After work, start to speedrun the other world-Chapter 175 - 52: What Happened to the... Righteous Hero?_2
"Boss, are you really going to sacrifice them to... the Witch of Death?"
The atmosphere solidified as the words fell.
The hundred death row inmates present were stunned, feeling... bewildered by Jed’s words, before they finally grasped the situation a moment later.
"Wait, what does it mean to sacrifice us to the Witch of Death!" a burly man with spells written all over his face cried out in horror.
Weren’t they supposed to be executed?
Why now speak of sacrificing them to the Witch of Death, which was clearly not what they had in mind.
"Sacrificing to the witch is taboo!" a delicate noblewoman screamed, "This is the act of Cultists!"
Although she had committed a capital crime, being sacrificed to the Witch of Death was far too terrifying.
Xi Mu acted as if he hadn’t heard this. This group of NPCs only showed fear when they heard about witches and demons, with basically no other reactions.
However, those who could keep their cool were usually NPCs worth a bit more attention, potentially having some side quests on them.
"To resolve the crisis of Sky City, sacrifice is necessary," he said, looking at Jed, who had a healthy build and wheatish skin, while revealing a gentle smile.
"The offering to summon the Witch of Death must be significant."
"Boss, this is a road of no return," Jed frowned, his voice full of concern, "Once the sacrifice is made, there’s no way to go to Hell."
"Although there’s no way to go to Hell, one can go to Heaven," Xi Mu pointed at the necklace he wore, "Haven’t you forgotten that I am favored by the Goddess of Life?"
"The Goddess of Life will be angry if she finds out," Jed twitched his mouth, feeling... helpless about Ahtal’s maneuvers.
Those favored by a god can go to Heaven and serve beside the god they believe in if they wish.
This was certainly a better deal than being in Hell.
"To save more people, it is also necessary," Xi Mu blurted out seriously, "Besides, they were all heinous criminals."
"...Boss, whatever you say makes sense," Jed waved his hand, showing a weary expression, not wanting to argue with Ahtal.
But then he mentioned another matter.
"Letixia wants to come and see the boss."
"Now is not the time to meet," Xi Mu turned away, not letting Jed see his expression, and replied with an unusually calm voice.
"Even if I can survive, sooner or later..." He didn’t continue, but Jed could guess what was meant.
The boss, infected with Sulter’s fire, would eventually go mad.
"Take them to the banquet hall," Xi Mu left the dungeon, his figure disappearing into the dim corridor.
Jed sighed, his expression melancholic.
In fact, she had already received a letter from Letixia, knowing that Letixia was eager to meet with Ahtal.
"Forget it, I’m just a... mercenary," she shook her head and turned around, looking at the hundred restrained death row inmates.
"Sorry for selecting you," she apologized with her palms together, then recited a spell.
All the death row inmates present instantly lost their... spirit, the locks on their hands and feet emitting bright spell-lit light, as if tadpoles were crawling over their bodies.
Afterward.
Jed led the stupefied death row inmates to the designated banquet hall, ready to begin the large-scale sacrifice.
...
...
Meanwhile.
Dragon Kingdom Embassy.
"Invite me... to meet?" Yimar put down the invitation in his hand, showing a puzzled look, not quite understanding why Ahtal would invite him, given their very poor relationship.
After all, he was determined to bring down Sky City, making those coveting the power of the dragons realize the terrible price to be paid.
"What is this man thinking?" he looked toward his butler in a suit, "What do you think he is thinking?"
"Negotiation," the butler answered, "He wants you to give up the idea of bringing down Sky City."
"Humph, that’s impossible," Yimar stood up, heading towards the embassy.
If he didn’t bring down Sky City, how could he deter those who wanted to seize the power of the dragons? The harshest measures must be used in response.
...
...
Hathor Hotel.
This hotel, modeled after the Country of Art, gathered musicians, dancers, and minstrels from around the world. Those who came to the Hathor Hotel usually weren’t there for its accommodations.
Instead, they were there to satisfy their auditory, taste, and tactile senses, pursuing elegance while being utterly... vulgar.
A pursuit of sophisticated art coupled with the satisfaction of base desires.
All converged in this hotel.
The carriage stopped.
Yimar stepped down, looking at the hotel entrance, where he was greeted by hundreds of beautiful maids and, reluctantly, Yasiraqi.
His lips curled up into a smirk.
"Heh... I didn’t expect Princess Yasiraqi to personally welcome me."
"It’s merely a formality," Yasiraqi coldly replied before turning and walking towards the hotel.
Seeing this, Yimar’s smile grew even more pleased, as he followed Yasiraqi into the hotel, taking delight in seeing people dislike him yet still having to submit.
However, since Yasiraqi came to receive him personally, that could mean Ahtal’s invitation was indeed for negotiations, no... it was to seek peace.
"I told you, you would submit to me eventually," he quickened his pace to Yasiraqi’s side, his smile calm and composed, "For Sky City, you might as well make up your mind sooner and climb into my bed willingly."
"..."
Yasiraqi, cold and silent, led Yimar to the banquet hall; her presence wasn’t due to Ahtal’s request.
It was her own choice to be there.
After a while.
"Go inside, Ahtal is waiting for you." Yasiraqi pushed open a tightly shut door with an expression full of impatience.
"This is your private negotiation."
"Aren’t ’heroic negotiations’ supposed to be open and straightforward?" Yimar chuckled lightly as he entered the banquet hall, but what he first saw wasn’t the fine wine and dishes.
Instead, it was hundreds of stacked corpses, slowly burning to ashes in pale blue flames, and the legendary... Witch of Death. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
Something was wrong.
Yimar immediately realized this and instinctively tried to leave, but found the door suddenly shut behind him.
A dull thud of the closing door.
The Witch of Death turned her head, her gaze landing on Yimar, its cold force almost physically restraining him from moving.
"It appears the sacrifice has been discovered," Xi Mu walked out, standing next to the Witch of Death, and spoke to Yimar:
"Did you overhear our plot to assassinate a goddess?"
"..." Yimar paused for a moment, looking at Ahtal’s cold eyes, realizing one thing—he had most likely been... set up.
He gritted his teeth, then knelt on one knee.
"Witch of Death, I heard nothing!"
"Liar!" Xi Mu’s voice was icy cold, "You must have heard our plot to assassinate the Ice and Snow Goddess."
Yimar remained silent.
Initially, he had heard nothing, but now he had, courtesy of Ahtal himself.
"Witch of Death, it was Ahtal who invited me here; he is framing me!" he attempted to explain, but seeing the Witch of Death’s cold gaze, he immediately realized something.
Explaining was pointless.
"Since you discovered our plan," Xi Mu smiled, "Prince Yimar, you now have two... choices."
He extended his hand.
"Have your soul stuffed into a lampwick and be tormented forever, or become a member of the Church of Death and serve the Witch of Death."
Yimar: "..."
This guy... is really a hero? Why so despicable when the minstrels describe him as a flawless hero?
