Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Hilbert felt an unusual atmosphere upon entering the Sia Tower.

Glaysia clearly has her own intentions.

And they are intentions that Asmodeus probably would rather not see.

The presence of Aislin can be understood, but the reactions of Glaysia’s favorites upon her entrance into the Sia Tower were abnormal.

At a glance, Glaysia seems to be fishing for something.

But certainly, she’s not fishing for that dragon, is she?

Although the red dragon is still causing trouble outside, it clearly refuses to step foot into the northern hemisphere where the Sia Tower is located.

Unless the Sia Tower can find something that would make him take the plunge... but for now, Hilbert thinks their strategy is still centered around the weaknesses of the black dragon.

Possibly because the Tower of the Undead is by what has become the Dead Sea, the gaze of the Sia Tower remains fixed on the coastline and some dangerous, miasma-filled swamps.

Although the orders they issue aren’t openly directed at these places, those familiar with the chromatic dragon’s attributes can discern the truth behind them.

Moreover, when that dragon appears, there is indeed a noticeable water element nearby... because of the lack of life in this world and the weakening lands, the relatively weaker water elements have mostly sunk into the earth.

With the black dragon’s unwillingness to leave water, it’s easy to guess where it might choose to go... especially since whenever that dragon dives underground to flee, there are inevitably easily accessible underground water resources nearby.

Yet Hilbert can be sure that the dragon’s hideout is more likely a volcanic crater, for it definitely won’t be near water.

Unless the devils uncover the dragon’s true identity from the layers of mist, they’ll only be doing futile work... the key is, Hilbert can hear that where the red dragon settles, logically, there should indeed be a black dragon and an iron dragon, embroiled in a fiery battle.

The devils expend much effort just guessing whether the black dragon impersonates the iron dragon or vice versa.

Especially the iron dragon... disguising as a black dragon impostor pretending to be an iron dragon is certainly something they would do.

Recently, when the Sia Tower returned home, it was likely because they’re somewhat unclear of the situation: though these two dragons fought furiously, their chosen hiding spots are indeed mismatched.

So, whatever shenanigans Glaysia intends to use Aislin for, it’s unlikely aimed at that dragon.

The most important thing is, as the Princess of Hell, she has witnessed firsthand how the Chromatic Dragon Queen was commanded and manipulated by her own father.

Therefore, in her eyes, it’s impossible to see even the ancient dragon get easily dealt with, by the so-called Dragon Queen.

This quintessential mistake of top-tier offspring is widespread: they always see their father’s abilities as their own.

Especially in the case of someone like Glaysia, who except for her dad, never faced external hardship.

Hilbert can understand to an extent... after all, in Teraxil, they have someone similar.

So, when you think they’re acting without using their brains, you can be sure, they haven’t brought their brains along but left them by their father’s side.

All apparent capriciousness is fundamentally because they’ve never had to consider the consequences of failure.

For Glaysia, the worst outcome is just being bored in her bedroom for a few centuries!

It doesn’t affect her revelry... even if at the time, her beloved pets were all slain by her dad, she could still captivate new ones.

Initially, Hilbert was somewhat puzzled, unable to comprehend why Glaysia would create so much nuisance over slight dissatisfaction, but once he compared with the Elven God King, he suddenly understood.

In that case, he cannot completely cut off contact with the outside world; at least he must stay aware of Sia Tower’s movements, especially those involving Aislin.

This is why he was willing to grant Koyl special treatment: Oliva would obviously be the better choice.

However, Oliva has a fatal flaw: he likes to infuse his thoughts into the messages.

Hilbert is entirely uninterested in what Oliva thinks; more often than not, he’d be wrong.

Thus, he must find someone more objective when conveying information.

Although Hilbert wasn’t sure what Koyl wished to gain from him, he felt no threat or excessive deceit, so for now, they could collaborate.

”Hey, Gilbert.” Koyl, somewhat enjoying the quiet and composed atmosphere at Gilbert’s, suddenly spoke with a smile, ”You, don’t seem to mind my drinking posture, nor do you find my gulping habits crude?”

”What nonsense are you talking?” Hilbert was a little surprised, slowly sipping wine while pondering.

Koyl looked at the noble mage across, who held his wine glass with exceptionally elegant hand gestures, and whose lazy posture seemed to carry a unique charm: ”I once drank with the eldest young master of the Nicholson family.

He kept correcting my grip on the wine glass.”

”You’re a mage.” Hilbert replied bluntly, ”As long as you don’t do something unsightly, nobody can dictate your posture.

A true noble would never do something so foolish... strength itself is the most perfect posture.”

Koyl blinked: ”So, the Nicholson Family isn’t truly a great nobility passed down through generations like they claim?”

Hill looked up blankly: ”How would I know?

Perhaps they just like to weed out people they dislike using such methods?”

Koyl smiled faintly... Gilbert indeed leaves no gaps.

Despite his foul temper, he has never truly made a mistake.

Even if someone wants to show him a kind facade, they wouldn’t proactively provide him any information.

Or rather, Koyl slightly lowered his eyelids, Gilbert wants to exchange information that is known to everyone, but he doesn’t really care about resources.

This fellow surely didn’t take out the Hainarson Clan’s treasured items just to invite him for a drink.

Truly, dealing with people of noble origin is troublesome; if you can’t understand or react in kind to their hints, there’s no way to proceed conversing.

Even though Koyl had prepared himself enough mentally, listening was still tiring, and thinking was arduous.

Luckily, he still managed to understand.

In any case, Gilbert only intends to be an acquaintance who exchanges information and materials with him for now... Koyl wouldn’t be like those fools, believing Gilbert is truly isolated just because he stays at home and doesn’t even go beyond the outer wall.

Oliva isn’t dead, and Ruth isn’t truly abandoning him either.

Even Aislin... Despite their fierce rivalry, compared to someone like Koyl whom Aislin used to ignore, when she needs help from others, she only turns to Gilbert.

Koyl is still slightly smarter than others.

Although the relationship between Aislin and Gilbert is complex, you can discern one thing: they have never touched each other’s life or the essence of their mage abilities.

Just like during the Prutt incident, Aislin did plot against Gilbert, even causing Gilbert to retaliate with two slaps... But even when scheming against the Hainarson Family, Aislin bypassed Ulrich without hesitation!

It’s just that Aislin is colder... So putting oneself in others’ shoes holds no significance for her; if she were to infer others’ thoughts based on herself, it would only lead to more frightening actions.

Thus, Koyl understands why Gilbert remains confident despite staying indoors.

And he, Koyl, is probably just an auxiliary or rather, a supplement in Gilbert’s eyes.

Indeed, it’s somewhat regrettable!

Though Koyl didn’t expect this result, after all those years of pretending to be honest, he couldn’t have too close a relationship with someone as arrogant as Gilbert.

But, having caught an opportunity that could elevate him, he can only hold onto it tenuously... Like a water rope.

If he were to grasp it too tightly, it would instantly scatter into beads of water, dispersing away.

Koyl smiled helplessly: But what can he do?

Who could compel someone like Gilbert?

He’s someone daring enough to challenge the Ninth Ring Archmage of Sia Tower, using such formidable individuals to intimidate!

The Neutral Faction’s attempt to intimidate Gilbert, whatever that Archmage was planning, hasn’t made a single move recently, has he?

While Gilbert’s Magic Tower openly states its desire to keep fools like Aislin from wandering casually into his territory, it’s clear who they’re actually defending against, to those with a keen eye.

Koyl could only smile faintly: ”Gilbert, the mint wine is really good, can you trade a few bottles with me?”

”I don’t handle such matters.” Gilbert, reclining in the lounge chair, shifted positions, ”Haven’t you brought a student?

Have him go see Russell for the transaction catalog.”

”Oh?” Koyl raised an intrigued eyebrow, ”Are you only planning to trade resources with acquaintances?”

”Lady Pet from Sia Tower is quite interested in my little bird.” Gilbert casually fiddled with the exquisite bracelet in his hand, speaking slowly, ”Recommended by a teacher, I can’t refuse.

But I have no interest in sorting through these minor affairs, so I just handed them over to Russell.

That kid listed some warehouse stock, coincidentally, he and Carpenter are also looking to trade some crafts from Archmage Pete.”

”The fabric from Sia Tower is indeed quite good.” Koyl pondered for a while, then spoke with a smile.

So, the Neutral Faction’s Ninth Ring planning to trouble Gilbert was suppressed by Master Ruth using Pet’s hand, right?

However, why does Gilbert’s tone sound somewhat dissatisfied?