This Lich Requests More Remuneration
Chapter 736 - 614 Zariel Exposed

Chapter 736: Chapter 614 Zariel Exposed

Bayer’s relationship with Zariel could no longer be described as "bad"; it had already escalated to a life-and-death feud.

When Zariel parachuted in to take the reins, he did not hesitate to torment Bayer. When Bayer rebelled, he meted out cruel treatment to Zariel in return, and once Zariel broke free, he tortured Bayer to the brink of death.

It could be said that both demons bore scars left by the other, scars deeply etched into their souls.

If not for the real Lord of Hell reigning above them, these two would have been left with only one surviving.

Now, having heard from Hircine that something had gone wrong with Zariel, Bayer was eager to drop everything at the Blood River and verify it himself.

Unfortunately, he could not leave the Blood River Fortress; that was the rule, and breaking it would bring severe consequences.

Although Hircine spoke with certainty, there had not been any evidence until now.

Bayer said to Hircine, "I can’t believe you just because of your word, for you are the Prince of Lies."

Hircine smiled and said, "Precisely because I am the Prince of Lies, I can sense that Zariel is hiding something. Of course, you won’t believe this, but you must have ways to test it. Why not try?"

Bayer shook his head and said, "Testing comes at a cost."

Hircine was speechless; these demons really had to discuss benefits for everything.

"Fine, to show my sincerity, I can also contribute," said Hircine as he summoned Divine Power and transformed it into a Skull Badge, handing it to Bayer and saying, "This is a Divine Artifact formed from my power. It’s simple in effect and can detect three lies for certain, foolproof even against a Deity. Don’t tell me that merely contacting Zariel costs money."

Bayer received the Skull Badge and immediately sensed its use, but he did not immediately agree and instead said to Hircine, "Let’s draft a new contract."

Hircine shrugged in resignation, unhappy but without alternatives, since he wanted a favor.

The two renegotiated the terms, ensuring no tricks from either side, and then Bayer reached out to Zariel, who was in seclusion.

The Fallen Angel, formed of blazing flames, looked no different than before, except Zariel’s face bore an unmistakable expression of disgust as he questioned Bayer, "You better have something important to contact me."

Bayer didn’t immediately question Zariel about any problems but instead obliquely mentioned, "Those ants you’ve indulged have caused big trouble. One area of the battlefield has transformed into Mercury Lake, completely blocking the demons’ access. Now, with the demon forces needing adjustment, the pressure in other battle zones has increased, and if this continues, the front line will break."

Bayer was aware of Amberser’s Mercury Avatars’ movements; he was quite surprised such insignificant creatures could achieve this much impact. As for its effect on the battlefield, it was minimal.

The Blood River Battlefield was vast; such a minor area’s change was trivial. Every day saw new zones collapsing and old zones clearing out all the demons; the front line was always dynamically balanced—Bayer was merely exaggerating to gauge Zariel’s response.

Under normal circumstances, if Bayer had the slightest doubt about his command, he would surely face punishment.

The hierarchy among demons was strict; subordinates had no right to question superiors, even if they were wrong—it was considered blasphemy.

Bayer waited; if Zariel chose to change the subject or showed the slightest hint of being defensive, he would directly question his circumstances and whether the laws of the first layer of hell had changed.

However, Zariel’s reaction was somewhat unexpected. He did not brutally punish Bayer, nor did he sidestep the discussion; instead, he followed Bayer’s lead saying, "It’s good that there’s a problem; I want there to be problems. This Blood War Battlefield needs to change. Bayer, I order you to alter tactics, push those demons back at all costs, without regard for losses!"

Bayer stared in confusion, not understanding Zariel’s sudden madness.

Demons, although also insignificant ants, were far fewer in number than the devils; they needed the current Blood River Front to stabilize. A forceful counterattack was feasible, but the casualties would be horrific, draining hell’s resources and requiring the full support of the Grand Dukes from the other layers of hell.

But the reason behind this was puzzling.

Bayer hastily said, "This is pointless. A temporary counterattack won’t last, and will instead create gaps in our troop reinforcements, eventually leading to the loss of the Blood River."

"Hmph, fool, you have no idea what state hell has turned into. There are so many Lords bankrupt due to debts at the Hell Bank that counting them is impossible; all nine layers of hell have been affected. These Lord-level demons were not originally meant to participate in the Blood War, but now they can only sell themselves.

"Mammon is already preparing the list; the first batch of prisoners will be sent shortly. Their strength is not something ordinary slaves can compare to. If you don’t quickly exhaust them, they’ll achieve merits and empty the warehouses of the Blood River Fortress."

Zariel’s explanation not only shocked Bayer but also left Hircine, who was watching from the sidelines, stunned.

They both knew of the Hell Bank, but was its influence really that strong?

In some respects, the saying that sinners going to hell to suffer was not entirely accurate; if you were capable and intelligent, even as a grievous sinner, you could still live comfortably in Hell.