Verdict

"...Why don't we set out right away? In truth, neither you, Instant Kill Spear, nor I, Whisper of Destruction, need to make much unnecessary preparation, do we?"

His thoughts had changed, and the words that had only just begun had to change with them. Upon learning that the mysterious ruin was very likely the property of an Archmage from Netheril's late period, Punk decided to join this adventure almost without further consideration.

The potential wealth within the Netheril Ruins was enough to offset the risks it might entail. Punk was a Chaotic Neutral spellcaster; as long as the profits were sufficient, he dared to venture into dangers with a survival rate below eighty percent.

Besides, he would not be exploring alone this time—Kane, as a mysterious Level Twenty-Four Legendary Knight, was probably not much weaker in combat than him, a Legendary Mage. And Smile... at the very least, Her Majesty the Queen was a Legendary-tier powerhouse. If she were willing to pay the price and bring out some Transcendent Divine Power... then perhaps the seemingly ordinary maiden goddess could unleash an unexpectedly powerful burst. A Legendary Adventuring party of this caliber had the qualifications to set foot inside an ownerless Archmage's magic tower.

Of course, if Kane and Smile had not clearly reached an agreement in private that amounted to a firm offensive and defensive alliance, Punk would have greatly preferred to kick a god whose strength was insufficient out of the party.

One more person meant one more person to divide the loot with. Greedy spellcasters were never willing to share wealth with others, especially when that wealth came from the ancient Netheril era.

In fact, Punk was already considering whether he might have a chance to get Kane and Smile killed. Opportunities for everyone to cooperate were rare;