Detect Evil

Chapter 19: Detect Evil

"Sigh, why can't I control my own hands?"

Rubbing the Gold Coins in his hands, Amber Xiu sighed from the bottom of his soul.

This party, preparing to venture into the sewers, had generously offered a Gold Coin as an "interview fee." Even if they didn't end up cooperating, Amber Xiu would still earn a Gold Coin for free.

While it was true that being a Mage was a noble profession, and it was reasonable for adventurers to invite a Mage to join their party and offer an "interview fee," an interview fee of one Gold Coin was excessively extravagant. It was as brazen as tipping that dwarf singer to shut up.

Amber Xiu, who had been slightly hesitant before, found himself unable to refuse after receiving the Gold Coin.

However, after accepting the money, Amber Xiu's worries intensified.

Adventurers, in many cases, were not much different from unemployed vagrants; few of them were purely good people. Willingness to spend so much money, besides possessing strength, often indicated either an extremely difficult quest or a conspiracy to betray teammates.

After all, Mages were wealthy in most situations. Looting a few enchanted items from a Mage could potentially yield thousands or tens of thousands of Gold Coins.

But if that were the case, Amber Xiu would be even happier.

"Backstabbing? Who can't do that?"

If it were self-defense, Alchemy City would have no grounds to trouble him. Amber Xiu could wipe out this adventuring party and make a tidy profit.

A "fake" Legendary was still a Legendary. With the advantage of hiding his Lich identity, wouldn't bullying a group of adventurers be simple?

The real trouble would be if the quest was difficult. If this adventuring party wasn't planning to betray their teammates, they must have encountered an extremely troublesome situation to spend so much money to hire a Mage.

If he couldn't backstab and had to deal with a major problem, this deal wouldn't seem as profitable.

Of course, if it really came down to it, he could refuse to cooperate. Earning one Gold Coin for free was also acceptable.

Amber Xiu sat in a corner of the tavern, quietly waiting for the adventuring party. The Orc bartender had mentioned they were coming from outside Alchemy City and wouldn't arrive until the early morning.

During this time, Amber Xiu devised several plans for backstabbing and numerous negotiation tactics.

However, when the adventuring party finally appeared, Amber Xiu immediately knew he had wasted his efforts.

It was a three-person party: a fully armored Knight, whose head was completely covered by a full-face helmet; a War Priest clad in chainmail, with a large iron hammer hanging from his waist; and a young man dressed as a Mage, who looked particularly shabby within the group.

"A Paladin and a War Priest from the Lyne Empire?" Amber Xiu exclaimed in surprise.

It was impossible to mistake them. Two of them wore the unique Rose and Dragon emblem of the Lyne Empire. Furthermore, these were not ordinary individuals but members of the Royal Paladin Legion, indicated by their insignia.

In terms of nobility, these two were at least Viscounts with their own fiefdoms.

No wonder they were so generous. Compared to common adventurers, these two were influential figures with both wealth and power.

But why would a Paladin and a Priest from the Lyne Empire be in Alchemy City? The two nations didn't have a good relationship. Alchemy City equally discriminated against all Muggles who didn't understand Alchemy or magic, while the Lyne Empire equally discriminated against all non-human races. It was like how villains dislike other villains; two countries with different discrimination standards had always looked down on each other.

The Lyne Empire considered Alchemy City, with its diverse races, to be a land of heresy. Alchemy City, on the other hand, felt that the Lyne Empire, with its constant shouts of "Holy Light," "Evil," and "Glory," was no better than barbarians charging into battle.

Although they didn't openly oppose each other, friction was constant.

The appearance of these two individuals was extremely peculiar, drawing the attention of everyone in the tavern as soon as they entered. Everyone knew the Lyne Empire's reputation. There were even Lizardfolk and drow elves drinking there; who knew if they would suddenly shout, "Holy Light, the evil ahead is worth fighting!"

Amidst the tense atmosphere, the shabby Mage accompanying the two stepped forward to smooth things over.

"Hahaha, this is my second time here, and this tavern is still so lively. You guys take a seat first, I'll order a couple of mugs of premium ale."

Amber Xiu didn't know that this young Mage had a connection to him. It was Harvey, the Apprentice Mage who had accompanied the Porcupine Knight on their tour outside his territory.

Hearing Harvey's words, everyone finally relaxed. It wasn't their first time here, so they probably wouldn't start a fight, right? There were no reports of a severe diplomatic incident involving mass casualties in this tavern last time, so it should be fine.

Even so, many patrons left their money and departed. Being in the same room as Paladins was torture for those with ulterior motives.

The Paladin and the Priest seemed accustomed to being ostracized and naturally sat in another corner of the tavern.

Wearing full armor and sitting by the wall while drinking – truly a well-trained Paladin, fully aware of the caliber of their enemies.

Harvey busied himself, quickly breaking into a sweat.

The Porcupine Knight had put considerable effort into winning over these two important figures from the Lyne Empire. Although he still didn't understand their purpose in coming to Alchemy City, he had successfully recommended Harvey to them as a guide.

When the two suddenly announced their intention to explore the sewers of Alchemy City, Harvey could only act as their errand boy. Just applying for entry into Alchemy City had nearly exhausted him, followed by the adventure permit and the search for teammates.

A Paladin from the Lyne Empire looking for teammates might find it easy elsewhere.

Despite their rigid demeanor and racial discrimination, the strength of Paladins was undeniable, and they would never betray their oaths or harm their teammates, making them very reliable companions.

But this was Alchemy City, where human adventurers were a small minority. The number of Mages they were looking for, specializing in a particular type of magic, was even smaller.

The Mages they had found previously had all failed to reach an agreement, and some had parted on bad terms.

The interview fee had gradually increased to one Gold Coin. After receiving a magical message today and finding new teammates, they had rushed over.

The Orc bartender enthusiastically introduced Amber Xiu to Harvey.

"Hello, I am William Harvey, Apprentice Mage."

Harvey took the opportunity to size up the black-haired youth, who appeared slightly younger than him.

Harvey was surprised to find that Amber Xiu's hair color, eye color, and facial features didn't match any human from any region he knew. He possessed a certain elven grace and handsomeness, but it was impossible to tell which elven bloodline he had inherited.

But good looks were useless. Mages cast spells using intelligence, not charisma like Sorcerers or Warlocks.

"Hello, I am Diga Ultraman." Amber Xiu directly used his online gaming alias.

"Hello, Master Ultraman. I believe you know our requirements. We need a mage skilled in Ice Magic..."

As soon as Harvey finished speaking, Amber Xiu raised his palm, and a ball of ice and snow energy condensed in his palm.

Seeing the magical construct, Harvey recognized it as Freeze Ray, a low-level ice Cantrip. Casting a Cantrip isn't difficult; even an Apprentice Mage can master it with diligent practice. Just as he was about to question it, he saw the ice energy in Amber Xiu's palm split into two balls.

Dual casting? A sorcerer's technique... No, this is pure magical control.

When an expert makes a move, the difference is clear. Harvey could only admire Amber Xiu. The title "Master Ultraman" earlier was just politeness; now it was truly deserved.

Harvey looked towards the Paladin and nodded, indicating his recognition of Amber Xiu's ability. Harvey was only responsible for confirming Amber Xiu's capabilities; whether they could cooperate depended on the opinions of these two from the Lyne Empire.

"My lords, this is already the fifth candidate. It might be our last chance, so..."

Harvey gave a subtle reminder, implying they shouldn't cause another near-disaster like before, as that would truly leave them with no teammates.

The Paladin remained unmoved by Harvey's words and spoke to Amber Xiu in an almost emotionless voice, "Lord Ultraman, my faith does not permit me to cooperate with evildoers. I wish to use Detect Evil on you. Do you consent?"

Amber Xiu: ...

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