Chapter 180: The Mage’s Deal

Constance’s expression was a little strange as she spoke, but the others didn’t think much of it.

Worshipping devils and demons was certainly contemptible, but it wasn’t exactly a "niche hobby." Such Cultists could occasionally form armies and run rampant, so it was perfectly normal that Constance had seen similar setups before.

"This guy’s worship of devils was far from ordinary," Yelena said, flipping through the journal left by the Elf Mage. As the only one here who could read Purgatory Language, she was naturally obligated to act as the translator. "Hmm... It seems he had his reasons for building this place and dedicating himself to hell."

"And his reasons were even... compelling?"

"What does it say?" Aiksuuri brought its huge dragon head closer. "Let me see... uh... what is all this scribbling?"

"Maybe you should ask that teacher of yours to teach you Purgatory Language," Yelena said, closing the journal and handing it to Ron. "The Mage who built this place wasn’t one of the Elves who migrated with Saran. He was a scholar who stumbled upon the Hailan Empire’s arrangements here."

"Baron Green Swamp hired him for several projects, including the forging of the Soul Furnace. The Mage drew on techniques from the Northern Barbarian Shamans and knowledge granted by his master. He created a powerful, nigh-indestructible Magical Artifact for Saran. The only thing that can destroy it is a Magic Weapon forged by the Barbarian Race."

As she said this, Yelena pointedly glanced at the greatsword slung across Sera’s back.

"As for how he met his devil master... that happened right after he first arrived here."

"Baron Green Swamp ordered him to lead a small team to explore the entire Delusional Land. Overconfident in his own abilities, the Mage headed straight for the depths. A Green Dragon blocked his path, trying to stop them from advancing, but he arrogantly ignored the dragon’s warning."

"The Green Dragon’s diary didn’t even mention that," Aiksuuri said, sticking its tongue out. "That Elf probably imagined it. Green Dragons aren’t that kind."

"I have no way of knowing the truth," Yelena said nonchalantly. "In any case, from what he recorded, he suffered a disastrous defeat."

"He discovered the ruins of an ancient civilization, which were teeming with a horrifying number of Undead Creatures. His team was wiped out in the endless fighting. He himself would not have escaped if he hadn’t sacrificed his right arm."

"But his brush with death was not without its rewards. The Mage found some clues there about the cause of that ancient civilization’s demise—some shell fragments that were not of the material world, carrying the scent of the abyss."

"Sounds like he found a place we need to go," Sera said, sticking her tongue out to lick her chapped lips. "To ’deal’ with demons? Suits me just fine!"

"Don’t get too excited. Even that kingdom has long since fallen, so the demons that tempted them must have left long ago," Yelena said, pouring cold water on the Barbarian’s enthusiasm. "Even the Mage only found some shell fragments from an Enchanting Demon."

"Enchanting Demon?" Sera scratched her head. "Why that name? Shouldn’t something with a shell be some kind of tough guy that charges into the fray?"

"That name sounds way too wimpy!"

"Enchanting Demons love your type," the Shadow Spirit said, glancing at Ron and slightly reining in her mockery. "Unlike succubi, who use trickery to stir mortals’ lust and desire to make them fall, Enchanting Demons are a different kind of tempter. Though their appearance is full of ferocious bestiality, they are actually masters of deceit and lies. They use illusions to hide their true form and use Magic to fulfill mortal wishes. By this method, they reward those who succumb to their lies and schemes."

"They sound like devils," Constance whispered. "Don’t they end up competing for the same mortals to corrupt?"

Yelena’s face soured as she snapped her fingers. "That’s not entirely accurate. After all, devils are a bit more ’orderly,’ while demons are just chaotic wretches driven by their own desires. But you’re right in principle: many types and powers of devils and demons overlap. They both need vast numbers of mortal souls, and for these and other reasons, they are locked in their perennial Blood War."

"A devil’s so-called ’Lawful’ nature usually just means twisting contracts and clauses to create deals that are completely in their own favor," Victoria snorted. "Fine, but even so, that’s still a lot better than demons, since they barely have contracts at all."

"When a demon’s true form and real purpose are discovered, they are perfectly capable and more than happy to just turn on you and resort to violence."

"So, the Mage sided with the devils to ’fight fire with fire’?" Ron asked, casting Language Proficiency to compare the contents of the journal with what Yelena was saying.

’It wasn’t that he completely distrusted her (though he didn’t really trust her much, either). But as an Evil Mage who had signed a pact with a devil, Yelena’s retelling was bound to be slightly skewed from the truth. By comparing the two, Ron could perhaps gain a more complete understanding of the whole affair.’

"No, a devil sought *him* out," Yelena corrected. "A once very powerful, but now utterly fallen and destitute archdevil—Molok."

"Before my mistress came to rule Marborg, he sat on the throne as ruler of the sixth layer, a victory won by driving demons out of Hell. Yet, like most Dukes of Hell—my mistress included—his so-called ’cooperation’ with the Lord of Nine Hells was merely a case of his fear of being stripped of power slightly outweighing his desire to usurp Asmodis. Unfortunately for him, his desire overcame his fear, just as Asmodis overcame him."

"Molok was stripped of his authority and sentenced to death—if not for the help of a Plane Gate, he wouldn’t even be alive today."

"As for his current situation, I’ve only heard rumors. He’s now trying everything he can to return to his former station, but he has lost everything. All he can do is bargain with mortals, trading his knowledge of the Nine Hells and other planes for their help. This Elf Mage was just one of his many insignificant mortal patrons."

"He promised to steal one of Saran’s treasures for Molok, and in return, he would receive a vast amount of knowledge that should have been beyond his reach."