Chapter 565: Chapter 49: The Agreement
They fled frantically, the scenery around them streaking past, and Jones hesitated.
Andrew, who was being dragged along by Jones, shouted urgently: "I agree!"
"Are you certain, Mr. Blood Elf?" Ansel asked softly.
"Of course! Why wouldn’t I agree? With terms this good, what reason would I have to refuse?"
"Let me make something clear: if someone accepts this pact but later breaks it, I will kill them. And it may not be just a simple death—it could be torture, ensuring their soul is completely annihilated as well. Even if I don’t do it myself, someone else will. A traitor cannot be spared, not by gods or demons. So, are you still certain you want to accept this agreement?"
"Uh..." Even Andrew hesitated.
"Why add this clarification? Because I’m serious. Deadly serious. Death might not be the end. If you choose to make a pact and then betray it, the consequences will be far worse than being killed outright by a Tomb Guardian Demon. I hope you can think it through clearly, understand fully what you’re facing. *Cough, cough...*
...
In the distance, within the equally dark underground world, Ansel coughed violently, the blue phosphorescence reflecting his haggard face.
"Apologies, I’ve just awoken, so my body is still in poor condition. What I want to tell you is this: we have waited ten thousand years, paid an uncountable price, and nothing will stop us from reviving Krimasha. For that goal, we are prepared to sacrifice everything—even our own lives are just pieces on the board. *Cough, cough, cough, cough...* If you break the pact, you will face retribution. A pain beyond imagination will be inflicted upon you—not for any gain, solely for the sake of punishment, perhaps even pure vengeance."
Ansel’s tone was slow, weak, but utterly resolute.
"As for your intrusion into the ruins, truthfully, I am very aggrieved. This place does not belong to you. It belongs to the remnants of Krimasha. But I also understand—after all, you likely don’t know exactly what’s inside. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have entered so recklessly, nor would you have been so unprepared when facing the Tomb Guardian Demons. But my understanding has its limits. My position only allows for understanding, not sympathy. Sympathy is far too costly for us. Jones."
...
"Hmm?" Jones, flying at full speed, reacted as if abruptly woken.
"Go left," Ansel softly reminded him.
"Alright... alright!" Jones hurriedly changed direction, dragging Andrew with him as they sped through a gateway. Dora, Turuk, and Lucy followed closely behind.
"Ansel," Jones suddenly spoke mid-flight, "I’m still not sure if that’s really your name."
"Yes, that is my name, though it has been a long time since anyone called me that. Have you made a decision? Tell me your decision." Ansel’s voice echoed in Jones’ mind.
"Maybe... maybe we can strike a different kind of pact," Jones forced a difficult smile and said, "Perhaps we can stand on the same side. What I mean is, we can find common ground. I am also a remnant of Krimasha, am I not? The progenitors of the Blood Clan were the failed products of Krimasha’s human modification program—I am their descendant. In fact, all humans are remnants of Krimasha. Their ancestors might have been refugees locked out of the sanctuaries, unable to enter, or perhaps those at the bottom, utterly ignorant of the bigger picture. They might even have been what you refer to as ’leftists.’ They harbored illusions about gods and demons, made the wrong choices, but you must admit, they were still aligned with Krimasha. They are your allies, not your enemies. The wish to see Krimasha resurrected might not just lie with you—it could be shared by many others. You are not alone. I... I might even be able to help you."
...
In the distance, Ansel’s eyes slowly widened, and he fell silent.
The artificial intelligence Eugene hovered quietly, watching Ansel, who leaned against the control console with both hands.
"You can consider my proposal—really. It might hold more meaning than the choices you’re offering us now. We share a common enemy, and we could share a common goal. I’m working on arming humanity. Perhaps you can help me in that. We also have the White Bone Holy Light Court. Even if the gods and demons were to find out, it wouldn’t necessarily spell disaster. Would it not?" Jones continued to plead.
Ansel remained silent for a long moment before speaking softly: "Thank you, Jones. Thank you, truly. I too hope for a day when I can stand alongside you. But I’m sorry—not today. I cannot afford the risk of this secret being leaked. It’s not a matter of trusting or distrusting you—it’s that this burden is too great for anyone to bear. For us, the right choice is always to remain in hiding until all have awakened and are fully capable. Before that, no changes should disrupt the existing plan, nor should we take any additional risks. I hope you can understand."
"But..."
"There are no ’buts.’" Ansel responded seriously, "My mission is to see this through as entrusted. Nothing can alter that."
...
Jones said no more.
Instead, it was Andrew who clamored: "Wait! I have a small suggestion—or perhaps it’s not so small. After all, it’s incredibly important! Maybe you... you, Lord Ansel, could share some of Krimasha’s magical technology with us. Jones desperately needs it—desperately, desperately needs it! Surely, you wouldn’t want to emerge back into the sunlight one day, only to find that the entire world has fallen under the control of gods and demons, right? If that happens, your so-called resurgence would become extraordinarily difficult!"