in the name of the queen

Chapter 176 Dangerous, right? That won't go

"Of course I brought it. I always carry such important things with me." Roland took out the wordless book from the Moonlight Silver Armor and handed it to Sura.

Seeing that Roland attached so much importance to the wordless book, Sura looked better.

He took the wordless book, stroked it gently, and after a long time said slowly: "This wordless book not only records history, but also has many hidden functions, such as maps."

Sura took Roland to a secluded alley, opened the last page of the wordless book, covered it with his palm, and activated the hidden map.

The territory of the Magic Empire suddenly appeared, but these places are now divided among various countries.

As the successor to the Magic Empire, the Magic Association can only exist underground.

According to the agreement, they can enter human cities but must hide their identities. If caught, you can be fined or even imprisoned.

The very existence of the Magic Association is a secret, and only the top elites can be contacted.

There are few opportunities to contact them, so as to prevent commoners who can't survive from joining the magic association.

Teachers are more accurate.

Roland didn't answer.

Unless a miracle occurs, the people of the Magic Association can only stay underground forever.

Roland's meaning is obvious, the contract is not absolute.

The "barbarian" countries are willing to respect the contract based on their own interests.

"This does not violate the agreement." Sulla did not deny it, but emphasized the treaty between the two parties.

"The teacher determines that the largest magic crystal vein is near the city-state of Vaal, maybe even in Baishan. We need your help."

After all, Roland is a descendant of the "barbarians" and a descendant of those buried in the Magic Empire.

Even if the magic crystal veins are discovered, the Magic Empire cannot be reborn.

Sula hesitated for a moment and said slowly: "Roland, do you want to make a deal with us?"

If the Magic Association thinks that this contract allows them to safely collect magic crystal veins without being disturbed, it is somewhat naive.

Looking at Roland's calm smile, Sula sighed and remembered what the teacher said.

Roland shook his head slowly, "The contract is only valid until it is torn up. Sura, people are willing to abide by the contract not because the cost of breaking the contract is too high."

If you want to increase the population, you have to go back to the ground.

Underground cities simply cannot accommodate too many people.

After a moment, he sighed.

"What about you?" Sura asked in a low voice.

"No, you can't." Sula, who had always been gentle, suddenly became agitated and couldn't control her emotions.

"If the benefits of breaking the contract outweigh the damage, there will definitely be people who are willing to do it."

It wouldn't be good to be discovered doing business with an important figure in the Magic Association like Roland.

Human countries chose peace because they were unable to completely wipe out the Magic Association, and they never wanted them to rise again.

But the barbarian countries on the ground will never allow this to happen.

"I understand that when the Magic Empire ruled, they also did not want barbarians to enter the core area of ​​the continent. Now the situation is just reversed." Sura said mockingly.

Roland nodded and said softly: "Although it is a bit cruel, other countries really don't want to see you return to the ground."

"Tear up the contract and you will be cast aside by civilized society, and you will lose your reputation, money and even everything."

Seeing Sura's expression gradually distorted by pain, Roland asked softly: "Sura, have you ever thought about how you plan to mine the magic crystal veins even if you find them? The previous war has proved that you can't win, and we I can’t get down either.”

Roland smiled and asked, "Are you planning to use special means to open underground passages and secretly mine magic crystals underground?"

Sulla looked at the territory of the map and the place names that had disappeared in the long river of history, and was silent for a long time.

The underground city has everything but no sunlight.

The population of the Magic Association is too small.

People remember the Magic Empire and miss that era when magic civilization was highly developed, but that doesn't mean they want them to come back.

Even if there is room for survival and everyone is open to life, it will take several generations to fully recover.

"Sura, don't try to constrain Roland with contracts, feelings, or anything like that. Just offer a price that Roland can't refuse. This is a trade at our disadvantage, and we must increase the price."

"There will always be a way."

Roland knew that he was feeling uncomfortable and comforted softly: "I can understand your mood."

Sometimes silence is also an answer.

He has been favored by the Magic Association and is willing to repay it, but this does not mean that he is willing to support the Magic Association to return to the ground and rebuild the Magic Empire.

The artificial sun created during the Magic Empire can sustain several large cities, but what happens after the artificial sun goes out?
Thinking of this, Sula felt a sense of despair.

"tell me the story."

This is a dead end.

"The era of the Magic Empire has passed. Even if we can find the best magic crystal veins, we can only expand our living space and cannot restore our past glory."

"In return, we can provide you with money and materials of equal value."

Roland shook his head slowly.

"not enough."

Sura looked at Roland in shock, "Isn't an equal-price transaction enough?"

"This is not equivalent. The relationship between supply and demand determines the value of goods. Where can you buy magic crystals according to the exchange rate of the Magic Empire?"

This time it was Sulla's turn to be silent.

Roland was right. At the past price, it was impossible to buy magic crystal.

Large-scale mining of ore veins will be discovered sooner or later.

With the strength of the Magic Association, it is no match for the barbarian nations on the ground.

Only Roland can cover them, and he certainly has the right to demand a premium.

After a moment of silence, Sura asked slowly: "What do you want?"

"The association's full support!" Roland said firmly.

He became more and more impressed by Alina's divination.

The curve of Sif's fate has changed and become unobservable, but this does not mean that she will escape absolute death.

According to the current trend, Vladimir's army may come over before Sif can take the throne and consolidate domestic resources.

Roland needs more power, no matter where it comes from.

Even if it comes from the devil, he doesn't care.

Maybe the devil is scary in the eyes of others, but in Roland's eyes, the devil is an excellent businessman.

They respect contracts, trade at equal value, and do not fool others. They are simply a model of law-abiding businessmen.

He even suspected that the so-called devil was the slander of literati against honest businessmen.

The Magic Association may not be devilishly cute businessmen, but they have no choice.

Compared to the resolute attitudes of other countries, Roland's prejudice against the Magic Association is at least not that deep.

Because of Master Anthony, he can even be regarded as half of his own people.

Of course, it is impossible to expect this relationship to make Roland lower its price.

Roland respects business rules very much.

Sulla did not answer directly, but pointed to several light spots on the map of the wordless book.

"These places are the suspected locations of magic crystal mineral veins calculated by the teacher based on the fluctuations in the strata."

Roland was a little surprised. There were three locations in total, one in the White Mountains, one in Hansa, and one far away in the Alar Mountains of the Vladimir Empire.

The Alar Mountains are too far away and are in the woman's country, so they can be ignored. The other two are either in Roland's territory or near where Roland can touch them.

Sulla explained: "These places were barbaric lands during the Magic Empire and were not included in the empire's rule. It is normal for there to be unexplored magic crystal veins."

Roland looked at the map carefully and discovered that the location of the magic crystal veins was actually the nameless valley.

The holy spring of light will be revived, and the golden tree demon will be resurrected. Most of them have something to do with the magic crystal mineral veins.

Roland asked in a deep voice: "Fortunately, you came to me first. If you confidently dig tunnels to mine Baishan's mineral veins, you will definitely be discovered."

"It will do no good for you to expose us, and I don't believe that Val City State has the ability to find out. The White Mountain is a forbidden area for human activities, and no one wants to go there." Sura said calmly.

Roland explained calmly: "Times have changed, Sura. The city-state of Vaal will soon be gone. This will soon become a shared territory of the five major countries, and the three major religions will also settle here."

Sura's expression changed.

The teacher specifically mentioned that there is no need to pay too much attention to other people in the barbarian tribe, except Sophia.

You must not mess with this woman.

You have to avoid her when you encounter her.

Because of this, they had never thought about the mineral veins in the Vladimir Empire.

If Vaal City is divided up, that woman will definitely send capable generals to garrison it, and she will even come to inspect it herself.

The mining of magic crystal veins will produce special fluctuations, which is difficult to hide from big countries.

Sura sighed and said helplessly: "It seems there is only one vein left."

"No, it's two places."

Roland said calmly: "Var City State will be my territory sooner or later. If we can control this place, the White Mountain will also be ours."

Sura was a little surprised.

"Are you going to drive out all other countries? You are now."

He didn't say it clearly, but it was obvious that Roland was not strong enough.

"This is the deal I want. You help me win the war, and I help you mine magic crystals."

"Aren't you afraid that the Magic Association will grow again?" Sura was a little curious.

"As long as you are strong enough, why should you be afraid? If fate really favors the association, then I can be considered half of my own and surrender directly."

Roland said with a smile.

Sura thought he was not joking.

Roland would really dare to switch sides if he returned to the Magic Empire version.

With his previous cooperation and Teacher Anthony's optimism, he will indeed not be excluded.

But this idea was killed by Sula as soon as it appeared.

The Magic Empire once ruled the best part of the Rodinia continent and created a powerful civilization, but eventually fell under divine punishment.

The advantages and disadvantages of magic are obvious. Magic alone cannot fight against the Legion of God's Punishment.

He sighed and said slowly: "Roland, magicians and extraordinary beings cannot fight God's punishment alone. We are comrades in arms."

Roland recalled the video played by Anthony and nodded in agreement. "That's why I trade with you."

Sura smiled and nodded, "The teacher is right, you are indeed different from them. It seems there is no need to go to Baishan tomorrow."

"You don't have to go, I have to go tomorrow."

Roland said calmly: "Such a big thing happened, and I was nearby but didn't go to see it. Wouldn't it be obvious to others that I have a problem?"

"Mr. Sura, you can go back tomorrow and discuss a mutually satisfactory cooperation plan with Master Anthony. We can see clearly whether you are sincere or not, and I believe you."

Roland's meaning is very clear. It's up to you to see how I can help, but don't fool me.

Sura thought for a moment and said slowly: "The descendants of the Magic Empire have obvious characteristics. I definitely can't go directly to help you, but I can provide equipment."

Roland smiled and extended his right hand to Su La, who shook it with Roland without hesitation.

"Pleasant to work with."

After determining the general direction of cooperation, Sulla hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "There is something that Teacher Anthony didn't have time to tell you. We are only part of the Magic Association, not all of it."

"After the Magic Association was forced to go underground, they established underground city circles with three artificial suns as the core. During the war, the three city circles communicated with each other and cooperated with each other. The cooperation was quite pleasant."

"But after the war, there were some subtle changes in our relationship."

Sura muttered: "The people in the other two city circles are gradually not of the same mind as us. I'm worried that they will also look for cooperation with other countries. You have to be careful."

Sulla briefly mentioned the locations of the other two branches.

One of them is located on the outskirts of St. Rurik and has connections with the Vladimir Empire. There is another place hidden in the southern continent. The association has set up entrances near capitals of various countries to facilitate communication.

After listening to Sura's story, Roland smiled and said: "This is not surprising. Where there are people, there are conflicts of interest. Where there are conflicts of interest, there are fights. Thank you for your candor."

After talking with Sura for a long time, Roland looked up to the south. The volcanic eruption became more and more obvious.

However, as the volcano erupted steadily, the earthquakes gradually eased.

Fortunately, it was just an earthquake associated with a volcanic eruption and was not very severe.

Only a few houses were reimbursed during the earthquake.

We set up a tent in the open space next to the pier and camped for one night, finally staying up until dawn.

Sulla didn't make any further stops and took the boat directly to the north, preparing to return to the association.

Although seasick, I could only grit my teeth and persevere.

Roland and Lisa set out for the White Mountains again.

This time they did not hide their identities, but directly transferred to horses.

More than an hour later, Roland arrived outside the entrance of Baishan Mountain.

He looked up and saw that volcanic ash was constantly spewing and rolling, and magma was also constantly pouring out of the newly emerged crater.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw several groups of people.

Judging from their costumes, they are all representatives sent to Vaal City by major forces from various countries.

Even though they were here, Roland did not shy away and walked up to meet these representatives openly.

The representatives of other countries did not attract Roland's attention. Only the representatives of the Vladimir Empire made Roland unable to help but take a few more glances.

Facing Roland's gaze, the representative did not have any stage fright, but took the initiative to greet him.

"I am Kamil Yang, the chief representative of the Vladimir Empire in Vaal City. Governor Roland, I have heard of your reputation, but I didn't expect you to be more impressive than the rumors say. It's an honor to meet you."

"Hello, Mr. Camille."

Roland looked at Camille nicely and asked with a smile: "I wonder what seat you are in the Shadow Temple?"

"Have you heard of the Shadow Temple? Thanks to your majesty's promotion, I am the second Blade of Winter."

"Not only have I heard about it, but I also met Miss Angelina, the fifth seat in the imperial capital. I thought I would meet an old acquaintance, but I didn't expect it to be a new face." Roland said with a smile.

Angelina's temperament and mentality are obviously much worse than Mr. Camille.

It seems that the rankings of Shadow Temple are mostly based on strength and ability.

Think about it.

Since there is a queen who is supreme in strength, it is reasonable for the Shadow Templar to use strength rankings.

After a few casual conversations, Roland asked tentatively: "Mr. Camille, what do you think of this volcano?"

"Is Mr. Roland testing me?"

Camille smiled and said: "Although I don't like reasoning, based on the clues and intelligence currently known, this should be the beginning of a series of events."

"How to say?"

"The holy spring revived and the volcano erupted. If you look at these two things in isolation, they are nothing. But these two things happened one after another in a short period of time, so they are definitely related."

There was a sense of confidence in Camille's eyes, and she said calmly:
"I have to go into the mountains to look for clues. Mr. Roland, do you want to take a look together?"

"I'm not used to teaming up with strangers." Roland refused with a smile.

Roland didn't know Camille's true strength, but it was definitely above Angelina.

She should be a strong person who has been in [Level 8] for a long time, and there is a big gap in strength between her and Angelina, who is newly promoted to Level 8.

The odds of winning against Lisa in a two-on-one match are high, but the other party definitely has a trump card and there is a risk of backlash.

You cannot act arbitrarily without knowing your opponent's intelligence.

Roland's refusal did not surprise Camille. He took out a special flare and handed it to Roland.

"Mr. Roland, this flare can point the way even in thick fog and volcanic smoke. If you are in trouble, you can launch it."

Roland took the flare and asked casually: "What if Mr. Camille encounters an accident?"

"I can also fire flares. If it's convenient, please ask Mr. Roland to help me."

"You're so funny."

Roland smiled and teased: "I'm a little strange. You have never concealed your vigilance towards me, but you have no obvious murderous intention. What's going on?"

"Your country and our country have fought openly and secretly many times, so it's normal for me to be wary of you. As for murderous intent, I came to serve in Vaal City to benefit the empire, not to cause trouble. Are you satisfied with this answer?"

Looking at Camille's gentle gaze, Roland was very convinced that this guy was not telling the truth.

But it’s normal. We’re not familiar with each other, so who can tell you the truth?

After Roland and Camille separated, they each chose a direction to enter the mountain.

The volcanic lava has not yet spread. This is the last opportunity to explore, and they must seize the time.

The distance between the two of them is very far.

As we all know, human beings are the natural enemy. Compared to volcanoes, humans are obviously more dangerous.

Although he couldn't feel Kamil's murderous intention, murderous intention came easily. Who can guarantee that Kamil would not take action if he had the absolute chance.

Looking at Camille's retreating back, Lisa, who had remained silent, finally couldn't help but ask:

"Roland, do you really plan to ask him for help when you are in danger?"

Roland laughed, "Am I that stupid?"

Originally it was only dangerous, but asking Camille for help might be a desperate situation.

"Even if he didn't intend to kill me at first, could he bear it when he saw us in danger?"

Lisa hesitated, but still asked softly: "What if we are really in danger?"

"how is this possible?"

Roland said calmly: "I know there are some secrets here. I just pretended to come here to explore, and I won't really go in-depth. Let's go, let's walk around the outside and go back in a few hours. Representatives from other countries also entered the mountain. Alright, let’s go.”

Lisa was almost dodged by Roland.

She wanted to ask what the secret was, but she held back.

Since Roland refused to tell, it must be a big secret.

Alas, her status in Roland's heart was indeed declining.

If Sif were here, would he hide it?
Just when Lisa was thinking wildly, Roland came close to her ear and whispered softly: "There is a magic crystal vein hidden here."

"what?!"

Lisa covered her mouth suddenly, not daring to make a sound.

After following Roland for a while and confirming that the powerful men from other countries were far away, Lisa lowered her head and said quietly:
"Roland, there is actually no need to tell me such a big thing. I am not Miss Sif and I don't understand this."

"It's okay, I just don't want to hide it from you."

Roland said calmly: "You can't hide things in your heart, so I won't tell you some things, just because I'm afraid someone will find clues from your behavior and expression."

Although she was a little unconvinced, Lisa knew this was the truth, and her pretty face fell instantly.

"What should I do? If I know this, won't it be leaked sooner or later?"

"It doesn't matter, I was planning to announce this to the whole world."

"Ah?!" Lisa opened her eyes wide, not understanding what Roland was talking about.

"Think about it, what the magic crystal veins mean."

"More powerful magic!" Such a simple question wasn't enough for Lisa to make a mistake.

"Not only that, it also means benefits. The existence of the Magic Association is not a secret. As long as you want to trade with them, you can always find a channel."

Roland said calmly: "Magic crystal is an urgent need of the Magic Association. If a certain force discovers the magic crystal vein, they will definitely find a way to monopolize the profits."

"If everyone knows, then no one does anything, it's that simple."

There is another thing Roland didn't say. After he disclosed the information about the magic crystal veins, everyone's attention was attracted, and the nameless valley could be opened for digging.

The magic crystal mining can't produce any results, so the tree demons can only suffer and let them work all night.

Is it difficult to distribute the benefits of the magic crystal veins here in Baishan?

Then don’t separate them, don’t pick them all!
Roland took Lisa on a tour outside the White Mountains pretending to look for clues, and then turned and left.

What dangers there are in Baishan has nothing to do with him.

Seeing that it was almost time, Roland casually threw the flare at an angle where no one could see it, and left Baishan with Lisa.

Just as he was leaving, Camille, who was heading into the valley, stopped and looked with some surprise at the location where Roland threw the flare.

It was indeed a signal bomb, but it was equipped with a hidden magic signal that could calibrate the location.

If Roland is in danger, he can come to the rescue as long as he sends a signal.

It's a pity that Roland doesn't trust him.

Roland's caution made Camille's lips slightly raise, thinking secretly:

"What a cautious guy. It's a pity that Her Majesty the Queen has ordered not to be hostile to you."

Although Her Majesty the Queen has always had a good taste, he really didn't see how powerful Roland was.

He could definitely defeat Roland without the Queen's intervention.

I hope I am wrong, not the Queen.

(End of this chapter)