Upon hearing this, the [Deception Apostle] narrowed his eyes, a ruthless gleam flashing within them.
"Are you threatening ? It seems you still haven't grasped your current situation. What right do you have to negotiate with ?"
"I don't care! I won't give up! You should be well aware of the effort we've put in to get this far! If you don't help , once our master learns of what you've done, he won't spare you either!"
At this point, [Lust] was already in a state of reckless abandon, with what little sanity remained now completely gone.
"[Deception Apostle], let's cooperate! How about we join forces? If you help escape, the two of us together might even stand a chance against the [Deity], don't you think? Let's team up!"
"Should I call you naive, or adorably foolish? You're overestimating yourself and underestimating the [Deity]. However... if you were to die, it would indeed affect my plans.
I have a proposal. If you agree, we'll cooperate. If you don't, pretend I was never here. As for tattling, do as you wish."
"What proposal?"
"You can transfer part of your core authority to . I'll safeguard it temporarily. Once this affair is settled tomorrow, I'll return the authority to you. This way, you save your life, and I complete the task our master assigned . It's a win-win. How about it?"
"Impossible!"
Without a mont's hesitation, [Lust] flatly rejected [Deception Apostle]'s proposal.
"You're utterly untrustworthy. Besides, if I entrust my core authority to you, what if you don't keep your word? You're the embodint of lies; I can't possibly trust you recklessly!"
Upon hearing this, the [Deception Apostle] couldn't even be bothered to argue, turning to leave.
"...Wait! I agree, but I have one condition!"
As the words fell, the [Deception Apostle] paused once more, a sinister smile appearing on his face, still turned away from [Lust].
"What condition?"
"This part of the core authority, I will seal it. Besides , not even the master can unlock it. I won't allow anyone else to touch it. If you agree, we will cooperate."
"No problem. But I also have one condition: if I help you through this, you must do sothing for ."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, [Lust] understood their vulnerable position and did not argue further, rely giving a soft acknowledgnt.
"So, a pleasant cooperation?"
"[Deception Apostle], even if just this once, I hope you will keep your word."
"Why does everyone think I am untrustworthy?"
"There's no need for pretense. You know who you are. After this, I will do my utmost to help you."
With that, [Lust] attacked the seal once more.
The seal fortified by Elaria shattered instantly, and a red-black light erged from the fissure, willingly placing itself into [Deception Apostle]'s hand.
Confirming that this light was indeed [Lust]'s core authority, [Deception Apostle] suddenly smiled.
"Then, see you in three days?"
"Don't forget your promise!"
...
As [Deception Apostle] stepped out of the labyrinth, he suddenly paused, unable to suppress the joy within, bursting into laughter.
"[Lust], oh [Lust]! After all these years, why are you still so foolish? Despite everything, haven't you realized that the one certainty is that you should never trust ?"
Gazing at the radiant light in his palm, [Deception Apostle] took a deep breath.
After a mont of silence, he abruptly tore open his chest, revealing a deep wound down to the bone, exposing his heart beating wildly within.
"In the face of lies, nothing is absolute. After all these years, you still don't understand. Since that's the case, I will gladly accept your authority."
rging the light into his heart, in an instant, this portion of the core authority was completely under [Deception Apostle]'s control. As for the safeguards [Lust] had placed on it, they were effortlessly wiped away.
From the beginning, [Deception Apostle] had never intended to cooperate with anyone, especially not a fool like [Lust]. Becoming his ally would only bring harm, with no benefits whatsoever.
"In three days, there will be no more [Lust] Apostle in this world. As for your authority, I will inherit it for you!"
...
In a flash, three days later!
Before dawn, John knocked on the rooms of Exiled Immortal and the others, gathering everyone into one room.
"Although we players don't need sleep and never feel tired, knocking on doors in the middle of the night is really not friendly, John. Can't whatever it is wait until morning? Does it have to be today?"
Exiled Immortal rubbed his temples, taking a deep breath before continuing, "So, what's so urgent?"
"Tomorrow, you all need to stay in the Elven habitat and protect it well. There might be so upheaval. Of course, it's just a possibility, and hopefully, nothing will happen. But if danger arises, you need to protect the Elven habitat from being destroyed by rampaging monsters."
Hearing this, Helena and Lily exchanged a puzzled glance.
"John, is there so new large-scale event coming up?"
"No, it's not exactly a large-scale event. Do you rember last ti when Exiled Immortal and I went to the depths of the labyrinth? There, I saw so peculiar existences. On a strange sealing array, there was a clear countdown of three days, and today is when the countdown reaches zero."
"I'm a bit worried that sothing unexpected might happen. After much hesitation, I've decided to go and check it out personally. Once I confirm there's no risk, I'll co back right away, so there's no need to worry."
"John, isn't this a bit too risky? If there's really sothing dangerous in the depths of the labyrinth, can you handle it alone?"
"He's not alone."
Just then, the door suddenly opened, drawing everyone's attention. When they saw who had entered, Helena and the others were stunned.
"The Queen of the Elves?"
There was no mistake. Even though they had never seen Elaria before, her unrivaled beauty and unique level 60 status clearly marked her identity.
"Over the past few days, John has explained the situation to . After dawn, I will accompany John to the depths of the labyrinth to investigate. While I'm away, I must trouble you all to guard the Elven habitat. Once this matter is resolved, there will be generous rewards."
Elaria approached the round table without changing her expression, doing her best to avoid glancing at John.
"With the Elf Queen's help, there should be no problem. John, just don't be a burden!"
"Get lost!"
Back in Calia City, the general's level wasn't this exaggerated. He was already a reliable ally, but a level 60 Elf Queen? She could easily bring destruction.
"Since no one has any objections, it's settled. I've already given the light armor and weapons to the Elf Queen. There will be Elven warriors joining us to guard the habitat. As for the existence in the depths of the labyrinth... I'll deal with it as quickly as possible!"
"No matter what happens, make sure to protect yourself."
Helena bit her lip gently, her eyes full of concern.
"Don't worry, I will return safely!"
...
Outside, the sky gradually brightened, with the warm sun breaking through the clouds, casting its light upon the earth. John imdiately stood up, exchanged a glance with Elaria, bid farewell to Helena and the others, and turned to leave.
At the next corner, Elaria also paused.
"John, are you sure you don't need to co along?"
"Your situation is like a ticking ti bomb. There's no telling when it might suddenly go off. It's safer for to go alone than to bring you along."
"I'm sorry... for such an important matter, yet I can't do anything to help you."
"You've already helped a lot. The rest, I'll handle. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Then so be it... Just make sure you co back alive!"
eting Elaria's slightly reddened eyes, John smiled.
"If I co back alive, let's go on a journey together. Staying here is too boring. I'll take you to see the world outside."
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