novelraw Chapter 171
Chapter 171
“Building connections? You mean with Mermaids and Sea Mermen?”
Leon was reminded of the original owner of the Neptune Greatsword. He frowned and asked, “I’m just a farmer living on land. What’s the point of making friends with Mermaids and Sea Mermen?”
“Are you sure you’ll never set foot on the ocean in this lifetime?” 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 home to many races, but Mermaids 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 came an ethereal, sorrow-filled melody.
“An ownerless Neptune Greatsword almost always means its wielder has passed away. Every Mermaid 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 Mermaid 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 Merfolk race. But when the wielder dies, losing the song of oath, the Neptune Greatsword can only play the Lament of the Sea, mourning its former 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 someone 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 Merfolk, 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 Elemental War. While the main conflict was between the Dwarves and the Shadow People, other races were involved too. The Mermaids, representing water, weren’t combatants but supporters.”
“Like the Dwarves, the Mermaids 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 Elements serves as a hub linking all races. In that city, the Mermaids supplied the Dwarves with resources—food, weapons, ores—providing huge logistical support. The Shadow People’s hatred toward Mermaids 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 Mermaid blood. The slain Mermaid warrior was just an innocent sacrificed for one person’s whim. And it gave the Shadow People an excuse to show the Mermaids they could infiltrate the ocean and kill their warriors.”
Linus sighed.
“Although the Elemental War recently ended and the Shadow People and Dwarves signed a treaty, the Mermaids 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 agreement.”
“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 payment for all that Void Essence would come from him or the Mermaids.
“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 me, you don’t want to be on his bad side.”
Leon nodded. He still remembered that the last time 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 Mermaids. When that happens, listen more, speak less. With him backing you, just explain how you got the sword. And remember this—when the Mermaids 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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