Getting Straight to the Point

Chapter 50: Straight to the Point

When Amber Xiu met Allen Watson, the once spirited Paladin was slumped on the ground.

His longsword lay beside him, its blade covered in cracks and nicks, clearly having been through an exceptionally brutal battle.

Allen was bruised and swollen, as if he had been severely beaten. His once handsome face was unrecognizable. However, his mental trauma seemed to be many times worse than his physical injuries. His eyes lacked any light, making him look a dozen years older.

Meanwhile, Headless Bro stood to the side, leisurely filing his nails.

Amber Xiu asked in surprise, "What did you do to him?"

Headless Bro shook his head and said disdainfully, "Just taught him a small lesson. Today's Paladins are far inferior to those of the past. Daring to go on a solo training mission with this level of skill, the Lyne Empire has truly fallen."

Amber Xiu asked curiously, "It sounds like a personal grudge?"

Headless Bro replied, "His father is the Supreme Adjudicator of the Lyne Empire. He's just unlucky."

"You have a grudge against James Watson too?"

Amber Xiu was a bit surprised. Headless Bro didn't seem like a scholar. He shouldn't have been rejected by some old man who practiced racial discrimination, right?

"James Watson? Who is that? I'm talking about Moody. He was the one who issued the warrant for my arrest back then."

Amber Xiu: ...

This Headless Knight really held a grudge. It must have been a previous Supreme Adjudicator from many generations ago. Yet, he was taking it out on Allen. It could only be said that Allen was unlucky.

"Is it fun to bully children?" Amber Xiu asked.

Before Headless Bro could explain, Allen spoke up first, "No, Mr. Gareth kept my strength and speed equal to his, but I was still completely defenseless."

Amber Xiu comforted him, "That's normal. You don't know how many years he's lived. It's not surprising that his martial skills surpass those of mortals."

"Mortals..." Allen could only give a wry smile upon hearing this.

He was a Paladin of the Lyne Empire, trained rigorously since childhood. His swordsmanship was considered top-notch among the younger generation. Even the Emperor of the Empire had personally conferred his title and praised him as a future pillar of the Empire.

But facing this scruffy-looking middle-aged man, Allen experienced the first bitter defeat of his life.

It was too brutal. The man didn't even use his sword, merely extending a single finger and defeating him with his fingernail.

His once proud swordsmanship was like child's play in front of this man. As soon as his arm moved slightly, the opponent's fingernail would already be at his throat, eyes, heart, and other vital points. After more than a decade of practicing swordsmanship, he discovered so many flaws he hadn't noticed before.

And the other party deliberately toyed with him, slamming Allen face-first onto the ground every time. His nose bridge was already broken, and his front teeth were a bit loose. The injuries weren't severe, but the mental blow was immense.

This was a complete and utter defeat, with no excuses to be found.

Now, hearing Amber Xiu's evaluation, Allen felt even more humiliated.

So, in the eyes of a true powerhouse, he was merely a mortal.

Amber Xiu confirmed that Allen was not in any serious danger and, losing interest, dragged Headless Bro away from the cell.

Amber Xiu shared the seven prophecy fragments he had obtained with Headless Bro, hoping to gather some information.

Although Headless Bro was not a learned scholar, he had lived longer than Amber Xiu and certainly had more experience, so he might be able to discern something.

However, the result greatly disappointed Amber Xiu. Headless Bro couldn't guess what was in the sewer either, but he was very concerned about the dilapidated bar.

Headless Bro said anxiously, "Brother Diga, will this prophecy definitely come true? Can it be changed?"

"Worried about your Orc sister?" Amber Xiu asked with a smile.

"Aona is innocent," Headless Bro said with a strong sense of responsibility.

Amber Xiu was silent for two seconds, then said, "Your wife would be even more furious if she heard you say that."

However, seeing Headless Bro's anxious demeanor, Amber Xiu still offered some advice.

"Whether the prophecy can be changed, I can't say for sure. I'm also a coward who fears facing fate. But you can face the future in a different way. The prophecy only says the bar will be reduced to ruins, but it doesn't mention the Orc owner's corpse. So, whether she can survive is still unknown.

"Alchemy City will be largely destroyed in the near future. You might as well persuade her to leave early. As long as people are alive, a destroyed bar can be rebuilt, can't it?"

Upon hearing this, Headless Bro immediately became happy.

"Brother, you really have a way! I'll go tell her right away and persuade her to leave Alchemy City."

After speaking, Headless Bro was about to go find his Orc sister, but Amber Xiu stopped him.

"Wait, help me deliver a message to the owner of this bar. If she wants to sell it, I can buy it, but at a discounted price."

"You're sure you want to buy it?"

Headless Bro asked strangely, "Didn't you say this bar is destined to be destroyed? If you buy it, won't you definitely lose money?"

Amber Xiu retorted, "What else can be done? Do you still have money? If you don't have money, how will the Orc girl live after giving up the bar? Do you think she doesn't need to eat or drink like the Undead? If I buy the bar, she'll have money to start over elsewhere."

Headless Bro was incredibly moved and hugged Amber Xiu tightly, saying, "Good brother, I won't forget this kindness. Don't worry, no matter who takes your head, I, Gareth, will be the first to avenge you!"

"Can't you protect me before my head is taken?"

"You said yourself that prophecies always come true."

Amber Xiu: ...

This statement made the Soul Fire within Amber Xiu tremble with anger. Indeed, the most annoying thing in this world was prophecies, especially those about misfortune.

After Headless Bro left, Amber Xiu began preparing to welcome the arrival of the important figure from the Alchemist Council.

It didn't take long before a massive airship landed in front of Amber Xiu's castle.

A stern-faced middle-aged man descended from the airship. He wore a golden-red robe, appearing to be the same style as the Administrator Amber Xiu had met before, only with more ornate patterns.

Amber Xiu changed into his human form and smiled as he welcomed the man.

Amber Xiu enthusiastically greeted him, "My dear Flynn, it's been a long time. The last time we met must have been over a decade ago."

Gustavo Flynn, the sixth seat of the Alchemist Council, a Legendary-ranked Alchemist, whose published works on the Continent could fill Amber Xiu's entire library, was a truly significant figure.

Alchemy City sending him out indicated how much importance they placed on Allen Watson.

Gustavo Flynn showed no change in expression when he saw Amber Xiu. He stated directly, "I know you well, old friend. Name your price. This Paladin is very useful to us."

Amber Xiu said happily, "Of all the people in the Council, you're my favorite. I love your straightforward approach. Twenty million Gold Coins, and I'll hand the person over to you."