This Lich Requests More Remuneration
Chapter 556 - 495 The Arrangement of the Goddess of Fate

Chapter 556: Chapter 495 The Arrangement of the Goddess of Fate

Young encounters often influence a person’s entire life, and the Elf Tribe is no exception.

Aldalian was once a naive and kind youth, possessing just a hint of the traditional elven pride.

Unfortunately, in his childhood, he met Amberser, a man who could have become his close friend, but instead gave him the most unforgettable deception of his lifetime.

From that day on, Aldalian knew his weakness.

Elf Tribe epitomized all that was beautiful in the world, but beauty alone was far from sufficient in the face of a treacherous world.

Centuries passed, and Aldalian became more outstanding than most elves, but at the same time, he became colder and more resolute.

He grew accustomed to thinking from the entire Elf Tribe’s perspective.

When the Mana Addiction Disease broke out, Aldalian had suggested to Katherine to abandon the half of the people who were afflicted, in exchange for the protection of the Elven Gods—a choice that best suited the collective interests of the Elf Tribe.

Regrettably, Katherine didn’t listen to him.

Although the outcome wasn’t too bad in the end, Aldalian was well aware it wasn’t because Katherine’s choice was correct, but rather because of the shelter of the Elven Gods. It was the gods who, through the hands of the Lich, granted the Elf Tribe a new lease on life.

No matter how much Aldalian adored this sister of his, he was very clear that Katherine was an unqualified Elf Queen.

After inheriting the position of the Elven King, the Lich Amberser became his greatest enemy. While others were thinking about how to collaborate with this Lich or how to kill him, Aldalian thought further ahead.

He considered what changes the Lich could bring to the world, which changes would be affected by the Lich’s shift in attitude, and which ones were not influenced by personal choice.

Clearly, the greed of the Lich was as eternal as the destined rise of the sun.

And what he had said before was just bargaining talk, for the resurrection of the Magic Dragon was a misfortune for all races. It was difficult and unnecessary for the Elf Tribe to fend solely for themselves.

As Amberser had said, why not eliminate the Magic Dragon while it had no allies at all, rather than wait for it to summon the Dragon Race, rebuild the Empire, and then come knocking?

But bargaining was necessary; the Elf Tribe couldn’t afford to give their all only to receive a few grandiose words of thanks in the end. The benefits had to be obtained.

Aldalian could see that as long as Amberser revealed the identity of the Magic Dragon, Laine was doomed to decline, regardless of whether the Magic Dragon was killed in the end or not.

If that was the case, why shouldn’t the Elf Tribe get a piece of the benefits?

Amberser, looking at the young Elven King, once again confirmed that this person was different from other elves. This guy was not only good-looking but also possessed a "profit above all" spirit that other elves lacked.

And Amberser hated such people the most.

You elves are good-looking and wealthy, naturally talented in magic and with the temperament of artists, long-lived and healthy—what good is left for other races if you take it all and aren’t even a bit foolish?

To ask for payment for such a noble cause as defeating the Magic Dragon, do you have no shame?

"Laine hasn’t even collapsed yet, and you’re already thinking about dividing the money!"

"Aren’t you doing the same!"

Amberser tried but found that the Elven King was firm, insisting on a share of the benefits.

With no other choice, Amberser could only make a promise to discuss the issue of Laine with the Elf Tribe after the plan succeeded, assuring them that he wouldn’t monopolize all the benefits. As for the final distribution, that would depend on what was left of Laine after the collapse.

Aldalian knew that this promise was ambiguous, but he also understood it was the only commitment Amberser could offer. As he had said, as long as the Magic Dragon issue wasn’t resolved, discussing these matters was pointless.

Aldalian asked, "What is your complete plan? Surely we can’t just reveal the identity of the Magic Dragon as soon as everyone is gathered?"

Amberser nodded and said, "Actually, it’s not that complicated. You don’t really think that the gathered forces of the nations, along with a large number of elite troops, won’t be able to defeat a Magic Dragon, do you?"

But Aldalian wasn’t as confident as Amberser and asked with a frown, "How many will die in the process?"

Unlike other races, the Elf Tribe lived too long, and the heroes who had once fought the Magic Dragon were still alive. Aldalian was more aware than anyone else of the strength of the Time Dragon, a foe that could only potentially be defeated at the cost of many lives.

Amberser shook his head and said, "There’s no possibility of defeating the Magic Dragon without sacrifice."

In the Connected Dream Realm, they had practiced many times. The Magic Dragon’s might was unprecedented, yet it couldn’t oppose an entire world by itself. As for how many would ultimately die, Amberser couldn’t judge.

But if one starts out with the delusion that they can deal with the Magic Dragon Tyrant without any deaths, it’s undoubtedly wishful thinking.

"I let Katherine know about this in advance so as to prepare the Elf Tribe. When the battle begins, my friends stand a better chance of surviving," Amberser said.

Aldalian looked at Amberser in surprise and said, "By Corellon above, I don’t know whether to call you heartless or loyal and righteous."

Amberser replied proudly, "You can skip the ’heartless’ option. Nowadays, people outside call me the benevolent Lich Lord who saved the world."

Aldalian glanced at Amberser scornfully and added, "That’s not the point. Have you considered that, although the Magic Dragon has low chances of winning, with the power of the Time Dragon, it’s still quite easy for it to escape?"

Amberser said with pride, "That’d be perfect. Once the Magic Dragon exposes its identity and eventually opts to flee, then the wager between the Lord of the Dawn and the Dragon Pantheon should come to an end. If the Magic Dragon can no longer parasitize within the Laine Empire and the brutal rule of the Dragon Race is overthrown, then it’s the Lord of the Dawn who would have won."

"At that time, the Lord of the Dawn will no longer be under restrictions, can explain the truth to the Laine People, and grant divine revelations. By then, naturally, it will be up to the Lord of the Dawn to deal with the Magic Dragon’s issue, especially since Laine is the one in the direct line of fire."

Aldalian said, "You truly don’t take the Dragon Pantheon seriously, do you? The Lord of the Dawn may have won, but it’s not hard for the Dragon Pantheon to cause trouble for you."

Amberser shook his head and said, "I’ve solved the problem of food for the Overseas Dragon Clan, so why should they trouble me? Wouldn’t that be unreasonable? Besides, even if the Dragon Pantheon wanted to trouble me, I am not afraid."

The Evil Dragon Goddess Tiamat is also one of the Dragon Pantheon, and with the Soul Bank in Hell opening, Tiamat would do everything possible to preserve her own interests.

Amberser had considered every possible outcome. With the survival ability of a Lich, he couldn’t see much of a problem with this plan. Pushed to the edge, he could just dive into the sea, find a trench, lie down in it, and the Magic Dragon could search a lifetime without finding him.

Although Aldalian disdained such tactics, he still recognized the feasibility of this shameless plan. The Elf Tribe just needed to be prepared not to be used as a scapegoat. Whether or not other kingdoms lose lives wasn’t something the Elven King needed to worry about.

"You seem to have thought of everything, but there’s still one last issue," Aldalian said.

Moving closer, he grabbed Amberser’s wrist and asked, "Have you considered that your greatest strength is that you can do anything for money, but it’s also your biggest weakness? What if the Magic Dragon offers enough of an incentive? Would you, a Lich driven by greed, really not betray others for money?"

Amberser simply chuckled and did not defend himself. Concerning the obsessions of the Undead, no reassurances from Amberser would suffice, for he knew all too well that if the Magic Dragon offered a more valuable incentive, he would definitely turn coat.

Therefore, Amberser said to Aldalian, "Then procure a higher bid to ensure my loyalty, like giving me all of Laine’s share..."

"Don’t even think about it," Aldalian refused, his eyes clear with intent; that share was destined for the Elf Tribe.

However, the young Elven King didn’t shoot down the possibility completely. Instead, he spoke to Amberser enigmatically, "Still, I can give you something you need right now."

"I need more money at all times," Amberser replied just as firmly.

Aldalian said, "What you need more right now is an assistant, and I happen to have the right person for you."

Amberser shook his head, "I don’t take just any trash. Don’t try to fool me by finding some accountant."

"Rest assured, this candidate I’m bringing you is definitely suitable, because this person is a Diviner Mage, and according to them, there’s also a prophecy concerning you."

A Diviner Mage?

Diviner Mages are exceedingly rare in this world.

On hearing this, Amberser remembered something from a long time ago. When Hake Stone had just arrived at Gold Coin Island, he had mentioned that a Diviner Mage sought an audience with Amberser.

But after becoming overwhelmingly busy, Amberser utterly forgot about it.

Now recalling this, Amberser promptly took out the Necromancy Codex to ask the Vampire about it, and received a reply that made him laugh and cry at the same time.

[Dislike of Humans: I’ve also forgotten. I’ve been busy writing the book about your exploits in abducting the Goddess. I would have forgotten it entirely if you hadn’t reminded me. The Diviner Mage has already left, leaving a letter stating they were headed to the Silvermoon Tribunal.]

Amberser closed the Necromancy Codex and then asked Aldalian, "You just mentioned, this Diviner Mage brought a prophecy about me?"

Aldalian nodded and said, "Yes, and from what I’ve heard, it’s very important. However, despite countless attempts, they seem to keep missing you, as if fate doesn’t want you two to meet."

Upon hearing this, Amberser couldn’t help but sigh heavily.

His journey had been smooth up to now, and he had thought that the Goddess of Fate was merely winking at him.

But at the mention of a "prophecy", Amberser instantly felt a premonition that the sweeping leg kick of the Goddess of Fate was finally directed at him.