I Became the Progenitor Vampire-Chapter 217 - 218: Yearning for the Tycoon (Long Chapter)

Chapter 217: Chapter 218: Yearning for the Tycoon (Long Chapter)

Lide took a deep breath, his thoughts gradually returning to their normal track.

Now, the biggest problem was to confirm the veracity and reliability of the Mithril vein, and also assess the strength of the Orc forces.

It could be said that all information regarding this news was unclear. If one were to mobilize troops and start a war based solely on this news, it would undoubtedly be a foolish act.

Had Laurent mentioned something else, like a giant dragon’s treasure, Lide might not have even cared to pay any mind.

But this was Mithril.

And not just any Mithril, but an entire Mithril vein.

...

If this news was true, even paying a great price would be worth it.

The temptation was simply too great.

In the world of Glory, there were many precious and rare metals, but no matter how you ranked them, Mithril would always be in the top three.

Mages could use Mithril to create Magic Scrolls, draw Magic Arrays, and even concoct Magic Potions.

Warriors could forge armor, craft weapons, and construct shields out of Mithril.

Mithril held powerful and mysterious powers; any weapon or equipment that included Mithril would see its sharpness and durability soar dramatically, along with an impressive increase in Magic Resistance.

With enough Mithril ore, Lide could more than double the fighting power of Dawn City’s army.

That’s just how domineering it was.

How much could a good sword improve a warrior? What about a good shield? A fine set of armor? Or a mage’s robe that could quicken magic recovery and even boost Magic Power?

The abilities of this Magic Metal were simply too outstanding; no amount of praise seemed too much.

Thus, even though the information Lide gathered from Laurent was vague and uncertain, it was enough to entice him.

It was like someone telling him there was an unhatched giant dragon egg in a cave on the edge of a cliff, and all he had to do was enter and hatch it, and the dragon would belong to him.

Even if the information was vague and uncertain, just the slightest possibility would drive 99% of people to take a peek inside the cave.

Although it might well be false, but what if? What if it was true?

Such temptation was hard for anyone to resist.

In the west district of Green City, within a spacious and luxurious Noble’s manor, hundreds of spirited professionals were patrolling, their expressions full of vigilance.

As the Dark Covenant regained its footing in the west district, many gang members who were hunted like lost dogs once again found protection.

The power of the Dark Covenant began to swell once more.

Though not yet reaching the disruptive era of Viscount Bernard, it was enough to crush any ordinary Underground Force.

When the cold and imposing Lide entered the manor with Betty, who wore a black mask, it immediately sparked onlookers from the Dark Covenant members.

Some of the newcomers wanted to confront them, but several old-timers who had seen Lide stopped them, their faces showing the utmost respect as the two strode straight into the back courtyard.

Hun Yuan Thunderclap Hand Cheng Kun and three other players who had recently become team leaders and were feeling on top of the world happened to witness this scene, immediately sparking their curiosity.

It looked as if a big boss had arrived.

“Lord Draco, who is that?” they asked.

Draco’s face revealed some adoration, his tone filled with pride, “Hun Yuan, that is the true leader of the Dark Covenant—Lord Ilo, also the Vice President of Demon Heart, our Protector.”

The trio’s hearts jolted upon hearing the name, turning back once more, but alas, Lide’s figure had already vanished from their line of sight.

Inside the most luxurious room in the back courtyard of the manor.

“Lord Ilo”

“Lord Ilo”

Upon seeing Lide, Grote and Stanley simultaneously clasped their hands over their chests and bowed deeply, loyally following Lide’s instructions that, within the Dark Contract, there was only Ilo.

Lide, revealing his pointed fangs and exuding an aura of darkness, was completely different from the Lide of the Crimson Mage Tower.

Having transformed into a Bloodline, Lide appeared even more mysterious; while there were some similarities between the two appearances, the aura was too different – it was unlikely for anyone to mistake them as being the same person.

Lide even dared to assert with confidence that even if Vina were to come, she would not necessarily be able to link the two identities together.

“Indeed, I have come today for a matter of great importance. We have heard news of a Mithril vein.”

Hiss~

Lide’s words led Stanley and Grote to exchange a glance, their faces filled with surprise.

Mithril? And a vein, no less?

“Your Highness, is this true? This news is astonishing…” Stanley could not restrain his inner surprise and spoke up.

Lide nodded, recounted the information reported by Laurent to the two, and then began to assign tasks directly.

“Stanley, you will lead a team to this location, and capture the Dwarf from the inn. Remember, do not alert anyone,” Lide said as he handed Stanley the address written by Laurent, his eyes holding a touch of severity.

“I cannot be certain that this Dwarf, who was in contact with Laurent, is the only one,

or it is quite possible that this Dwarf is merely bait, and there are other Dwarves in hiding.

Therefore, you must use your strength to silently seal off this area and conduct a thorough search for any other Dwarves.

Should you discover the presence of any Dwarf, bring them all back, no matter who they are.”

After saying this, Lide glanced at Betty, who wore a mask behind him, “Betty, assist Stanley. It is very possible that the Dwarf is bait sent by the Dwarves from the shadows, and there may be more Dwarves lurking.

You must capture them all, without missing any.”

“As you wish, my master,” responded Betty, visibly excited at the prospect of a potential fight.

A flicker of pensiveness passed through Lide’s eyes; in truth, he had received too little information and even the details passed on by Laurent could not be fully trusted.

It wasn’t that Laurent was disloyal, but rather Lide could not be certain whether the Dwarves had deceived Laurent.

So, he had no choice but to employ the most straightforward method – to bring back all the Dwarves from that area.

As one of the three giants of the Underworld of Green City, even though he had been severely beaten before, his foundation remained, and such a task was easily managed.

“Stanley, be cautious. This matter is of great importance; I need you to employ every resource available to ensure this operation is carried out smoothly and quietly,” Lide’s somber gaze emphasized the severity of the situation to Stanley, who nodded with firm resolve.

“Your Highness, as you desire.”

Then, turning to leave, Betty followed with her great sword in tow.

Only Grote was left in the room.

“Your Highness.”

“Grote, has the Dark Contract been recruiting adventurers from other worlds recently?”

Grote was momentarily taken aback by the question. Recalling the Immortal Souls formed by Stanley, he replied, “Your Highness, Stanley has personally recruited three Undead from the Lost Plane.”

He had even signed a contract with them and formed a new department centered around these Undead—Immortal Souls…”

Lide, who had just sat down to take a sip of water, almost choked. What the hell? Stanley had already recruited three players, and he even formed a department called “Immortal Souls” for them?

Didn’t they need to slow down a bit? It was one thing for the Crimson Mage Tower to recruit players, given that they were a prominent and openly flourishing force in Green City.

But the Dark Covenant, an Underground Force, was also able to recruit players so quickly??

And Stanley was so far-sighted that he specifically formed a department dominated by players.

Seeing Lide’s surprise, Grote continued to explain.

“Lord Lide, Stanley said that the Undead possess the ability to reincarnate, which, if cultivated, could be of great help to the Dark Covenant.

Moreover, there are a lot of these Undead from the Lost Plane, with the first batch descending upon the Main Plane of Glory reaching 100,000, and there might be even more to come.

Due to their reincarnation trait, they have a higher chance of becoming strong.

To deal with future unknown risks, Stanley decided to cultivate these Undead.

After all, only by using Undead to fight Undead can we reduce our losses,

Stanley said you would definitely agree with his plan.”

Although Grote always had his doubts about Stanley’s aggressive approach, he still took the initiative to explain after Lide’s inquiry.

Everything they did was for the better development of the Dark Covenant. As second-generation Bloodlines, the level of trust between the two had become very high, far from the previous mutual wariness.

Lide could only nod in appreciation of Stanley’s actions.

Among these second-generation Bloodlines, he had the least contact with Stanley.

Other than taking him for a negotiation with the Heart-eating Demon Wales after transforming him into a Bloodline, Lide had handed over the management of the Dark Covenant to him right away, and the two had met fewer than five times.

But unexpectedly, this former Dark Priest of the Late Bell Church had such grand vision that he could make the decision to establish a player power and use players against players.

This move was a pleasant surprise to him.

It appeared that he needed to pay more attention to this Dark Priest in the future; maybe he could place him in an even more useful position.

Such strong, intelligent, and exceptional talent was indeed rare.

“Yes, not bad. The Undead from the Lost Plane definitely have potential. Grote, don’t underestimate these currently weak beings.

Each of them could potentially become a top professional in the future, although the process is still long. They indeed have more hope than ordinary people.

We shouldn’t be stingy with our resources because of this.

Of course, all of this is predicated on our ability to fully control them—these Undead love to stir up trouble,” Lide cautioned Grote with concern.

Players might be weak now, but as time goes on, they will gradually gain some degree of influence.

Although the operational rule of Glory World ensures that the roles of these NPCs of Glory are irreplaceable by players and players won’t have much effect in the short term,

the earlier we lay the groundwork, the greater the room for maneuver in the future.

While players were a scourge, in Lide’s view, they could also be a valuable resource.

Most of the powers in Glory World still failed to recognize the potential of the players. If he could preemptively gather a group of the most promising players, the future help to him would be immense.

Thinking this, Lide’s eyes showed eagerness, and his thoughts began to branch out.

If he wanted to gather players, he would need to establish an effective system, similar to player guilds, that could create cohesion among players and tightly bind their interests to his.

For example, scoring systems, like contribution points, which are the most direct method. Completing certain tasks could earn points or contributions; accumulating enough contributions could lead to upgraded permissions to purchase and learn higher-level magic. Just like that, bind them step by step.

Of course, this was just a rough, superficial idea; the actual plan would need to be further refined and detailed.

Moreover, there was no rush with this matter. Although players had arrived, he estimated that it would take them at least half a year to cause any significant ripples, and he still had plenty of time to make his move.

The more pressing target now was—the secret mithril vein discovered by the dwarves.

If the news was true, then for the following period, Dawn City, Dark Contract, and Crimson Mage Tower, these three massive forces would shift in response to it.

No one could resist the temptation of a secret silver vein.

The value of a secret silver vein was in no way inferior to obtaining a mature giant dragon. Who could resist owning a giant dragon?

No one.

——————

——————

——————

Night fell.

In the southern district of Green City, a hotel stood 500 blades away from Golden Wheat Commerce.

On the third floor, at the back of the corridor, lay a small room, somewhat modest in appearance.

A warm yellow magic lamp lit up the interior.

Two dwarves clad in grey armor sat seriously at the oaken round table in the room.

Their long beards covered their whole faces, so much so that it seemed even their eyes were obscured by the dense facial hair.

Two halberd-shaped war hammers, gleaming with silver light— one end with a sharp edge and the other with flat, intricately forged patterns—lay beside them, their exaggerated weight pressing deep cracks into the wooden floor.

The two sat at the table, but it was clear that the round table designed for humans was slightly too high for them; the tabletop, which should have reached their abdomen, was at chest height.

Prince Anakin Hammer gazed intently at his companion, who wore a horned helmet and had a short stature but was filled with robust muscles.

“Master Valen, can we trust this human merchant, Laurent?

Will the owner of Crimson Mage Tower be tempted by the secret mithril vein? Will the Great Mage Spark wage war against the beastmen for the sake of the vein?”

Listening to the string of questions, Valen Hammer shook his beard-covered head and said hoarsely,

“Prince Anakin, Laurent has already cooperated with us last year. Although most humans are cunning, this merchant can be trusted.”

He finished talking, and those black eyes hidden beneath his armor flickered with thought.

“The owner of Crimson Mage Tower, Lide Kachar, his family was once destroyed by beastmen, and no one would refuse the chance for vengeance against past enemies.

As for the Great Mage Spark, Prince Anakin, believe me, the secret silver vein is even more important than you imagine. No one can resist such temptation.

If it weren’t for our tribe members all being captured by those damned beastmen, I would have never revealed this precious secret mithril vein.”

As he spoke, anger rose in the strong dwarf’s heart, and with a fierce slap on the round table in front of him,

a tremendous force erupted, cracking— the thick oaken round table was smashed to pieces.

The scene was in disarray.

But immediately after, Valen coughed violently, his lips tinged with crimson—clearly, the dwarf had been injured prior.

Seeing this, the young dwarf Anakin’s expression turned ugly, regret visible in his eyes.

“It’s all my fault. If I had managed the tribesmen who trade with the outside world better, those beastmen wouldn’t have discovered our tribe.”

“No, Prince Anakin, this isn’t your fault. The Beastmen must have noticed our trade with the outside world a long time ago; otherwise, they wouldn’t have mobilized an army to attack the tribe so quickly.

You don’t need to blame yourself; we have more important missions to accomplish.”

Valen shook his head, beginning to bolster the spirits of the young Dwarf Prince, “The Secret Silver Vein is a temptation no one can refuse, I believe, no one can resist!

As long as they are interested in the Secret Silver Vein, they must send troops to crush the Beastman forces.”

Anakin’s eyes slowly brightened upon hearing this. The location of the Secret Silver Vein was not far from the Dwarf Tribe, and if the Beastmen were not driven away, no one would be able to mine the ore.

He then looked puzzled, “Master Valen, but why don’t we go directly to the Transcendents in Green City? If a Transcendent intervened, those Beastmen wouldn’t be a big problem.”

Valen shook his head, his eyes bearing a complexity that Anakin couldn’t comprehend.

“If a Transcendent intervened, then the Secret Silver Vein would truly have nothing to do with us anymore.”

Without further explanation, Valen added, “You’ll understand these matters in the future.

Trust me, even if a Transcendent is willing to help, the situation would not be any better.”

If a Transcendent intervened, it would mean absolute domination. While they could drive away the Beastmen, what would prevent the Dwarves from also being chased away?

If the partnership were with slightly weaker allies, the Dwarves might still get a share from the unmined Secret Silver Vein.

Although the current situation was dire, the Beastmen hadn’t slaughtered the Dwarves after conquering the tribe but instead planned to enslave them and have the Dwarves forge weapons for them.

This was exactly why Valen didn’t rush to use all his strength to save his clansmen.

If there was no immediate threat to their lives, why not strive for more benefits?

As a Dwarf who had lived for three hundred years, Valen knew that in the world of Glory, there were no real rules, only the quest for survival and to live better, which required seizing more resources.

The preciousness of the Secret Silver Vein was worth paying a certain price.

Even worth the entire Dwarf Tribe paying a certain price.

If Transcendents got involved, then all of this would be of no concern to them, and even the fate of the Dwarves would no longer be in their own hands.

This was also why he had plotted so meticulously with the Crimson Mage Tower, but those reasons Valen had no intention of explaining to the young Dwarf Prince.

This Prince had just turned 60, merely coming of age among Dwarves, and was still very young. If he knew about these matters, he might not be willing to accept them.

To him, sacrificing clansmen for benefits would unquestionably be an evil and intolerable act, but the survival of a race was never that simple.

Anakin, seeing Valen unwilling to say more, could only nod in melancholy acquiescence.

Valen was the Forging Master of the Barbarian Hammer Tribe, one of the most respected individuals in the tribe. Even though Anakin was the son of the Clan Leader, he still had to follow the Master’s guidance.

“Master Valen, could Morse be in danger? After all, he has to negotiate with Human traders, and if the Humans decide to go back on their word, Morse at Level 9 surely won’t be able to escape.”

“Danger? Anakin, no matter where, danger always exists. We shouldn’t give up what we must do out of fear.

For the sake of our clansmen, even if it requires sacrifice, I believe Morse wouldn’t hesitate,”

Valen said with a hint of kindness in his eyes. He had watched this young Dwarf Prince grow up and had always regarded him as his disciple.

A Prince with compassion and kindness was undoubtedly much better than one with cruelty.

Valen would feel reassured if the future of the Dwarf Tribe were in his hands, but the current Anakin was too young, with a simplistic view of matters, far from being able to lead a tribe.

“Child, the moment Morse stood up to initiate contact with the Humans, he never intended to return alive,” Valen decided to give the young Prince another lesson.

“Ah, why??”

“Why? Because it was Morse’s choice. You’ve always lived within the Dwarf Tribe; you don’t know how alluring the Secret Silver Vein is to Humans.

Even to say that the allure of a Mithril vein to humans is like a Dwarf’s desire to forge a Divine Artifact is no exaggeration.

It’s an irresistible temptation, more damning than the seductions of a Demon.

“If humans yield to temptation and detain him for interrogation, then Morse would immediately tear up the Magic Scroll he traded for from the humans and take those people down with him.”

Upon hearing this, Anakin opened his mouth to say something, but after seeing the cold look in Valen’s eyes, he deflated in resignation.

Always protected within the tribe and engrossed in weapon forging, he was aware of the world’s cruelty, but the stark display of vested interests still made him incredibly uncomfortable.

“Heh, indeed you speak truth. Your Dwarves do have courage, but I didn’t give him the time to tear up the Magic Scroll.”

At that moment, the door exploded with a loud bang, sending wood chips flying everywhere.

A graceful figure wielding a giant sword and wearing a black mask entered the room.

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Clang~

The longsword was casually thrust into the ground, cracking the wooden floor and sending web-like fissures crazily spreading.

Anakin’s and Valen’s faces turned extremely grim at this point, their long-handled war hammers already in hand, eyes glaring angrily at the newcomer.

“Human, tell me your purpose!!”

Valen managed to remain somewhat composed, his gaze fixed on the intruder, sensing beneath that graceful figure lay massive energy.

He sensed fatal danger.

Anakin, unable to contain himself, shouted angrily, “Damn you, what have you done to Morse?”

“Your companion has become my spoil of war. As for our purpose? Dwarf, my master needs to see you.”

The voice beneath the mask carried a hint of laziness and arrogance, “Do you need me to knock you down and take you away, or will you follow me willingly?”

After that, the figure’s aura surged violently, strong and fearsome.

In the cramped space, the two Dwarves felt as if they were facing a giant dragon.

Valen’s face showed unspeakable bitterness, “Level 15?!!”

He turned and glanced at Anakin, who still refused to submit and gripped his war hammer, ready to strike at any moment, and sighed inwardly.

“I need to know your master’s intention. Otherwise, even in the face of death, a Dwarf will not submit!”

Hearing this, the figure beneath the mask suddenly grew bored, “Such tiresome Dwarves, can you not launch an attack?”

???

Valen, faced with such a comment, wore an expression of disbelief. I’m a Level 14, and moreover a wounded warrior, and you expect me to initiate attack on a terrifying existence of Level 15 or above?

Was my brain fried while forging weapons?

“Never mind, my master merely wishes to invite you over. He means no harm to you.

He is very interested in the Mithril vein, and also possesses the strength to annihilate the Beastman army and save the Dwarves…”

Anakin’s face was full of rage, “Why should we believe you? Cunning humans, Dwarves will not submit!!”

“It doesn’t matter whether you submit or not, since I don’t care,” seeing that no battle would ensue, the figure under the mask, bored, turned with the giant sword and left the room, “Stanley, you handle it.”

Stanley, outside, walked into the room with a wry smile upon hearing the words of the big shot.

He had witnessed Betty slay a Level 17 Dark bishop Kolong transformed into a Level 19 Molten Demon with two slashes, aware of the astonishing power hidden within the physique of this gracefully shaped lady.

Even though that Level 19 Molten Demon was the result of Transformation Skill, and Kolong couldn’t exert the Molten Demon’s full power — compared to the genuine combat power of a Level 19, it had less than half the strength.

But Level 19 is Level 19, no one cared that her level of power didn’t match the title, everyone just knew that this powerful lady had instantly killed a Level 19 Molten Demon.

As for the process, who cared?

After Stanley entered the room, Valen and Anakin felt an immense pressure again.

There wasn’t just one Level 15, but a second one!!

Even the young Dwarf Prince Anakin lost his fearlessness at this time. If there was one level 15, sacrificing one might still give a chance for the other to escape.

But two Level 15s, that was beyond their limit.

“Let me introduce myself to both of you, I am Stanley, Vice President of the Dark Pact of Green City.

My esteemed friends, you need not be too hostile towards me, Lord IIo has commanded that the Dwarfs may become our partners in the future.

Believe me, we have no hostility towards you, otherwise you would have already been flattened by that lady just now,” Stanley said indifferently, noting Anakin’s unconvinced gaze.

“Perhaps you do not know that the lady just now killed a Level 19 Molten Demon on the battlefield with just two strokes of her sword.

Her strength exceeds your imagination.”

Hiss~

Stanley’s words made the two Dwarfs gasp in unison. Kill a Level 19 Molten Demon with just two strokes???

In their Dwarf Tribe, even an 18-Level Dwarf Clan Leader couldn’t do that!!

Most importantly, their keen senses told them that this mysterious and powerful being in front of them was not lying.

Their internal pressure suddenly increased several times.

A hint of amusement flashed in Stanley’s eyes as he continued to pressurize them.

“Moreover, if you look down from the window behind you, you might find that the street has many more figures in black.

The nearby blocks have been sealed off by us. Without my consent, no one can escape.”

It’s not over yet??

Valen gestured to Anakin, who turned around and peered cautiously out the window, immediately spotting the black-clad figures patrolling the streets, illuminated by the street’s Magic Lamps.

Moreover, each one was extremely tough, all professionals.

Turning back, he nodded slowly to Valen.

At this moment, Valen’s heart sank to the bottom.

“My friends of the Dwarf Clan, believe me, I have no hostility towards you,

Otherwise, you would not have the chance to talk to me like this now. More than likely, it would be my partners tying you up and kneeling before Lord IIo.”

Stanley spread his hands, his tall stature evidently oppressive against the inherently shorter Dwarfs.

“How can I be sure you’re telling the truth?”

Valen’s gaze was fixed tightly on Stanley, ready to counterattack at the first sign of any suspicious movement.

“No, you need not believe me. In fact, Lord IIo foresaw that you wouldn’t believe us and he will answer all your doubts himself.”

“Lord IIo? Could it be that Lord from Green City??” Valen’s eyes narrowed slightly, his mind weighing the potential pros and cons of this information.

“No, not that one, but Lord IIo of the Dark Pact.”

After speaking, Stanley’s patience seemed to wear thin, his gaze growing colder.

“To become an enemy or to become a friend, the choice is yours,

If you become enemies, you will kneel before Lord IIo, as friends, you will be received by Lord IIo.”

His tone was authoritative and beyond doubt, he had the strength to make such a statement,

Valen shook his head, placed his long-handled war hammer down, and slightly tilted his head up.

“Human, take us to your master. As for whether we are enemies or friends of the Dwarfs, that we will learn after we meet.”

“Master Valen…” Anakin’s face showed reluctance.

“Anakin, Dwarfs never fear death nor sacrifice,

But, we are now the hope of our people. At any moment, I hope you will think with your head.

Kindness can make you a decent Clan Leader, but without enough wisdom, you will not be able to lead our people to survive.”

Looking into those eyes filled with expectations, Anakin bowed his head deeply, his long-handled war hammer dropped to the ground in defeat.

Stanley smiled satisfactorily, “Believe me, Lord IIo will surprise you, the choice of the Dwarfs will not be wrong.”

“I hope so,” Valen had steeled himself by now while also preparing for the worst in his heart.

Facing a group of humans whose strength was unknown, he had no idea what would happen next.

But now, the choice was no longer in his hands.

Either way, they would be facing an unwinnable battle; it might as well be worth seeing what lay ahead.

Stanley turned and walked out the door, with the two Dwarfs following closely behind.

Once they descended the stairs and left the tavern, Stanley suddenly turned his head and scanned the crowd patrolling the streets.

He quickly spotted three figures who seemed somewhat out of place, their quirky aura making them stand out.

He gestured slightly with his hand, and the three approached with broad smiles.

“Lord Stanley!”

Stanley nodded with satisfaction.

“Hun Yuan Thunderclap Hand, Cheng Kun, you’ve done well this time. You will accompany me to meet Lord IIo.

I believe Lord IIo will be very interested in you.”

Upon hearing Stanley’s words, the three players Hun Yuan Thunderclap Hand and Cheng Kun exchange excited looks.

This time they had really hit the jackpot. Stanley had just issued them a task to find any Dwarfs that might have slipped through the net.

And as it happened, Cheng Kun had seen two Dwarfs entering this inn the day before yesterday. At that time, he had wanted to approach them to see if there were any tasks to take on, but the Dwarfs were very wary, and they went back to their room as soon as he approached.

This annoyed him, so he made a mental note of their location.

But who would have guessed that today turned out to be a stroke of luck?

“Yes, Lord Stanley.”

All three were excited, Lord IIo was a real super big boss, an even more powerful boss than Stanley before them.

If they could cling to someone as they did with Stanley, what else would they have to worry about?

The three players looked at each other, their eyes filled with longing for the big shot.