Gunmage-Chapter 39: A deal with the Devil

No HUMAN nation.

Bingo. It had always been, and always would be, the magical civilizations that looked down on humans.

The arrogance of mages, the disdain and scorn of those who wielded power beyond mortal hands. It was the same story written across history.

Lovainne turned his gaze toward Vaelith.

"Vaelith, what do you think the elves would say if they were asked about our voyage on the Devil Sea?"

The elf remained silent for a moment, considering his words.

When she finally spoke, her voice was measured, almost detached.

"They would deny any possibility of success because they themselves cannot accomplish such a feat. To caution others would be to admit their own inferiority. They would never do this."

Lugh narrowed his eyes slightly. Typical. Even in the face of undeniable reality, they would rather cling to their delusions of supremacy than acknowledge the ingenuity of mankind.

"Wait"

Lyra interjected, her brows furrowing.

"Are you saying the elves are helping Heieg?"

If so, then things will be really bad.

"We're not sure of that yet"

Lovainne responded, his tone grim.

"There is a law stating that magical civilizations aren't supposed to interfere with us, and vice versa. If we can gather evidence of their involvement, we might be able to appeal to the Empyrean Court to put an end to this war"

Lugh cast a wary glance at Vaelith. He didn't trust elves. He never had a reason to. But Lovainne caught the look and spoke before he could voice his suspicions.

"You don't need to be on guard. Vaelith is different."

There was no hesitation in his voice. He didn't just believe it, he knew it.

"I trust her."

Lugh made no response. He simply nodded in acknowledgment, but his thoughts were already racing.

The Prince had been dangerously forthcoming with information, revealing secrets that could be considered treasonous.

There was only one reason to take such a risk, this was an attempt to draw them in. A calculated move, one that implied he had already deemed them useful enough to wager on.

Their origins might be uncertain, and their ultimate goals still shrouded in mystery, but Lovainne wasn't going to let that stop him from taking advantage of the situation.

If anything, it only solidified his resolve. He would use them—just as they sought to use him.

This also explained why the Prince hadn't reacted to Xhi's earlier display of insolence, something that would have warranted immediate consequences under normal circumstances.

He had been in full control of the conversation from the very beginning!

Then, Lovainne spoke again, making his next move.

"I'm forming a task force composed of the people in this room. A small unit that will work in tandem with the army"

His voice carried the weight of command, a tone that left no room for negotiation.

"Your primary directive will be the hunting down of enemy mages."

Lyra visibly stiffened. Lugh could feel her tension from across the room, but Lovainne wasn't finished.

"To that end, I'm promoting you all to the rank of sergeant."

Lyra's face twitched.

Lovainne met her gaze and, as if anticipating her objection, added,

"I don't have the authority to take you beyond that rank. But if we survive this, I'll make sure your file is up for review at Command HQ."

Lugh noticed how the prince had carefully worded his statement. Not if she survived, but we. A subtle choice of words, but an effective one. A way to bind them together, to make them invested in each other's survival.

Then came the final move to solidify his control.

"Vaelith will be the leader of the squad."

A declaration. A seal. The iron struck while it was hot, the deal finalized before anyone could object.

It would have gone smoothly—if not for the priestess.

"Any questions?"

Lovainne asked.

Xhi leaned back with a smirk.

"Of course I have a question. What makes you think I'm a part of your playgroup?"

Lovainne blinked.

"Playgroup?"

"You just up and decided to involve me in something that is, quite frankly, none of my business. Why do you think I'll listen to you?"

The room went silent. Lugh braced himself, expecting an outburst from the prince. A sharp reprimand, a warning at the very least. But Lovainne didn't react with anger.

Instead, he regarded Xhi with an unreadable expression before speaking, calm and measured.

"What is it that you want?"

Xhi's smirk widened.

"Hmm. Very good. I like talking to smart people."

Lovainne remained silent, waiting.

"I do have a request"

She said, finally.

"Out with it."

She let out an exaggerated sigh, causing Lugh's eye to twitch in irritation.

"A deal must benefit both parties"

She continued

"I'll help you with your business, and you'll help me with mine."

Lovainne's expression darkened slightly.

"What business?"

"Oh, you can't really do much"

She admitted.

"I just want you to fulfill one request of mine."

"A request?"

"Yes. At a specific time, I'll ask you to do one thing, and you cannot refuse."

The air in the room grew heavier, as if the very walls were pressing in on them.

Lugh's muscles tensed. A request to the Prince of Ophris—one in which he could not refuse—was no small demand.

"I'm sorry"

Lovainne said, shaking his head.

"I can't do that."

"Well, in that case"

Xhi said nonchalantly,

"I'll be rendering my services to Heieg. I'm also under no obligation to keep everything discussed here a secret."

A chill ran through the room. Lugh felt a sharp pang of alarm.

'This lunatic!'

He thought.

The tension crackled like static before a storm. Vaelith's hand twitched near her blade. Lovainne's grip on his belt tightened.

Once he gave the order, they would strike—but Xhi would kill them before they even moved.

Lugh was certain of that.

He prepared to act but by then, Lovainne has already exchanged a glance with Vaelith.

Then, exhaling slowly, he spoke.

"Alright. I'll agree to your request."

Xhi's eyes gleamed with amusement, but before she could speak, he continued,

"But, it must be within my abilities. And it cannot cause harm to myself or my people."

"Hmm,"

She hummed.

"Interesting. Very well then, I accept."

Then, she uttered a single word.

"Oyhragg."

The air thickened. A crushing weight bore down on everyone, as if an unseen force had pressed its hands upon their very souls.

Lugh recognized the word instantly. To the others, it must have sounded like incomprehensible noise, but to him, the meaning was clear.

A parchment of goatskin materialized in the air.

"Drop your blood on this"

R𝑒ad lat𝒆st chapt𝒆rs at free𝑤ebnovel.com Only.

Xhi demanded.

Lovainne recoiled slightly.

"Why?"

"It's a contract"

She stated simply.

"I help you, you help me. Whoever breaks it forfeits their life."

Lovainne hesitated, but the alternative was far worse.

He made his decision. Drawing a pocket knife, he sliced his thumb, letting a drop of blood fall onto the parchment.

A deal with the devil. That was what this was. Nothing could convince him otherwise.

Xhi's smile widened in satisfaction. The parchment ignited in blue flames, reducing to ash in an instant.

"The contract is sealed"

She said.

The suffocating pressure vanished.

"As a reward for your decisiveness, I will answer two of your questions."

Lovainne frowned.

"Two questions?"

"Yes"

She said sweetly.

He thought for a moment, then asked

"What do you plan on asking me to do?"

Xhi tilted her head, as if considering.

"I was originally going to ask you to kill yourself,"

She paused.

"But now, I'm not sure what I will ask for"