Chapter 625: Alliance [Bonus Chapter]
Chapter 625: Alliance
Within a few seconds, the unique Mirror appeared before Edwin and sent a ray of dazzling yellow light directly toward his head.
Simultaneously, Head Deacon Colt descended from the sky and asked,
"What’s your original name?"
"Mathew Jonas." An instant response came from Edwin’s mouth, causing Head Deacon Colt to relax.
The mirror is not turning red, he felt relieved inside, and continued to ask,
"Where and when were you born?"
"13th July, Second Arcane year 6338. I was born in Shephred’s Village, Duke Winder’s territory, Arc Kingdom." Edwin’s reply was swift and calm. In truth, the one speaking to Colt was not Charles’s original consciousness but a new one created with Edwin’s memories.
This new consciousness truly believed he was Edwin and responded accordingly.
For the next few minutes, Head Deacon Colt asked multiple random questions and finally relaxed his guard.
"Tsk, do you know how worried I became when I got the news that you were injured and captured by some random noble’s son?" Colt said in a worried voice, then shook his head.
"Now, tell me. What are you scheming with this mage?" he asked, pointing his finger at the young boy standing a few feet away.
Edwin shook his head and spoke,
"It’s more like a temporary agreement, Father. As long as we agree to his request, he promised to not only help us get Victor’s artifact but also give us the location of another treasure in the third layer—and might even find a way for you to become a Cardinal."
Cardinal... It was more like a dream for every high-ranking member of the Order Church, so Colt was indeed tempted.
"But why should we believe his words?" Still, he wasn’t convinced.
Charles gave him a polite smile, stealthily cast the [Curse of the Overlord] spell, and spoke,
"You can use the Mirror to check if my words are true."
Head Deacon Colt’s eyes narrowed as he considered Charles’s proposition. The Mirror was a powerful artifact that could reveal the truth by reading the subject’s thoughts and gathering information from the outside world. It had been passed down through generations within their Order and was known for its unwavering accuracy.
Even if he uses a puppet clone to talk to me, it can influence reality and confirm his words directly. He knew how powerful mystics could create other consciousnesses to conceal their true thoughts.
"Fine," Colt conceded, his voice laced with caution. "But if you’re lying, you’ll face the consequences."
Charles nodded, his expression remaining composed. He understood Colt’s skepticism and knew that gaining his trust wouldn’t be easy. Nevertheless, he was confident in his intentions.
The Mirror floated before Charles, emanating a soft, pulsating light. With a wave of his hand, Head Deacon Colt activated its power, causing the Mirror’s surface to shimmer and ripple like water.
At the same time, he started asking questions.
"Is the information you told us about the other artifact true?"
"Yes," Charles responded.
No response, which means he’s telling the truth. Colt nodded inwardly and asked the following question.
"How are you going to help us? You know only selected people can enter the Star Tombs, right?"
A smile crept onto Charles’s face.
"I have my ways." He kept his words short, causing Colt to frown.
He really can enter the Star Tombs? Who is backing him?
"Who are you working for?" he asked cautiously.
"None. I’m only after benefits." Charles’s words made Colt fall into deep thought.
He must have bribed one of the Church’s higher officials to get a seat. He thought that if he were just a roaming mage, it would be easy for us to kill him later.
"But what are you after?"
"I’m mainly after the Legendary Magical Beasts." That was Charles’s primary goal, so the Mirror didn’t react.
"Moreover, there is no reason for you to reject my proposal, Mr. Colt. The only thing I want from you after entering the Star Tombs is to keep me updated about your location."
"How can I do that? Once we enter the Star Tombs, no communication method will work. Moreover, we will be transported to different layers," Colt asked in confusion.
Instead of responding, Charles calmly raised his hand, touched his face, and began to shapeshift.
"S-Shapeshifting? You are a member of the Royal Family?" he asked, stunned.
’Royal Family? If I’m not wrong, Lockwood should be the Royal Family of the Sacred Empire,’ Charles paused for a moment and then shook his head.
"I’m not from the Royal Family. My real name is Charles Nightwind, and this is my original look."
As Charles spoke, Colt noticed that the Mirror remained still and confirmed that he was telling the truth.
Charles Nightwind... I’ve never heard of such a name before. Who is he? I need to look into his background.
While he was in deep thought, Charles began to speak.
"Now, if you want to pass on some information, just think of my face, the content you want to relay, and say my name. Do it multiple times, and I’ll be able to understand the message."
Upon hearing those words, Colt stared dumbly at Charles for a few seconds and spoke skeptically,
"Nonsense! I’ve never heard of such a divine spell in my life."
At that moment, Charles suddenly received new information from Colt and broke into a wide grin.
"You sure are impatient, Mr. Colt. You’re thinking about the Holy See’s thirteenth secret chamber, where the Series artifacts are being sealed."
A strange chill, filled with goosebumps, crept into Colt’s heart and caused his whole body to numb.
Colt felt like he had been struck by lightning and stood rooted to the spot for more than ten seconds.
T-This... Who is this mage? He’s not only mysterious but also appears more like a godly figure. I need to be careful. He knew the mysterious ancient mages well and decided to act cautiously.
"I appreciate your honesty, Charles," Colt said sincerely. "We share a common goal, and it seems we can benefit from this alliance. But let me be clear—treachery or deceit will not be tolerated."
Charles nodded, his gaze unwavering.
"I assure you, Head Deacon, my intentions are genuine."
Unknowingly, Colt felt a strange sense of sincerity and honesty from Charles and decided to support him fully.
Colt then turned his attention to Edwin.
"Edwin, you’ve shown remarkable judgment and resourcefulness in forging this alliance," Colt said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"I trust your judgment, but remember to stay vigilant. We cannot afford any mistakes."
Edwin nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"I understand, Father. I won’t let you down."
At that moment, Charles thought of something and spoke.
"Also, keep Edwin’s disappearance hidden until the expenditure is over. Call off all your men from Crystal Lane."
Colt thought for a moment and agreed.
With their doubts resolved and an agreement reached, Charles and Edwin bid farewell to Head Deacon Colt and left the woods by creating another portal.
On the other hand, Head Deacon Colt stood there, pondering for a while.
’There are some things that feel amiss. But I don’t think my son will choose the wrong person for a partnership.’
In truth, his mind had already been convinced that the other person was a trustworthy ally. Only his heart felt restless and uneasy.
...
The next day, in the Holy City,
The streets were filled with excitement and nervous energy. What was once a quiet place had turned busy and loud. People from all over the world—adventurers, explorers, and mages—had come to the city, bringing different cultures and stories.
Even though only a few lucky ones could enter the Star Tombs Dungeon, many had still gathered in the Holy City. They hoped to fight in the upcoming beast waves that would appear once the dungeon opened. The chance to battle magical beasts, find rare items, and prove their strength had drawn large crowds.
Realizing how serious and dangerous the situation was, the major Churches decided to work together. They put aside old rivalries and formed a powerful army by gathering over a hundred thousand holy knights. This showed just how big the threat was and how important it was to protect the city and its people.
The dungeon’s opening also affected places outside the city. Nearby villages and towns were cleared out days before, and the people were moved into safe shelters inside the Holy City. The leaders made sure everyone was kept away from danger.
On the city walls, royal guards stood tall and alert. Their eyes watched the land beyond, ready for any trouble. Their seriousness was evident in their faces and how they firmly held their weapons. They were ready to protect the city no matter what.
Inside the Holy City, the mix of adventurers, mages, holy knights, and guards filled the air with both excitement and tension.
