Volume 5: Protracted War Chapter 162: March Appointment (2)
"Although I know that necromancers have great potential for development, I have to admit that I still underestimated you. In just one year since you set foot in the 'Hell Volcano', you have not only occupied the bottom four immersion places, but you have also been able to subdue foreign undead who are among the most powerful like the Great Mummy Khufu. If you continue to develop in this way, in less than a few months, I'm afraid that all the twelve primary immersion places in my hand will be under your control. Young man, you really have good means and courage." The tone of Hades' words changed a little. He still said it "kindly", but it sounded quite "sarcastic".
I laughed dryly, "Lord Hades, you are praising me too much. Nowadays, many heroes are rising up in the world and the competition is fierce. I am incompetent and may be in danger at any time. I have no choice but to do this and try my best to strengthen myself. Anyway, Lord Hades controls the powerful Nether Dragon Clan. He is in a high position and no one dares to provoke him. A mere dozen or so alien undead will not be of much use to you."
Hades snorted coldly and said nothing more. He flapped his bone wings slowly and stared at me for a long time. I felt uneasy and couldn't stand the dull atmosphere. I had to ask, "Lord Hades, what's the matter with you calling me here?"
After another silence, Hades slowly said, "Nothing much. I just want to talk to you in private to avoid any damage to our relationship in the future."
My heart suddenly jumped, and I was immediately nervous. Was this going to be a showdown? I managed to force a smile, "Lord Hades, if you have anything to say, just tell me. I will listen attentively."
"As long as you promise not to enter the territory of the 'Hell Volcano' again, I will do my best to ensure the safety of Khufu, Hader and the others, and allocate an immersion indicator for the Nether Dragon area for your men to use."
I was surprised again. This was too direct. I couldn't find the right words to answer, so I had to evade the question with a rhetorical question, "Lord Hades, what do you mean by this? I don't quite understand."
"You are a smart person. I think you must understand the pros and cons of this. There is no need for me to explain it in detail. Of course, this is just my personal opinion, a suggestion, and definitely not an order. You can accept it, but you also have the right to refuse. You might as well consider it seriously and give me a reply."
The safety of several of my men and the immersion index of a Hades Dragon Zone are all exchanged for my promise to never set foot in the "Hell Volcano". It seems a bit too cheap. Once I agree to this condition, it means that I will no longer be able to subdue the undead creatures on the "Hell Volcano", especially the opportunity to subdue the most powerful bone dragon in the "Dead Space" - the Hell Dragon. Giving up greater benefits in the future for the sake of temporary peace may have a very adverse impact on my long-term development. I should not agree to it no matter how I think about it. However, if I refuse, I will inevitably offend Hades, the local dragon. Taotao and the others will have to "make a living" under his nose. The most direct thing is that Khufu will evolve in a few days. If we refuse his face, he may make trouble. Who knows how much authority he has? If Khufu fails to evolve because of this, he will lose this powerful helper to challenge the "high-level" and fall out with the "ruling class". I am afraid that there will not be much development in the short term.
After thinking it over, he was in a dilemma. No matter what choice he made, it would bring certain risks and losses. He had no choice but to use a delaying tactic and delay it for a while, preferably until Khufu successfully evolved. "Lord Hades, your question is too abrupt. It makes it difficult for me to make a decision. Can you give me some time to think about it and give me an answer later?"
Hades sighed and shook his head. "No need. I already know your answer. In fact, I am wasting my time. The nature of the necromancers determines that you are an aggressive race. It is difficult to satisfy you."
I wanted to defend myself, but I gave up the effort in the end. If I could use words to impress or deceive Hades, this old monster with at least thousands of years of wisdom would not be worthy of being the big boss of the Nether Dragon Clan. When I intervened in the "Hell Volcano", the outcome was already determined - either I would be expelled or I would rule over it. I just don't know what kind of "retaliation" Hades will take after rejecting his proposal?
"I'm here to inform you in advance. Given that the current rankings cannot truly reflect everyone's true strength, and because of some loopholes in the challenge rules, some incompetent people have occupied high positions, suppressing the opportunities for other undead to seek development, as the ruler of the 'Hell Volcano', I naturally have an obligation and cannot ignore it. Therefore, three months later, I will revoke the immersion rights of the existing twelve undead and re-initiate the challenge for twelve primary immersion qualifications. At that time, all alien undead above the 'Hell Volcano' whose strength meets the prescribed challenge standards will have the right to participate. They can fight alone or in a team. However, for the sake of fairness, the number of participants on both sides must be equal, and they cannot rely on numbers to win." At this point, Hades seemed to pause intentionally, "In other words, if multiple contestants are sent to fight in the form of a team, their opponents will also increase the number of participants. The winning side will advance collectively, and the losing side will be eliminated. We strive to truly demonstrate the strength of each contestant and make the best use of everything, so that the 'Hell Magma Pool' can serve the undead who are really in need."
This is too vicious, it's like cutting off the firewood from under the cauldron, it's going to cut off my foundation! Just like the black warrior leader who killed the little mummy, who knows how many powerful beings are hidden in the huge "Hell Volcano". Without the advantage in numbers, except for Khufu, who doesn't have to worry about it, Taotao and Had are in trouble and may lose the qualification to soak. At that time, let alone the idea of attacking the Hades Dragon, even the existing interests will be lost. "Lord Hades, I..."
Hades interrupted me before I could continue. "I have made up my mind. No need to say more. This is the power granted to me by the supreme God of Death. There is no violation of the law. In the 'Dead Space', only the fittest survive. Everything depends on strength. You should go back and prepare. Make plans early. In three months, we will decide who is better in the challenge field. I will make the judgment impartially. As long as you are truly capable, you will never be buried."
