Chapter 177 - 016: Delicate Balance

Chapter 177: 016: Delicate Balance

Diego’s magical inheritance was something Lynch very much desired, but facing Diego head-on was definitely not something he wanted.

Although he had never fought him directly, based solely on previous observations, Lynch had already determined that guy was really strong.

If he tried to confront him personally, Lynch didn’t have much confidence in winning. Even if he did manage to win in the end, the cost would likely be significant, making it far from worthwhile no matter how he calculated it.

If he wanted it but was unwilling to act personally, then he’d have to rely on someone else.

He had previously considered the Tower, but the Tower had explicitly refused. Just as he was unsure what to do, Grant appeared.

This guy was a Great Knight, a presence theoretically capable of challenging Wizard Power. Lynch had witnessed his strength firsthand and felt that if Grant went, there might still be a chance of success.

However, while the idea seemed good, reality didn’t unfold according to Lynch’s plans.

Grant said, “Choose someone else.”

Lynch asked, “Why?”

Grant replied, “Diego’s strength is immense. If I were to defeat him, I would die too.”

After a pause, Grant spoke bluntly to Lynch, “I can sense that you’re very strong as well. The fact that you aren’t willing to go yourself proves you already understand how high the risk is.”

Just then, Frey suddenly suggested, “If you guys are planning to face Diego, the three of us could form a team. You two are on equal footing with Diego in terms of strength, and if you add me into the mix, he would be doomed!”

Lynch and Grant simultaneously glanced at her but said nothing.

Team up?

These three weren’t exactly trustworthy companions. How could they possibly entrust their backs to one another?

Frey seemed well-intentioned in suggesting such an idea, but in truth, she was merely trying to muddy the waters.

Grant said, “Don’t waste your strength on that thought. You won’t be able to escape.”

Her scheme exposed, Frey’s expression turned ugly.

She pondered for a moment, her gaze lingering on Lynch before she decided to throw caution to the wind and said, “Then you might as well just kill me. But don’t expect to get the inheritance from me. Let me tell you the truth: I don’t even carry the inheritance with me. Unless I speak, you’ll never be able to find it!”

As she spoke, she completely stripped off her clothes and began healing her injuries. No one knew exactly what kind of Magic she was using, but her skin and cell tissues had already started regenerating and repairing themselves.

Grant frowned, about to teach her another lesson.

But Lynch stopped him at that moment.

He said, “Give me the inheritance, and I’ll promise you freedom.”

Frey’s idea of throwing caution to the wind was actually quite clever—if she acted as if she abandoned all concerns, well, there wasn’t much anyone could do to her. All that was left was more suffering, but looking at her demeanor, did it really seem like she cared?

Grant’s furrowed brows relaxed into a sudden grin. “So, are we saying the deal is settled between us?”

Theoretically, Frey currently belonged to Grant.

Lynch hesitated for a moment.

Although Lynch had Frey in his grasp, Frey’s life wasn’t exactly hers to decide. Did he really have to eliminate Grant first on her behalf?

Grant was indeed strong. Although Lynch wasn’t afraid of him now, he wasn’t confident in defeating him either—especially with Frey nearby, whom he couldn’t kill. A fight would likely mean Lynch facing two opponents, and his odds of winning wouldn’t be much better than taking on Diego directly.

Considering that, it seemed more practical to go the route of a straightforward transaction. After all, his Extraordinary Transformations were already almost complete, and he only needed to finish up the remaining parts.

However, if that were the case, Lynch couldn’t help but feel slightly cheated.

Lynch said, “Just that alone doesn’t seem like enough…”

Grant said, “Along with her Space Pocket, I’ll give you all the resources I’ve accumulated as well.”

Frey angrily exclaimed, “You…”

Grant replied, “I won’t kill you, but I can torture you. Think carefully before speaking.”

Frey’s face twisted, but in the end, she shut her mouth.

The priority now was regaining her freedom. Wealth and resources could be sacrificed if needed.

Lynch nodded, “Alright.”

At this moment, Lynch noticed an odd equilibrium had formed between the three of them—they couldn’t circumvent any one person to make an exclusive deal with the other.

Grant sought transcendence.

Lynch wanted the inheritance.

Frey desired freedom.

And so, a small team of mistrustful, yet mutually entangled players came to be.

Grant asked, “When do we begin?”

Lynch replied, “Hmm…”

“Not yet. We’re still lacking some materials.”

He then took out a piece of parchment and quickly scribbled down dozens of materials on it before handing it to Grant. “I need these. See if you’ve got them.”

Grant took it and quickly scanned it. “I don’t understand this.”

As he spoke, his chest audibly clicked open, and several hundred Magic Stone Bags flew out.

Grant stated outright, “These are all the resources I’ve collected over the years. Originally, I was saving them for my apprentice studies and my journey along the Wizard’s Road. Consider these my deposit. Check if you have what you need among them.”

Lynch twitched his mouth: So many?

How many did this guy kill…

From the bags’ specifications and residual spiritual power, it was evident that they didn’t belong to just one apprentice.

While thinking haphazardly, Lynch accepted the bags and began inspecting them quickly.

From the residual spiritual power in the bags, he could vaguely estimate the original owners’ strength. Most were Middle and Low-level Apprentices, along with a few High-level Apprentices.

The materials inside were numerous. The Magic Stones totaled approximately three hundred thousand, along with various pieces of knowledge and spells.

’This deposit… Quite impressive!’

Suddenly, Lynch realized this alchemical man wasn’t all that bad—at least he was refreshingly straightforward with money. For comparison, Avery had promised him twenty thousand Magic Stones before, and they’d taken forever to pay up.

Even more ridiculous was how Lynch later discovered the Tower had a bounty on William Heim—ironically for exactly ten thousand Magic Stones…

“Soul Shattered Petals… Extraction Grass… Melting Flower…”

Indeed, Lynch found many useful materials in these Space Pockets, and he checked each item off his parchment list one by one. Soon, only a dozen materials were left outstanding.

Lynch handed the updated list back to Grant. “Still need these.”

Grant turned to look at Frey.

Frey grimaced and snarled for a moment before reluctantly pulling out a small pouch from her cloak and handing it to Lynch.

Lynch examined the pouch quickly and was startled, “Wow, didn’t expect you to be a rich lady!”

Frey’s Space Pocket contained a mountain of rare materials, including over five hundred thousand Magic Stones.

Even among High-level Apprentices, this was undoubtedly considered wealthy.

Frey closed her eyes in torment. “Can you stop talking now, please!”

Lynch chuckled and refocused on the task at hand.

With Frey’s materials, he ticked off several more items, leaving only three or five materials missing.

“Still missing these.” Lynch handed the list to Grant again.

After a pause, Lynch added, “I more or less know where to gather these remaining materials. It’ll take a few days.”

Grant said, “I’ll come with you.”

Lynch nodded, “Alright.”

He understood Grant was worried he’d abscond with the goods. It was true; there was no trust established between them.

Thus,

The journey of the peculiar trio began.

First stop.

Northeast of the Ramos Duchy, Hawk Castle…

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