Free Web NovelChapter 350: Chapter 350 There is no free lunch in the world_1
"Warden, just agree to it, please," Qiqimora said in a cajoling tone, even trying to grab Aiden’s arm, "With just two more divine words of the primary order under my control, I could advance to become a saint of the ’Void’ authority. I could take care of such an opponent single-handedly for you, and then you can have the remains. It would be a good deal for you..."
"First of all, don’t keep trying to swindle divinity from me; I’m not gaining anything, nor losing," Aiden quickly shuffled his chair a bit further away, "Secondly, don’t talk to me in that tone."
This cajoling tone would immediately remind him of a certain succubus in his cell because of Fille’s persistent efforts, Aiden had developed a conditioned reflex, becoming vigilant whenever he heard a similar tone.
"Ah, tough nut to crack, huh?" Qiqimora sighed and cut into her roasted pancake with a fork. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
"To be honest, if you were to face Joey Lawson alone, what are your odds of winning?" Aiden asked.
After some thought, Qiqimora gave her answer, "An even split, fifty-fifty. Fighting isn’t my specialty. He has been a Heretic Inquisitor, ordinary black magic doesn’t give him much of an edge."
"But your powers can suppress his, right?" Aiden inquired.
"It’s not like I can completely suppress him. Don’t forget, Warden, high to mid-level powers only suppress lower ones when their effects conflict. One authority cannot just directly neutralize another," Qiqimora replied.
Aiden thought to himself that was indeed the case; even the Wordless Code couldn’t directly write rules targeting the forces of authority. When he used the Wordless Code to bind Melissa, it didn’t become ineffective just because she was a Dominator.
The Wordless Code would still affect her, but if its mandates involved something within her fully mastered realm of the "Desire" authority, it couldn’t produce a binding effect.
"Besides, in this mission, I might have to use my powers to protect others," Qiqimora added. "I’m not planning to risk my life for this mission, so I’ll hold back to some extent. Fifty percent is already quite high, considering."
It seemed the best course of action was to locate the opposition and then strike in tandem with Qiqimora. Aiden thought.
"What about the powers of ’All Things’ and ’Framework’? Do they have any weaknesses?" he asked, looking at Qiqimora.
"I don’t know much about the power of ’All Things’, and I do wield the ’Framework’ authority, but you directly probing for weaknesses in my powers, Warden, isn’t that a bit too candid?" Qiqimora took a sip of her black coffee. "Aren’t you the one who doesn’t ask a lady her age? Have you already forgotten the lesson?"
Do not casually ask a woman’s age—Aiden had used this analogy to remind the Great Witch and the others at the witch gathering not to probe too deeply into someone else’s affairs.
"If you don’t want to tell me, I won’t insist..."
"Even though you could do it with your powers?" Qiqimora raised an eyebrow.
"I’d rather not get too tense with you over this," Aiden said with a look of honesty.
"How considerate of you. Actually, I’m not unwilling to tell you..." Qiqimora smiled, "But before that, there’s something I must clear up..."
At this moment, the restaurant owner came to the table with Aiden’s order, "Your meal. Would you like your coffee after you’re done eating?"
"Yes, thank you," Aiden nodded and turned to Qiqimora, "What do you want to clear up?"
Without regard for the proprietor standing by, Qiqimora continued, "I want to know, just how do you see our relationship?"
The boss’s expression changed slightly after hearing this. After placing the meal down, he very perceptively made a swift exit, but couldn’t help muttering a soft "tsk tsk tsk" as he left.
"Hmm?" Aiden also paused for a moment, wondering if the witch had misunderstood something.
"What I mean is, it seems like the Jail Warden hasn’t just been trading with me lately, but also helping me inch closer to authority. Honestly, my progress towards authority has been smoother after meeting you than it has over the past decade." Qiqimora’s gaze became serious, "Do you see some value in me?"
"Are you suspecting that I have an ulterior motive?" Aiden asked.
"I just believe there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world," Qiqimora replied.
Aiden couldn’t help but laugh. The other wasn’t the type to become oblivious at the sight of benefit. Qiqimora had sensed that his series of actions had a considerable degree of purpose.
"Well, I have indeed thought about using you," Aiden admitted, "The Blood-coated man I’ve been pursuing is looking for the Hand of Eradication; I do not wish for him to obtain that Unique Authority. If it were you, you would choose to help me in this matter, wouldn’t you?"
"Naturally, but is that all?" Qiqimora asked.
"Apart from the Blood-coated man, I have another... rather troublesome opponent." Aiden said, staring into Qiqimora’s eyes, "Honestly, I’ve been seriously considering leveraging the power of the Witch Assembly."
"The Great Witches in the assembly are basically starving for divine power. As long as there’s a chance of victory, just a call to arms from you and everyone will respond, right?" Qiqimora immediately sensed something, "Couldn’t be... an opponent whose difference cannot be made up for by numbers?"
"You are very sharp," Aiden laughed.
"The Ruler?" Qiqimora’s eyes widened slightly.
"Right now, I cannot reveal too much. I only want to know if I can help you obtain the Unique Authority of ’Void,’ would you be willing to lend me a hand?" Aiden asked earnestly.
Qiqimora fell into deep thought and after a long while, she provided an answer, "Without knowing the full picture, it’s difficult for me to give a definitive answer. But if you really can help me to that extent, I’m not someone who is oblivious to gratitude... but the premise is, there have to be chances of winning. Even if I have a rather good personal relationship with you, I wouldn’t go to my death for you."
A similar answer to Abigail’s.
Abigail and Qiqimora, they were his most likely potential allies at the moment.
But at the same time, Aiden realized that the reason the Witch Assembly could have a relation akin to allies with him ultimately revolved around one word—"benefit."
Abigail had already made relevant commitments regarding dealing with the Blood-coated man.
But with an extraordinary opponent like the Ruler, in the face of slim chances of victory, they would absolutely not get involved if the relationship was solely built on the exchange of benefits.
Even though an unnamed witch had been killed by the Ruler of "Desire," Abigail had made it clear she didn’t harbor thoughts of revenge for her ancestors; she wouldn’t risk her life to kill Melissa.
To secure their cooperation, it was not only a matter of equivalent benefits but also making the chances of victory seem "possible."
"All right, I understand," Aiden picked up his utensils, "Then let’s continue discussing this ’task’ at hand."
