piratefiction Chapter 96 Negotiations between Hick and Mochamo, based on mutual distrust!
Chapter 96 Negotiations between Hick and Mochamo, based on mutual distrust!
Chapter 97 Negotiations between Hick and Mochamo, based on mutual distrust!
Where Hick's voice fell, the air above the once empty yellow sand rippled slightly like water.
Immediately afterwards, a figure slowly emerged—it was Mochamo, the Lord of Silence who should have been buried deep beneath the sand!
His expression was extremely complex, showing lingering anger, deep weariness, and an indescribable hint of frustration.
Clearly, he heard Heath's last spiritual imprint and Heath's conversation perfectly.
"So—you heard everything?"
Hick looked at the third-level archmage, his tone calm, and the "Sir" he uttered was devoid of any respect, sounding more like a statement.
"Oh--""
Mochamo let out a short, cold laugh, his gaze sweeping over Hick, over the remains of Qaboos in front of him, and finally settling on the Ring of Silence in his hand. His smile was full of self-mockery and a sense of knowing the absurdity of the world.
"How ironic—a great battle that buried three third-level archmages—and the final victor is an apprentice we never really took seriously?"
It's unclear whether this mockery was directed at the fallen Carrot and Wenzhi, at Heath's scheming ultimately futile efforts, or at—himself.
"Boy," Mochamo's gaze sharpened like a knife as he locked onto Hick, "now you're revealing the Ring of Silence—are you trying to use it to control me? To make me your new puppet?"
Hick did not answer directly.
He simply gripped the Ring of Silence tighter, and a dim light flowed across its surface. He no longer exuded the aura of a third-level apprentice, but rather that of a full-fledged wizard!
The withered body of Cabus Rael, who was standing in front of him, leaned forward slightly, and an aura of pressure from a third-level wizard, mixed with ancient flames and the aura of death, was emanating out without any concealment!
This is a silent deterrent.
Seeing Hick instantly transform from an "apprentice" into a full-fledged wizard, Mochamo's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
If we really have to take action—
A fully-fledged wizard named Hick, whose status is unknown and who wields the Ring of Silence, plus a level-three skeletal puppet capable of casting Deathfire—
Corroded by the power of the Ring of Silence and in equally poor condition, I might not necessarily come out on top!
There's even a possibility of things going wrong unexpectedly!
"Hick," Mochamo's voice softened, carrying a hint of admonition, more like a test.
"Some things are like honey with deadly poison. When your strength is insufficient to control them, they bring not opportunity, but utter destruction! Perhaps—"
"Enough, Mochamo Wizard!"
Hick interrupted decisively, his voice clear and firm, carrying an unquestionable resolve.
"I understand these principles perfectly! I also know that even with the Ring of Silence and Qaboos, I have absolutely no chance of truly killing a Level 3 Archmage! I'm not foolish enough to let greed cloud my judgment and make such a mutually destructive move!"
He looked directly into Mochamo's unfathomable eyes and presented his terms:
My requirements are very simple:
Kabus will become the new tower master of the Apprentice Wizard Tower under the name "Kabu"! And I, Hick, will become Kabu's only disciple.
I promise that as long as the Silent Forest does not actively oppose me, I will never arbitrarily use the power of the Silent Ring to control you, nor will I interfere in the organization's affairs! Everything—restored to its former state! How about it?
Mochamo frowned deeply and fell into a long silence.
The wind and sand swirled around him, and the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed to freeze.
His sharp gaze scrutinized Hick repeatedly, as if trying to penetrate his soul and see the true intentions and future threats behind his words.
Finally, the complex emotions in Mochamo's eyes subsided, transforming into a deep, scrutinizing calm. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful:
"I—agreed."
Become!
Schickney was instantly overwhelmed with immense joy and relief!
But he maintained that calm and composed demeanor, as if everything was under control, and simply nodded slightly.
"Then—it's a pleasure to work with you."
Mochamo gave Hick a deep, almost soul-stirring look, his gaze containing a warning, complex emotions, and an unspoken entrustment:
"I hope you won't forget Heath's last words—"
He paused, then added, "As for him—from now on, let's call him Kabu."
Before he finished speaking, Mochamo's figure vanished silently from the spot, as if he had never been there, like a phantom blending into the sandstorm.
call!call!
Once he confirmed that Mochamo's presence had completely faded away through the faint senses of the Ring of Silence, Hick's taut nerves snapped instantly!
His legs buckled, and he almost collapsed to his knees on the sand, barely managing to support himself by holding onto Qaboos's cold arm bones.
He was panting heavily, his back was instantly soaked with cold sweat, and his heart was pounding so hard in his chest that it felt like it was going to explode!
To engage in such a dangerous negotiation with a genuine Level 3 Archmage is like walking a tightrope over an abyss!
That kind of invisible mental pressure is far more suffocating than any witchcraft attack!
Although, strictly speaking, through the Ring of Silence, he could even call Mochamo a "servant"—but that's just theory!
Hick wearily raised his hand, feeling the deep, cold power of the Ring of Silence, and then "looked" at the crystal-clear connection between himself and Kabus (Kabu) in his consciousness.
Beneath the immense temptation lies an even deeper sense of dread!
Power! Alluring, yet deadly!
He had no doubt that if the Ring of Silence were activated at full power to forcibly control Mochamo, with his current magic reserves, he could only last for ten minutes at most!
This is even with the blessing of the Dragon Heart and magic power far exceeding that of others of the same level!
As for Kabu (Kabus), this terrifying war machine?
The death fire that burns souls is incredibly powerful, but the magic required to power it is a bottomless pit!
Hick estimated that in his current state, even if he exerted all his strength, he might be able to support Kabu to launch one or two attacks before his magic power was exhausted, leaving him at the mercy of others!
That's why he had to negotiate!
Why must we bluff and use the power of a "formal wizard" and Kabu's presence to intimidate Mochamo?
He was betting that Mochamo was in equally bad shape, that the other party couldn't figure out his strength, and that the other party was unwilling to take the huge risk of mutual destruction again at this time and place!
Fortunately—he won his gamble!
"Apprentice Wizard Tower Master—Kabu—"
Hick muttered to himself, gazing at the silent, withered figure beside him, his eyes flashing with a complex light.
This powerful remains will be his greatest talisman and his greatest source of protection in the future.
He took one last look at this sea of sand that had buried so many ambitions and secrets; the wind and sand continued as before, as if nothing had ever happened.
"Let's go, Kabu." Hick's voice carried a hint of weariness, but also a resolute determination born of new life. "We—should go back."
He needs time, resources, and time to process this earth-shattering "legacy."
Silent Forest, Apprentice Tower—
A new identity, a new game of chess—it's only just begun!
He is no longer a pawn to be manipulated, but a brand new player!
He will definitely complete the task that his mentor failed to complete!
Become the master of the entire Ekar region!
On behalf of my mentor, and also for myself, let's go see a higher vantage point!