Good Leaders Know Not to Chill Their Workhorses' Hearts

Dick said that he himself was the evidence against Archimonde, but of course, he was not going to dig the Polluter's "great achievements" out of his own mind for Talgas to see.

Leaving aside whether a sane and exceptionally cunning adult would believe such unsupported claims, not even the most outstanding prophet could sentence a villain to death for "crimes" he had yet to commit.

Dick's evidence was, in fact, his own past experiences.

In this small courtyard, Dick, Warden Malderan, and the messenger of Commander Kil'jaeden held a secret discussion inside the room, while the five young elites stood guard outside as temporary security.

The five of them were currently using Eye Contact to exchange their thoughts. Even Imira, the most timid among them, was numb with fear.

Whenever she thought of opposing Principal Archimonde, images kept surfacing in her mind of herself being completely expelled from the Arcane Academy and stripped of her student status. For a student whose current life goal was simply to graduate successfully, such visions were truly terrifying.

However, the other four handled it much better.

Unlike Imira, who was a spellcaster, they were recruits and trainees from the warden training system. Though they were also trained at the Arcane Academy, whether they could graduate and obtain official warden qualifications was not judged by Arcane Mages like Archimonde.

Eredar society was quite open-minded, but classes still existed. In their tradition, though, they were called "strata."

Spellcasters, warriors, commoners, craftsmen, and so on all had their own strata, and every stratum had its own leaders and representatives. For instance, the Enlightener was currently the representative of the spellcaster stratum, while Commander Kil'jaeden represented the warden stratum.

Furthermore, warden was merely a profession like soldier; it did not mean that every warden necessarily believed in the Holy Light.

Kil'jaeden was already five thousand years old. Long before the Naaru had arrived on Argus in answer to the Eredar holy relic, the Atama Crystal, Kil'jaeden had already served as a warden for several thousand years.

Thus, in theory, even without the Holy Light's blessing, Dick's rank as a high-ranking warden would not be revoked.

The boy was simply overthinking things.

Of course, while Eredar society's class structure sounded very much like the infamous "caste system," the two were absolutely not the same thing!

If one had to compare it to something, it was more like hereditary military households. It merely determined one's profession at birth. Although movement between strata was rare, it was not absolutely impossible. Most people simply inherited their parents' professions, and combined with the Eredars' Eternal Life, this became the social structure most suited to them.

"Do you believe what Lord Dick said just now?"

As Archer Barat maintained his emerald heavy crossbow, he quietly asked the sword-and-shield fighter Sovos beside him. The latter looked at the other two with a complicated expression and said,

"My reason tells me not to believe it, but my feelings tell me that it might actually make sense. Otherwise, there would be no explanation for why both Commander Kil'jaeden and General Elodus sent messengers."

"Yes. If this were only a joke, the scale of it would be far too grand."

Fareeya, leaning on her war spear, kept flexing her fingers.

Perhaps it was because she was nervous. After all, she was not yet the formidable Crescent Blade who, more than twenty thousand years later, could face a demon army hundreds of times her size and launch an unwavering countercharge.

After considering it, she said quietly,

"Lord Dick and Warden Malderan did not hide this from us, which means they trust us. So, everyone's opinion is..."

"It isn't our place to judge."

The taciturn Tramon rested his greatsword across his knees. He had never liked talking, so he simply said,

"We only need to follow orders."

"That too."

Fareeya nodded. Several minutes later, she said,

"I'm feeling restless right now. Want to do another Demon Unmatched Trial? I think Lord Diakum's targeted training over the past two days must have had a reason. Perhaps we'll really have to face demons afterward.

"Especially the Enlightener!

"You should all remember how, more than a decade ago, he declared that he wanted to introduce warlock fel energy into Eredar spellcaster training. Though that proposal was vetoed by the two Grand Executors, he must have already Set Foot On the path of fel energy back then. That once-wise Arcane Master must already be a demon's companion."

"Mm. Let's do it."

Tramon was the first to stand.

Barat and Sovos rose as well. Seeing how fired up they were, Imira immediately complained,

"At least give me some time to restore my mana. My mana isn't like your muscles, something you can use endlessly. Give me another ten minutes or so to finish meditating."

"You must learn to fight while exhausted, Imira!"

Fareeya said with a stern face,

"Demons won't give you time to meditate safely. Get up. Lord Diakum said that learning to conserve mana during battle is also a compulsory course for spellcasters. You should have learned this at the Arcane Academy. Now is your practical lesson."

"Arcane... no, Holy Light above, Fareeya, could you stop talking like Lord Diakum?

"Also, did you know our instructor has a nickname among his colleagues: Holy Gun Dick? I heard from some rather open-minded female classmates that they secretly peeked at Lord Diakum while he was bathing.

"They say the size of it..."

"Enough! Imira, you're a priest now. That is not a vulgar topic you should discuss. Be careful, or the Holy Light will condemn you. Get up!

"Since you still have the energy to tell dirty jokes, it seems you aren't all that exhausted."

"On the surface, Principal Archimonde has always resisted the Enlightener's recruitment. He did not want to become too deeply involved with the Awakeners' Cult, but that was only to cultivate an image of righteousness. From the start, he tried to use Sarkir's mad coup to gain political capital for himself.

"Long ago, he sent me to join the Awakeners' Cult. I have been gathering information on that organization as his spy."

Inside the room, Dick maintained his mind's-eye state as he handed Talgas all kinds of evidence he had recorded from searching his memories over the past two days. At the same time, he told the two men,

"Whether it was right or wrong to plant a spy beside the mentor who had promoted him is a matter of Principal Archimonde's personal morality, and not part of this discussion.

"I can only tell you that while Principal Archimonde outwardly resisted fel energy's temptation, Warden Malderan has sufficient evidence that he deliberately allowed members of the Awakeners' Cult to teach fel knowledge to students at the Arcane Academy.

"This dangerous act of corrupting hearts has continued for at least ten years!"

Dick spoke to Talgas with great seriousness.

"He knew perfectly well how terrifying fel energy's corruption of the mind was, yet he allowed this to continue for his own benefit. On that point alone, he should be removed from his position as principal of the Arcane Academy. He is nowhere near as competent as he appears!"

Talgas looked at the scrolls in his hand, which recorded the Awakeners' Cult members and important information about them. With a solemn expression, he turned to Warden Malderan.

The latter nodded as well, indicating that everything Dick had said was true.

The teaching of fel energy within the academy had always been conducted in secret. Archimonde's own Arcane Academy was an especially hard-hit area for the spread of forbidden knowledge. The wardens responsible for security had long discovered countless clues, but because the principal personally shielded them, they could not continue investigating.

"But this can only prove that Principal Archimonde is incompetent. It cannot establish that he poses a threat to the nation."

After pondering for a moment, Talgas shook his head.

"This would only persuade Commander Kil'jaeden to support removing him from office. It is not enough for the two Grand Executors to classify him as a dangerous individual."

"What if I told you that Principal Archimonde has secretly been studying fel magic for a very long time?"

Dick had naturally come prepared.

He had spent two full days preparing for this conversation. Facing Talgas's doubts, he said with great solemnity on the mental level,

"He is Enlightener Sarkir's most valued student and the heir to his political legacy. When Sarkir first came into contact with fel energy, Archimonde was among the first apprentices with whom he shared its secrets. As a spellcaster Obsessed with authority and power, Archimonde could not resist that temptation.

"I can tell you with certainty that the most powerful fel warlock in the world of Argus is Sarkir. There is no doubt about that. But the second most powerful warlock is our outwardly righteous Principal Archimonde.

"He disguises his condition through his exquisite spellcasting ability and the arcane holy relic he carries, the Mark of Awakening. Yet any high-ranking priest performing even the most cursory examination would discover the traces of fel energy within him.

"This kind of cultivation on the level of power cannot be concealed.

"Fel energy corrupts hearts, and its master tempts them onto the road of destruction.

"The fact that the Enlightener fell from a wise spellcaster leader into a cultist in barely more than a decade proves this. Archimonde came into contact with fel energy not much later than the Enlightener. How much longer do you think he can remain lucid?"

Dick stood up and spoke with great concern to the two men listening intently.

"While undercover in the Awakeners' Cult, I saw far too many spellcasters wallowing in the ugly spectacle of drinking fel energy. They arrogantly called themselves Man'ari, treated corruption as an honor, abandoned the ancient wisdom of Auchindoun, and claimed they had heard the Benefactor's encouragement and whispers.

"Those people have become beasts. They are no longer our kin.

"When you take action, you will see with your own eyes those fallen ones tear away the Eredars' elegant disguises and reveal themselves as savage, crazed half-demons.

"But if you wait until then to act, it will already be too late."

"Wait!"

Talgas interrupted Dick's account and asked,

"Tell me in detail about the voice the members of the Awakeners' Cult heard, the one calling itself the Benefactor."

"I have not Set Foot On the path of fel energy, so I cannot hear those voices. But I have spoken to the most warped fanatics among them. They claimed that, while half-conscious during fel infusion, they saw a 'god of flames' walking among the stars. It called itself the Benefactor and generously taught them the secrets of the cosmos."

Dick described it in detail.

"Any mage who listens to the Benefactor's teachings can master the secrets of fel energy in a very short time, become a more powerful warlock, and gain the ability to summon demons.

"Personally, I believe it is a kind of 'blessing.'

"Just as the Eredar received the elements' blessing in ancient times, and then the Holy Light's blessing from the Naaru in modern times, that fallen evil god stripped the cultists of their elemental and Holy Light blessings and bestowed the power of fel energy upon them instead, creating mental connections between them and demons.

"They claim that the demons have formed the Burning Legion, which intends to reduce every weak world among the stars to dust.

"They have also seen real images of the Burning Legion ravaging countless worlds. This deepened their thirst for power, and they saw it as a 'prophecy of destruction,' firmly believing that our world of Argus would suffer the same fate.

"In fact, Enlightener Sarkir has always told his followers that his coup was only meant to win the Clan members a chance at survival. He claims that only Eredar who actively embrace the Benefactor's gifts can earn the right to live through the end of the world.

"I cannot say for certain whether Archimonde has also heard the Benefactor's temptation, but I believe that if the Benefactor whispers to him, Archimonde will never reject the temptation of such power.

"That is the kind of person he is!

"Anyone who understands his past can make a clear judgment. That is also why I consider Archimonde more dangerous than Sarkir. Sarkir is merely a muddleheaded old man, but Archimonde desires far more.

"If someone like that is allowed to climb to power over his mentor's skull, it will mark the beginning of disaster for all Eredar."

The room fell silent.

Warden Malderan had already clenched his fists.

Clearly, Dick's words had convinced him. But Talgas, who had served as an assassin and spy for many years, was not so easily persuaded. The intelligence chief, deeply trusted by the two Grand Executors, watched Dick with an unreadable gaze.

After a moment, he said,

"You still have no tangible evidence proving that Archimonde has fallen. I admit your speculation is impressive, and personally, I think it is very likely to become reality. But you must understand that the two Grand Executors cannot convict a spellcaster leader based on speculation alone.

"Also, I sense that there may be some 'personal grudge' between you and Archimonde.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, I admit it."

Dick answered frankly.

"Not only because I understand Archimonde's threat, but because that officer who sent me undercover among the cultists while preaching righteousness tried to bury me on the night I was assassinated. He could not allow someone like me, who knew too many secrets, to remain alive. Whether Sarkir's coup succeeded or failed, I was Doomed!

"But the Holy Light has not taught me to rot away in despair and await death in a hopeless situation.

"I will fight back, and you two, along with the higher-ups behind you who will soon make a decision, are how I will fight back."

"Mm, very frank. Commander Kil'jaeden likes frank people, Even If you truly did travel with a group of demon worshippers and did make mistakes."

Talgas nodded in satisfaction. Then, setting aside the question of whether Archimonde could be trusted, he asked,

"You said you have a plan. Let us hear it."

"It is actually very simple."

Dick sat back down at the table and said,

"Archimonde wants Sarkir to be personally defeated by him on the eve of the coup. That way, he can rise rapidly on the merit of suppressing the rebellion and rightfully seize Sarkir's lofty status among spellcasters. Therefore, we only need to inform Sarkir of Archimonde's plan in advance.

"That way, the master and student will slaughter each other on a night filled with betrayal.

"As I said before, the outcome we most want to see is Sarkir and Archimonde perishing together. That would solve both problems at once."

"But how do we make Sarkir believe that the student he values and trusts most will stab him in the back?"

Talgas pressed. Dick answered decisively,

"Of course, I will personally report it to him!

"My identity is very special, Lord Talgas.

"I was originally Archimonde's spy within the Awakeners' Cult. They discovered my identity and attempted to assassinate me. Now that I, a 'dead man,' have reappeared, as long as Sarkir is not too senile to make decisions, he will naturally know who betrayed him.

"I am the best candidate to provoke this 'evil infighting.'"

"But there is also a high chance that you will die directly in the cultists' second assassination attempt."

Warden Malderan shook his head.

"No! We cannot let you take such a risk again. No matter what you did before, Diakum, you have clearly returned to the Right Path guided by the Holy Light."

"Precisely because of that, those who have made mistakes must be given a chance to atone."

Talgas said with a smile.

"Mr. 'Dick' has already made his decision. I can see his resolve in his eyes. The words and accusations of someone who can disregard life and death so completely carry weight.

"Very good.

"I will report everything you have said tonight to Commander Kil'jaeden. The Grand Executors will decide the fate of you and Archimonde."

"Of course. I will not evade the responsibilities I should bear. To change one's fate, one must shoulder great burdens. I understand what this choice entails."

Dick spoke these words with radiant righteousness, but then he added a warning.

"Please tell Commander Kil'jaeden and Grand Executor Velen that I am certain Archimonde will personally go to expose Sarkir's conspiracy before taking action. This is merely his way of seeking credit and rewards. Please do not let the two Grand Executors be deceived by his words.

"We should pay more attention to what a person does than to what he says."

"Well said!"

Talgas stood up, stared at Dick, and said,

"We should focus on deeds, not thoughts, and certainly not the temptation of words.

"Dick, I personally hope that you will do as you say. If you are a hypocrite like Archimonde, then Commander Kil'jaeden and Grand Executor Velen will be very disappointed in you as well."

"I still do not think Diakum should be the one to undertake such a dangerous operation!"

Warden Malderan said loudly.

"We should discuss this further. This is sending him to his death! The Holy Light teaches us that we cannot..."

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Urgent knocking interrupted Malderan. From outside the door, Fareeya quietly warned,

"My lords, someone is approaching! They are students from the Arcane Academy. My companions are holding them outside, but they claim Principal Archimonde specifically sent them to care for Lord Diakum.

"They also brought suspicious potions."

"See?"

Dick sighed with a troubled expression.

"Archimonde never intended to spare me. Aren't the assassins here already? Please conceal yourselves for now and help me survive this ordeal."

"Heh heh heh, what a ruthless method. I am beginning to believe your accusations against Archimonde."

Talgas chuckled.

He grabbed Malderan by the wrist and stepped backward, using some secret technique that swiftly shrouded the two of them in shadows.

As the famed "Tracker" of Argus, Talgas likely followed a hybrid path of hunter and assassin. To be so highly valued by the two Grand Executors, his personal strength could not possibly be weak.

"Let them in."

Dick lay back on the bed, perfectly playing the role of a weak patient as he replied to Fareeya through his mind's-eye.

A few minutes later, the door opened.

Two Eredar sisters dressed in Arcane Academy student robes entered the room.

Though Eredar women generally possessed wonderfully shaped figures and enticing little tails, some girls were naturally gifted at displaying their beauty to the fullest. The two young students before him were exactly that kind.

In terms of figure and looks, the equally young Fareeya and Imira were no less impressive than them. Yet whenever the four stood together, men's eyes were always drawn to these two first.

The twin sisters wore nearly identical hairstyles, but one was passionate and fiery, while the other was composed and mature.

They had personally altered their student robes, turning what should have been solemn garments into fashionable long dresses. The beauty-conscious girls had even set unusual gems into their gauntlets, greaves, and foot coverings, and their tails were meticulously groomed.

Worth mentioning was that they were actually wearing leg adornments similar to "stockings."

Dick swore on the professional integrity of a security captain with thirty years of experience: this was absolutely not the traditional attire of Arcane Academy students! They would not have looked out of place even if tossed straight into the ranks of tavern dancers in Oronaar City.

But how should he put it?

Top students always had "privileges" at school.

And if an ordinary man, after being injured, had his superior send two such lovely little secretaries to care for and serve him, then if he did not crawl out of bed that very night to sew his superior a dragon robe, it would only prove he was not loyal enough.

Unfortunately, as Dick looked at these Eredar Twins, who would likewise make "a name for themselves" in the future, he truly had no blessing to enjoy Archimonde's arrangement of a "lively little sisters' program."

Mm, if he really dared to enjoy it, the result would probably be getting hit by Shadow Strike and Ignite. But having both buffs stacked on him at once would make him explode on the spot!

"Lord Diakum, my sister and I have been instructed by Headmaster Archimonde and Grand Chancellor Galasum of the Academy to attend to your daily needs."

The elder twin introduced herself:

"My name is Saloras, and beside me is my younger sister, Oreses."

"Or you may consider me the elder sister between us, since Saloras was only born a dozen seconds before me."

The younger sister, Oreses, seemed to have some objections to that statement. She calmly added this, then the two stepped forward. Under Dick's silent gaze, they removed a bottle filled with liquid from their waists and said:

"This is a healing potion specially prepared for you by Headmaster Archimonde. It will help you recover from your weakness as quickly as possible and treat the injury to your throat.

Please drink it as soon as possible.

Once your vocal cords have recovered, we will also need to record a magical image of you as evidence of Sarkir's conspiracy."

Faced with the potion held to his lips, Dick weakly raised a hand and waved it, indicating that he would drink it later.

But the Twins refused to let the matter rest.

They moved closer, even climbing onto Dick's bed. In an ambiguous yet forceful manner, they forcibly helped Dick up from the bed.

The younger sister restrained Dick's weak hands while the elder sister uncorked the bottle and brought it to Dick's lips with an expression that was gentle yet cold.

"This potion was made with outstanding alchemy from medicinal ingredients carefully selected by the headmaster. It is extremely, extremely precious. It should be consumed as soon as possible before it loses its potency, so its effects can be at their best. This is also the graduation assignment that my sister and I, as outstanding graduates, must complete. Please do not make things difficult for us either, Professor of Physical Education."

She reached out to stroke Dick's severely injured throat, lifted his chin, and said:

"Come now, my sister and I will serve you personally... My lord, it is time to take your medicine."