In the Name of Empress-Chapter 228 - 175: Dangerous, Huh? Then I’m Not Going
He grew increasingly impressed by Alina’s divination.
Sif’s fate curve had changed; it became unobservable, but that didn’t mean she would escape absolute death.
If things continued on the current trajectory, perhaps Vladimir’s army would come before Sif could ascend the throne and consolidate domestic resources.
Roland needed more power, no matter where it came from.
He didn’t care even if it came from devils.
To others, devils might be terrifying, but to Roland, they were excellent businessmen.
They respected contracts, traded fairly, and didn’t deceive people, epitomizing law-abiding merchants.
He even suspected that the so-called devils were a slander against honest businessmen by scholars.
The Magic Association might not be devilishly lovable merchants, but they had no choice.
Compared to the firm stances of other countries, Roland’s prejudice against the Magic Association was at least not as deep.
Because of Master Anthony, they could even be considered half of his own people.
Certainly, expecting this connection to make Roland lower prices was impossible.
Roland highly respected business rules.
Sura did not answer directly but pointed to several light spots on the wordless book map.
"These places are where the teacher deduced possible magic crystal ore veins based on substratum fluctuations."
Roland was a little surprised. There were three locations in total: one at White Mountain, another at Hansa, and one far away in the Alar Mountain Range of the Vladimir Empire.
Alar Mountain Range was too far and located in that woman’s country; it could be disregarded. The other two were either on Roland’s territory or nearby where he could reach.
Sura explained, "These areas were all wilderness during the Magic Empire period, not included in the Empire’s rule, so it’s quite normal for unknown magic crystal ore veins to exist."
Roland carefully observed the map and found that the location of the magic crystal ore vein was surprisingly the Nameless Valley.
The Holy Spring of Light would revive, and the Golden Tree Demon would resurrect, most likely related to the magic crystal ore vein.
Roland asked in a deep voice, "Luckily, you came to me first. If you had confidently dug tunnels to mine the vein at White Mountain, you would surely have been discovered."
"Exposing us does you no good, and I hardly believe Val City State has the capability to discover us. White Mountain is a prohibited area for human activity; no one wants to go there," Sura said calmly.
Roland calmly explained, "The times have changed, Sura. Val City State is about to disappear. This place will soon become a shared territory of the five great nations, and the three major religions will also settle here."
Sura’s expression changed.
The teacher particularly mentioned that the other people of the Barbarian Race shouldn’t be taken too seriously, but Sofia was different.
Under no circumstances should one provoke this woman.
Encountering her, one must avoid her.
For this reason, they never considered the vein within the Vladimir Empire’s territory.
With Val City being divided, that woman would undoubtedly send competent lieutenants to garrison, and she might even inspect it herself.
The mining of magic crystal ore veins would create special fluctuations, hard to hide from great nations.
Sura sighed and said helplessly, "It seems only one vein is left."
"No, two veins,"
Roland said calmly, "Val City State will eventually be my territory. If I can control this place, White Mountain will be ours as well."
Sura was somewhat surprised.
"Do you plan to drive out other countries? But you currently..."
He didn’t state it outright, but the meaning was clear: Roland’s strength wasn’t enough.
"That’s the deal I want. You help me win the war, I’ll help you mine the magic crystal stone."
"Aren’t you afraid the Magic Association will rise again?" Sura was a bit curious.
"Why fear if you’re strong enough? If fate truly favors the Association, then I’m practically half of my own people and might as well directly pledge my allegiance,"
Roland said with a smile.
Sura felt he wasn’t joking.
If it went back to the Magic Empire version, Roland would indeed dare to switch sides.
With previous collaboration and Master Anthony’s favor, he truly wouldn’t be rejected.
But this thought was snuffed out by Sura just as it arose.
The Magic Empire once ruled the best parts of the Rodinia Continent and created a powerful civilization but ultimately fell under divine punishment.
The strengths and weaknesses of magic were very evident; relying solely on magic could not resist the Divine Punishment Legion.
He sighed and said slowly, "Roland, mages and transcendent beings cannot single-handedly resist divine punishment; we are comrades."
Roland remembered the video Anthony played and nodded in agreement.
"That’s why I’m trading with you."
Sura nodded with a smile, "The teacher was right, you’re indeed different from them. It seems there’s no need to go to White Mountain tomorrow."
"You may not go; I must go tomorrow,"
Roland said calmly, "Faced with such a big event, being nearby and not checking it out would openly tell others that I’m suspicious."
"Mr. Sura, you can go back tomorrow and discuss a mutually satisfactory cooperation plan with Master Anthony. We can clearly see your sincerity, and I believe in you."
Roland’s meaning was clear: offer whatever help you deem fit but don’t try to fool me.
Sura pondered for a moment and slowly said, "The mage empire descendants are distinct and definitely can’t directly join the battle, but they can provide equipment."
Roland smiled and extended his right hand to Sura, who, without hesitation, shook hands with Roland.
"Pleasant cooperation."
After confirming the main direction of cooperation, Sura hesitated slightly but still gritted his teeth and said, "There is something Master Anthony didn’t have time to tell you; we are just a part of the Magic Association, not the entirety."
"After the Magic Association was forced underground, it established three underground city circles centered on artificial suns. During the war, the three city circles communicated with each other, coordinated, and cooperated quite pleasantly."
