“Building connections? You an with rmaids and Sea rn?”
Leon was reminded of the original owner of the Neptune Greatsword. He frowned and asked, “I’m just a farr living on land. What’s the point of making friends with rmaids and Sea rn?”
“Are you sure you’ll never set foot on the ocean in this lifeti?” Linus countered.
“Not sure.” Leon shook his head. If there was ever a chance to visit Ginger Island, he’d definitely go.
“Exactly. The ocean is ho to many races, but rmaids hold an unquestionably high position among them. If you have ties with them, you won’t need to worry about running into danger when you sail.” Linus explained patiently.
“But I doubt this Neptune Greatsword is enough to earn that kind of favor. After all, it’s just a weapon. Rare, sure, but it’s not one of a kind.” Leon drove the sword’s blade into the soil and made a dry remark.
“It’s not about the sword. It’s about the Shadow Assassin who was killed.” Linus reached out and tapped the Neptune Greatsword from a distance.
The blade began to tremble. Along with the vibration ca an ethereal, sorrow-filled lody.
“An ownerless Neptune Greatsword almost always ans its wielder has passed away. Every rmaid warrior who carries one lives by the creed ‘As long as the sword remains, so do I,’ never letting it out of reach. So, if a Shadow Assassin got their hands on this blade, what do you think happened to its original rmaid wielder?”
Leon froze, listening to Linus’s words. After a pause, he said, “So this sword is a relic?”
“You’ve heard the song yourself. This is a magic sound tied to bloodline. When its wielder was alive, the sword’s song would be a declaration to protect the rfolk race. But when the wielder dies, losing the song of oath, the Neptune Greatsword can only play the Lant of the Sea, mourning its forr master.”
As Linus withdrew his hand, the sword’s trembling ceased, and the mournful tune fell silent.
“By reclaiming the Neptune Greatsword, you’ve essentially helped the wielder take revenge. That favor is far more valuable than the sword itself.”
“I see. But I don’t feel worthy of such a favor. Marlon struck the final blow, and you were the one who discovered the Shadow Assassin and trapped it in the lake. I had little to do with it.” Leon understood Linus’s point but was unwilling to claim credit for soone else’s vengeance.
After all, a real life had been lost. Taking advantage of the dead’s gratitude didn’t sit right with his conscience.
“I understand. Just tell the truth when you return the sword. Think of yourself as an agent of the deed. For the rfolk, knowing that the grudge has been settled is enough.” Linus gave him an approving look, clearly pleased with Leon’s values.
“I have another question. Why would a Shadow Assassin risk going into the ocean to find a Neptune Greatsword? Their kind fears sunlight, right? Why take such a risk for a mass-produced weapon with no uniqueness?”
Linus didn’t hide the answer. While flipping a fish over the fire, he explained slowly.
“That ties into the Elental War. While the main conflict was between the Dwarves and the Shadow People, other races were involved too. The rmaids, representing water, weren’t combatants but supporters.”
“Like the Dwarves, the rmaids are part of Yoba’s faithful—good and orderly by nature. One lives deep in the earth, the other beneath the sea, but the land is connected, and the City of Elents serves as a hub linking all races. In that city, the rmaids supplied the Dwarves with resources—food, weapons, ores—providing huge logistical support. The Shadow People’s hatred toward rmaids is almost equal to what they feel toward the Dwarves.”
“So this was a planned act of revenge?” Leon asked.
“You could say that. But according to Rasmodius’s investigation, the real reason was simply that a high-ranking Shadow Priest wanted to own a Neptune Greatsword stained with rmaid blood. The slain rmaid warrior was just an innocent sacrificed for one person’s whim. And it gave the Shadow People an excuse to show the rmaids they could infiltrate the ocean and kill their warriors.”
Linus sighed.
“Although the Elental War recently ended and the Shadow People and Dwarves signed a treaty, the rmaids weren’t part of it. So, while Rasmodius was furious about the attack, he couldn’t punish the Shadow People—there was no legal ground to do so. They exploited a loophole in the agreent.”
“Does Rasmodius plan to retaliate?” Leon suspected the Wizard wouldn’t take this lying down.
“Not openly. But in secret? I can’t say. Still…” Linus gave a knowing glance. “If you happen to reach the deepest part of the mines and run into Shadow Marauders or Shadow Shamans, don’t hold back. Collect as much Void Essence as you can. You might make a tidy profit.”
“Encouraging others to hunt Shadow People by buying their essence? Using another’s blade to strike your enemy, cutting off the problem at the root.”
Leon instantly understood Rasmodius’s plan. He just wondered whether the paynt for all that Void Essence would co from him or the rmaids.
“Smart kid. You’ve got a better head on your shoulders than your grandfather ever did.” Linus smiled in approval but warned, “Keep it to yourself. If word gets out, Rasmodius might take it out on you. And trust , you don’t want to be on his bad side.”
Leon nodded. He still rembered that the last ti he gave Rasmodius the middle finger, he’d nearly been struck by lightning. Best not to tempt fate.
“Keep the sword with you. Rasmodius will probably arrange for you to hand the relic back to the rmaids. When that happens, listen more, speak less. With him backing you, just explain how you got the sword. And rember this—when the rmaids give you a gift of thanks, accept it without hesitation. They control the entire ocean and are famously wealthy.”
After giving that last bit of advice, Linus saw that the fish was ready and handed it to Leon.
Taking the grilled fish, Leon asked, “Then should I share the reward with you and Marlon?”
“I don’t need money. As for Marlon—forget him. He didn’t even realize a Shadow Assassin was near the mines. He has no right to take a share.” Linus’s disdain was plain on his face.
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