Chapter 740: A Promise

Once they reach the third level, Henwell asks the Lady of Calamity where the exit is.

The Lady of Calamity originally claimed that an exit would appear after they descended two more levels.

Upon reaching the ninth level, however, she said that the exit was not there.

She claimed that the information she had received was wrong.

Only here, on the third level, does the Lady of Calamity finally confirm, "There is an exit here."

Henwell narrows his eyes. "Looks like whoever gave you that information played you too."

"If you had hired anyone else, they would have expected to leave on the ninth level."

"Now that the exit has moved to the third, do you think those helpers would still trust you?"

"Besides, you clearly intend to keep going down. How would you make sure they continued protecting you?"

The Lady of Calamity replies evenly, "There is an item that could compel my helpers to protect me through the rest of the exploration."

Henwell smiles. "But you didn't bring it."

The Lady of Calamity says nothing. Henwell continues, "So you don't believe fortune simply falls into your lap for free either."

The Lady of Calamity says, "Every gift from fate comes with a hidden price."

Henwell's smile fades. "Good. At least the benefits haven't clouded your judgment."

"I have a rough idea of what you intend to do. This is a path that cannot be shared with anyone."

"Without that resolve, I will leave now."

"I have done more than enough by escorting you this far."

"With anyone else, even ten Iron Knights would not have survived the descent."

The Lady of Calamity nods. "You have done enough, but I still invite you to continue exploring with me."

"As for your payment, I can only give it to you after I have completed everything."

Henwell falls silent for a moment, then looks up. "I want you on my side."

The Lady of Calamity frowns. "The Ika Kingdom is not my home. If you conquer it in the future, that will have nothing to do with me."

"I will cede my territory to you one day. My elder brother raised me, after all, and sacrificed a great deal for my sake."

"I cannot accept turning against him."

Henwell lets out a scornful laugh. "I don't need your help to conquer Ika."

"There is little you could do for me in that regard. I want a different promise from you."

Henwell points overhead. "I want a promise concerning a higher level."

The Lady of Calamity falls silent for a long time. She realizes that Henwell truly knows what she is attempting.

This is no casual promise. She knows that a powerful existence stands behind Henwell.

Once she chooses a side, everything that follows will tie her fate to Henwell's faction.

Henwell knows the demand is too harsh, so he softens it. "Then let's put it this way. Promise that you will never act against me."

"In return, I promise never to provoke you. When necessary, I can also protect your family."

The Lady of Calamity asks, "Are you capable of that?"

Henwell spreads his hands. "Believe me or don't. If I choose to walk this path, I will certainly go farther than you."

The Lady of Calamity does not believe him. Countless people covet this path, and even the gods would not ignore it.

Still, Henwell has conceded enough. His help in what comes next would greatly improve her chances of success.

After weighing the matter repeatedly, the Lady of Calamity nods lightly.

She walks to the idol's feet and speaks with solemn resolve. "I swear in my own name that no matter what happens, I will never become Henwell's enemy."

Miller and the others lower their heads in silence, not even daring to look in their direction.

The trembling in their hands and legs betrays them.

By this point, the idol's entire face has been revealed.

What terrifies them is how closely its face resembles the Lady of Calamity.

Together with the exchange they just witnessed, that resemblance lets them guess part of the truth.

They may not know the whole truth, but what they have inferred is enough to terrify them. Even their breathing turns unsteady.

Henwell nods. "Good. I also promise to help you as much as I can on the road ahead."

"And one more thing."

"Should trouble find you in the future, come to me. If the terms are right, perhaps I can help."

The Lady of Calamity asks, "You have other means at your disposal?"

Henwell replies, "First, once I leave this place, I will advance to the Glory Rank."

"I won't be untouchable across the entire continent, but very few people will still be capable of killing me."

"And very few things will remain beyond my ability."

"Second, I have an associate who is stronger than I am. He may already have reached the Domain Rank."

"His combat strength is astonishing, and he is used to killing above his rank."

"In other words, I can handle the Glory Rank, and I have ways to kill a Domain Master."

"As for the Sanctuary Rank above that, given the right circumstances, it may not be completely beyond our ability to confront."

The Lady of Calamity stares at Henwell, searching his face for any sign that he is lying.

In the end, she nods. "That concerns the future. If such a day truly comes, I will ask for your help."

Henwell raises one finger. "Give me at least a year's notice."

"My associate is often away from here, and contacting him takes time."

With the negotiation over, Henwell turns to the deathly silent Miller and the others. "Follow the method the Lady of Calamity described."

"Once we have dealt with the guardian on the next level, you will leave by the river route through the gorge."

"After you get out, hide yourselves. No matter what happens, do not contact anyone, and do not try to find me."

"I will come for you after I make it out."

"Before that, I have a question for the two of you."

Henwell looks at Doyle and Abbas. "It is time for you to choose. You both heard what we just discussed."

"I am not threatening to silence you. The information itself will bring death to you, no matter where you hide."

"I am the only one who can protect you now, so I will extend the invitation again. Join Peace Haven."

Doyle asks, "My lord, what about my family?"

Henwell waves a hand. "Don't worry. They will be brought to Peace Haven one after another."

Doyle drops to one knee, plants his longsword against the ground, and swears allegiance to Henwell.

Abbas asks, "Henwell, can you fund my continued exploration of other ruins?"

Henwell chuckles. "Abbas, you have nothing to worry about on that front."

"I guarantee my ruins expedition team is far more capable than anything you can imagine."

"My manor also holds a vast collection of books, and I intend to establish the most comprehensive library on the continent."

"In my study are records I have compiled and classified concerning the continent's lost history."

"Believe me, you will find something there that you want to know."

That settles it. Abbas readily agrees.

Only then does Henwell summon the Chains of Civilization.

A chain coils around each person, forming a special layer of protection.

Henwell continues, "Daisy, I have a task for you. Once you are outside, protect Abbas."

"Assume new identities, and do not rush back to Peace Haven."

"Your priority is to remain hidden. I will come find you myself."