I Became the Progenitor Vampire-Chapter 216 - 217: The Irresistible Temptation, Waves Surging Again (Major Chapter)

Chapter 216: Chapter 217: The Irresistible Temptation, Waves Surging Again (Major Chapter)

Hearing Laurent’s words, not only Lide but also Betty, the Valkyrie with the Northern Royal Bloodline, showed great interest.

She extended two fingers and gently wiped them on the luminescent white blade of the sword. She caressed the greatsword that once belonged to Grot.

The blade’s edge was exceptionally cold and sharp, capable of piercing through a giant dragon’s scales.

This greatsword, which had cut through the tons-heavy armor of Koso, the One-eyed Giant, inflicting heavy damage, had an extraordinary origin. It was a gift from the former Northern Royal Family to Grot’s ancestors for their illustrious military achievements.

Betty knew that the reason for the greatsword’s sharpness was not just the numerous times it had been forged by Dwarf Forging Masters; it was also due to the inclusion of a fist-sized piece of Secret Silver during its forging.

This precious metal that could enhance a weapon’s performance by several levels had always been a treasured possession of the Northern Royal Family.

...

No one understood the importance of Secret Silver more than she did.

“Are you sure it’s a Secret Silver Vein? What qualifications does a small merchant have to know of information that could start a war between two countries?”

Betty couldn’t help but directly voice her skepticism.

Her voice was lazy yet mature, the very epitome of a mature woman.

Laurent glanced at Lide and, seeing a signal to respond, bowed deeply to the lady reputed to be a Level 15 Northern Warrior.

One must always maintain sufficient respect when dealing with the powerful.

“Lady Betty, the Secret Silver Vein wasn’t discovered by me, but by the Dwarves.”

Dwarves?

Lide raised an eyebrow. How were the Dwarves involved in this?

Dwarves had a significant reputation in Glory World as born weapon forgers, and their weapons were synonymous with quality.

“Go into detail,” said Lide, who was now interested as well. Dwarves and a Secret Silver Vein—these words combined were far more reliable than the merchant Laurent.

If the Dwarves had discovered the Secret Silver Vein, then the credibility of the claim increased by more than just one level.

These short-statured beings with a mad passion for mining wouldn’t just dig up a Secret Silver Vein. Lide would believe them even if they dug up magma, found a dragon’s nest, or even breached through the world into another plane.

“Yes,” Laurent said, his tone containing a hint of relief, “Lord Lide, you still remember the scene of our first meeting outside Green City last October, don’t you?”

Lide nodded. At that time, the Golden Wheat Commerce had just returned from the border, with their goods plundered by Beastmen.

He had also just returned to Green City from the ancient castle of the Bloodline, which had not yet been renamed Dawn City.

It was that chance encounter that led Lide to buy out the Golden Wheat Commerce.

“The story started from there,” Laurent began a detailed narration; the course of events had its own story-like nature.

Half a year before, when Laurent had not yet gone bankrupt and been bought out by Lide, he had invested all his assets and even borrowed two hundred Gold Pucks from the Green City commerce guild to trade Secret Silver Ore at the border.

The sellers of the Secret Silver Ore were the Dwarves living at the border, and Laurent had chanced upon this information.

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He originally planned to try his luck, but, to his surprise, he actually managed to buy Secret Silver Ore from the Dwarves… Although the quality of that batch of ore was low and the amount of Secret Silver that could be smelted was pitiful, it was enough for him to make a fortune.

However, just as he was elatedly preparing to return to Green City with the Secret Silver Ore, he encountered a raid by Beastmen and all of his goods were robbed.

What came after aligned with Lide’s memories. Due to his bankruptcy, he was taken in by Lide and became a member of the Crimson Mage Tower, starting his path to rising again.

However, if that was all there was, Laurent wouldn’t have received the current news.

As the Golden Wheat Commerce grew stronger, and its influence increased day by day, combined with the continuous trade with the borders, Laurent’s people reconnected with the Dwarves.

Unfortunately, to his disappointment, the Dwarves temporarily announced they would no longer sell Secret Silver Ore. Although disappointed, Laurent still established a trade relationship with the Dwarf Tribe with the hope of purchasing precious Secret Silver Ore in the future.

He originally didn’t hold much hope for this since the Dwarves were the world’s best craftsmen, and it was unlikely they would sell such valuable ore on a large scale.

But the exciting news came just three days ago. The Dwarves suddenly approached him, seeking his help.

Laurent was extremely curious and inquired about the details to learn the reason.

It turned out the dwelling place of the Dwarf Tribe was not within the land of the Nolan Empire but in the barren wasteland owned by the Beastmen, within the Far Mountain Range under the jurisdiction of the Beastmen.

The Far Mountain Range was vast, stretching across both the Nolan Empire and the Beastman Empire, with a long stretch of mountains on the barren wasteland side where the Dwarf Tribe was concealed.

Due to a lack of food and various life supplies, the Dwarves often traded the weapons and ore they forged with humans at the border in exchange for the supplies they needed.

Even the most carefully hidden secrets might one day be discovered, not to mention large-scale trade.

After long dealings with the outside world, the Dwarves’ vigilance decreased, and without intending to, they were discovered by a powerful Beastman Tribe near their dwelling place.

Unquestionably, a war between the races began.

The Beastmen treated the Dwarves no differently than humans, seeing them as enemies all the same.

Though the Dwarves were also a race with remarkable combat abilities, they were too few, and the entire Dwarf Tribe could only hold out for three days against the onslaught of over ten thousand Beastman troops before completely falling.

The Dwarf Tribe became captives of the Beastmen.

The Dwarf who had escaped and found Laurent wanted to make a deal with him—if he could rescue his people, he would offer a Secret Silver Vein that the Dwarf Tribe had just discovered and yet to mine as a reward.

After hearing Laurent’s story, Lide had a very odd expression.

How could this story sound so far-fetched?

It was as if it was straight from the mouth of a wandering bard.

“Laurent, how can you be certain what the Dwarf said is true?”

“And you are just a manager at Golden Wheat Commerce, why would they seek your help? On what grounds do they expect your assistance?”

“Do you have the ability to confront tens of thousands of orc troops? And on the Barren Wasteland at that.”

“You surely know who controls the Barren Wasteland, right?”

“Even Green City would have to think twice before facing tens of thousands of orcs on the Barren Wasteland.”

Behind Lide, Vina’s tone was very calm, although a complete Mithril vein also greatly tempted her.

As a power holder of the Crimson Mage Tower, the information she came into contact with during this time naturally made her aware of the preciousness of Mithril.

But the risk involved was too great, a full ten thousand strong Beastman Tribe indeed.

Even if they put the whole Crimson Mage Tower at stake, they couldn’t face such a formidable enemy.

Laurent showed a bitter smile on his face, “Lady Vena, the Dwarves naturally wouldn’t ask me for help.

The compensation the Dwarves offered is for Lord Lide,” he said, his eyes filled with admiration, “Lord Lide now has considerable influence even on the frontier.

Bards sing of his legend, merchants discuss his legacy, mages praise his talent…”

Hearing this, Vena’s mood improved significantly, and she sneakily glanced at the handsome profile, feeling pleased.

“The Dwarves want me to ask for your assistance, they said only the Crimson Mage Tower has the ability to save them…”

Lide’s eyes flashed with contemplation.

“And if we don’t agree?”

Laurent shook his head, “They didn’t say, but I think they would likely seek other powers.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Lide’s mouth curled into a meaningful arc, “These Dwarves may be in a desperate situation, but their intelligence is not low.

Laurent, never underestimate a group of intelligent life.”

“Believe me, right now in Green City, we are the only target for the Dwarves.”

Upon hearing this, the three people in the room were somewhat puzzled, looking at him with curiosity.

Lide’s tone became a few degrees more serious, “I came from a small town on the frontier…”

At these words, Betty, who knew Lide’s true identity, slightly pursed her lips, but did not retort.

“The Kachar family was destroyed because of the orcs. I was forced to flee to Green City, and although I’ve established the Crimson Mage Tower here, my hatred towards the orcs cannot be reconciled.

If there’s a generous reward as bait, and it involves attacking orcs, the Dwarves must believe I won’t be stingy with my power.

Besides, there is another very important point…”

“What’s that?” Vena asked curiously, playing the part of a good conversationalist very well.

Lide smiled slightly, “Master Spark.”

“Master Spark?”

Laurent was puzzled, “What does this have to do with Master Spark? The Dwarves need your help.”

Lide shook his head, “Laurent, you’re really good at thinking in business terms, but you’re far off the mark in this regard.”

Laurent looked a bit ashamed, “Lord Lide, I’m sorry.”

“In fact, this time the Dwarves are probably aiming for the mentor behind me, Master Spark should be their main target,” Lide’s gaze was profound.

“Even if the Crimson Mage Tower were to send out all its forces, it still couldn’t handle an orc army ten thousand strong. I believe the Dwarves are well aware of this.

But it doesn’t matter if I can’t do it, someone can, my mentor, Master Spark.

This Mithril vein, I suspect, is not a reward for me, but for my mentor.

Not only is he the Master of White Tower, but he’s also the Vice President of the Mage Association of Green City, and with so many years of cultivation here, if he’s determined,

then not just ten thousand orcs, but even fifty thousand could be eliminated with enough force gathered.”

Lide felt somewhat emotional; Master Spark’s many years of accumulation were not a joke, or else the Crimson Mage Tower couldn’t have developed so smoothly and expanded to this extent without being coveted.

“So, did the Dwarf originally intend to use you to pass the message to Master Spark? But why didn’t they go directly to Master Spark themselves?” Vena continued to inquire.

Lide looked appreciatively at his little maid; the timing of her interjection was perfect. Sure enough, she was someone close to him, in sync.

“Because, why?

What right does a common Dwarf have to meet the Vice President of the Green City Mage Association, the Master of White Tower, a powerful Great Mage?

Moreover, even if they do meet, what can the Dwarves offer to gain trust?

Would the mentor believe a Dwarf that comes out of nowhere?

Would he face an army of ten thousand orcs for an uncertain Mithril vein?

But if this news comes from my mouth, the credibility is different.

After all, I am the disciple of the mentor.”

Lide paused, a flash of emotion in his eyes, “And even if the mentor ultimately chooses not to do it, there’s no harm to the Dwarves,

because the Dwarf could continue to seek other powers with the mentor’s name as leverage.

Master Spark was very interested but ultimately declined due to other considerations, this matter is certified by Master Spark… With these titles, do you think other powers might be interested in what the Dwarves have to say?”

Lide shrugged and concluded.

“So, the message that Dwarf gave you is just to pass on to me, and passing it to me is just to let me pass it to the mentor.

Even reaching the mentor may not be his ultimate goal; he might need Master Spark’s name to negotiate with other powers.”

After listening to Lide’s words, not only Laurent and Vena Bellamy, but even Betty of the Northern Royal Family slightly opened their mouths, looking at Lide with a face full of surprise.

The Northern Land Valkyrie suddenly felt that these humans were so complicated… with deep schemes, making her yearn for home.

“Could it be that the dwarf’s information is fake? Or do they not have the intention to cooperate with us?” Laurent looked at Lide, full of admiration. How could there be such a gap between people?

Lide shook his head, “No, the message is very likely to be true, and the dwarfs’ intention to cooperate with us is also very strong.”

At this point, Betty was completely confused; she found that she was not really able to understand Lide’s words.

“Then why do you question them…”

Lide’s mouth turned up slightly, his tone meaningful, “It all depends on our attitude.

If we agree, the dwarfs will immediately take action, but if we do not agree, they will immediately look for other forces to cooperate with.

There is no contradiction.

As for why I say their intention to cooperate with us is strong, the fact that they approached us first makes it clear.

Moreover, in the whole of Green City, we are undoubtedly their first choice, after all, I have a family vendetta against the Beastmen.”

Lide’s words seemed to clear up the thoughts of the few people present.

“Lord Lide, your wisdom would astonish the goddess,” Laurent found himself intellectually rubbed into the ground by Lide, marvelling at how such simple information could imply so much.

“So, do we help the dwarfs?” Betty couldn’t help but ask. As a Northern warrior, her Bloodline was filled with zeal for battle.

If Lide decided to send troops, there would surely be a battle, much more interesting than practicing swordplay within the Crimson Mage Tower.

Lide glanced at the Valkyrie brimming with the intent to fight and shook his head, “No, we never help those who are not our allies.”

These words immediately dimmed the light in Betty’s eyes, no battle again; what a dreary life.

A trace of amusement flashed in Lide’s eyes, “However, we can fight for fairness and justice.

The lowly and filthy Beastmen dare to bully the small and kind dwarfs; as Mages who hold justice and light in our hearts, we should eradicate evil and save the good.”

These words immediately rekindled Betty’s spirits, her eyes burning as she looked at him, ready to swing her great sword at his command.

“Laurent, where is that dwarf staying? I want to talk to him.”

“The dwarf is staying at the inn next to the Golden Wheat Commerce’s premises; I’ll go and bring him over to you.”

Lide shook his head, “Give me the address, you don’t need to intervene in the rest.”

After speaking, his gaze became very stern, “Additionally, do not mention this matter to anyone.

Immediately issue a gag order to everyone aware of this, and if they are from Golden Wheat Commerce, immediately reassign them to patrol the Crimson Mage Tower and forbid them from leaving.

Those not from Golden Wheat Commerce, immediately have someone go out and capture them.”

Hearing this, Laurent felt a chill in his heart; he was well aware of the importance of this matter.

This was about waging war against an army of thousands of Beastmen, and it even involved a Secret Silver Vein that could trigger wars between two countries.

The wealth and risks involved were enough to overwhelm him, and if the information leaked, even the Crimson Mage Tower might not come out well.

“Yes, Lord Lide, only my two trusted aides are aware of this matter; I will immediately send them to the Crimson Mage Tower to await orders.”

Lide nodded slightly, showing a satisfied smile, and stood up to pat Laurent on the shoulder.

“You’ve done very well recently; keep it up, Crimson Mage Tower will not ill-treat anyone with merits.”

Feeling the encouragement in Lide’s eyes, Laurent’s heart warmed, and he nodded firmly, “Lord Lide, Laurent will not disappoint you.”

After Laurent left, Lide immediately began to instruct Vena Bellamy.

“Vena, have Isa stay with her teacher during this period and go nowhere else; I will take Betty away, so the matters of the Crimson Mage Tower are yours to handle.”

Vena came to Lide, and looking into his deep black eyes, she revealed a smile from deep in her heart.

“Lord Lide, Vena will manage the Mage Tower for you.”

Watching the exquisite and stunning face before him, Lide reached out and pinched her cheek, the soft and silky touch making him laugh heartily.

“Wait for my return.”

After saying this, he nodded to Betty, who had already picked up her great sword, ready to depart.

She immediately followed, prepared to trigger.

Vena suddenly seemed to remember something, her voice tentative, “Lord Lide, what about that adventurer from the Lost World?”

Lide slapped his forehead; he had been so engrossed in the discussion that he had almost forgotten about Glory Light, the player.

“Never mind, we’ll see him later.”

After pausing for a moment, he frowned and said, “Vena, these adventurers are restless, and they can also revive and be reborn continuously.

In the future, these adventurers will occupy a very important position in Green City and even the entire Glory World.

It would be best if you did some research and got to know them during this time; Crimson Mage Tower will establish a team composed of adventurers in the future.”

Hearing Lide’s instructions, Vena also felt that he seemed to place great importance on these newly appeared adventurers, and she quickly nodded in agreement.

After Lide finished giving instructions for the minor issues, he left immediately.

At this time, Glory Light, filled with the surprise of being summoned by the owner of the Crimson Mage Tower, had just arrived outside the Mage Tower.

However, Lide had left the Mage Tower ahead of time, and the two missed each other by mere seconds, missing each other perfectly.

Glory Light, dressed in a gray robe of a Mage Apprentice, looked around curiously, following the Mage who had come to notify him into the Main Tower of the Crimson Mage Tower.

This was the first time Glory Light stepped into the true Crimson Mage Tower, looking all around and feeling as if his eyes were not enough to take it all in.

This is the Mage Tower? Holy shit, so advanced. This kind of magic fluctuation—I’m afraid I’d get zapped by magic if I touched it, right?

Damn, there’s actually an Alchemy Trap here?? Almost stepped on it… “Are you the Glory Light?”

A crisp voice interrupted Glory Light as he was looking around.

He turned his head slightly and was completely stunned, his eyes filled with irrepressible awe.

Holy shit, this is too beautiful! Is this a goddess from Glory World??

How can she be this pretty??

After the mage in front of him paid respects, Glory Light came back to his senses and bowed to the goddess in front of him.

“Good day, my Lord.”

Vina at the moment regained her cool composure, her chin slightly lifted, her sapphire-like eyes carrying a bit of dignity, and her golden curly hair added even more of a queenly air to her demeanor.

The maid in front of Lide was actually the Power Holder of the entire Crimson Mage Tower, capable of determining the fate of anyone within it.

A queen, without a doubt.

“Good day, Glory Light, I hear you are an adventurer from the Lost Plane…”

Glory Light stood up straight and looked at Vina, feeling nearly intoxicated, damn, this NPC is seriously going to be the death of me.

Vina Bellamy

Level: 4

Profession: Mage

Introduction: The most trusted Power Holder of the Crimson Mage Tower owner, a business gem praised by the nobles of Green City, a star of commerce with outstanding business talent.

Holy shit, so this is Vina?

Then somewhat heartbroken.

Such a beauty is actually with the big boss.

“Yes, Lady Vina.”

Vina’s gaze became sharp, exuding an oppressive aura.

“Glory Light, can you tell me what sort of people the adventurers from the Lost Plane are?”

Ugh? Seeing Vina’s gaze, Glory Light suddenly panicked inside. Although as a player he had no taboos, in the past few days, he had learned just how much power NPCs really had.

Even if she wanted, this beautiful NPC could kick him out at any moment.

Knowing how hard it is to survive as a player, he naturally doesn’t wish to leave such a comfortable power, being self-assured when desireless, he no longer has his initial carefree attitude upon entering the game.

“Lady Vina, the adventurers…”

While Vina listened with surprise to Glory Light’s tales of silly player antics, Lide and Betty left the Crimson Mage Tower.

The two transformed their identities in a dark alley and sped towards the west district.

Ever since Laurent mentioned the Secret Silver Vein, Lide had been very interested in this precious vein discovered by dwarfs.

But just by relying on the visible strength of the Crimson Mage Tower, it was impossible to seize this lucrative opportunity.

The tens of thousands of Beastmen were certainly not fools; these physically strong warriors were famously formidable in battle.

Letting Spark have a share or even allowing him to take the lead, Lide would not do anything of that sort. It was a Secret Silver Vein, an entire vein of it.

The wealth contained within it was enough to drive the entire Green City mad if they knew of it.

He must now keep this news as contained as possible.

Currently, the Crimson Mage Tower can’t swallow it, so other powers must be used.

He doesn’t just have the Crimson Mage Tower alone.

One of the western district’s Big Three is Dark Contract, and Dawn City, deep within the Far Mountain Range, are both shockingly powerful entities.

The dwarf who divulged the information to Laurent might have considered passing it to Spark if the Crimson Mage Tower lacked the strength to exploit the vein.

But he could never have imagined that while the Crimson Mage Tower lacked the ability, Lide did not.

As Dawn’s Lord, the President of Dark Contract, and the Tower Master of the Crimson Mage Tower, he alone possessed six of the top combat strengths at level 15.

Northern Land’s Valkyrie Betty, a bearer of the Northern Royal Bloodline, level 16.

Grot, the Child of the North, level 16.

Koso, the Bronze One-eyed Giant, activated with Ancient Giant Bloodline, level 16.

Castro, the first of the newly born Dawn Bats, level 15.

Emi, the blasphemer, Shadow High Priest, level 15.

Stanley, Late Bell Church’s Dark Priest, level 15.

To put it bluntly, Lide now owned the most elite power in Green City, and under the Transcendent, the power in his hands was not inferior to any force.

That was the source of his confidence.

The tens of thousands of Beastmen, though strong, but…

If the information about this vein is true, he really wants to see if Dawn City could handle it.

A Secret Silver Vein is a temptation no one can resist.