Everything is the Lord's test.'

"As long as I don't do anything, your friend will be fine," Remiel said after a moment's thought, her voice cold. "Perhaps she wants me to do something, so I can enter the Divine Realm sooner and serve the Lord God."

"So..." Karl nodded slowly. "That's why you asked me to bring you to the Gray Robe Wizard. Katherine's body can't support you for much longer."

"Is it because Katherine is a devout follower of the Morning Sun Lord that her body can host you?"

"Isn't faith enough for an angel to descend?"

"Mortal!" Remiel's face hardened. "Are you testing my patience?"

"Matters concerning deities are not for mortals to understand, not even in speculation!"

After a pause, she added, "Nor wizards!"

"...I won't ask further," Karl sighed, seeing the angel's growing seriousness.

Ripples spread across the swamp's muddy waters as an invisible force pushed the boat forward, heading into the thick fog.

Soon, two figures appeared in the distance.

"Stop!" They called out, arms outstretched. "This is the residence of the Gray Robe Wizard. Outsiders are forbidden."

Grand Knights!

The two figures ahead exuded a formidable aura, their life force like a blazing torch. They were undoubtedly Grand Knights.

Only a Second Circle Wizard would have the privilege of having Grand Knights as escorts.

"Gentlemen," Karl stood and gestured behind him. "This is..."

"Let them pass," came a voice from the island before Karl could explain. "The mentor is expecting them."

"Yes, sir."

The two Grand Knights stepped aside.

Karl tied the boat to a stone post on the shore and, alongside Remiel, stepped onto the island belonging to Gray Robe Wizard Addison.

Not far ahead, a stunning sight awaited.

Countless firefly-like creatures filled the sky, and a dignified woman in a wizard's robe stood waiting.

Formal Wizard Marian, the only disciple of Gray Robe Wizard Addison.

Karl had never interacted with this wizard, but he had seen her portrait at the League's headquarters.

"Angel..."

Marian, too, was likely seeing an angel for the first time, her gaze complex as she gestured for Remiel to follow.

Gray Robe Wizard Addison sat cross-legged at the base of a large tree, her body seemingly more frail than it had been a few years ago.

"Angel," Addison said, her eyes flashing green as she looked at Remiel. "The last time an angel descended was over sixty years ago. Back then, I was merely an observer."

Even a Second Circle Wizard would be awestruck by the vast energy emanating from the angel, perhaps surpassing Tier 2.

The angel before them was no ordinary angel.

"Remiel," she said, her neck held high and her voice crisp. "Are you Gray Robe Wizard Addison?"

"The putrid aura emanating from you is nauseating. If possible, I'd rather not have come down to meet you."

"Heh..." Addison chuckled, the wrinkles on her face resembling tree bark. "Then, what brings you down here?"

"This is the Forsaken Land, a place sealed with a barrier that weakens divine power. It's no wonder you find it challenging to adapt."

"Hmm!" Remiel let out a soft hum.

"Seraphiel wishes for you to deal with the Kolon army."

"Seraphiel?" Addison narrowed his eyes, having heard of this name written in the scriptures.

Archangel Seraphiel!

The strongest angel and guardian under the Morning Sun Lord.

"According to the agreement between wizards and deities, neither side should interfere in the wars of mortals."

"So..."

"I refuse!"

Karl seemed to ponder.

He was aware of the situation on the front lines. It was said that the combined forces of the Gandor, Sack, and Zaxick kingdoms had suffered a devastating defeat on the battlefield.

The Kolon army continued its advance.

The situation seemed even more dire than he had imagined. Even angels from the Divine Realm were descending to seek help among humans.

It seemed that the situation had become extremely urgent.

There might be no more powerful reinforcements, and some kingdoms could face extinction, or else the angels wouldn't have come.

But was the faith of ordinary people that important to the deities?

"According to the ancient agreement, gods and extraordinary beings cannot interfere in the wars of mortals."

Remiel spoke,

"But you are still mortals, at least..."

She pointed a finger at Karl,

"He is!"

"What do you mean..." Addison thought for a moment and spoke softly,

"Official wizards cannot take action, but wizard apprentices can. This doesn't violate the original agreement."

In fact, wizard apprentices had already been active on the battlefield.

"That's right!" Remiel raised her head,

"The fire thieves of Kolon are wizard apprentices. If they can take action, so can you."

"As citizens of the kingdom, we have an obligation to help when the kingdom is in danger."

"Hehe..." Addison chuckled lightly,

"Your Highness, Angel Remiel."

"We could have avoided this war, and I believe the Kolon people wouldn't provoke wizards intentionally. Why get involved? Don't use loyalty as an excuse; wizards are only loyal to the truth."

"Truth?" Remiel's face showed disdain,

"Seraphiel said that your eyes are only on profits, and you are a group of evil ones who don't understand loyalty and faith."

"So..."

"As long as you offer enough benefits, you will take action."

"These words..." Addison shook his head slightly but didn't refute,

"It's not unreasonable, but what are your chips, and what's the price?"

"The Star Portal!" Remiel finally revealed the key to this trip,

"Haven't you always wanted to build a star portal to the true Wizard World? The Divine Realm can give you the star portal."

With these words,

Not only did Addison's eyes light up, but even Karl, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but look up.

The Star Portal!

One of the purposes of establishing the Swamp Alliance was to gather the power of many wizards and build a star portal.

But the star portal belonged to the Tier 3 category.

Even with a Tier 2 wizard like Addison leading the effort, the success of its construction was still uncertain.

Even if it could be built,

No one knew how many years it would take.

Now,

There was an excellent opportunity to acquire the star portal quickly. Indeed, which wizard could refuse such a chance?

"However, this star portal is a one-way passage. You can leave, but you can't return."

Remiel continued,

"In return, you need to help Gandor repel the Kolon offensive."

A one-way passage?

Karl understood the Morning Sun Lord's intention. After all, wizards were also an unstable factor for the deities.

It didn't matter.

If given a choice, no wizard or wizard apprentice would willingly stay here. The dazzling light of the deities blocked the Star Realm, almost severing the extraordinary power.

The scarce and impoverished resources hindered the potential of many talented wizard apprentices.

"But..."

Addison shook his head lightly,

"Remiel, you may not understand. Without the interference of deities and official wizards, defeating Kolon completely will be extremely challenging."

"Even if the Swamp Alliance is willing to help, we may not achieve this goal, as Kolon also has wizards."

"How so?" Remiel frowned, her voice carrying a hint of anger,

"You refuse?"

"I sigh..." Addison sighed, feeling a bit helpless at the other's straightforwardness, and finally spoke directly,

"If you can set a goal or provide certain data, I will agree."

"For example?" Remiel raised an eyebrow.

"For instance, killing Kolon's Forward General or several Counts and Marquises." Addison explained,

"Before taking action, let's sign a contract in the name of the ancient gods and wizards. This will provide assurance for both of us."

Remiel clearly lacked experience in bargaining and didn't understand the value of these goals.

After a moment of thought, she waved her hand and threw out a scroll,

"I can't make a decision. For future communication, you can write your thoughts on this scroll, and Seraphiel will see it."

"Hmm..." Addison took the scroll and nodded,

"Alright!"

"Gray Robe Wizard." Remiel looked directly at Addison, her eyes filled with contempt,

"Your heart is filled with evil, and your eyes only see profits. Today's conversation is unpleasant."

"So..."

Remiel extended a finger and tapped lightly,

"You will be punished!"

A flash of white light passed through the void and pierced Addison's heart. His body stiffened, and his mind withered instantly.

At the same time.

Katherine's body went limp, and she collapsed to the ground. Her sleek black hair instantly turned white, and wrinkles appeared on her once smooth and firm skin. Karl hurried over to examine her, his eyebrows furrowing in concern.

Life Energy! Katherine's life energy had diminished significantly. If she had a lifespan of fifty years before, now she might only have a decade left.

The angel Remiel, who had been attached to her, had disappeared, likely returning to the Divine Realm.

"Mentor!"

Marianne approached the Gray Robe Wizard, her voice filled with worry. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Addison assured her, waving his hand with some effort. "It's just a Tier 2 Divine Art Life Plunder, so I'll lose a few decades of my life, but I won't die just yet."

"Hmm..."

Karl took a deep breath and turned to Karl. "Young man, I remember you. You're the apprentice of the alchemist Adolf, right? It's been a while since we last met."

"Yes," Karl nodded. "It's been three years since we met. I didn't expect you'd remember me."

6◇9◇Book◇End

"Hehe..." Addison chuckled lightly.

"Since I became a wizard, the one thing I pride myself on is my memory. Don't go telling others about today's events."

"Yes," Karl bowed his head. "I understand."

If the Swamp Alliance joins the war with Kolon and other kingdoms, it will be a significant event with far-reaching consequences.

Regardless of how the negotiations go, secrecy is paramount.

Katherine woke up, and it was already the early hours of the next day.

She didn't show much sadness about the changes in her body and quickly accepted her new reality.

"To be able to use my body to spread the will of the gods is the highest honor for a believer like me."

Katherine knelt on both knees, looking up at the horizon, her eyes reddened with emotion as she struggled to speak.

"As for dying..."

"Who wouldn't want to go to the Divine Realm a day earlier?"

Karl was speechless.

Indeed.

To be the vessel for an angel's descent, her faith had been tested, and her soul was likely to ascend to the Divine Realm upon death.

Death,

for Katherine, might not be such a bad thing.

"Hmm..."

Karl stroked his chin in deep thought. "Would the Gray Robe Wizard agree to the Morning Sun Lord's conditions, bringing the Swamp Alliance into the war?"

His guess was that it was highly likely! The Morning Sun Lord's conditions were too tempting to refuse.

The Star Portal!

Without the Morning Sun Lord's help, it was uncertain if the Swamp Alliance could build the Star Portal.

But if they agree, they'll acquire a ready-made Star Portal.

"So... the formal wizards won't interfere, and if there's danger, they'll fight with all they've got."

'Next, we'll discuss conditions and details, but in the end, we'll reach an agreement, and the Alliance will join the war.'

'So...'

'Various potions and enchanted items will increase in price!'

Karl's eyes lit up, and he hurried off.

...

The Alliance's base.

The second house on Elm Street.

Karl found Alysia and spoke directly to her.

"When does the next auction start? I want to sell that ring as soon as possible."

"There's an auction day after tomorrow," Alysia said, surprised. "I've been working on this for a long time, and the hype is already building. Almost everyone knows that a damaged inherited wizard weapon is up for sale, but it hasn't reached its peak yet. Are you sure you want to sell it now?"

Selling now might result in a significant loss of magic stones.

"Yes!" Karl emphasized, handing her a piece of paper.

"Use the magic stones from selling the ring to buy these items. Get as many as you can. If it's not enough, I'll find more."

"It seems you're in a hurry!" Alysia smiled, taking the paper and scanning it quickly, her expression changing slightly.

"These items..."

"Are all necessities for wizard apprentices' duels. With this many, are you planning to go to war?"

"You don't need to worry about that," Karl waved his hand. "I need to acquire a large number of supplies as soon as possible, and it can't be later than half a month. Can you make it happen?"

"It can be done..." Alysia hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Leave it to me!"

"Good," Karl smiled. "As soon as possible."

As Karl hurried off, Alysia was left puzzled, examining the purchase list in her hand.

'So many supplies, what is he planning to do?'

Meanwhile.

"Karl."

Xibel, in his tight-fitting combat attire, approached the tavern and waved at the quietly waiting figure in the corner.

"You wanted to see me."

"Yes."

"Sit."

Xibel's impressive physique was accentuated by the tight attire, and the large cloak on his back rustled as he sat down.

After sitting.

Xibel poured himself a drink and took a sip.

"Why did you want to see me?"

Karl straightened his body and waved his hand lightly, casting a Zero-Ring Trick silence spell to prevent their voices from carrying.

Xibel raised an eyebrow at this cautious move.

Such caution?

At this hour, the tavern was empty except for the owner dozing on the counter.

"I have a business proposition for you. If we move quickly, we can make a profit of at least thirty percent within a month. Are you interested?"

"Thirty percent?" Xibel laughed.

"I didn't know you had a talent for business, but if you can guarantee a thirty percent profit, I'm definitely in."

"Good." Karl clapped his hands. "Now we have a preliminary agreement. After the deal is done, we split the profits fifty-fifty."

"Hold on a second." Conny raised her hand.

"Although you're my apprentice, and I trust you, we still need to consider the viability of this business deal."

"Of course." Karl leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Yesterday, an angel descended upon Katherine."

"Huh?"

"Ah!"

"..."

Conny blinked, her expression shifting between surprise, confusion, panic, and bewilderment.

"What did you say? I didn't catch that. Can you repeat it?"

"Yesterday, an angel descended upon Katherine. You should know that she's now a believer of the Morning Sun Lord." Karl whispered.

"Wait until I finish. Last night..."

Some time later.

Conny finally accepted the fact of the angel's descent, her eyebrows furrowed, and her face showed a sense of contemplation.

"So..."

"Do you think the Gray Robe Wizard will agree to the angel's request, involving the Swamp Alliance in the war between mortals?"

"Yes." Karl nodded. "What do you think?"

"I think so too." Conny's expression became complex.

"But that's the Star Realm!"

"They're probably discussing the details of the agreement now, and eventually, we'll be involved."

"Yes." Karl spoke up. "Once the news spreads, the prices of various supplies will surge. You know a lot of people, can you borrow some magic stones?"

"Absolutely!" Conny's eyes lit up.

"With the war against Kolon, the prices of combat supplies will definitely skyrocket."

"Karl!"

She hurriedly said.

"I'll gather the money, and you're in charge of stockpiling the supplies. We must take advantage of this opportunity, but be discreet to avoid drawing attention."

Karl nodded.

This was why he approached Conny.

Over the past three years, Conny had made many friends and was one of the elders of the young organization, 'Starlight Secret Society'.

The magic stones she could borrow far exceeded Karl's.

In the following days, through Alysia, shops, and street stalls, Karl quietly acquired supplies.

Conny was very helpful.

She even mortgaged their islands and shares in the Hedy Company, and with the magic stones borrowed from others, the total exceeded one thousand five hundred.

One thousand five hundred magic stones!

This was a fortune that would make even formal wizards envious.

Seven days later.

"There are already others quietly stockpiling supplies, and Alysia probably suspects something and is also hoarding."

Karl took inventory of their recent goods and shook his head.

"We don't have many magic stones left, and the prices of supplies have started to rise. There's no point in continuing to acquire them."

"Then forget it." Conny's eyes sparkled, and her spirit was high. "Mortilis already knows the news. His mentor is a formal wizard, and it seems like the Gray Robe Wizard is almost done with their negotiations."

"Yes." Karl spoke. "Next..."

"Just wait for the prices to surge before selling!"

...

Half a month later.

A strange atmosphere began to permeate the Swamp Alliance.

The lower-level wizard apprentices didn't know the specifics, but they sensed that various supplies were increasing in price.

"Those in the know have heard that an envoy from the Kingdom of Gandor has arrived in the Black Swamp and reached an agreement with the Gray Robe Wizard.

Prices surge.

It's officially begun!

...

Karl didn't have to worry about selling the goods. They were supplies essential for wizard duels.

As long as they put them up for sale, someone would buy them.

Alysia took charge of the sales, with Conny assisting.

"The prices are skyrocketing!"

That day.

Conny found Karl, his forehead sweating, and he gulped down several mouthfuls of water to calm his breathing.

"Since we bought in bulk, the prices were relatively cheaper. Now, our profits have exceeded fifty percent."

"But I've observed that there's some movement within the Alliance, and they might intervene in the market, possibly even capturing a few people who disrupt the market prices as a warning."

"Then let's sell anyway." Karl narrowed his eyes. "It's fine even if we make a little less."

"I agree." Conny nodded, giving him an appreciative look, and said. "There's one more thing."

"The Gray Robe Wizard has reached an agreement with the envoy from the Kingdom of Gandor, and we're responsible for dealing with some of Kolon's generals and nobles. This time, everyone will be involved, and even you will be forced to take on missions. Soon, we'll take action."

"I can't join you this time."

Conny's face showed difficulty. "In the Alliance exploration team, I have several teammates with whom I have good chemistry, and I need to coordinate with the Starlight Secret Society."

"The key is..."

"We've chosen a legendary knight as our target, but it's too dangerous for you to come along."

"A legendary knight?" Karl frowned. "That's too risky!"

Although advanced wizard apprentices could kill legends, that was someone like Adolf, an advanced wizard apprentice with decades of experience.

Even so, the chances of success were still slim.

Moreover, each legendary knight of Kolon held high authority, and they would definitely have guards, or even Fire Stealers.

Even for advanced wizard apprentices, this was a suicidal mission.

"Don't worry."

Conny pursed her lips and chuckled. "Since we dare to choose a legendary knight as our target, we must be prepared. In the next few days, we'll divide up the magic stones we've earned, and you can purchase some good enchanted items. They might come in handy."

Karl slowly nodded.

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end