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Are you talking about a deal?

Why, dont you like it?

In response to the pharmacists inquiry, Oliver bowed his head.

No, Im rather grateful. Considering my credit must be at its lowest, Im thankful youre offering a deal.

Oliver reminisced about the past when he departed without warning. Just the offer of this transaction filled him with deep gratitude.

Im glad we understand each other. Lets get to the point.

By now, the pharmacist had completely stashed away his double-barreled shotgun.

First, lets get one thing straight. All I can provide is the location where Lawrence and other priests are held. I cant help beyond that. Do you understand?

Oliver nodded immediately.

As mentioned earlier, the pharmacist was barely scraping by, living on the edge. Asking for further assistance would be an unreasonable request.

Now, let me state my terms.

Please, go ahead.

First, even if things go wrong, you dont mention me. Its obvious, but I want a promise.

Of course. I promise.

Second, Id like you to control Marie.

Im sorry, but I dont understand what you mean. Control Marie? Did she somehow offend you?

She hasnt outright offended me, but shes gradually trying to mess with me.

I see I apologize.

Its not your fault. After all, I did enjoy the product that young lady offered. I dont really hold a grudge. Naturally, one would regret a lost opportunity. So, Im just trying to make use of the current situation.

I appreciate your understanding. Can you specify how I should control her?

I want Marie to give up all her control over this city. Honestly, I dont really like the so-called chosen ones religion. I despise pseudo-religions taking over my hometown I dont mean any disrespect to you.

Its fine. The Chosen Ones are indeed a pseudo-religion.

Oliver responded honestly.

Well, Im glad you admit it The last, third condition is that Id like you to help me.

What do you need?

The pharmacist extended his arms, gesturing toward the underground greenhouse.

In the basement, various herbs, flowers, unidentified plants, and bonsai trees were neatly arranged.

There are a few plants here I bought from the Enjoyment Druids. The plants cultivated by druids each contain special powers. Just like the beans you used.

Oliver glanced at the green beanstalk he had grown. It was a possession he had acquired after defeating Shamus and other druids.

Its not just plants. I also have seeds Ive been personally researching these, but without much success. Id like your help with my research.

Um Im sorry, but I dont know anything about druids.

Its fine. I have acquired some knowledge, albeit limited. The issue is the ability to harness the power of nature. As you might know, druids are even rarer than wizards, so its hard to secure their expertise. Id like you to take on that role If you help, Ill share the knowledge Ive gathered.

I would actually like to request your guidance then.

Oliver showed genuine interest. He was also intrigued by the power and knowledge of the druids.

Good, we have a deal.

The pharmacist stood up and extended his hand, indicating a handshake as a symbol of the agreed-upon deal.

Oliver recalled the past when he had shaken hands with the pharmacist.

The pharmacist spoke with sincerity, displaying goodwill and expressing a desire to maintain a positive relationship for as long as possible. However, shortly after, Oliver unilaterally broke his promise with him.

Reflecting on it now, it was an unjust action indeed.

Yet, given a second chance Oliver expressed his gratitude while shaking the pharmacists hand.

Im truly thankful for giving someone like me, who lost trust, a second chance.

You dont have to be too thankful. Youve become more valuable than you think Also, I like your attitude.

My attitude, you say?

Yes, instead of threatening me, youve apologized and asked politely. Its honestly a rare attitude to see. Whether theyre warlocks, wizards, druids, or paladins. People with a bit of special power always seem to be of bad luck Keep up with that attitude. Itll be your strength.

Ill keep that advice in mind.

Oliver nodded.

Now, take this.

Releasing Olivers hand, the pharmacist retrieved a brown paper envelope from an old desk placed in the corner of the greenhouse.

This contains the location of the hideout where the paladins have secretly established their base, along with a probable route to infiltrate.

Without hesitation, Oliver opened the envelope to examine its contents. Inside, he found a blueprint of an underground shelter.

Um But, Mr. Pharmacist, why did they set up a separate base? Wouldnt it be much easier and better to seek help from the police or the city? Oliver inquired.

There are several reasons, the pharmacist explained. Paladins tend to think theyre special and prefer to act separately, and they dont trust the local authorities here. They believe most are corrupt. Its somewhat true.

Ah Oliver responded, recalling the pharmacists influence in Wineham, as he perused the information.

The pharmacist continued, Paladins may be troublesome people, but theyre not incompetent. The place theyve chosen for their hideout is a civilian bunker, spacious and easy to defend and seal. It might be somewhat feasible to break in, but getting out wont be easy.

As Oliver reviewed the material provided by the pharmacist, he nodded in agreement.

Indeed, the temporary hideout chosen by the paladins appeared to be a challenging target both to breach and escape from. It had only one entrance, its interior was enclosed, and it was likely to house a significant number of occupants.

The biggest issue is that there are dozens of people presumed to be captured Itll be hard to escape with all of them. Do you plan to just take Lawrence and run? the pharmacist inquired.

Well That doesnt seem right, so I plan to escape with everyone if possible. Oliver replied.

No offense, but is that feasible? With a large number, escaping will be difficult. Moreover, most of them wont be in a good condition.

I think its achievable with effort.Oliver responded nonchalantly.

It was an audacious answer, but what was even more astounding was the sense that Oliver might actually have the capability to fulfill his words.

***

In a dimly lit, narrow chamber, the sound of a button being pressed reverberated.

Click.

In unison with the cheerful sound, the bright light emanating from a standing lamp pierced through the darkness, akin to how a scalpel would dissect flesh.

The person who pressed the button adjusted the light, directing it squarely onto another individuals face.

Ugh.

Blinded by the sudden brilliance, the man emitted a groan of discomfort.

Remarkable Lawrence.

The individual controlling the light, a paladin, remarked.

Holding out without saying a word for three days Even if its a pseudo-religion, its impressive. Others couldnt last more than half a day, at most a day.

Its because you tortured them.

Lawrence replied with a voice filled with discomfort. Actually, it wasnt just his voice that displayed discomfort.

Difficult to discern due to the intense illumination, Lawrences condition appeared far from favorable. One side of his face was severely swollen, rendering one eye unable to open. His neck and exposed upper body bore the marks of purple and blue bruises, resembling streaks.

Additionally, his back bore numerous wounds, and more of his fingernails were damaged than remained intact.

Do warlocks whine after being interrogated?

No, its a self-proclaimed servant of God resorting to torture that I question.

Despite his battered state, Lawrence, with his one remaining good eye, defiantly retorted.

It was truly remarkable. Most individuals, under such duress, wouldnt even manage to maintain eye contact, let alone respond with confidence. But even after enduring the torture, Lawrence held his ground.

I must admit, you have resilience. the paladin conceded before grabbing the back of Lawrences neck and forcefully slamming his face onto the desk.

A loud, echoing sound reverberated through the room.

This brutal act wasnt a one-time occurrence; it happened three times.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

With each impact, blood splattered across the desk.

It was Lawrences own blood, flowing from his head.

Its just a matter of how long you can endure.

Ugh Do you think Id betray our leader?

Thats not what I meant. Regardless, your group is about to be subdued. The only difference is how long it will take.

You wont fool us with such schemes

Its not a scheme. Its a fact. Do you know whos involved in this operation and whos deployed? Your leader wont be able to escape.

If youre so confident, why are you telling me all this?

To make you suffer more. I despise pseudo-believers like you, pretending to be martyrs. It feels like an insult to my faith.

Hah

Lawrence scoffed.

Martyr? It was truly a ludicrous term.

He had never believed in any deity, not the God of the Parters religion, nor Oliver, the God of The Chosen Ones.

If there was something, or rather, someone he believed in and followed, it was only Marie.

The beautiful, enigmatic, and resilient woman who had rescued him from his miserable existence.

If dying for our leader means being a martyr Then Im a martyr. And I have no regrets. Lawrence genuinely thought. If his death meant safeguarding her, he saw no injustice in it.

However, the paladin appeared displeased by Lawrences response and scowled, demanding, Whats so funny?

Your Parter religion You know nothing. Neither about me, nor why people believe in our religion Youre all fools. Just like the god you serve.

In response, the paladin abruptly tightened his grip, pulling Lawrences head closer to his own.

How dare a pseudo-believer like you blaspheme the true God! the paladin seethed, genuinely infuriated and offended on behalf of his deity.

Nevertheless, Lawrence remained composed. In fact, he seemed to derive satisfaction from it, having wounded the pride of this arrogant paladin.

In the past, engaging in conversation with Lawrence would have been inconceivable. Yet, this very exchange held significance in itself.

Why? Plan on slamming my head into the desk again? Or pulling out my nails, or pouring boiling water on me? Go ahead. Violence is all youre capable of.

The paladins face flushed with anger. He moved as if to strike Lawrence once more but held back.

Had he done so, it would have validated Lawrences point, admitting defeat.

That was something he couldnt allow. As a paladin, he couldnt allow himself to be dominated by a heretic like Lawrence.

So, the paladin opted for a different approach.

582R North Street, the abandoned temple.

!!

At the address the paladin mentioned, Lawrences eyes widened. That was where Marie was presently hiding.

Ah, your reaction tells me Im right.

Although Lawrence was tempted to ask, how did you find out, he summoned every ounce of self-control and remained silent.

Nevertheless, the paladin continued, appearing nonchalant. He spoke primarily to inflict more suffering on Lawrence.

Curious about how I found out? It wasnt hard. Fake believers like you, with their shallow faith and equally shallow resolve, betray easily when cornered Moreover, fools like you cant hide your emotions. I never expected it to be this easy.

In a surge of rage, a battered Lawrence attempted to lunge at the paladin.

However, with a single decisive movement, the paladin pinned Lawrence down, slamming him onto the desk.

Thud!

What were you trying to do? Youre weakened, your hands are bound by cuffs preventing you from using your black magic Huh? What were you attempting?

Ugh

Lawrence attempted to respond, but the paladins pressure stifled his words.

Your fake leader will be captured soon. And you? Youll be powerless. Absolutely powerless Just like the false God you worship.

Lawrences face reddened with the strain.

Ill

Bang!

Sir!

Amidst the interrogation of Lawrence, a servant abruptly burst into the room. His urgent demeanor hinted at something amiss.

Whats the matter?

Were under attack! A druid has infiltrated!

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