Chapter 76 - 76-The Meeting with the Apostle (Part 2)

Upon hearing this, the [Deception Apostle] narrowed his eyes, a ruthless gleam flashing within them.

"Are you threatening me? It seems you still haven't grasped your current situation. What right do you have to negotiate with me?"

"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 me, 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 me 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 me. 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 me. It's a win-win. How about it?"

"Impossible!"

Without a moment'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 embodiment 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 me, 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 something for me."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, [Lust] understood their vulnerable position and did not argue further, merely giving a soft acknowledgment.

"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."

"John, isn't this a bit too risky? If there's really something 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 me. 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 immediately 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 me to come along?"

"Your situation is like a ticking time bomb. There's no telling when it might suddenly go off. It's safer for me 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 me a lot. The rest, I'll handle. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"Then so be it... Just make sure you come back alive!"

Meeting Elaria's slightly reddened eyes, John smiled.

"If I come back alive, let's go on a journey together. Staying here is too boring. I'll take you to see the world outside."