Chapter 179: The Talk, And A Double Edged Sword

Rael tapped the armrest of the chair he was sitting in as he waited for that woman to bring Zareth.

As for this room itself? It seemed a little strange.

There were many paintings on the walls, which were lit up by the dim lights. At the same time, he could clearly smell blood, but no matter where he looked, he couldn’t see a single bloodstain.

The others were dressed in black attire with masks covering their faces. Obviously, this was the hideout of the shadows.

But for shadows, they’re pretty weak, Rael remarked inwardly. But maybe Zareth has some sort of plan? Maybe…?

Rael put those thoughts aside as he began counting in his mind, waiting until Zareth finally arrived.

When the count hit four minutes, Rael heard footsteps, followed by Zareth arriving from the opposite direction.

He approached Rael with a slight frown, picked up a nearby chair, and sat down in front of him.

“Hello, Rael,” Zareth said. “I’m sure you know there are better ways of getting in contact with me than raiding our base of operations, yes?”

“No one’s seriously injured, and I can’t exactly yell your name into the sky for you to come, now can I?” Rael replied plainly. “But aside from that, add me to your friends list.”

“Why? Has your trip not gone as smoothly as you expected?” Zareth asked with a knowing expression.

“I’m sure you already know what happened, so I’d like to keep this brief,” Rael said with a frown. “I’m going to be heading out on many trips in the future. A lot of them will include my wife, Zafira. For that, I need someone I can trust feeding me information on others’ affairs.”

“Which is a valid concern.” Zareth nodded before tilting his head. “But have you ever considered the possibility that there will be moments when your wife will be put into dangerous situations whether you like it or not? What will you do then?”

“I’ll make sure she’s strong enough to deal with them,” Rael replied with a shrug. “Anyways, send the friend invite. I also have a few questions I want to ask you.”

“Very well…” Zareth extended a hand and tapped the air.

Soon, a pop-up appeared, which Rael immediately accepted.

<Zareth’Null has sent you a friend request! Accept? Yes/No>

“Great.” Rael nodded in satisfaction. “Now I have a few questions regarding the legendary barbarian axe. You’ve heard of it, haven’t you?”

“Naturally,” Zareth affirmed. “It’s a thing of legends, or so it’s speculated. In reality, it’s just a shabby axe with limited power, and that limit is close to reaching its end.”

There’s a limit…? Rael tilted his head. “Then I’m sure you also know who’s keeping it, right?”

Zareth stared at him for a few moments before letting out a chuckle. “It seems like you know as well, Rael. I’m afraid I won’t be of much help in that case then.”

“It’s not that…” Rael trailed off as he crossed his legs. “Are there any factions, let’s say, barbarian or religious ones, that seek the axe?”

Hearing that, Zareth’s brow rose. “You wish to stir inner conflict so they fall apart from the inside. That is not a bad idea at all.”

The flattery came in one ear and went out the other as Rael simply continued staring at Zareth, who then continued.

“There is a more chaotic organization that would fit the bill, I suppose,” Zareth said, rubbing his temples. “The Evangelists. They’re a sub-branch of the Holy Kingdom’s Blood God religion. These people are dangerous cultists who have special ways of increasing their strength by utilizing the blood of innocents.”

“I’ve heard of them…” Rael muttered, his frown deepening.

There was once a subjugation quest that had been broadcast across the entire Dralgur Continent.

The Evangelists gathered ancient relics, and by combining seven of them, they could open the Ancient Portal.

No one was sure what was on the other side of the Ancient Portal, since in the past, the players successfully thwarted the Evangelists’ plans.

Anyways… A group like that could work, Rael thought. The legendary barbarian axe is a relic. If I steer them toward it, then…

“Rael.” Zareth snapped him out of his thoughts. “…Do you want me to establish contact with them?”

Rael stared blankly at Zareth for a few moments before nodding.

“I see…” Zareth trailed off as he stood up, casting one last glance at Rael. “Are you sure? They have five relics. If they manage to gather this one, they’d only need one more. I’m sure you know what’ll happen when they gather all seven.”

He did, but he also didn’t. That was why…

“What’s on the other side of the Ancient Portal, Zareth?” Rael asked with a serious expression.

Yet what he got instead was a vague answer.

“I’ve not heard many rumors from the other side, but from what I do know, it’s a battlefield,” Zareth replied. “If the portal were to open, the battle happening on the other side would spill over into this world… and you can imagine the rest.”

It’s a risk. A very big risk. But if I can utilize the Evangelists well, then I can steal seven powerful relics instead. And if things go south, I can always prepare some backup plans… Rael pondered hesitantly as a resolute expression eventually appeared on his face.

“Make contact. Set a meeting after the summit. A month is fine,” Rael said as he slowly stood up. “Make the meeting happen in Elarin, the capital of the Holy Kingdom.”

Zareth nodded and began slowly walking away.

Yet before he got too far, Rael spoke again, his voice cold.

“Do you not trust me?”

Zareth paused and shook his head with a subtle smile. “I am but a humble intermediary since I’m not proficient in combat. But sometimes, to win the war, you need to feed the fire. And I believe you’re only speeding up the inevitable.”

With that, Zareth suddenly vanished, leaving only Rael and the rest of the shadows present in this dreary place.

He didn’t get an answer to his question, but then again, he expected something like this.

Even as the war loomed around the corner, Zareth remained neutral.

So be it…

Rael glanced at the shadows one last time and began making his way out of the bakery.

He walked past the two knocked-out guards and entered the alleyway before summoning his car and driving toward the palace.

There were a few matters he had to deal with, such as coaching Aria and of course…

He also had to prepare for one thing in particular.

I need to make sure that future I saw doesn’t happen…

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