Chapter 305 Chapter304-Equipment Similar to the Asura Mask?
John was momentarily taken aback, struggling to process the revelation.
The throne?
Was Auron Eastwind reaching a bit too far in his aspirations?
While the Northern Myst Empire might merely be one of the human empires within the realm of the game Godslayer, its standing on the Godslayer Continent was undeniably that of a frontrunner.
In the world of Godslayer, allegiances primarily divided into two camps.
The Godslayer Continent, representing the righteous and orderly faction, was home to dozens of races such as humans, elves, dwarves, and dragonborn.
Among them, the human race boasted the largest population, vastest territories, and most formidable warriors.
The Northern Myst Empire alone accounted for over 60% of the human populace on the Godslayer Continent, its might surpassing the neighboring Easternwood Empire by a significant margin.
Could the fate of such a potent force truly be determined by a lone player?
John felt that there might be a possibility of assassinating the reigning emperor of the Northern Myst Empire.
However, seizing the throne was an entirely different ballgame, far from the purview of mere personal prowess.
It entailed intricate political maneuverings and a struggle for the consolidation of power.
As an outsider, how could he possibly navigate this complex landscape?
After a moment's contemplation, he remarked with an air of nonchalance, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince, aren't you being a tad ambitious? How can a young man like me, without any foundation in this world, possibly assist in such a lofty pursuit?"
Auron Eastwind burst into hearty laughter, his eyes gleaming unabashedly with the lust for power.
"Mr. Galewind, perhaps you don't fully grasp the significance of the strength you possess," began Auron Eastwind.
"Even in the vast Northern Myst Empire, only a handful of demigod-level warriors are known to exist. Most of them lead lives akin to free-spirited hermits, remaining aloof from the mundane world."
"Furthermore," he continued, "I've received a confidential tidbit from Duke Dinan. I heard that during the recent campaign against the Devil Elite Team, it was almost single-handedly due to your efforts that the tide of battle turned."
"Being able to spar evenly with a Devil, one who's on par with a deity, and even pushing it back to the abyss, I believe your current strength can be described as 'standing head and shoulders above the rest.'"
John's face tightened.
Supposedly, the Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana had altered the memories of other members of the Devil Elite Team.
From where, then, did Duke Dinan glean the information of John's solo battle with the Devil?
Ghana had consistently claimed that nobody could break his memory-modifying skill.
Was he deceiving John?
John quickly dismissed the thought; although Ghana was beaten and battered by him, he wasn't a man of deceit.
Devils, with their innate pride, wouldn't sabotage their own interests.
As John pondered, he heard Auron Eastwind continue, "Even though, Mr. Galewind, you repelled the Devil with the assistance of a team, it's still an impressive feat. For a demigod to lead a group of level 200-300 players to victory over a Devil, throughout history, only you, Mr. Galewind, have achieved such."
Only then did John silently breathe a sigh of relief.
It seemed that Auron Eastwind's earlier statements were merely his speculations.
His true strength remained concealed.
Unaware of the fleeting change in John's expression, Auron Eastwind continued passionately.
"In the past, I believed my exceptional talent set me apart. In merely two decades, I achieved this level of prowess. Yet, in your presence, I realize how laughable my modest talents truly are."
"The Northern Myst Empire was founded on martial prowess. Strength forms the basis of all decisions. With your backing, the throne would undoubtedly be within reach..."
Full of fervor, Auron Eastwind laid bare all his ambitions.
Looking at his face, aglow with excitement, one might think he was moments away from ascending the throne.
John looked at Auron Eastwind with a puzzled expression, struggling to fathom the young prince's intentions.
Rumor had it that the current emperor of the Northern Myst Empire was in the prime of his life.
Even with John's assistance, was this prince really contemplating usurping his own father?
After a moment's contemplation, John spoke calmly, "Auron Eastwind, Seventh Prince, I can understand the choices you make to fulfill your aspirations, but shouldn't some matters be clarified first?"
Auron Eastwind gave a slight nod. "Speak your mind, Mr. Galewind."
John responded with a faint smile, "You're asking for my aid in claiming the throne, which essentially means confronting your rival siblings. This endeavor would involve countless high-level players. Considering the risks I'd be taking, what exactly would I stand to gain from you?"
A flicker of elation passed through Auron Eastwind's eyes, betraying his inner thoughts.
He was well aware that, given John's rapidly growing reputation amongst the upper echelons of the Northern Myst Empire, such words implied a willingness to negotiate.
Auron's greatest fear had been an outright rejection from John.
This turn of events was indeed the best possible outcome.
Auron Eastwind's gaze settled on John, and he said with a radiant smile, "Whatever you desire, Mr. Galewind, please do state it. With the vast territories and countless subjects of the Northern Myst Empire, not to mention innumerable treasures, I believe we can certainly meet your terms."
John's lips curved into a subtle smile, but his eyes remained unfathomably calm.
He chuckled, "All these offerings you speak of can only be realized after you've successfully seized the throne. They amount to nothing more than a promissory note."
"Would you, in my place, undertake such tremendous risks solely for a mere IOU?"
The smile on Auron Eastwind's face froze.
He knew John's words rang true.
No matter how lavish the promise or reward, the present Auron Eastwind could not fulfill them.
He needed to present something tantalizing enough to sway John to his cause.
A mere verbal promise held little weight for a formidable entity like John.
Auron Eastwind racked his brain, wondering what could possibly entice John.
His personal collection of equipment and items?
Frankly, even Auron doubted their allure.
The enigmatic young man before him was a demigod-tier entity, after all.
His hoarded treasures seemed inadequate to stir John's interest.
Suddenly, Auron's gaze settled on John's face, or more precisely, on the Asura Mask that adorned it.
During their time in the arena, John had removed the mask.
One reason was that the mask's attributes were exceptionally potent, making it unfair in the Arena's player versus player combat.
Even if John restrained his own capabilities, the mask would give him an overwhelming advantage over opponents.
Another reason was his reluctance to let many witness the Asura Mask.
Should players associate the mask too closely with John, using it to conceal his identity would lose its purpose.
It was only after departing from the arena that John had donned the Asura Mask once more.
Seemingly out of the blue, Auron Eastwind shifted the topic, casually inquiring, "If I'm not mistaken, the mask you wear, Mr. Galewind, is a powerful piece of equipment, isn't it?"
John cocked his head, casting a slightly puzzled look at Auron Eastwind.
"To be frank," began Auron Eastwind, "during an expedition into a hidden realm, I stumbled upon a piece of equipment. Its patterns bear a striking resemblance to those on the mask you wear. I suspect they might be a matching set."
John swiftly rose to his feet, a hint of excitement gleaming in his eyes. "Where is it? Could you fetch it for me to see?"
Auron Eastwind replied with a smile, "It's a wristguard. Since acquiring it, I've sought the expertise of countless appraisers. Yet none could determine its origins or even discern its quality tier. I've attempted on multiple occasions, even having my subordinates try wearing it, but none seemed worthy of the wristguard's approval. Consequently, I sealed it away within my personal treasury."
John fell silent for a long moment before saying, "Then I must say, you're extremely fortunate not to have worn it."
A puzzled look spread across Auron Eastwind's face. "Mr. Galewind, why do you say that?"
John replied nonchalantly, "Didn't you notice any peculiar changes in yourself after obtaining it?"
Auron Eastwind's expression shifted to one of utter shock.
"It seems you truly understand its nature. Indeed, after acquiring the wristguard, I often found myself lost in a trance. At times, I even felt as though my soul was tainted, and I had this insurmountable urge to commit heinous acts of violence. It wasn't until I entrusted it to the Holy Light Church, and a high bishop personally sealed it, that these sensations began to fade."
John discreetly exhaled a sigh of relief.
From Auron Eastwind's description, he was almost entirely certain that this wristguard, much like the Asura Mask, belonged to the Godslayer "Asura".
After a thoughtful pause, John decisively said, "If that piece genuinely aligns with the attributes of the mask I wear, hand it over to me, and I will intervene on your behalf thrice."
"As long as the battles aren't against a deity, I can handle any issue for you."
His words, brimming with unwavering confidence and delivered with a breezy demeanor, exuded an aura of undeniable grandeur.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢