Badge in Azure Chapter 321

Chapter 321: Contract Trap (Part 1)
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Contract magic had its roots in divine spells. It was then altered by humans in such a way that even without the supervision of the gods the contract magic would be effective and would bind both parties together.
This showed that humans then already had the powers to replace the gods and they had the advantage of not being bound by the restrictions of the dimension. If humans had not lost their powers for no apparent reason, the dimensions next to the Myers Mainland might have been conquered by humans.
Even though contract magic was unique, it was a magic that showed fairness. One could not force another party to sign the contract. The deed could only be done when both parties were willing.
As for a contract trap, it was to make use of a loophole in the contract magic to make a supposedly fair contract become dangerous assaultive magic.
When it came to contract magic, there were only four grades in this world.
Grade-1 to grade-3 was a grade in itself, and they were low grade professionals. Grade-4 to grade-6 was another grade, and these professionals were a backbone of the world. Grade-7 to grade-9 was a formidable force in this world. Above grade-9 was the last grade, and anyone within this grade could have the chance to gain powers like those of ancient humans.
Contract magic could not be effective over more than two grades. In other words, a sorcerer could not sign a contract with a low-grade professional, only with a middle-grade one. If one was signed with a low-grade professional, the low-grade professional’s benefits would not be protected.
Contract magic was another more well-rounded magic. When it came to contract traps, there were many restrictions. Even if one was not a mage, one should understand the idea behind it. To let the three kings fall into a magic trap was too difficult, but the harder something was, the greater the rewards.
“I have thought about it carefully before coming. The three kings are restricted to a grade slightly lower than grade-9 in this dimension. If they see through the contract trap, it will be almost impossible for us to live,” Aini said seriously while Saleen listened attentively.
“But if it succeeds, with us together and the three kings behind us, even two grade-9 professionals wouldn’t be a match for us. If we split, we can face against a grade-9 professional. Aren’t the rewards enormous?”
Saleen nodded and Aini continued talking, “Since it is big, it is worth it if we give up a little more, right?”
“Yes.”
“Think, what do you have on hand that might interest the three kings?”
Saleen had thought long and hard about this. He had no idea what they were looking for. If he knew he would have set up a magic trap and immediately taken action once Aini arrived.
“Then let us think from another perspective. Which of the three kings do you think is easiest to deal with?”
“Diyabannersa… no, Banchajanna. No, that doesn’t work either, maybe Judikaka is the easiest to deal with.” Saleen realized with Aini’s question that despite him observing the three kings for so long, he was unable to easily point out their weaknesses.
He had mentioned Diyabannersa first because he was the least intelligent among the three of them. However, because he was not as intelligent as the rest he used brute force to solve problems. Such an existence was hard to deal with and no matter what tricks one thought of, it would be useless if he went around attacking people.
As for Banchajanna, even though he was not as smart as Judikaka, he was a confused soul and could not control himself. When the first problem arose, Banchajanna had almost gotten Saleen killed. The second time, Banchajanna had let the black bishop from the Holy See go. He had brought about countless problems for Saleen.
If the black bishop had been killed there they would not have come up with such big plans, though the Holy See would still continue sending people to investigate. Now that the black bishop had brought back news of where the infidels were, the Holy See had not left much time for Saleen.
For someone who could not even control his own existence, Saleen could not think of a stable trap that Banchajanna would fall for.
Even though Judikaka was the smartest among them, he was the one that seemed most willing to make deals. He was not willing to solve problems with violence. If given the right method Judikaka could be the easiest to trick at the end of the day. This deduction left Saleen a little surprised, but made sense at the same time.
“Relatively easy? It still requires considerable bait, right?” Aini had not thought much about this. The Clyde family was rich and they had power and mages, but that was not enough to entice a death king. Aini was only responsible for the family business in the city and he could not assemble all the power from the Clyde family.
He wanted to set the bait right now too, but he did not have any in his hands. He could only look expectantly towards Saleen.
Saleen knew now was not the time to be stingy, but what was most troublesome was that he did not know what the three kings wanted. When someone did not have any desire, he would not have any weakness. The three kings definitely desired something, but Saleen had no idea what it was.
If all the mages from Sregl Island were there, there would not be a problem. He could solve his problem with brute force. Now Saleen only had two grade-4 and two grade-5 mages with him. As for the rest, they would not even be able to withstand a breath by the three kings. Together with Saleen and Aini, there were only six people there that could survive longer than ten seconds when facing off against the three kings.
When the energy reached a certain limit, tricks would be useless.
The sunken ship from the Second Dynasty? The three kings definitely could go into the deep sea to investigate. This did not require a contract and there was no way of laying a trap. After thinking for a while Saleen suddenly remembered that there were still the ruins from the Second Dynasty in the Chaotic Marshes, which could very well be occupied by the Holy See.
From a contract standpoint, Saleen could not be sure if the Holy See were inside the ruins now. When signing the contract he did not need to bring this up. If the three kings were to meet with people from the Holy See, they would most likely not strike and might even flee. If there were any white bishops in the ruins, they would definitely do so.
If there was something like this again, he could set a magic trap to deal with this problem.
“Aini, I have thought of it.”
Saleen said as he released a Quickcloud spell. The cloud of mist enveloped the room, everything within could no longer be seen or heard from outside. He was being cautious this time. If whatever he was about to say was overheard by the three kings, any little hint would not only lead to them being unable to complete the plan but he and Aini would need to face the wrath of the three kings.
“Your magic… is strange.” Aini’s death flames expanded even further out, lighting up a spot within the cloud of mist. Speaking within this cloud of mist was even safer than a mute enchantment.
“Do you remember the first time we met?”
“Yes, you brought two beautiful women with you to sell gemstones at my shop.”
“I had passed the Chaotic Marshes. In there, I met a white deacon from the Holy See. Even though he was only a deacon, I think even with my skills now I still would not be a match for him.” Saleen thought back to Picasso. He felt this white deacon was a little different, or at least he was much stronger than the other two black deacons that he had come across.
“The magic ruins of the Second Dynasty?” As Aini listened to Saleen, he felt this might be able to bait the three kings.
“I haven’t been to those ruins before, I only know the position of its coordinates on the map. I can’t be sure that the people from the Holy See are there with such conditions. Is it possible to set up a contract trap?”
“Should be enough, so long as you are sure that the three kings won’t take action against the Holy See.”
“They definitely won’t. They are probably hiding because they are scared of retaliation from the God of Light. They need to return to the demon dimension sooner or later. The God of Light might be able to make an appearance there himself.” Saleen analysed the worries of the three kings, guessing them almost entirely.
“But this would require us to go personally, so it will be dangerous.”
“Can you fly now?”
“Yes.” Aini did not hide the truth. He had another flying spirit together with his floral death creature. It could carry him and let him fly around like a grade-6 mage.
“Me too, I am not any slower than a grade-6 mage. As long as there aren’t any bishop level people from the Holy See at the ruins, we won’t be killed instantly. Are you sure your contract trap will work?”
“Yes. So long as it is on the Myers Mainland, even a god would be bound by such a contract.”
“How many men have you brought with you this time?”
“Two grade-3 mages and five-hundred swordsmen.”
Saleen took in a huge breath. The Clyde family had indeed put down everything this time. Five-hundred swordsmen with at least fifty of them being swordmasters, perhaps even one-hundred. This should be the greatest amount of power they could assemble for Aini. With these five-hundred people, the city base was much safer.
The Clyde family had also given Aini two grade-3 mages. They were nothing in Alchemy City, but in any regular city, they were a strong force, especially when defending the city. Grade-3 magic was not any lesser when it came to killing warriors. The only flaw was that the magic chords of a grade-3 mage were too little and he could not battle for extended periods of time.
“Keep these people. I still have a batch of people I can use but they aren’t very loyal. Let’s bring them to the Chaotic Marshes this time.” Saleen was talking about the pirates he had brought under his control. They had been split into two groups, and around one-hundred of them were completely devoted to Saleen while the other one-hundred of them were still hesitant.
From this one-hundred, Saleen did not intend to continue observing them any longer. Those that would not go with him would have to be sacrificed. They would definitely face enemies when going to the Chaotic Marshes with the three kings. Even if the three kings disguised themselves as Daniel’s summoned creatures they would not want to fight personally. Most of the time, Saleen’s men would need to do the dirty work and take care of the magic beasts within the forest and the marshes.
The more people Saleen brought to the Chaotic Marshes, the more adamant the people from the Holy See would be in chasing them. The three kings would not be able to escape then. Saleen’s only concern now was that the Holy See would not be there and they would waste the contract trap that they would be laying. He had no idea what other ways there were for the three kings to take the bait.