Cooperation

Maya's injuries weren't particularly serious. Although the Dark Elf matriarchs, sensing danger, unusually united and used surrender as bait to lure her in, Maya was, after all, Dark Elf herself. Even though she had submitted to the Dark Maiden and no longer used those insidious and evil schemes, Maya was still very familiar with the ways of the Dark Elf. Naturally, she wouldn't be so easily fooled. On the contrary, she took this opportunity to eliminate the scourge lurking within the Dark Elf.

However, Maya was, after all, just an "ordinary" Dark Elf. She didn't possess the immense power of Nia, nor did she have any special talents. Therefore, she suffered some injuries during the siege—and the book also contained some demonic toxins. It was clear that if the Dark Maiden hadn't acted quickly, these Dark Elf might have been taken by any demon from the Abyss.

When Li Lin arrived at the makeshift Temple led by Nia, Maya had already healed her wounds. Upon seeing Li Lin, she quickly stood up and bowed to the mage before her.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't expect you to return so soon. Please forgive my poor hospitality..."

"I've already heard the gist of the matter from Nia. As long as the outcome is good, that's all that matters."

Li Lin was not dissatisfied with the result. Although there were certainly still many problems within the Dark Elf, he did not want to interfere too much. In the end, the Dark Elf were simply a useful and powerful army to Li Lin, and that was enough for him. As for governing internal affairs and eliminating dissent, he would leave that to them to handle themselves.

The Dark Elf girl before him had changed slightly compared to before. Li Lin didn't know what she was like at the beginning. What left the deepest impression on him was her almost resigned, indifferent attitude after Angela captured her. Although she seemed more energetic these days, her inner coldness remained unchanged. Even though she now held a high position and was effectively the ruler of all the Dark Elf, she still maintained an attitude of indifference towards fame, power, and status. Even when the Dark Maiden of her faith was mentioned, Maya only offered a perfunctory expression of respect.

"Now that I think you know why I came to see you, right?"

As he spoke, Li Lin glanced around. Maya immediately understood, clapped her hands lightly, and the Dark Elf priests who had been standing around immediately left the room. After casting a divine spell to make sure no one dared to eavesdrop on their conversation, Maya took out a few sheets of paper from her bosom.

"As you predicted, during the search, we discovered that in Bracast City, the Family Council, headed by the First House, had signed an agreement with the Human Kingdom of Kudel."

"What does the agreement say?"

Li Lin took the intelligence report from Maya, but did not open it.

"The Kingdom of Kudel intends to lease this Black Road for a hefty sum for five months, offering gold coins and human slaves in exchange."

"The former is of little use to Dark Elf."

Li Lin then opened the agreement Maya handed him and glanced at it briefly.

"The latter is probably what swayed the Dark Elf, but are these guys really that easy to talk to?"

"Of course not."

Maya shook her head. The Dark Elf' so-called "fair trade" was based on equal strength. Weak humans, entering the underground world they had never been to before, were not even a threat to the Dark Elf, even if they were the armies of a nation.

"The matriarchs originally planned to ambush the humans as their main force passed through, capturing them and using them as slaves. After all, while goblins and orcs could be used for charging into battle, repairing buildings and construction were not their forte. The Duergar were few in number, and even if they were acquired, it would be difficult to maintain a stable population. In addition, two months ago, the second family in that city 'disappeared,' the third family rose in rank, and at the same time, the fifth and sixth families, who were allied with them, also 'disappeared.' Therefore, most of their Duergar slaves had died or been injured. And like Dark Elf, Duergar are a race that cannot have many offspring, so the matriarchs set their sights on humans. Normally, we cannot leave the Underdark, so it was just a thought. But now that the humans have chosen their own path to death, they shouldn't blame us for being ruthless."

Even so, Maya's words still carried a hint of disdain for humanity, which Li Lin had long been used to.

It makes sense. The Kingdom of Kudel believed they could make a deal with the Dark Elf, but the Dark Elf certainly didn't think so. They must have already considered that if they transferred ownership of the Black Road to the Kingdom of Kudel as agreed, these humans, with their abilities, might very well turn around and attack the Dark Elf cities. Since Kudel could devise such a bold battle plan, they must have also considered the possibility of the Dark Elf breaking their promise; after all, this race is not known for keeping their word. Therefore, they sent an advance team through the Black Road to scout out the Dark Elf's movements. The Dark Elf must have also noticed this; perhaps they even secretly assigned people to protect this force. After all, if the advance team were wiped out, the suspicious Kingdom of Kudel would definitely abandon their plan immediately. Even if the Dark Elf didn't intervene, the dangerous creatures underground alone would be enough to give them a hard time.

As long as this advance force successfully traverses the Black Road, the Kingdom of Kudel, though hesitant, will ultimately execute its plan. It's like someone who has exploited a loophole; though afraid of being caught, they still have the thought, "If it worked this time, it'll be fine next time," until they are truly discovered. Moreover, judging from the Kingdom of Kudel's ambitious actions, they intend to directly devour a part of the enemy territory, demonstrating something in this way. If they can completely control this soon-to-be-swallowed territory, the Dark Elf will likely face serious trouble.

It's likely that Kudel will send his troops through in small groups, testing the Dark Elf time and time again. The Dark Elves, of course, are certainly prepared to lull the Dark Elves into a false sense of security and then reap the rewards at the last minute.

Unfortunately, these plans are now largely obsolete.

What about supplies?

Li Lin frowned and asked, "If we were to transport food and weapons from the Kudel side, putting aside the dangers, the time involved would be a major problem."

"Supplies will be handled by the Dark Elf."

Both sides were testing each other, and the poor advance team was clearly being used as a guinea pig. Any unnecessary problems with this advance team could potentially affect the agreement between the Dark Elf and Kudel. As both sides planned to absorb each other to increase their strength in the future, "mutual support" based on "potential betrayal" was also a necessary part.

Of course, the situation is different now. The Dark Elf are not the same as before, and those agreements are naturally invalid. However, Li Lin has a completely opposite view. As early as when he learned that Kudel was likely to have something going on with the Dark Elf, Li Lin already had a plan. Now, he certainly wouldn't let this opportunity slip by so easily.

"Do you have any way to keep this agreement going?"

"What do you mean?"

Maya frowned, somewhat puzzled by Li Lin's words, not understanding his meaning.

"As stated in the agreement, this pathway will remain in place, and I hope you can make... some concessions."

"My lord mage, I still don't understand your meaning. What benefit does this bring to the Dark Elf?"

"Of course there are benefits."

Li Lin closed the agreement in his hand, then walked to Maya's side and whispered something.

What do you think of the lives of the Dark Elf now?

I don't quite understand what you mean.

Maya frowned, wondering what Li Lin was trying to say.

"Living like this, hiding in the dark underground? Do you really think that's a good thing?"

As Li Lin spoke, he glanced around meaningfully.

"Barren land, treacherous caves—do you intend to just guard your little patch of land until you die?"

"Of course we don't want it to be this way, but in reality, this is the only way we can do right now. Do we have any other way out?"

Maya's expression turned somewhat displeased. Even though she was indifferent, she was still Dark Elf and naturally understood what Li Lin wanted to say.

"Do you really think those foolish humans would accept us? Sure, the Dark Elf are powerful in the Underdark, but what can we do? Can we even reach the surface? Putting aside the harm humans could inflict on us, that terrifying fireball hanging in the sky alone is enough to defeat us."

"After the Elf Goddess lifts your curse, I think that shouldn't be a problem."

Li Lin snapped his fingers.

"Besides, I have a better way."

Then, with a smug smile, he told Maya his idea.

As Li Lin spoke, Maya's eyes widened, clearly revealing her astonishment.

Then, she took two steps back, staring at Li Lin in disbelief. Breathing rapidly, the young Dark Elf finally calmed down after taking several deep breaths of fresh air.

"Even the Dark Elf Queen probably couldn't devise a more cunning scheme than yours. Although it's dangerous, if successful, it would indeed bring many benefits to the Dark Elf."

She said in a low voice.

"Although I don't know if this is sarcasm or praise, I'll accept it as praise for now."

Li Lin gave a cold smile in response to Maya's words.

They will always pay the price for their stupidity.