Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 726: Negotiation
“What do you want from me? For me to lay the magic net across the North Continent for you?”
Fario’s expression remained calm, and he showed little reaction even when Xi Wei mentioned Layton. It seemed his youngest son was less important than news of the Old Ones. However, Xi Wei, with his sharp eyes, noticed that Fario’s speed in toying with the crystal ball had increased significantly. Clearly, he wasn’t as composed as he appeared, but as a negotiator and a king, he was adept at concealing his true emotions.
“There’s no need to lay the magic net across the North Continent. I’ve had enough of being the King of the North Continent,” Xi Wei scoffed. Was that old fox Fario dreaming? Wouldn’t laying the magic net across the North Continent indirectly enhance Fario’s strength? Indeed, with the magic net, the magical technology of the North Continent would develop rapidly. Take teleportation gates, for instance; their range and maximum passenger capacity would reach an unimaginable level. But that would also give Fario control over the entire North Continent. Xi Wei wouldn’t object to enhancing the magical technology of the North Continent, unless he himself controlled this magic net. However, Fario would absolutely not agree to that.
Fario let out a couple of dry laughs at Xi Wei’s response. Neither of them was foolish, and he hadn’t expected Xi Wei to foolishly agree to lay the magic net.
“I’ve heard you are well-traveled and knowledgeable, with eyes and ears all over the South Continent. I wish to know the whereabouts of the Divine Artifacts of the Nature Goddess, the Night Goddess, and the Thunder God. Of course, if you can find them for me directly, that would be even better.” Xi Wei was blunt, making a grand demand from the outset.
Fario chuckled again upon hearing Xi Wei’s request, unsure if he was amused by Xi Wei’s greed or the preposterousness of his demands. After a pause, the old mage’s smile faded, and he said helplessly, “Your Excellency, King of Winter, your request is rather difficult to fulfill. I do enjoy collecting Divine Artifacts because I’ve reached that stage, and studying them might offer some insights. But Divine Artifacts are Divine Artifacts, not cabbages from the market. The Nature Goddess’s Divine Artifact must be sought from the elves. The Life Goddess’s Divine Artifact is with my youngest son, Layton. As for the Thunder God’s Divine Artifact and the Night Goddess’s Divine Artifact, the former is in the extreme north of the Northern Territory, atop Thundercloud Peak, guarded by the Titan God Race. The latter is held by the Night Goddess herself and has not been passed on.”
Xi Wei frowned. The Titan race was powerful, as evidenced during their encounter at the Emerald Fortress. It wouldn’t be an issue for him to go to Thundercloud Peak, but if those giants refused to hand it over, it would lead to another great battle. The good news was that the Titans seemed to be very friendly towards Bai Yao, so perhaps Bai Yao’s intervention could directly secure the Thunder God’s Divine Artifact. The Night Goddess, however, was trickier. The fact that she hadn’t released her Divine Artifact yet indicated that she didn’t wish to find a successor or change her divine body.
In reality, this was indeed the case. The Night Goddess had not been injured during Ragnarok. She had merely succumbed to pressure from the gods and cast the Seeds of Fate along with them. In truth, she disdained the gods’ precautionary measures. Now, with the Goddess of Life and the Goddess of Time merging with their respective vessels, she felt even more terrified and enraged by this method of sacrificing oneself to achieve a new god. Consequently, she did not appear even when the Andor Empire fell. Even though the entire Andor Empire and its inhabitants were her followers. She hid in her shrine, allowing the Naga and the Old Ones’ Retainers to slaughter the residents of the Andor Empire, turning a deaf ear to the wailing and prayers of her believers.
“I didn’t expect Your Excellency, the King of Winter, to be interested in Divine Artifacts as well? Since you know Layton’s whereabouts, help me find him, and you can have the Life Divine Artifact.” Fario put on a generous display. He was only one step away from igniting divine fire, and further research into these Divine Artifacts held no meaning for him. Once, when he hadn’t fully grasped the rules of magic, he had indeed considered the idea of creating gods. But as his understanding of magical principles deepened, he gradually realized that only his own path was perfect.
Fario, however, was unaware that his youngest son was currently in the dungeons of Winter Fort, stripped of his valuable possessions and somewhat mentally unstable. If it weren’t for Aurobak occasionally visiting the dungeon to converse with the unfortunate prince, Layton might have already succumbed to mental breakdown.
Fario’s unexpected calmness made Xi Wei feel somewhat awkward. He had no personal grudges against Fario, but what had happened to Layton was irreversible. He could only brainwash Layton upon his return and then send him back to Fario. The guilt and awkwardness in his heart were fleeting. He still had to extort what he could. Xi Wei instantly solidified his political stance. He was a king! Wasn’t it the nature of a king to be ruthless? How could he secure benefits for his empire if he wasn’t ruthless? He didn’t want to be so black-hearted. If given the chance, who wouldn’t want to be a beloved good person? He was doing it all for his people. Sigh, he was ultimately burdened with too much. Xi Wei sighed inwardly, lamenting the arduous path before him. Since he was already in such dire straits, was it too much to ask for a little more?
With this thought, Xi Wei righteously said to Fario, “Alright, this information is enough to exchange for news of Layton. Actually, the prince is within my territory, but he has encountered some minor setbacks. I will send someone to escort Layton back to the Holy Riodia Empire soon.” Fario nodded slightly upon hearing Xi Wei’s words. “Young people should experience some setbacks. I do dote on him, and at times I want him to go out and gain some experience… Please do send him back then. Besides that, what else do you require from me?”
Xi Wei’s eyes darted around. The abundance of incompetent mages in the North Continent was still a major problem. Also, the teleportation gate system couldn’t be established due to a lack of materials, causing hardship and wasting resources. Now that this fat sheep Fario was right in front of him, why wouldn’t he take advantage?
“I hope you can establish magic academies in the main cities of the Wintery Empire to help the Wintery Empire improve its magical strength, and dispatch mages to construct city-level teleportation gates in key cities… Those are all my demands.” Fario pondered for a moment and then said in a probing and negotiating tone, “Since you wish to enhance the magical level of the North Continent, why not construct the magic net across the North Continent?”
Xi Wei glared at Fario, forcing a smile and saying, “Heh heh, please don’t joke.”
Fario: “But the magic net is really useful~”
Xi Wei: “Really not needed!”
Fario: “Just try it? You won’t lose anything by trying~”
Xi Wei: “If you continue like this, we won’t be able to negotiate.”
“Alright,” Fario said helplessly. “Then it will be as you say. However, you will have to bear the construction costs of the magic academies yourself; it’s not that I lack the money, but I’m too lazy to transport the stone materials. I will dispatch mages to build the teleportation gates. I will provide the materials, but you will be responsible for the magic energy crystals needed for later maintenance, or you can purchase them from me.”
“Deal!” Xi Wei grinned.
