Chapter 2092 - 558: That's a Good Question—I'll Tell You Once I've Figured It Out_3

"Shut your filthy mouth! I'm thinking of a solution. But if you continue screeching like a harpy, I won't mind letting you taste the silence first."

"Thinking of a solution? What can you think of—"

Mork's voice abruptly stopped.

In the corner of the Blood and Flesh Royal Court, the previously still shadow suddenly seemed to come alive, with strange ripples radiating around it.

It was not an illusion caused by flickering flames.

Because just as those ripples spread, an overwhelming pressure descended here without warning!

Edgar spun around sharply and saw a figure standing in the corner that had been empty just moments before.

It was an old man wearing a gray cloak.

He looked ordinary, like any village church night watchman, with even a set of old brass keys hanging from his waist.

Nevertheless, no one dared ignore his presence, especially "Soul Shatterer" Mork, who showed an ecstatic expression upon seeing him.

Edgar took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the tremor in his heart, and whispered in a hoarse voice.

"You finally decided to show yourself."

Marinus—

The "Hand of the Late King" from Ryan Kingdom!

A genuine master-level assassin!

It's rare for assassins to train to master level, but Marinus was an exception.

He possessed noble blood, an innately resilient soul, and unyielding perseverance... three things almost impossible to coexist within one person.

At the same time, he was the only one who truly broke through the soul bottleneck using "Holy Water" and became a master-level transcendent.

A hint of excitement flashed in Edgar's eyes, although behind that excitement lay a sense of caution.

He knew very well that their alliance was as fragile as paper, and at this moment, this sheet of paper faced an unprecedentedly severe test.

Merlin is dead, and if the old, stubborn King of Ryan Kingdom wants to limit the loss...

This Mr. Marinus only needs to move his finger to silence him and this old rat forever, making them disappear within this cave.

"Sorry for the wait."

Marinus's voice was hoarse yet gentle, like robes brushing against a tombstone.

He did not take action, nor did he glance at the trembling ratman, but slowly stepped out from the shadows and continued to speak in a soft voice.

"His Majesty had some private matters to handle, I only managed to free up recently... Tell me, what's the situation now?"

Hearing this, Edgar's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. It seemed the King had not intended to withdraw.

Of course—

Perhaps it was the personal decision of Mr. Marinus.

"The situation is dire."

"How dire?"

"Merlin is dead, and what he held has mysteriously vanished. Our enemy is surprisingly the Prince of the Imperial, who rallied a large crowd from unknown sources. There are already three forces openly attacking us, with countless Black Hands lurking in the shadows."

Edgar waved his magic wand, and a map flew open before the two. With another wave of his magic wand, a red circle marked a mountain peak in the southeastern corner.

"The Alliance Army of Campbell Duchy and Gutaf Kingdom continues to push north. They've split off a force heading northeast, and the High Mountain Kingdom's target is also there."

"If they succeed in opening a corridor to the High Mountain Kingdom, our second line of defense in the south will become an isolated island among the mountains. Not only will the rats there suffer, but we'll also lose several workshops refining Holy Water."

Marinus listened quietly, his expression unchanged, seemingly contemplating a countermeasure.

Edgar patiently waited.

After about five minutes, when he was growing impatient, the gray-robed old man finally spoke.

"Leave the Prince to me... I'll go have a talk with him."

Edgar's mouth curled into a sarcastic smile.

"Talk?"

Marinus spoke softly, his mouth resembling a leaky whistle.

"Let's talk first. If everyone's satisfied, naturally that's best. If not... we'll need to know who's backing him."

The most troublesome thing in this world is the intertwining of interests.

Neither the High Mountain Kingdom nor Campbell Duchy, nor the distant Gutaf Kingdom, posed the greatest threat in Marinus's eyes.

The real threat was Colin.

As early as the Winter Moon Coup, this guy had appeared in the Tomb Guardian's vision. The deeper they investigated, the more alarming the findings became.

What's even more terrifying than unfathomable depth is a bottomless abyss.

He preferred to believe that Colin had an unseen giant hand behind him, enveloping the entire Old Continent and New Continent.

Otherwise, it was hard to explain his numerous contradictory legends...

Marinus turned to leave, seemingly preparing to blend back into the darkness.

Yet, before completely disappearing, he stopped and turned his head, a barely perceptible chill flashed in his murky eyes.

"Also, Professor Edgar."

"The Ryan Kingdom has already sacrificed a Diamond Level transcendent for our common cause. I don't wish to see the Academic State standing by as a spectator and only expecting to reap the rewards."

Edgar's face darkened.

"You don't need to tell me, I know what to do."

Reap the rewards?

These guys dare say!

If it weren't for the mess created by the Ryan Kingdom, he should be conducting experiments in his laboratory now, rather than scheming with this foolish fat rat.

Marinus nodded slightly.

"Very well."

In the next second, his voice, along with his entire presence, disappeared within this bloody and grim cave...

-

(Got some things during the day, haven't finished the rest, will write tomorrow... updating too much lately feels exhausting==)