Hoffman Ironfist had completely abandoned any thought of assassinating the Elven Queen. The elves were already preparing to withdraw and go home, so the dwarves should simply go with the flow.
If anything unexpected happened to Catherine now, the elves might change their strategy and become far less accommodating.
Although this informal meeting hadn't finalized anything, this exchange made Hoffman Ironfist realize that the dwarf race's turning point had truly arrived.
If they could fully absorb the territory of the City of Alchemy, it would mean the dwarf kingdom doubled its population while acquiring a structured alchemy industry.
Once, this had been unique to the City of Alchemy, leaving other kingdoms to watch in envy.
For the exact same healing potion, the City of Alchemy's production cost was half that of other kingdoms, while its output was more than tenfold.
Envy, however, changed nothing. These production lines had taken countless alchemists years to build. Other kingdoms lacked the talent pool; even if given blueprints to follow, they couldn't replicate it.
With this alchemical industrial system, the dwarf kingdom would be able to mass-produce magic potions and enchanted equipment. Combined with the doubled population, the military might of the dwarf kingdom would multiply exponentially.
That way, even if the Ryan Empire breached the Death Line, the dwarf kingdom would possess the strength to fight again.
Hoffman Ironfist couldn't wait to report this good news up the chain; no outcome could possibly be better.
After Hoffman Ironfist left, Catherine asked quizzically, "Making such an exorbitant demand—weren't you afraid he'd refuse?"
The price Anbaixiu demanded was rather outrageous. The dwarf kingdom had been battered into retreat and near collapse by Ryan, and a great migration consumed immense manpower and resources. For Anbaixiu to demand tens of billions of gold coins at a time like this seemed utterly irrational.
"I was just asking for the moon at first. I didn't think they could afford it either. But judging by Hoffman Ironfist's reaction, we probably both underestimated the dwarf kingdom's wealth." Stroking his chin, Anbaixiu couldn't help musing, "Is grave robbing really that profitable?"
Catherine asked again, "Why did you say you were working for our elven race?"
"Isn't that just setting up to demand wages from the dwarves? I sold myself to the elves for love and peace, and the dwarves gained enormous benefits as a result. Asking them for a bit of labor compensation is completely reasonable, isn't it?" Anbaixiu replied.
Catherine was rendered speechless. This lich before her would truly do anything for money.
Yet Anbaixiu, who had just been dwelling on profit, suddenly changed his expression and said to Catherine, "Don't you think Hoffman's visit this time was a bit strange?"
Looking puzzled, Catherine asked, "Strange in what way? As the other party in the negotiations, coming to probe for information after I was attacked doesn't seem out of place, does it?"
"That's true, but I still felt something was off. When he arrived, he seemed to have another motive, only to abandon it by the time he left... Oh well, people who play politics all have filthy hearts. Their minds are too complicated; there's no guessing what they're up to."
Anbaixiu didn't dwell on it too much, as it likely wouldn't affect him greatly—otherwise, his instincts would have alerted him long ago.
Everything was set. All that remained was signing the contract in two days, and then he could wait to collect his money.
Anbaixiu felt delighted. Although this chaotic clash had still caused considerable casualties, the numbers were tiny compared to a true war between two nations—hardly more than a fraction.
Not only that, but Anbaixiu would also help the elves solve the issue of mana addiction, saving tens of millions of elves from dying in agony under its torment.
Putting all this together, Anbaixiu truly lived up to his slogan of "love and peace." Who knew how many lives he had saved, or how much agony he had prevented from being born?
By that calculation, the Goddess of Pain was probably screaming, scratching her face, and rolling on the ground in frustration.
At the thought, Anbaixiu felt his very soul brighten. In the words of his past life, his mind was utterly cleared, and life felt elevated to a higher plane.
***
Full of excitement, Hoffman Ironfist swiftly returned to the nearly completed castle.
He was eager to deliver the news to the dwarf king, yet there was no response from the other end of the magical communication. The dwarf king's frail health had likely given out, and he was resting.
At such a time, no one dared disturb the temperamental dwarf king. Left with no choice, Hoffman Ironfist could only leave a message for him.
Just as he was preparing for the upcoming formal negotiations, the magic circle unexpectedly lit up beyond his control, and the image of a ferocious dragon's head appeared over it.
Hoffman Ironfist was both shocked and enraged. This was supposed to be a one-way contact magic circle; without him initiating contact with the Cerberus family, how had they transmitted an image over?
Geronimo said in a low voice, "Don't be so surprised. Dragons command magic far above any other living creature. Taking control of this magic circle is hardly a feat. I sensed you using a communication magic circle just now, so I bridged the connection between us. You don't mind, do you?"
Hoffman Ironfist desperately wanted to cut the communication immediately and leave this place.
He had already obtained what he wanted from the elves and had no desire to stay entangled with these hell cultists.
Yet those who worshiped Hell were mostly madmen, and the half-dragon before him radiated an aura of extreme savagery. If he severed the connection now, there was no telling what the creature might do. Swallowing his disgust, Hoffman Ironfist asked Geronimo, "Then what did you contact me for so suddenly?"
"Our prior cooperation, of course. Didn't you say you'd help create an opportunity for me to capture the Elven Queen alone? Isn't it about time you informed me of the time and place?" Geronimo asked.
Hoffman Ironfist shook his head. "It's not that simple. I went to see that Elven Queen today, but unfortunately, there was no way to lure her out. It seems our cooperation has come to an end."
Geronimo stared at Hoffman Ironfist with vertical pupils, sending a chill down his spine.
"End our cooperation? Just like that—tossing us aside after using us? Isn't that letting yourself off a bit too easily?" Geronimo said.
Hoffman Ironfist snorted coldly. "No opportunity means no opportunity. If you don't believe me, go try it yourself. If you have the guts, storm the castle and slaughter them all."
Geronimo hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Fine. If you say so, then consider our cooperation finished. In that case, elven retaliation will surely arrive soon. We plan to leave this place."
Hoffman Ironfist breathed a sigh of relief. It was for the best if these hell cultists left; it saved him the trouble.
Hoffman Ironfist said to Geronimo, "Leaving is your own prerogative. Good luck to you."
"Heh, it's not that simple. Relocation costs a fortune. Your Excellency Hand of the King, offering a former ally a bit of financial support isn't too much to ask, is it?" Geronimo said.
Hearing these extortionate words actually put Hoffman Ironfist more at ease.
Hell cultists were never good people. If Geronimo had simply agreed to pack up and leave so readily, Hoffman Ironfist would have been suspicious. Demanding money now was actually a good sign—it made it far more likely they genuinely intended to depart.
Not wanting to waste time, Hoffman Ironfist asked dismissively, "How much?"
"Not much," Geronimo said. "Five hundred thousand gold coins. Tonight, at my domain. You should know where it is."
Hoffman Ironfist felt a trace of disdain. Having just negotiated a deal of tens of billions with Anbaixiu, five hundred thousand gold coins was utterly negligible.
Then again, the Cerberus family had only been an ordinary minor noble house to begin with. Their entire net worth wasn't much, so asking for five hundred thousand gold coins made sense.
"Fine. I will have someone deliver the gold coins."
"No, you had better come in person, because I have another gift for you. I wonder... are you interested in the Gates of Hell?" Geronimo said.
"The Gates of Hell? You're actually willing to give those up?!" Hoffman Ironfist exclaimed in shock.
"Naturally. Although a Gate of Hell can be moved before it is opened, the greater the distance, the more complex the required ritual becomes. I am not merely leaving the vicinity of the City of Alchemy, but crossing half the continent to get far away from the domains of the dwarves, the elves, and the Ryan Empire. There is no way I can carry the Gates of Hell with me. Rather than abandoning them, I might as well hand them over to you."
"Your Excellency Hand of the King, I trust you will put these two Gates of Hell to proper use," Geronimo said.
"You'd actually give away the Gates of Hell to me? Do you expect me to believe that?"
Hell cultists were never so generous; there had to be a plot.
Geronimo made no effort to conceal his intent. He told Hoffman Ironfist, "Of course I won't just give them away so easily. Aren't you at war with Ryan? Ryan has already conquered nearly half the desert. I have only one condition: open the Gates of Hell within Ryan territory and let those humans taste the meaning of Hell.
"This is the demand of the master I serve. As you know, if any kingdom has the worst relations with Hell, it is definitely Ryan. And for you dwarves, this is a good thing as well, isn't it?"
Hoffman Ironfist hesitated. Although he still felt the half-dragon wasn't telling the whole truth, two Gates of Hell were truly enticing. If used properly, they could tie down the Ryan Empire for a long time, allowing the dwarves to conduct their retreat and migration with far greater ease.
After repeated hesitation, Hoffman Ironfist nodded. "Very well. I will bring the gold coins personally."
Geronimo opened his maw of razor-sharp teeth and laughed aloud.
"Hahaha! Then I shall await Your Excellency in my castle."
Once the magical communication cut off, Hoffman Ironfist left the secret room and found his captain of the guard.
Hoffman Ironfist said to the captain, "There is a special mission tonight. I need you to use Polymorph to take my appearance and escort a shipment of gold coins..."
Chapter 134