Chapter 525 -Mutual Threats
At the port of Karen Port, the sun had already sunk below the horizon, leaving only a trace of lingering sunlight. Under this fading light, the ships at Karen Port appeared lifeless and subdued. Mystery Protector, present at the scene, indeed discovered numerous traces of Mystery power. However, these forces no longer seemed capable of posing a threat to anyone.
It appeared that John's previous actions in this area had been highly effective. Mystery Protector couldn't help but sigh, feeling that John's strength was becoming increasingly formidable. Moreover, the pace of John's power growth exceeded Mystery Protector's expectations. When John last met with him, he did not possess the Sacred Relic known as the Book of the Astral Realm, nor had he received the blessing of the Sea God.
Now, John not only possessed power that rivaled the gods, but he had also gained the recognition of the Sea God. The approval of any deity signified a significant boost in strength. Mystery Protector also aspired to earn the recognition of some deities from the Order Faction. Such acknowledgment would mean not just advancing from the rank of Legend Magus to a demi-god, but it could also offer him the opportunity to become a new deity within the Order Faction.
Mystery Protector also aspired to earn the recognition of some deities from the Order Faction. Such acknowledgment would mean not just advancing from the rank of Legend Magus to a demi-god, but it could also offer him the opportunity to become a new deity within the Order Faction.
Being a Legend Magus was already a testament to immense power. Every Legend Magus aspired to master a specific attribute of power, thus becoming the sovereign of that particular force. As Mystery Protector silently pondered these matters, Darklord unexpectedly appeared behind him. Darklord's presence, of course, did not escape Mystery Protector's notice.
Without turning around, Mystery Protector spoke as if to himself, "You dare to show up here? The chaos you caused at Iceburg Castle has already made you a major enemy of the Order Faction. If other strong members of the Order Faction detect your presence, they will undoubtedly seek to eliminate you swiftly. Karen Port is far too dangerous for you.
You should escape to the Dark Realm. However, I believe that even the formidable powers there won't spare you. After all, you are not a member of the Dark Faction; you belong to the Mystery camp. But you can't enter the Abyss of Mystery, the source of Mystery power, can you? I doubt the Saints of Mystery regard you as important enough."
Mystery Protector's words conveyed a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics among the different factions and the precarious position Darklord found himself in.
As Mystery Protector spoke these words, there was a distinct note of sarcasm in his tone. From his perspective, Darklord's previous plans had not only failed but had also inadvertently aided in their own undoing. To Mystery Protector, Darklord seemed more a figure of blunder than of success, and his presence was not particularly welcomed.
The veiled threat in Mystery Protector's words was clear. If Darklord didn't choose to leave immediately, Mystery Protector was genuinely prepared to confront him directly. By eliminating Darklord, Mystery Protector could ensure that no one else knew about his series of actions against John.
The reason Mystery Protector hadn't already attacked was primarily due to a lack of complete confidence in his own victory. Darklord had demonstrated significant strength in previous encounters, and Mystery Protector, lacking absolute certainty of triumph, preferred to avoid a direct confrontation. Thus, he hoped to use his words to persuade Darklord to leave, avoiding a potential battle that neither side was assured of winning.
Despite the implicit threats, Darklord, having made his way here, was not inclined to leave so easily. Moreover, he didn't perceive Mystery Protector's threats to be as formidable as they might have seemed.
"If you had wanted to attack me, you would have done so already, without needing to say so much. Of course, I'm aware of the risks at Karen Port, but the dangers are even greater elsewhere. You're here in Karen Port to find me, aren't you? You know very well that I have collaborated with the Mystery forces. Wherever there are traces of Mystery power, my presence is likely.
I happen to have a new plan, and I intended to discuss it with you. If you find this plan viable, perhaps we can continue our collaboration. Haven't you always wanted to eliminate John? I want to do the same. The failure of our previous plan was due to our lack of preparation, and your inability to successfully contain John, leading him to discover the new headquarters of my guild. This time, I have ensured my guild is thoroughly concealed; he won't be able to catch us off guard again."
Darklord's words, while seemingly sincere, also carried an underlying threat. If Mystery Protector chose not to cooperate with Darklord, Darklord was implicitly suggesting that there would be consequences. The proposition was a veiled ultimatum: join forces or face mutual adversity.
Upon hearing Darklord's words, Mystery Protector quickly turned around, clearly agitated. "Do you dare to continue threatening me? Do you not realize who I am? I am a Legend Magus, and I can easily rally the powerful warriors of the Northern Myst Empire to my cause. Do you really think you can withstand an assault from a group of powerful fighters? My patience with adventurers like you is extremely limited. You adventurers are insatiably greedy.
I have no intention of wasting more words on you. If you continue to waste my time, don't blame me for being impolite. I've said all that I can say to you."
Mystery Protector, having said his piece, intended to leave. However, Darklord was not about to let him go so easily and blocked his path.
"Do you see this scroll in my hand? It contains the details of the plan we previously conspired on. If you take one more step, I will tear it up, and upon tearing, it will be transported directly to the Great Library in Storm City. Are you confident you can intercept it in time? If you fail to stop the scroll, Duke Arsena will learn of all your actions. You know very well what will happen then.
Being an enemy of John may not be fatal for you, but being an enemy of Duke Arsena could be lethal. I don't wish to threaten you, but if you intend to leave just like this, I have no choice but to take this action. I believe I have made myself very clear."
Darklord's words were a calculated maneuver, leveraging crucial information as leverage against Mystery Protector. This standoff had escalated to a precarious balancing act of threats and counter-threats, each party acutely aware of the potential consequences of their next move.
The two stood in a tense standoff for some time, each hoping the other would yield, but both were under immense pressure not to concede.
After what seemed like an eternity, Mystery Protector finally let out a slow sigh, "If you truly have a new plan, then tell me about it. If your plan can succeed, I am still willing to cooperate with you. However, your plan must be executed with utmost caution. I do not want a repeat of the previous unforeseen complications. If we fail again, I don't think we'll have any other chances."
Mystery Protector ultimately chose to relent. As an adventurer, Darklord had a significantly higher margin for error. Even if he were constantly pursued by other members of the Order Faction, the worst he could face was abandoning his account in the game of deicide. Mystery Protector, on the other hand, did not have many options for retreat.
Unlike other adventurers who could resurrect through unknown means, Mystery Protector didn't have the luxury of multiple lives. If he were to find himself in a situation with no way out, there would be no second chance for him. This stark difference in their circumstances influenced Mystery Protector's decision to compromise and consider Darklord's new plan.
Darklord was visibly pleased with Mystery Protector's response. Indeed, he had prepared a plan that he considered perfect in his view. His strategy involved coordinating actions with both the Dark Faction and the Mystery camp. Darklord was well aware that both factions were gearing up to launch an attack on Storm City and that they seemed inclined to collaborate. Facing John had put considerable pressure on both the Dark Faction and the Mystery camp, and without a joint effort, they stood little chance of defeating him. Darklord believed that a cooperative strike by the two factions, along with strategic moves from Mystery Protector, would inevitably lead to Storm City's downfall.
"My plan is laid out, what do you think of it? You just need to refrain from using all your power to defend Storm City. You don't have to take on the riskier tasks; just be aware of the plan and provide some assistance at the right time. I believe that shouldn't be too difficult for you," Darklord said, laying out the entire plan to Mystery Protector and then seeking his opinion.
This proposal placed Mystery Protector in a critical role but didn't demand his full commitment or expose him to the greatest risks, potentially making it an attractive option for someone in his precarious position. Darklord awaited Mystery Protector's response, hoping to secure his agreement and set the plan into motion.
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