Chapter 374: Thotmudo’s Promise, Harvest, and Auction
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“But that’s not the main point here. The dwarves are in chaos, and even the Black Iron Fortress has fallen. The Deceivers bear a responsibility that cannot be escaped!
This time, I’ve come to ask for your help in seeking revenge against the Deceivers,” Thotmudo said earnestly.
Over the thousands of years of his captivity, most of his friends had already died, and the dwarves had no close relations with other races. Although he was an epic-level being, facing the Deceivers, a power on par with kingdom-level forces, he alone would only be a reckless brute, incapable of dealing with these schemers.
— Even finding them was a challenge, how could he seek revenge?
The only individual he was acquainted with and trusted, and who had the required strength, was Ji Chen, the person who had saved him.
Looking into Thotmudo’s hopeful eyes, Ji Chen slowly spoke, “Why should I help you?”
Thotmudo immediately grew anxious, “Haven’t the Deceivers plotted against you before? They are your enemies, so you shouldn’t…”
“So we should fight them together and seek revenge?”
Ji Chen continued the sentence, gently sighing, “Sir Thotmudo, you must understand that seeking revenge and retribution are not the same.”
“I’m not like you, with an irreconcilable hatred for the Deceivers. They previously plotted against me, and I nearly wiped out all their personnel and operations in the Maple Principality. That can be considered revenge. If they don’t provoke me again in the future, we can part ways without any grudges.
At present, the Crown of the Ocean is unable to confront such a force head-on, and it’s not possible to divert our energies to battle them.”
Indeed, the Deceivers had lured him into a trap before, but he had retaliated fiercely. Not only had he helped the elves breach their secret base, but he had also captured the Silver Masked Deceiver. In terms of losses, the Deceivers had suffered more.
Currently, the Crown of the Ocean’s main sphere of influence was in the open sea, far from the mainland. He was not a wealthy elf; spending too much effort searching for this elusive group of rats would undoubtedly slow down the development of the Crown of the Ocean, which was not worth it.
In any event, the Crown of the Ocean was located in a far-off sea, isolated overseas. There was no reason to be overly worried about the Deceivers launching a major invasion; at most, they might carry out some minor actions.
After listening to these words, Thotmudo fell silent. He understood the reasoning behind them, realizing that Ji Chen had no need to confront the Deceivers head-on.
However, he soon raised his head, his eyes shining with determination.
“Kid, what if I promise to teach all of the dwarves’ alchemical technology and forging techniques to the Crown of the Ocean?
Furthermore, if you can assist me in uniting the divided dwarf clans, I can convince them to become part of your domain.
I’ve already inquired, and it’s known that despite the current plight of the dwarves, their forging techniques remain top-notch. If you can gain the allegiance of a group of dwarves, it will undoubtedly accelerate the development of the Crown of the Ocean.
How about it? Are these two conditions enough for you to assist me?”
Ji Chen sneered at him and said disdainfully, “Sounds nice, but didn’t you make solemn promises before, claiming you’d teach the dwarves basic forging techniques and craft a few six-star treasures for me?
But what was the result? You left halfway through. Do you think I’ll believe you again this time?”
Thotmudo’s confident expression instantly turned into embarrassment. He opened his mouth but couldn’t explain anything.
“Before, I was dishonest, but this time I absolutely mean it. 1 swear in the name of Thotmudo, the legendary dwarven blacksmith!”
This declaration was met with Ji Chen’s scornful gaze.
But he had to admit that Thotmudo’s promise this time was indeed quite tempting. Even though the dwarves had declined to their current state, their forging techniques were still renowned throughout the world. While their mass production capabilities might not be on par with the elves or human kingdoms, the quality of the weapons and equipment they crafted in small batches was unmatched. Moreover, some aspects of their alchemical technology were truly unique.
If they could truly obtain a group of dwarves’ allegiance, the Crown of the Ocean would reap unprecedented benefits.
However, it had to be genuine; giving Thotmudo a second chance to deceive them was not an option.
Ji Chen spoke calmly, “Alright, but let me make it clear in advance. You have to teach your technology and craftsmanship to the Crown of the Ocean first, and then 1’11 start taking action against the Deceivers. You do as much as you promise, and I’ll do the same.
Once you break your promise, 1’11 immediately cease my actions.”
Thotmudo widened his eyes, wearing an expression that said, “You’re not being fair.”
Ji Chen, on the other hand, remained confident. He now held the upper hand and was not afraid of Thotmudo.
In the end, the legendary dwarven blacksmith agreed. In reality, it was a fair deal for both sides. They both had responsibilities and obligations.
For Ji Chen, he had already crossed paths with the Deceivers, and sooner or later, they would meet again. Just because the Crown of the Ocean couldn’t confront them head-on right now didn’t mean they couldn’t make calculated moves.
Moreover, Ji Chen was quite intrigued by Thotmudo’s mention of the dwarven treasure, the “Solar Furnace”. It was capable of crafting artifacts that could reach the level of demigod-grade items, which was enough to make his heart race.
That evening, Ji Chen summoned Raymond.
Raymond, who had been handling the affairs of the Crown of the Ocean, was more or less aware of what Ji Chen had been doing these past few days.
In his heart, he couldn’t help but admire Ji Chen.
In just a few days since arriving here, not only had Ji Chen emerged unscathed from the traps and conspiracies of the sinister organization, but he also worked together with the elves and the Maple Principality to break into their secret base, resulting in countless enemy casualties..