A druid offering to help a lich for free, even pledging her life to protect him—such an absurd scheme was beyond Archibald's ability to count.
With a cold snort, Archibald addressed her, "Don't spout such ridiculous lies. The most expensive things in this world are always the ones labeled 'free.' Speak your true intentions, and perhaps I'll consider cooperating with you."
The young druid glanced around cautiously before saying, "Can we speak somewhere more private?"
With a snap of his fingers, Archibald conjured a pitch-black barrier that enveloped them.
"This barrier blocks sound and light; even advanced detection spells cannot penetrate it. You may speak now," Archibald said.
The druid stared in awe at the dark veil surrounding them. As a practitioner of magic herself, she immediately recognized the power behind this spell.
Spellcasting typically required incantations and gestures—fundamental elements of magic. Yet Archibald had cast the barrier silently and instantaneously. If this were a combat scenario, his speed at summoning fireballs would be unparalleled; even the continent's famed *Tri-Fireball Sect*, known for their rapid triple-fireball strikes within six seconds, couldn't rival him.
This lich was far more formidable than she had anticipated.
She had chosen the right person.
Taking a deep breath, the druid finally spoke, "I was exploring the city's sewers with my kin when we encountered something terrifying. My people are now trapped inside, and I need your help to rescue them."
Archibald raised an eyebrow. "Your entire group got stuck, and you think you alone can save them? If you want my help, it won't come cheap. A free guide is one thing, but this would cost extra."
"There's no need," she insisted. "I have my own methods. All I need is for you to locate them. As a lich, you are more attuned to the Life Light of druids and can pinpoint their location in the sewers. In exchange, I'll help you find all the slimes you need."
Archibald paused, then asked, "How long have they been trapped?"
After a moment of silence, she answered, "Over two months."
Archibald: ...
Two months? Their remains were likely reduced to bones by now—if there was anything left at all. What Life Light could possibly still linger?
Sensing his skepticism, the druid grew desperate. "My kin are capable of self-preservation. They're only trapped. If I can locate them, I can free them. They must still be alive!"
Her final words seemed directed more at herself than at him, her voice trembling with a trace of despair.
Archibald's interest shifted. The sewers clearly held more secrets than he had anticipated. First, the paladins of the Lion Empire had arrived under the pretext of "training," and now a group of druids? Could there truly be something as outrageous as a legendary dragon hiding in the sewers?
"What exactly did you encounter down there?" he inquired.
The druid hesitated, aware of the value of this information. "You must promise me first, or I won't say another word."
"Very well," Archibald agreed. "We can sign a contract right now. If your kin are still alive, I'll do my best to locate them."
After a moment's thought, he decided not to refuse.
The druid girl, in his estimation, was a better investment than the other two guides.
The dangers of the sewers wouldn't change based on the guide, and her firsthand experience with the monstrosities lurking below could be an advantage.
Eagerly, the druid signed the contract.
Her name was Naomi Watts—a fact Archibald only learned now.
The surname was unusual for a druid. Druidic family names typically referenced nature and often varied based on their circles. For example, the surname "Eclipse" denoted a lineage from a specific lunar circle.
But "Watts"… It sounded more like a human noble family, possibly one with ties to lightning.
Clearly, this druid carried mysteries of her own.
Not that Archibald cared for gossip. He only wanted intel related to the sewers.
"Now, tell me—what's in the sewers, Miss Watts?"
Naomi recounted her ordeal. "I can't be certain what we encountered. At first, we were exploring the southern district's sewers, but the filthy tunnels suddenly transformed into a stunning garden—like a vision of home..."
Her vivid descriptions painted the scene for Archibald: an expansive high-level illusion, complete with deceptive dangers disguised as harmless objects. Biting apples, sheep with razor-sharp claws—insidious but not overly threatening.
The druids had been trapped within the illusion, unable to escape. Naomi, however, had been ejected from the illusion by the combined efforts of her kin, tasked with seeking help.
"And yet, you came back alone? Where are the others? Surely your entire circle isn't stuck down there?" Archibald asked.
"That's irrelevant to our agreement," she replied curtly.
"Heh, fair enough. I won't pry. Still, based on your description, this creature doesn't sound too difficult to handle."
Large-scale illusions, while impressive, suggested the creature lacked direct offensive power. A destruction-focused wizard specializing in elemental spells could have obliterated the druids in seconds, possibly leveling the sewers in the process.
Archibald's mind sifted through various illusion-using monsters. He felt confident he could handle the threat.
"Let's not waste time. We're heading out now," he declared.
Dismissing the barrier, Archibald had their contract filed at the tavern—a standard practice to ensure legal recognition and reduce disputes.
Once outside, Naomi was eager to lead the way to the sewers, but Archibald halted her and cast Greater Invisibility.
Both of them vanished into thin air.
Naomi froze, startled, but quickly saw two figures exiting the tavern—the rogue and the ranger from earlier.
To her surprise, the two were clearly working together.
The pair scanned the surroundings, their intentions evident.
"They mean to follow us," Naomi muttered.
Archibald smirked. "The rogue was an obvious con artist, and the ranger's offer, while reasonable-sounding, was grossly overpriced. They failed to swindle me, so now they're trying to scavenge our efforts. Should we face trouble in the sewers, they'll gladly swoop in to loot our belongings."
Such was the nature of adventurers—scavengers with morals only marginally better than thieves.
"What should we do?" Naomi asked, clearly inexperienced.
"We follow them, of course," Archibald replied with a sly grin. "They won't give up easily and will venture into the sewers regardless. If they're looking to profit from us, why shouldn't we profit from them instead?"
A smile crept onto his face as he followed their tracks, silently thanking the God of Fate for delivering such convenient prey.
**End of Chapter**