This Lich Requests More Remuneration
Chapter 452 - 424: Use leverage to exert force

Chapter 452: Chapter 424: Use leverage to exert force

Amberser had sent over the naval intelligence, and in just half an hour, he received two replies, which together constituted barely five and a half pages of parchment, and the writing on them was absurdly large.

Even Amberser, who was completely ignorant about military affairs, could tell at a glance that these so-called battle plans were extremely perfunctory, very, very perfunctory indeed.

Aige frowned after taking a look and said to Amberser, "It seems that your friends are not willing to help."

Amberser chuckled and then replied, "It’s okay, I can probably guess why."

Whether it was the Laine people or the Elves, neither had much regard for Amberser, so suddenly being handed a naval chart and asked to design a battle plan was out of the question.

Therefore, without any need for consultation, the leadership of both kingdoms chose the same course of action, which was to give Amberser a so-called battle plan that was all talk.

Amberser’s approach was simple, he activated the Magic Mirror and connected to the Tiflins far away in the Land of Chaos.

A middle-aged Tiflin, possibly in his forties, with a very long name that seemed to have dozens of syllables, Amberser only remembered the last one as Demorov. He had a distinctive feature as the two horns on his head were crossed, a rarity among the Tiflins, akin to a human with two intercrossed eyebrows.

Amberser had met Demorov before, not for the first time, as this was one of the Tiflins Mr. Misfortune had encountered before implementing his final plan.

Before the exile plan was executed, in order to ensure the basic stability of the Tiflin Kingdom, Mr. Misfortune had met with many Tiflins, who were elites of their race, and this one in front of Amberser was among them.

Mr. Misfortune had created an almost perfect transition plan for the Tiflins, handing them over to Garey Woz smoothly and minimizing the losses to their kingdom.

Demorov was in charge of one of the Magic Mirrors, his main job being to contact Amberser anytime and anywhere.

To many, this didn’t seem like a great job, more like being an ordinary messenger, but Demorov took his role very seriously. Hence, whenever Amberser reached out to him, he would always respond promptly.

Amberser greeted Demorov with a smile and then asked, "Regarding the battle plan, you haven’t finished it on your side, have you?"

Demorov humbly replied, "I apologize deeply, Master Ultraman, but a battle plan involving an entire kingdom’s army of tens of thousands cannot possibly be completed in half an hour. Please give us at least a few days."

That’s the right attitude; these Tiflins were on the right track.

However, it might also be related to the fact that Amberser controlled their only outward channel.

To communicate with the original world, Amberser was their only choice, so for the Tiflins, Amberser was someone they absolutely should not offend. Not to mention that during the rescue of Impure Chant, Amberser had also provided a lot of help. From the perspectives of interest and morality, Amberser deserved more than mere respect.

Therefore, Amberser was also very good to them.

"Don’t worry; I’m not rushing you. I’ve got a battle plan here, have your experts take a look at it. I hope you set aside everything else and thoroughly critique this battle report, which I believe won’t take much time," he said.

Demorov looked confused for a moment, not quite understanding Amberser’s intention.

"Master, I don’t quite grasp your meaning," he said.

Amberser explained, "This is a battle report from the Laine people, and I need you to tell that damn bunch of stupid and arrogant Laine people that their battle plan is a pile of dog shit. Understand?"

Demorov immediately got it and excitedly rubbed his horns, a small gesture he made when he was excited. This Tiflin said to Amberser with utmost seriousness, "Rest assured, Master Ultraman, we guarantee to complete the task. If we fail, may my soul be forever damned in Hell!"

For the Tiflins who had undergone so much hardship, the vow’s punishment was rather severe.

Amberser sent over the battle plan from the Laine people and then cut off the communication.

Confused by Amberser’s actions, Aige remarked, "What do you mean by doing this?"

Amberser explained, "Human nature can sometimes be so vile. Perfectly doable tasks need to be forced out of people to be done well. Please wait a bit; I’m about to teach those Laine and Elves a lesson. They will learn that the task I gave them should not be taken lightly, or the consequences will be severe."

Aige didn’t quite understand how having the Tiflins modify the Laine people’s plan could achieve anything. Wasn’t that just the Tiflins working for the Laine people?

Yet it took less than a day for the Tiflins to return with a thick notebook.

Without even looking at it, Amberser said to Demorov, "Good work; continue with your battle plan. But there’s no need to rush now, since the Laine people have to start over."

Excited, Demorov asked, "Master Ultraman, does this report meet with your approval?"

After flipping through a couple of pages, Amberser remarked, "The language could be less civilized, but other than that, it’s not bad."

Demorov was stunned. How could it be too civilized? They had thought of every malicious phrase possible to thoroughly denigrate those Laine people.

However, it appears that those responsible for modifying the battle plans are nobles, who may lack a bit of finesse in such crudeness.

Amberser closed the communication with satisfaction, and Aige quickly asked, "Shall we contact the Laine People now?"

Amberser nodded, and under Aige’s expectant gaze, he connected the communication with the old man, James Watson.

The moment the connection was established, the former Supreme Decree appeared full of grievances.

"It’s the middle of the night, do you know how hard it is for the elderly to fall asleep?" James Watson complained excitedly.

Without hesitation, Amberser retorted, "A whippersnapper not even a hundred years old and you’re speaking of age? I’m centuries older than your grandfather. Besides, why sleep long in life when eternal rest follows in death? You might as well slit your own throat now and let me take care of your sleeping problem."

James Watson was so infuriated by Amberser that he was half dead with anger, but he couldn’t be bothered to argue and instead demanded, "What on earth are you bothering me for in the dead of night?"

"Big trouble," Amberser announced without preamble. "The Orcs believe that your Laine is now vulnerable internally, and with your Ironblood General dead, you lack a powerful leader to command your troops. They are preparing to strike in retaliation."

Startled, James Watson hastily asked, "How could this be? Where did you get this news?"

Amberser sent over the "critiqued" tactical report from Tiflin and said to James Watson, "Look at this, the battle report you gave me. Even an eight-year-old could have written better than yours. Doesn’t this show that you have no one who knows how to lead troops?"

"Nonsense!" James Watson erupted, his beard nearly bristling with anger as he roared, "What can this battle report prove? It is... it is..."

Amberser waited for a moment, but James Watson went silent, unable to continue.

In truth, the report was something James Watson had hastily scribbled together, but the old man couldn’t bring himself to admit it and instead changed the subject: "You’re no fool, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Amberser replied calmly, "I have no doubts. I simply had some other friends look over your so-called battle plan, and my friends think it’s nothing but pure trash. You might want to take a closer look at the critiques marked on it."

James Watson flipped through the pages and immediately his eyes reddened with fury, the man in his sixties barely restraining himself from tearing the report to pieces.

Only then did Amberser smile and say, "James, deep down, you and I both know the truth. I asked for your battle reports because I wanted you to work for me, but did you really think you were working for free?"

"What else?" James Watson asked. "The Devil never enters a deal at a loss, and you are one who wouldn’t bother with a business less than immensely profitable. You’re aware of how much work an entire campaign involves; why should we help you write it?"

"Simple," Amberser responded, "because this is the very location of the original Impure Chant. That is to say, this sea area is linked with your Laine. James, I can’t take over this sea myself. Guess what would happen to Laine’s coastline? Don’t tell me you think the sea’s races really can’t come ashore."

"James, without the Laine People spending a single soldier, or even a penny, nature has me to stabilize this sea region for you. Isn’t that enough profit for you? Is it too much to ask for you to spend some time strategizing for yourselves?!"

James Watson fell silent at Amberser’s words; he had not considered this possibility before, thinking only that Amberser was taking advantage of them to get work done.

But now it seemed he had to take the matter seriously.

James Watson sighed, "I understand. I’ll find an expert to reformulate the tactics, but it will take time."

Amberser nodded, "I understand, and I’m not asking you to have it done today."

With that, the conversation was close to its end, but James Watson couldn’t help but ask, "What about that mention of the Orcs knowing the news?"

Amberser declared decisively, "If you don’t take this task seriously, I will inform the Orcs myself and encourage them to attack!"

"You! Shameless!" James Watson was so angry he felt chest pain.

"What does it matter if I’m shameless? I am not a Paladin. If being shameless is the worst of my traits, I’m considered the most benevolent among the Undead, understand?"

James Watson, without another word, promptly shut off the communication; otherwise, Amberser would have indeed infuriated him to death.

Amberser laughed heartily to himself, certain that this time James Watson wouldn’t dare treat him lightly anymore; because he truly would persuade the Orcs to make their move. Now it wasn’t that Laine had nobody to lead their troops, but they were facing division and had no capacity to defend against an enemy. Should the Orcs make a move, the Dwarves would follow suit, and even if Laine could win, they would face significant trouble.

After observing Amberser’s conversation with James Watson, Aige couldn’t help but marvel, thinking it impressive how a Lich could easily manipulate the upper echelons of two nations, one of which was a devout follower of the Lord of the Dawn.

"What about the Elf Tribe, then? Will you force them through Laine’s power?" Aige asked excitedly.

Amberser shook his head, "It’s not that simple. James Watson, now powerless and relying solely on his connections, is a man of integrity and easily manipulated by me. But with the Elf Tribe, there’s a clever Elven King; external forces won’t influence the Elves, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways."

Amberser turned on the Magic Mirror again, and after waiting for quite some time, the communication connected, revealing a handsome and tall Elf wearing a loose silk nightgown, his face drowsy and eyes half-closed.