Abyssal Chronicles

Chapter 360 - 361: Difficult Decision [1/2]

Two days ago,

Following a series of investigations, our esteemed Elven Prince Odom came to a stark realization of a pressing problem. His tribe had been compelled to aid Black Rose in erecting an information-blocking barrier near SkyDome.

This action, regrettably, left SkyDome city isolated and vulnerable to an onslaught from the abyssal demons...

This inevitably sparked suspicion in Odom’s mind. In his view, the Black Rose Family intended to discipline the Son of Destiny, to persuade his Snow Night Empire to hide their feud with Sadik Empire. But how would this lesson be imparted?

Would it be akin to how their own Elven tribe had been treated? A good thrashing to promote better behavior?

"Probably... a beating will do the trick..."

Odom speculated,

However, reality soon proved that the Elf Prince’s suppositions were gravely inaccurate. SkyDome fell under a direct and brutal assault by abyssal demons. Xue Tianao’s forces were all but uprooted in a single day, with Xue Tianao himself tragically dying amidst this ’re-education’ process.

Despite the appearance of Xue Tianao succumbing to the assault of abyssal demons, Odom held steadfast to his belief that Black Rose was irrefutably involved in the matter!

Later on, while aiding Black Rose Family in constructing their garden, Odom chanced upon the pink-haired girl playing within the camp exhibiting peculiar behavior...

He could faintly perceive the power of Shadow emanating from her!

This aura was strikingly similar to the one wielded by demon lord entity that had previously attacked SkyDome City!

Recognizing this, Odom promptly confirmed his suspicions.

"The Black Rose miscreants are to blame!! These monsters... they... they’ve actually allied themselves with abyssal demons?"

Despite his inner turmoil and shock,

Odom strangely felt a shred of relief...

After all,

When juxtaposed with Snow Night Empire, Black Rose’s treatment of their Elven clan could be described as ’benevolent.’

Furthermore, Odom began to ponder, as to why their tribe, who had consistently tried to resist Black Rose, had not been annihilated... and why so few elves had perished...

Of course,

Pushing these swirling emotions aside,

Odom’s most nagging concern was whether to share his discovery with the other human factions. Although he held no particular fondness for them, they were still allies in the fight against abyssal demons. But, if the collaboration between Black Rose Family and abyssal demons were to be exposed?

What would become of their Elf tribe? Would they face retaliation from Black Rose Family? If Black Rose Family unleashed the same ruthlessness they showed to Xue Tianao onto the Elven clan, the latter’s ancient lineage might very well fade into the annals of the continent’s history.

However,

Just when Odom was wrestling with this predicament, Xiao made an unanticipated visit to the Elven camp. Although Odom strained to control his emotions while receiving this revered figure,

the inevitable, unsurprisingly, transpired.

Odom’s anxious demeanor and strange gaze were ultimately noticed by Xiao,

After a few probing exchanges, Odom realized that the ’truth’ had been discerned by the Duke of Black Rose.

However,

Unexpectedly, Xiao didn’t plan to silence Odom by killing him, but playfully sipped his tea and quietly tied Odom to a chair for a friendly chat. Xiao even nodded subtly, confirming Odom’s guess.

"Yes, we indeed have some connections with abyssal demons."

"What?! You!"

When his speculation was confirmed, Odom showed a gritting expression and even roared in an unusual outburst,

"You bastards?! It was tolerable when you bullied us, but you can actually do such a conscienceless thing! If the other powers knew about this, they definitely won’t let you off!! Teaming up with abyssal demons, have you lost your minds?!"

"Hehe, it’s not necessary for Your Highness to worry about us, we’re doing fine. But it’s Your Highness who seems a bit incoherent now? You don’t really think you can reveal these things in your current state, do you?"

"You! You... you’re going to silence me by killing me after all, aren’t you?"

"Hahaha, just kidding, our Black Rose family has always loved peace, we don’t like fighting and killing. We won’t kill you."

"Not killing me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll spill the beans?"

"Don’t care~"

"What?!"

Xiao’s casual words startled Odom, and his emerald eyes were full of doubt. In response to this, Xiao casually shook his head, stood up with a meaningful look, and approached the elven prince:

"Do you think people will believe you if you spill the beans?"

"You, what do you mean?"

"Simple, you only have your own words, why should others believe you? Compared to your Elf tribe, the reputation of our Black Rose in the human world is better. Speaking of which, as an old friend of the Elves, I should remind you that if you let this out, whether others will doubt us or not, they will certainly think that you Elves deliberately set up the barrier to block SkyDome City from communicating with the outside world. After all, it’s a fact that the barrier was set up by you. If we didn’t help you hide it..."

With that, Xiao patted Odom on the shoulder considerately:

"They would think that it’s your Elf tribe that teamed up with abyssal demons and turned traitor."

"But... but it was you!"

"Do you have any evidence? Other than your mouth? And... what good does it do you to reveal it? To other powers on the continent, our Black Rose and your Elf tribe have always been very ’friendly’. If they think we’ve teamed up with abyssal demons, can your Elf tribe stay out of it? So... after you ’helped’ us set up the barrier, we’re in the same boat. Let’s get along, partner~"

With a playful smile, Xiao gently tapped Odom’s head, "Also, rest assured, I will prove to you that abyssal demons... are not as brutal as you think."

"..."

At Xiao’s words, Odom fell into an odd silence. Despite this, Xiao didn’t care and continued on his own,

"Ah, right, I came to see you for another reason."

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Odom lifted his head weakly and locked eyes with the deep, dark gaze of Xiao.

"What purpose?"

"To introduce you to someone."

"Meet someone?"

At this reply, Odom frowned.

"But you seem... not really eager for me to meet them?"

"Heh…"

As Odom’s words fell into her ears, Xiao paused for a moment and rubbed his temples with a somewhat self-deprecating gesture. he didn’t deny Odom’s question.

"Yes, I don’t really want you to come."

"Then... why?"

"Simple. Lady Yumo has invited you so many times. If you still refuse to come, My lady will be unhappy."

As he spoke, Xiao showed a quite friendly smile.

"So, for the sake of keeping Lady Yumo in a good mood~ come along, Prince Odom~"

Despite his gentle words, his voice was filled with heavy pressure, causing Odom to take a deep breath. He managed to squeeze a smile onto his face, looking more miserable than if he were crying...

Seeing this, Xiao nodded in satisfaction.

"But before we go, I’ll tell you some important things, remember them~"

"Can... can I not?"

"What do you think?"

Xiao smiled faintly.

Behind Odom, five members of the Nightingale squad instantly made Odom’s spine chill by sending him some warmth - five swords were aimed directly at his head...

Odom: (ó?ò.)