Supreme Magus novel Chapter 4108

Chapter 4108: Majestic Form (Part 1)

***

Meanwhile, a few hundred kilometers from Crank’s Warp Steps, Jorl and the others could barely believe their own eyes.

The ground floor of the Black Thone had turned out to be a room 600 meters (2000’) across with a tall ceiling and decorated with high-end furniture of exquisite taste.

From the silk-lined armchair to the paintings, everything was out of a royal palace.

Even more incredible was the fact that the place wasn’t tacky or overbearing. The priceless furniture wasn’t ostentatious, nor were the gemstones studded into the paintings meant for bragging.

They fueled the enchanted pictures, allowing them to recount stories so old that even the cursed objects believed them to be myths until they saw them unfold before their eyes.

The ground floor looked lived-in by a dignified noble who had taken his time to turn his home into a museum.

"This is it?" Jorl furrowed his brow. "What need do you have for human junk?"

"When you live as long as I do, you learn to do it with style, runt." The Black Throne replied. "Don’t waste your and my time dilly-dallying. The things that barbarians like you would consider precious are stored in the underground floors, away from your grubby paws.

"I have no reason to show them to you. Not now and probably never unless they become part of our deal."

"Underground floors?" Salanoth echoed. "Are you telling me this thing- I mean, your body doesn’t just go up?"

"Nice save, trinket." The voice grunted. "And yes, I have as many floors above as below. Now start walking those stairs, or it will take us all day just to meet."

"Why don’t you just bring us to you?" Jorl asked, stepping to the first floor and finding it filled with bookshelves and tomes.

It was one of the biggest libraries the Storm Griffon had ever seen, and every book had a powerful aura. Several hardwood tables and padded chairs were arranged across the room to allow the guests take notes while they examined the books.

’Weird.’ Jorl thought. ’Not only is it bigger on the inside, but I don’t see any ladder or means to reach the upper shelves. Does it assume everybody can fly, or is there a secret to it?’

"Where’s the fun in that, runt?" The Black Throne replied. "I’m old and bored, or I wouldn’t have bothered coming here. After centuries of isolation, I want to brag a bit. This way, after witnessing all the marvels in my possession, you’ll grovel before me.

"The experience will teach you your place in our alliance if I accept to help you, and make you regret wasting this opportunity if I refuse. Either way, I’ll have a good laugh."

Jorl inwardly cursed and continued ascending the Black Throne.

***

Lith had to fly to pretend he was tracking his target and hide that he already knew Uragar’s exact position. During that time, the group had the opportunity to make introductions and ask a few questions.

’What are you doing here, Phillard? I thought you were just a mercenary.’ Lith asked.

’I am a mercenary, and I don’t usually get involved in politics.’ The Lindwurm replied. ’Yet Nestrar is my region, and Mirana is my home. I won’t let the Dead King mess with my livelihood more than he already has.

’After his attack, most of my regular clients had to focus on rebuilding their territories and can’t afford my services anymore. If Narchat becomes even more powerful, I might be forced to move to another country.’

’That’s incredibly selfish of you!’ Tista said. ’Would you really sit there and do nothing if not for the lack of bounties?’

’Yes.’ Crank replied for Phillard. ’He wouldn’t even be here if I hadn’t paid him handsomely for this mission and up front at that.’

’Is that true?’ Lith asked, almost proud of the Lindwurm.

’Yeah.’ Phillard sighed. ’I need the money for the house, the staff, and most of all, the food. I’ve gotten too used to eating well, and raw meat doesn’t cut it for me anymore. I’ve become a dandy, and now I’m paying the price for it.’

’What about you, Crank?’ Solus asked.

’I’m the lord of this place, and the only Divine Beast the Royals could call upon aside from the Verhens.’ The Hyperion puffed his chest out with pride. ’Also, they are paying me a king’s ransom and promised that I wouldn’t have to charge in this mess alone.

’They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.’

’And how are you different from Phillard, exactly?’ Friya had met the Lindwurm twice back when he was still a Kroxy and she a fourth-year student of the White Griffon.

’As I said, I’m the lord of this area. More funds mean I can better develop my territory, not just stuff my belly like that scaly pig.’ Crank replied. ’Also, I need a big hoard if I want to find a mate.

’I was just a wandering Awakened until a few years ago, and have nothing but what I earned with the War of the Griffons. Females are so damn expensive!’

’Hey!’ Friya, Solus, and Tista said in unison.

’I’m not talking about you humans. No offense, but your kind is too small and furless for me.’ The honey-badger-looking Hyperion raised his paws in apology. ’I meant my fellow Divine Beasts.

’They make a lot of demands, and I’ve yet to become a Light Master. I’m wealthy from a human standpoint, but for a Divine Beast, I’m dirt-poor.’

’What about Tista?’ Friya asked, drawing a killer glare from the Hekate. ’She is a Divine Beast, and according to her own words, she doesn’t need much.’

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