[Chapter 40 Comment]
[Marceli4326r3: I got a question to theo since you know about wrbnovels do you know when the novel will be locked or?]
Before reuniting with Mia, Theo needed to report the completion of the mission to Principal Victoria. Determined to finish his job quickly, he headed straight to her office. As he walked, he took a quick glance at the comments once again.
"Hmm... I'm not sure if we're talking about the same webnovels. The webnovels I know are a type of novel, while it seems that you're referring to a brand or company. Unfortunately, I don't think I can answer that question," Theo shook his head, feeling helpless.
It didn't take long for Theo to arrive at the principal's office. He knocked on the door twice, announcing his presence.
"This is Theodore Griffith. I'm sure I've informed you about my arrival," he stated.
"Please come in. The door is not locked," came the reply from inside.
When Theo opened the door, he was met with the sight of an unfamiliar face. The man in his late fifties had a muscular build that couldn't be concealed by his formal suit, and a scar running from his right cheek to his neck. Their gazes met, and Theo sensed a familiar feeling, realizing that this man was observing him.
"If you're busy, I can come back at a later date," Theo offered, although he knew that there was no way Victoria would let him in if this person wasn't relevant to their meeting.
"Heh..." The middle-aged man smirked, displaying a more direct approach than Theo had anticipated. "So, you're Theodore Griffith. Courtesy is one thing, but you shouldn't say something you don't mean... You obviously know that I'm here for you, even if you don't know who I am."
Theo maintained his silence, using the opportunity to observe the middle-aged man. Despite his fighter-like appearance, suggesting experience on the front lines, he possessed a wise intellect and sharp eyes that could discern intentions from words alone.
"Ahem," Victoria coughed to regain their attention, then gestured politely towards the middle-aged man. "This is Mr. Baold, an ambassador from the Sword and Magic Realm and the Minister of Defense of the Elain Empire."
"The Elain Empire..." Theo sighed, recognizing the name.
"Yes, it's the Empire that Lancelot belongs to," Victoria confirmed.
Theo paused for a moment, then placed his hand on his chest and bowed politely. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Theodore Griffith."
"Hahaha, no need to hide your annoyance. My instincts are similar to those of a beast... I can clearly sense your feelings," Baold laughed. "Besides, I don't think either of us enjoys formalities. Why don't you sit down so we can have a quick conversation?"
"Before that, I need to inform the principal about another matter," Theo interjected.
"You don't have to inform me about your trip. I've already received the report from the other side. They expressed their gratitude for the successful completion of the mission," Victoria reassured him, waving her hand dismissively.
"Alright then," Theo nodded, taking a seat in front of Baold, prepared for their conversation to begin.
Baold smirked. "In that case, I won't hesitate to start. I'm here to talk about cooperation between us."
"Cooperation? I don't think I've done enough to make you take note of me."
"Are you sure? You completely overwhelmed Gareth, forced his king to kill his own subject, solved the kidnapping incident of the Elven Princess, and dealt with the supernatural being..."
Theo frowned. It didn't seem like Victoria was the one spreading the information, and with Baold's position, it seemed he received this information through his own network.
However, he shouldn't have investigated the previous mission thoroughly.
Theo asked with a sigh, "So, may I know what kind of cooperation you want? Is it regarding Lancelot?"
"Not at all," Baold raised three fingers. "There are three things. First of all, this is the first time I've seen an illusionist at your level. I suppose I should say, 'as one would expect from a Royal Grade Demon possessor...'"
"If you're here only to praise me, then I think it's just a waste of time."
"Of course. The second reason is regarding cooperation. I would like to invite you to our empire."
"Scouting?" Theo frowned before adding, "Or..."
"It's the latter. There is a mission we would like you to accept."
"Hmm? To think the empire is inviting me to complete a mission, is it so hard for you guys to handle?" Theo narrowed his eyes.
"This matter is a bit special," Baold shook his head. "Currently, we have discovered an ancient ruin. If this were a normal ruin, we wouldn't have any trouble clearing it. However, this ruin is a bit special..."
It took an instant for Theo to see through the situation. "I see. The ruin must be related to a high-level illusionist. I don't know much about your world's history, but it seems too hard for a normal illusionist. So, you want to invite me for this."
"In our world, there was once a great illusionist whose name was etched into the annals of history. It was said that his illusion could make hundreds of people go insane simultaneously."
"What a dangerous thing to say..." Theo squinted his eyes. "Are you planning to ask me to explore that dangerous ruin?"
"We've sent a few teams inside, but none of them have come back. I have entered as well, but..." Baold suddenly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his chest.
"Hoh?" Theo was quite surprised by what he saw. There was actually a big palm wound on Baold's chest. The wound seemed etched into his body, but someone as strong as Baold could easily recover from it. In other words, this wound must have been inflicted by the illusion.
Like the principle of one body and one mind, the wound Baold suffered in the illusion remained in reality.
Although it wasn't at the level of his previous power, this illusionist must be quite formidable to alter a part of reality.
"Interesting," Theo paused for a moment. "Then?"
"We would like you to go there and clear the ancient ruin. It is said that he had three great artifacts when he was alive: The Eye of Truth, Sun Staff, and Great Imperfection. The Eye of Truth would allow you to see through lies, including illusions. The Sun Staff increases the wielder's essence, and lastly, the Great Imperfection transforms the body and talent. We will let you keep the Eye of Truth if you can clear the ruin and recover those artifacts."
"What if the artifacts are not there?"
"We will take everything. Of course, we will reward you handsomely."
"What is the reason why you want to give me that artifact? It's not a cursed artifact, right?"
"Of course not. As much as I hate to admit it, the level of illusionists in the Sword and Magic Realm has significantly decreased. So, I think it's better to give it to a great person who can appreciate that artifact."
"In other words, you're using it to form a connection with me."
Baold sighed, admitting, "Yes."
He grabbed the suitcase he brought with him and opened it in front of Theo. "Of course, we will pay half of it in advance. I'm sure you are aware of these fruits, right?"
There were four fruits inside the briefcase. They all looked identical with black skin and a cone shape.
As someone from the Demon Realm, Theo obviously knew about these fruits.
"I see..." Theo thought for a moment.
"This is the first time I'm talking with someone as smart as you. I guess you don't need to ask what if there are no artifacts while you secretly take them..."
"Is that even a question?"
Baold smiled. "Of course not. My power should be able to see through you. Besides, I believe that you consider trust as the basis of every cooperation. So, I'm not worried."
Theo asked, "Anyway, what's the last reason? I need to hear everything first."
"The last reason is at a personal level," Baold chuckled. "When I came here, I stumbled upon the young Lancelot. I've taken an interest in what you taught him... Instead of trying to solve his trauma, you actually wanted him to gain perfect control over his essence so that when he tries to face his trauma, he has the power to do so."
"So..."
"Actually, I would like to ask you..." Baold politely bowed his head. "Please take care of my grandson."
"Grandson? Your name... Ah, from the mother's side?"
"Yes," Baold nodded.
"You don't have to worry about him. As long as he is my student, I'll take care of him."
"With your words, I can rest assured."
Theo suddenly raised two fingers. "I have two questions: one for you and one for Miss Principal."
"Please ask me anything. I'll do my best to answer."
"The agreement is only to recover the three artifacts, right? What if he has other things?"
"We would like to take them, but of course, we won't take it for granted."
"Then..." Theo smirked. "Can I ask you to investigate the one who caused that incident?"
Baold smiled. As Theo expected, since Baold could investigate all his recent deeds, it wouldn't be hard for him to track the incident. In fact, Victoria might be the one who invited Baold here and gave him a hint. She wanted them to meet to investigate the matter.
"I can assure you that you will find the culprit," Baold answered without hesitation.
Theo nodded at his claim before asking Victoria, "In that case, will this cooperation be recorded as a mission?"
"Hmmm?" Baold frowned while Victoria gasped. "Wait. Are you going to bring the students into the ruins? This is dangerous."
"I need the information about the ruin first, including the so-called illusionist. Depending on the information, I will see if I can bring a student or not. Besides, I think the ancient ruin is suitable for some students."
Baold didn't think Theo was a foolish person who would endanger the students. He said, "I will provide you with the information. It's just... I hope that you don't make a foolish decision and end up endangering your students. If necessary, I will also go inside with you."
"I know." Theo might be searching for plot armor, but he wasn't someone who relied on it. To prove it, he actually snapped his fingers and the essence coming from his fingertip formed a female figure.
She had blond hair and wore a nurse outfit. However, her gaze was hollow as if she lacked consciousness.
"Is this your power..." Baold frowned.
However, the female figure approached him and placed her hands on Baold's chest. A golden light began to shine on her hand and his chest, especially his wound.
To their surprise, the wound was actually visibly recovering at a rapid pace.
"This is..." Baold gasped and pressed his chest, realizing that the wound had completely disappeared. "What is that power?"
Theo snapped his fingers and the female figure suddenly disappeared. "It was just an illusion."
"An illusion?" Baold looked down. Since the wound was caused by the illusion, Theo had made him believe that the wound was healed by the unknown female. "Your illusion can affect reality?"
"Not at all. What caused that wound was not the illusion that affected reality, but the memory planted in your mind." Theo pointed at his head. "In other words, your mind recorded and prioritized that wound... Your body could only follow your mind, and as a result, the wound stuck on your body. All I did was reprogram your mind to accept that the wound was fake. It was nowhere near the illusion that affected reality."
"I see..." Baold could finally understand where Theo's confidence came from.
"Besides..." Theo smirked. As someone who controlled both illusion and reality, he was obviously very familiar with them. "I am quite interested in this illusionist. He might provide me with a great experience."
Baold took a deep breath and said, "I understand. I shall trust you and fully cooperate. I hope that you can come to our world within three weeks."
"Alright." Theo nodded.
"I shall authorize the mission as well. However, you have to remember that you are bringing students..." Victoria added.
"Yes, I'll guarantee their safety." Theo agreed with Victoria.
"In that case, I will leave them here. Please use them as you see fit." Baold closed the briefcase and pushed it forward, asking Theo to accept it. After that, he politely nodded to the principal and said, "I'll take my leave. There are a lot of things I need to prepare."