Surviving The Fourth Calamity-Chapter 396 - 195: Only when it’s too late does one regret

Legendary Mages who had been waiting outside followed in behind Carl and Miller after President Draculus had seated himself.

They first greeted William, then exchanged greetings with the nobles of Saral who stood to welcome them before taking their seats.

Chairs rose behind Fran and the nobles as well, and they too sat down.

"Your Majesty the King," Draculus began in a steady voice, "this time, the Mage Association has been too arrogant."

Dressed in a purple-black robe with his brown hair tied back and resting lightly on his left shoulder, his angular face carried a slight smile, and beneath thick eyebrows were a pair of profound eyes—he was a very calm and confident man.

Although he should be over ten thousand years old, he looked to be about Fran’s age.

Even though he was admitting mistakes, he sounded as if he were chatting casually with a friend.

William chuckled but didn’t engage with his remarks, "I can only assume that there are no longer any Mages within the Mage Association who are in collusion with demons, right?

So if Mages with issues were to be discovered again, it should have nothing to do with the Mage Association anymore.

I believe I have the right to deal with those with ill-intentions."

Draculus, watching William speak so casually about dealing with Evil Mages, a trace of complexity flashed in his eyes, "Many Mages are of the Evil Faction, but they are not Demon Mages. I hope Your Majesty can show a bit of mercy."

"I have a good temper, as long as they don’t step foot on Saral’s territory," William said with a frown and without mercy. "Even my own citizens cannot belong to the Evil Faction; why should criminals from other countries be free to enter at will?

The Mage Association may condone misconduct on its own lands, but that doesn’t mean Saral is willing."

Draculus knew this was William’s bottom line and could only nod, "I will issue a notice, but if someone still sneaks in, then..."

"Even if he is executed, I will not acknowledge him as part of the Mage Association," William interrupted impatiently. "I am willing to save face for the Mage Association in this regard, but let’s not have anyone come to me with any pleas.

We all understand that not just anyone can join the Evil Faction.

After I issue the King’s decree, if someone still insists on entering Saral, is nothing but a provocation to me.

Such a person doesn’t deserve protection from the Mage Association, right?"

In this world where not all laws are complete, to be part of the Evil Faction, the deeds they commit are not likely to be much better than those of demons. William knew he had no right to govern the affairs of other countries, but he would by no means allow these people to enjoy privileges on his own land.

Draculus nodded helplessly, knowing that the King of Saral would make such a request; he had been mentally prepared before coming.

A deity that is neutral with a tendency towards good would not tolerate evil in his domain.

Draculus hesitated for a moment but eventually said, "The Mage Association is now facing a troublesome matter and hopes to receive assistance from His Majesty."

William tilted his head and signaled for him to proceed.

"Demon worship rituals require human emotions and desires. They are not all cultivated through slaughter," Draculus said with difficulty. "Many people don’t realize what they’re involved in and think it’s just a carnival. But many have likely already been affected."

William pondered for a moment, "Are you asking to borrow a painting imbued with the power of the Sun God?"

Actually, he wanted to buy it, Draculus paused, "I thought Your Majesty had many of them?"

"Even the master’s house has no surplus grain," William said lightly.

"What?"

"I only have seven," William said with a faint smile, "and six cities are to be built in this area. I can only lend you the one I carry with me. Such strategic treasures are not easily obtained again."

He mused to himself, how long did Hill say it would take to replicate them? It seems to be ten in a year.

He’d have to talk to the kid and make sure the next ten are sold to him.

"Maybe I can just go ask Polanio directly. What do you think, Fran?" Draculus couldn’t resist and dragged Fran, who had been keeping a straight face and listening by, into the conversation.

"I do not care for these divine products," Fran said indifferently, "Besides, why should I know the details about Hill’s belongings? Is the Mage Association now going to regulate what younger generations have as well? I thought Mages were supposed to be free!"

William almost wanted to whistle.

Talking about Mage freedom every day, and now you want a kid’s belongings?

Draculus’s face turned ashen, "Fran, I know some people in the Mage Association have upset you, but you should know that he only lost his senses temporarily because his life was reaching its limit.

Polanio did not spare Mage Association any face, and he struck without mercy.

The Sorcerer Tower also took the opportunity to sever ties with the Mage Association.

The Mage Association has actually suffered greater losses and already has profound regrets," Draculus said.

"Hill really has a good temper!" William suddenly interjected, "I thought he would only leave one person alive to bear the news! I didn’t expect that those who didn’t provoke him actually all got to go back. That’s the kindness of a Nature Warlock from the Kind Alignment for you—he’s just too soft-hearted!" He enunciated the last few words deliberately, his face mocking yet seemingly amused.

Draculus was taken aback, realizing that Polanio indeed held a high status in Saral.

Otherwise, William, who was almost deified, would not show such dissatisfaction with his words.

Fran’s expression also turned more aggressive.

"How Hill conducts himself is not my concern," Fran said with a sneer, "He’s a Magician, as well as an owner of an independent Magic Tower. What? The Mage Association has changed its rules? I thought Mages who go independent can’t even be managed by their own fathers!"

Draculus suppressed his temper, knowing that Fran was unlikely to reconcile with the Mage Association anytime soon.

He only hoped that later on, they could draw Fran’s student Adrian back.

Compared to Fran, Adrian harbored less resentment toward the Mage Association.

For the sake of his student, Fran’s attitude might soften slightly.

In his heart, Draculus cursed those fools who were so preoccupied with their power struggles that they neglected the only Alchemist Master capable of crafting Demi-God Artifacts.

This was an Alchemist Master who could create Demi-God Artifacts!

If there were no feelings involved, why would Fran possibly choose to live near Polanio?

Allowing Polanio to live separately, without involving him in any of his Magic Tower matters, was because he indeed had his own path to follow!

For capable individuals, this was the best approach.

It was only those who ascended to Legendary status through shortcuts that must follow behind those with Legendary Laws!

It was because he had been in the Elemental Realm during that time that these foolish acts happened.

Draculus understood why not a single person with Legendary Laws stopped this, not even one bothering to notify him.

The real reason they disliked Polanio was because he, as a Magician, had discovered the Wind Element Laws.

If Polanio were a Mage, a crowd of people would have rushed to congratulate him already.

Moreover, some were displeased with Fran’s arrogance and wanted to disgrace him, and with the addition of a half-witted Half-Elf blinded by their ascension to godhood, the final outcome brewed.

"There are many misunderstandings between us. I was absent at the time, and some matters were not well managed, leading to these results through a series of unfortunate events. I hope that over time, Master Fran’s forgiveness can be obtained," Draculus tried to maintain a peaceful tone, but couldn’t help glaring at the Legends behind him.

Many involved people couldn’t resist lowering their heads in shame.

But some had faces that showed they didn’t care.

They simply didn’t interfere and let the fools create chaos.

They didn’t get involved themselves.

If Fran hadn’t created a Demi-God Artifact, their President wouldn’t have descended to speak on their behalf!

Everyone was the same; when it came to matters unrelated to themselves, nobody cared.

It was just that now the Mage Association was in such disarray that they had to seek the help of the offended Polanio.

That Half-Elf Legend was not even permitted to board the ship because of this issue.

Those factions colluding with the Dwarves had been mostly purged, and among the remaining factions, not a single Half-Elf Mage was allowed to board the ship and come along.

Draculus lowered his head and finally spoke, "I don’t know if the Mage Association would borrow the original Semi-Divine Artifact Painting from Legend Polanio? One Legendary Treasure is simply not enough."

"The Mage Association has got half the country involved?" William asked in surprise, "I thought at most a fifth."

"The Dwarves’ Legendary crafts are very popular within the Mage Association, so many people participated in those extravagant banquets," Draculus finally told the truth, "They hold auctions before the banquets. Even those with little interest will give the organizers some face and stay for a while."

William glanced at the Legends behind Draculus, who appeared to have been purified, but still had some dark aura entwined around them.

He just assumed they were neutral or leaning towards the Evil Faction.

There is always a section of Mages who are very keen on uncovering the secrets of the Deities, even challenging the boundaries between humans and the World Will.

Such individuals, even if they hadn’t committed mass murder, would be judged as threats to the world.

Those who could follow behind the President of the Mage Association, as long as they weren’t from the Evil Faction, were mostly researchers who crossed human boundaries; though detestable, William understood that this was not within his purview to manage.

Even the Sun God did not intend to meddle with the shadows under the sun; William was even less likely to show such universal mercy.

After all, they were not from Saral Country; they could not wreak havoc on his nation.

So, they had all participated in those so-called auctions?

These were the minor leaders of the Mage Association, and they too had been caught up in it.

There weren’t many High-level Mages left in the Mage Association without issues, right?

William laughed, "It seems the Mage Association has more trouble on its hands! Then I will let go of 5 Legendary Paintings first! Don’t even think about the ones from Hill’s place.

Those have been blessed by both the Sun God and the Goddess of the Silvermoon; Hill doesn’t have the courage to lend them out casually."

This was no longer a matter of whether they could borrow it or not, William waited for the Mage Association to make an offer.

It had to satisfy him; otherwise, what could he use to continue purchasing from Hill next year!