Chapter 1126 - 527: The Ill-Tempered Guy

Chapter 1126: Chapter 527: The Ill-Tempered Guy

As long as the object of torture becomes your enemy, not only will you not be criticized by others, but you’ll easily reap joy from it.

For a thrill-seeker, this kind of rule is simply perfect.

It’s a win-win situation, fame and fortune!

In the truest sense, a double win—I win once and win again myself!

Additionally, Herbert detected an interesting piece of information from Finn’s words and directly asked, "Moreover, from what you’re saying, you seem to have encountered someone similar to me before?"

Finn hesitated, feeling the atmosphere between the two was somewhat strange, but still couldn’t figure out Herbert’s next move, so he could only continue the topic.

"I indeed encountered one not long ago, a damned demon. Her character might be worse than yours, and she has even less professional integrity... Tsk."

Thinking of the infuriating situation that involved Herbert because of that incident gave him a headache.

"Now that I think about it, the reason I’m tangled with you is all because of her!"

If it weren’t for that damned demon selling intelligence to both sides, provoking those foolish nobles, Herbert wouldn’t have been implicated, and I wouldn’t be standing against this guy now.

It’s all her fault!

That damned demon!!!

Christi!

But it’s meaningless to seek revenge now; it’s too late.

At that time, that guy was already wanted by me and had long slipped back to the Bronze Fortress. Now, whenever there’s a sign of trouble, she’ll hide even deeper, not knowing when she’ll venture out again.

Besides, that demon is a harbinger of misfortune, practically embodying the omen of disaster, bringing bad endings to those involved with her.

Including those foolish nobles, assassins from the God of Assassination, and even myself... Tsk.

Finn squinted at Herbert, a strange thought suddenly flashing through his mind.

Could there be some special relationship between the two of them?

"Hmm?"

Herbert was puzzled by Finn’s bizarre look, slightly furrowing his brows, a bit worried this guy had taken mental damage from his instigations.

This guy’s look is so weird, hiss, is he trying to hook me?

"... "

Finn, rendered speechless by Herbert’s wary gaze, twitched his mouth unnaturally and proactively redirected the conversation.

"So, esteemed Godslayer, what are you trying to do here?"

"Uh, didn’t you knock on the door, so I came to open the door for you?"

Seeing Herbert’s face full of clarity, Finn felt his blood pressure soar, unable to contain a low growl.

"You know that’s not what I meant! Tsk... enough! How long are we going to keep up this act?"

He glared coldly at Herbert, trying to grasp some detail from his expression.

But naturally, failed.

Herbert looked at him with a smiling face, not impatient at all, slowly saying, "Before that question, you need to ask yourself, Grand Mage Finn, what are you here to do?"

"Depending on your answer, I’ll have different responses."

Finn squinted his eyes, speaking slowly, "This time, I come as a Vice President inspecting the Mage Towers of the Witch Association across the land. This is an internal affair of our Witch Association, unrelated to you, an outsider."

Herbert shrugged and lightly laughed, "In that case, I am here as a Godslayer at the request of the Frost Crystal Kingdom to ensure Lady Astrid’s safety."

"As citizens of the Frost Crystal Kingdom, it’s only right to protect the Queen, isn’t it?"

The two exchanged glances through the Mage Tower’s doorframe, both seeing the undercurrents in each other’s eyes.

Each hoping the other would make the first move.

Finn furrowed his brows but didn’t move, silent for a moment before saying, "...What if I’m here as an old acquaintance of Astrid to visit her?"

Herbert wore a friendly smile, nodding, "Then, I am here to visit an old acquaintance who has been comatose from severe injuries."

I, as a longtime acquaintance of Philia, came to visit her upon hearing she’s severely injured and comatose, quite reasonable, right?

As for why she’s injured... don’t ask.

In short, I’m here to visit her and her mother.

"What’s the difference between these two responses?" Finn frowned, feeling he was being played again.

"To you, there might be little difference, but for me, it holds different meanings."

Herbert shook his head, saying blandly, "And the common point of both responses is—Grand Mage Finn, you’re not welcome here, please leave."

Leave?

Finn, angered to laugh, with a hint of madness in his eyes, widened his mouth with a low, hoarse laugh, "You’re obstructing me? You want to obstruct me? Do you think you can?"

He’s got no way back.

This time, he’s already used all his trump cards, activated all his undercover agents, plunging the Witch Association into chaos, so other Mage Towers are too occupied to interfere.

These moves affect everything, and traces left will surely be detected by other chiefs afterward.

Thus, this opportunity comes only once.

Success is mandatory, failures unacceptable.

Finn cannot retreat anymore, if Herbert still dares block, he’ll surely risk everything.

Today, he must obtain that pocket watch.

This matter is non-negotiable!

Yet, faced with such aggressive attitude, Herbert still maintained a calm demeanor, lightly shaking his head and saying softly, "It’s not me stopping you, you really shouldn’t be here... sigh."

Herbert sighed, then reached into his bosom, fumbled for a bit, and took out a silver-white metal item.

"Okay, Lady Astrid instructed that if you’re determined to break in, I must hand this over for you to inspect."

!!!

Gazing at the item in Herbert’s hand, Finn’s whole body trembled, eyes fixed in disbelief.

It was a mechanical pocket watch with a silver-white outer shell, ordinary and old-fashioned in style.

The metal casing, not meticulously maintained, bore signs of time—showing fine wear all over, even dented in some corners.

"This is..."

How could Finn not recognize this pocket watch?

He had been targeting it for countless years.

In this world, no one knew more about this pocket watch’s origins and uses than him.

It’s safe to say, he understood it even better than Astrid.

And now, what he’d sought thoughtfully for a hundred years, what he’d schemed to obtain tirelessly, appeared before him just like this.

Within reach.

Directly, given to me?

As Finn was hesitating, Herbert directly shoved the pocket watch into his hand.

!!!

Finn’s excited hand gripped it tightly, instinctively about to burst into joyous laughter—then froze, eyes suddenly widening.

No? This... how could it not be there?

He stared incredulously at the watch in his hand, his palms trembling.

Not due to the excitement of fulfilling his long-held wish, but due to the confusion of shattered hopes.

Nothing.

The pocket watch held none of the Divine Format he anticipated!

How could it be missing!!?

There was absolutely no trace of Divine Format aura within the watch, no remnants at all, as if it had never been carried.

While Finn was mired in questions, Herbert’s voice rang in his ears:

"As you can see, this is merely an epic-level magic guide item, though possessing some special capabilities, but likely lacking what you expected."

"Despite your different objectives, considering years of providing varied assistance, Lady Astrid is willing to let you examine this pocket watch."

"If it contains what you need, you may take it, leaving behind the pocket watch’s outer shell for her as a keepsake."

"And if it doesn’t contain what you need, please return it intact, for it is a relic of her mentor."

The young one’s expression showed a touch of helplessness, seemingly dissatisfied with the compromise made by Lady Astrid.

Whilst Herbert was speaking, the shadow at his feet faintly trembled as if nodding along.

["Mmm mmm, nothing in there."]

Nenasha munched on snacks idly, muttering, ["Nothing in there~"]

["(Munch munch munch)"]

["Never was from the beginning!"]