Gorgopf’s awe was genuine.
According to the author’s explanation, the so-called Argyrion group infiltrating Algoth City were all disguises of Blasphemia.
In other words, the Ten Towers’ minions.
The clash between the master of the Apex Tower, the most cowardly of those subservient to the Ten Towers’ power, and Blasphemia was truly paradoxical, akin to the whip used by the Ten Towers on a slave.
What a ridiculous and sweet victory it was!
Even though a prophecy had been delivered in advance, I was taken aback by the perfection of the silver soldiers, seemingly mutated like Silver Thread Worms. However, I couldn’t help but accept the explanation that “it was the Silver Iron Tower’s involvement.”
The Ten Towers are certainly genuine enemies, but their skill is no joke. If the Ten Towers took direct action, it wouldn’t be impossible.
“Behold! Our leader! This is your achievement!”
There were indeed twelve awakened individuals who joined hands with Argyrion. This twelve was the minimum number of mages Danao needed for tower defense.
The Amimone Tower was entirely in Argyrion’s hands.
“But, leader, what if Blasphemia reveals her true identity?”
“Haha. Once the fight has begun, if you say such things, I would believe it to be a lie.”
“Danao, despite being a crude human lacking the nobility of a mage, possesses political instincts proportionate to his lack of nobility. What if he notices it’s the truth, not a lie?”
“Exactly because of that political instinct, Danao will have no choice but to deal with Blasphemia.”
The leader whispered to Gorgopf.
If Blasphemia were to survive, would Danao provide a good report? While it can’t be completely ruled out, it’s nothing I would call high in probability.
Danao is obsessed with the survival of the tower more than anyone else. Allowing a Blasphemia agent to live would harm the tower, but if he kills them and places the blame on Argyrion, he incurs no loss.
Therefore, Danao, after a cold calculation of profit and loss, will indeed kill the Blasphemia agent.
“That’s logical.”
Gah-hah-hah! Gorgopf’s lips curled up. Truly a humorous affair. Acting logically only to deal with his allies.
How could one be so incompetent? The real enemy was already hiding among them.
Danao’s inability to grasp the truth was itself evidence of incompetence. Indeed, he was something that suited the position of tower master.
He would offer the Amimone Tower to Argyrion, and proudly become a member of the council as the new tower master.
Gorgopf’s ambition was transparently reflected in Orthes’s eyes.
“First and foremost, understanding the situation is crucial. Let’s listen in on Danao’s side through the Mage Tower Core.”
“Aha. If we attempt to hack the Mage Tower Core, a warning will immediately reach the tower master. We should do so during the most crucial battle. Please wait a moment.”
Gorgopf adjusted the Mage Tower Core. The Mage Tower Core played a key role as the main relay for communications in this area. Unless one used independent lines like Argyrion or Blasphemia, all communications would pass through the Mage Tower Core.
“Master of the tower! The Silver Thread Worm variant’s behavior is strange!”
“They are merging together!”
“The resistance to the strong acid is increasing!”
“Groups of three or more should form a barrier to counter! I will track down the escaping commander!”
“Haha. Did you hear that? Truly a ridiculous sight! Fighting so fiercely among allies?”
Orthes stroked his chin. Not good. If that Argyrion scum escapes and informs the main force, a larger-scale enemy will come next.
“Hmm. Gorgopf, no.”
Gorgopf turned around, glancing at the leader’s expression. What did he mean by ‘no’?
“Gorgopf, the tower master.”
A thrilling wave surged down Gorgopf’s spine. The very word “tower master” felt so exhilarating.
“Hmm. Hmm. Is there some kind of emergency, leader?”
“I never expected Blasphemia to so easily throw away her pride. If she succeeds in escaping, she would approach from a different angle next time. Failing to employ the trick of infiltration, she would opt for a large-scale expedition instead.”
“Umm… Danao, the tower master would naturally welcome that with open arms.”
“If that happens, even if we successfully hack the Mage Tower Core and gain dominion, it would still be a tough fight. It’s doubtful if we can hold out until Argyrion’s main force arrives. The tower master must take action.”
“How so?”
“If that scoundrel escapes to summon reinforcements, I believe the situation would become more dire than it is now.”
“Wouldn’t that put us at a disadvantage?”
“Not at all. You should assist Danao to block his escape route, but leave the direct conflict to Danao.”
In doing so, the depletion of magic and stamina would focus on Danao. Once Danao finally defeats Blasphemia’s agent…!
“That’s when we strike.”
Gulp. Gorgopf swallowed. No matter how much consumption was demanded, Danao was still the tower master.
The most skilled of mages within a tower. Could he even handle fighting him one-on-one?
Even with the opportunity to ambush crafted, Gorgopf felt tension thinking of successfully attacking a tower master who hadn’t dropped his combat readiness.
As if sensing that tension, the leader began to discuss another plan.
“There is another method. First, instruct Danao and the others to all withdraw inside the tower to rest. Danao would trust you enough as he fought alongside you against Argyrion, so during the restoration of his magic, he would let his guard down.”
“A surprise from inside the tower, huh…”
If successful in eliminating Danao by any means, acquiring the Mage Tower Core would become significantly easier. Gorgopf nodded heavily.
“We, including myself, will ‘support’ the tower master Danao. The others will guard the leader and ensure the safety of the Amimone Tower!”
The Argyrion infiltrators echoed in one voice, “Truth and Divine!” Danao confidently exited the tower master’s room.
“Master of the tower! I will support you! Please wait a moment!”
“Gorgopf! What are you saying?”
“If we let that one escape and the main force arrives, the Amimone Tower will be in greater danger! I’ve left plenty of other people behind, so rest assured!”
The communications between Danao and Gorgopf could be heard through the Mage Tower Core.
“Temporary alliance, success.”
An impromptu alliance between Argyrion’s infiltrators and the Apex Tower against Argyrion.
Orthes nodded with satisfaction.
The infiltrators had a slight misunderstanding, considering Argyrion as Blasphemia, but since the tower master regarded them as loyalists, isn’t it a case of birds of a feather?
“Then I will search for the Mage Tower Core’s authorization code for a moment. I will scour the tower, and if any emergencies arise during communications, please inform me.”
*
It was a precarious tightrope walk. I let out a sigh of relief.
To be honest, my eyes are a hassle, but without them, living in this world would have been many times more difficult.
I slowly opened my eyes, leaving behind the infiltrators gathered around the Mage Tower Core in the tower master’s room.
“Surely the ancient relic must be somewhere…”
I confirmed that it was not inside the tower master’s room. After Danao set out, I had briefly opened my eyes when entering with Gorgopf.
Aside from the Mage Tower Core, there was nothing special to see. No relics, and not even any proper treasures. Danao couldn’t possibly be that miserly, meaning there must be a hidden location for real assets.
“Since an artifact inspection order was issued, it would’ve been hard to hide it outside, so it should be somewhere within the tower.”
If it’s not located in the highest place like the tower master’s room, then they are usually hidden in the lowest level— the underground.
Officially, the Amimone Tower didn’t have an underground, but…
I went down to the first floor and scanned the ground.
“As expected.”
People’s patterns really are all the same.
I slowly lowered my head towards the floor of the tower.
*
“Truth and Divine!”
“What truth and what divine? The truth I’m pursuing isn’t in you guys, and my divine is far more exalted than your heinous intent!”
Sprigo wanted to grab the back of his neck upon hearing Gorgopf’s words. Has he genuinely been brainwashed?
Going by the babble, it seems he aligns with Argyrion.
Danao thought, ‘I only thought him to be a sinister fellow, yet he possesses such boldness and courage!’
Upon returning to the tower, he must undoubtedly be rewarded. He would chastise for placing an outsider like that suspicious Blasphemia agent in charge of the tower, though.
*
Orthes surveyed the surroundings with an indifferent gaze. Danao, along with all the treasures collected throughout the ages of the Amimone Tower, were right here.
However, he wasn’t interested in the glittering jewels or crowns. He slowly ventured deeper into the secret chamber.
Deep was a misleading term. Orthes’s steps halted in a remote corner where even the treasures were of relatively lower priority.
In that spot, Orthes picked up a dusty artifact. Beneath the dust, a golden luster peeked through, but aside from being made of gold, it didn’t possess any distinctive features.
No lavish carvings or jewel-like adornments— just one scale.
But this was the scale of the deity, Aegio.
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