What a Coincidence

Chapter 38: What a Coincidence

Back when he was in training, his teacher specifically warned him that a Paladin's common swordsmanship was most effective against humanoid enemies. When facing opponents that were exceptionally large, had too many arms, or had bizarre forms, he shouldn't try to suppress them with swordsmanship but should instead use divine magic!

Now, he completely understood his teacher's words. When you face an opponent that isn't human, many sword techniques lose their meaning and instead become fatal weaknesses.

After only two or three exchanges, the Paladin had already been hit several times. If not for his sturdy armor, he would have likely been torn to shreds. The Living Mercury, having completely shed its restrictions, attacked with even greater excitement, like a child with a new toy. It gradually stopped being confined to swordsmanship, transforming its body into all sorts of unimaginable forms and attacking from directions the Paladin could never have conceived.

Seeing the situation turn around, the Paladin's longsword once again lit up with holy light. Moreover, it wasn't just holy light; lightning also crackled around it.

It was Supreme Holy Slash again, but an advanced version, imbued with intense lightning damage.

He had originally intended to save it for Amber Xiu, but he never expected to be pushed into a desperate situation by a strange monster. He couldn't afford to hold back any longer.

The thunderous Supreme Holy Slash descended upon the Living Mercury. Even though the opponent raised several mercury longswords to block, this strike was still unstoppable. This advanced version of Supreme Holy Slash's power could already penetrate the Living Mercury's Magic Resistance and inflict terrifying damage.

Unfortunately, this final strike only managed to sever one of the Living Mercury's arms.

"Missed?! How is that possible?!"

The Paladin stared incredulously at his deflected longsword. How could this meticulously honed strike have gone awry?

Severely injured, the Living Mercury was completely enraged. Ignoring its wounds, it immediately enveloped the Paladin. The Paladin's most powerful attack had failed, leaving him utterly unable to dodge. His body was completely encased, and the Living Mercury immediately activated its ability to devour metal.

The Paladin struggled with all his might, his body repeatedly glowing with holy light, causing the Living Mercury to boil, but it was ultimately futile. His armor and weapons were devoured by the Living Mercury, leaving him in only a thin undershirt.

Blond hair, handsome, strong, elegant demeanor... this Paladin's true appearance was so dazzling, it could captivate countless maidens elsewhere. However, this appearance was ineffective against the Living Mercury. The angry little creature condensed its longsword again, intending to pierce the Paladin's body.

Without the protection of his armor, the Paladin was certain to die.

But at that moment, Amber Xiu shouted, "Don't kill him, Paladins are very valuable!"

Although the Living Mercury was still quite angry, it would absolutely not disobey Amber Xiu's orders. It could only resentfully slam the Paladin's head onto the ground, smashing the Paladin's handsome face.

Amber Xiu chuckled, "Still not convinced, little guy? That Supreme Holy Slash just now, I helped you dodge it. Otherwise, you would have been finished."

Amber Xiu had underestimated the Paladin's strength. Anyone capable of using the advanced version of Supreme Holy Slash must be a high-level Paladin. And so young, he was likely one of the elites among the younger generation of the Lyne Empire, perhaps even a Paladin personally appointed and decorated by the Lyne Emperor.

What a loss. High-level Paladin equipment is very valuable, and now it's all ruined.

No, the ransom must be doubled!

Amber Xiu looked at the Paladin struggling to get back up and said, "Don't waste your energy. Your companions have already fallen into my hands. If you don't want them to lose their lives, just be a good captive."

Hearing Amber Xiu's words, the Paladin said firmly, "We are all servants who worship the Lord of Dawn. If we die in a holy war, our souls will ascend to heaven. Threatening me with that is impossible. We have long been prepared to sacrifice ourselves!"

"Heh heh, but you have another companion who isn't a follower of the Lord of Dawn. Are you prepared to let him die with you? You're a Paladin who has taken the Oath of Devotion, isn't protecting the weak one of your tenets?"

Amber Xiu's words surprised the Paladin. He hadn't expected Amber Xiu to know him so well.

Every Paladin would take an oath before a Deity. The Oath of Devotion, the Oath of the Ancient Sages, and the Oath of Vengeance were the three most common oaths. The Oath of Devotion required Paladins to act justly, uphold integrity, and protect the weak, never using any despicable means even against enemies.

Harvey was a companion fighting alongside them. If Amber Xiu used Harvey's life as leverage, this Paladin truly couldn't let his companion fall into a desperate situation because of his faith. That would be a violation of his oath.

The consequences for a Paladin to violate their oath would be extremely severe.

"What exactly do you want? I will not cooperate with Undead. Even if you threaten me with the life of that Mage, I will never cooperate with you," the Paladin said firmly.

"Who said I want you to cooperate? I just want you to save your strength and be a good captive. When the Lyne Empire pays the ransom, I'll naturally let you go," Amber Xiu said.

He was already calculating: 800,000 Gold Coins for the light cleric, and this Paladin for 1,000,000 Gold Coins. Not a single coin less.

It might sound like he was asking for the moon, but this involved pricing.

Think about it, if this Paladin is so valuable, then how much would the Living Mercury, who could fight evenly with a Paladin, or even slightly gain the upper hand, be worth?

The Living Mercury could potentially be Amber Xiu's biggest business venture for the next few hundred years. It absolutely could not be sold cheaply.

However, upon hearing Amber Xiu's plan, the Paladin sneered, "Then there's no need for you to waste your effort. The Empire will not pay any ransom for captives. The Lyne Empire has never yielded to threats, let alone threats from Undead. If you demand ransom from the Lyne Empire, you will only provoke the Paladin Legion's crusade."

Amber Xiu said nonchalantly, "Wouldn't that be even better for you? So, what reason do you have to stop me from seeking death? Now, tell me your name."

The Paladin didn't expect Amber Xiu to be so resolute. Did this Lich really dare to provoke the Lyne Empire for mere Gold Coins?

Although he couldn't understand it, he knew he could only accept his fate as a captive, unless he wanted the innocent Harvey to die because of his stubbornness.

The Paladin calmly said, "Alan Watson. That's my name."

"Watson?" Amber Xiu heard the surname and pressed further, "Who is James Watson, the editor-in-chief of Legendary Spell, to you?"

The young Paladin asked curiously, "Do you know my father?"

The Soul Fire in Amber Xiu's eye sockets burned fiercely, almost erupting. He gritted out through clenched teeth, "What a coincidence. I've known your father for many years."