Saliba suddenly let out a long breath, and the tension on his face faded back into a mask of calm. He was 99.999% certain that Eros would not risk his family, as there was no benefit in it for them. However, he didn't dare gamble on that 0.000...1%. Eros was not like the Elves in historical records; he couldn't be sure if the boy would suddenly go mad at a critical moment.
Understanding Eros’s goal after all that talk, Saliba spoke bluntly: "What do you want?"
All those words were nothing more than a setup to squeeze some benefits out of him.
"That pistol of yours is pretty nice!" Eros grinned.
Seeing Eros aim for his pistol right off the bat, Saliba’s face contorted again. After a long while, he very reluctantly pulled the silver-white revolver, adorned with dark-red patterns, from his holster. Holding the gun as if making a final plea, he said:
"Its negative effects are extremely powerful. Without a Sealed Artifact to transfer the cost, you won't even be able to use it—unless you want to commit suicide!"
Eros snatched the pistol from Saliba’s hand and examined it, saying casually, "Introduce it then. Maybe I really will change my mind and ask for something else."
A look of joy flared in Saliba’s eyes as he hurriedly explained: "It is a Grade 2 Sealed Artifact named Dead by Daylight. Its abilities are simple, consisting of four traits."
"First: Judgement. This increases the power of the bullets, up to a maximum of 12 times." "Second: Decision. This enhances the armor-piercing capability, also up to 12 times." "Third: Absolute Hit. Holding this gun triggers an unavoidable hit effect." "Fourth: Spirit Killer. All its attacks are effective against spiritual entities." "Additionally, if it runs out of ammunition, you can inject 'Spirit' into it to act as bullets."
"Its abilities are indeed formidable, but the negative effects are even more terrifying," Saliba cautioned, looking at Eros expectantly.
"Effect 1: Bloodlust. The wielder must let it devour a person’s flesh and blood every day, or it will devour the host." "Effect 2: Cold-Blooded. Once used, it must kill someone, or it will kill the host." "Effect 3: Blood Burst. The rage in your heart will be amplified by the same factor as the bullet's power or penetration, causing you to lose all reason."
After the introduction, Saliba watched Eros intently, reminding him again: "The side effects are severe. Without a specialized artifact to move that burden, holding this is only harming yourself." He looked as though he was desperate for Eros to realize the gun was a "poisoned chalice."
Eros nodded, then looked at Saliba with a glimmer in his eyes. Saliba’s heart jumped, and he shook his head vigorously, his tone resolute:
"That other Sealed Artifact—the one that transfers the cost—is impossible to give you. If you want to report me, then go ahead! I’d rather take my chances with the bet."
Seeing Saliba’s firm stance, Eros simply shoved the gun into his pocket, a sincere smile appearing on his face. "How could I? we’re partners now. Why would I report you?"
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Saliba ignored the words. Staring at the pocket where Dead by Daylight was now hidden, he asked urgently, "Didn't you hear me? The negative effects are massive!"
Eros nodded nonchalantly. "I know. What of it?"
Does a mere Grade 2 Sealed Artifact really think it can backfire on me? Eros thought. If it tried, it would quickly find itself under Barbara’s chilling gaze. In fact, even without Barbara’s intervention, given his unique constitution, the gun probably wouldn't dare.
"If you know, then why..." Saliba looked bewildered.
Eros smirked. "What a coincidence—it just so happens I already have a Sealed Artifact that transfers the price."
Saliba squeezed out a strained smile. "How... convenient."
Finding Saliba’s reaction a bit dull, Eros moved on to business. "I can give you one blood crystal right now. Have your elders estimate its value once we're out, and we can settle the trade then."
Saliba perked up. "Deal!"
"Set up a 'Spiritual Wall' to isolate the life aura," Eros commanded. "Otherwise, it’ll be a hassle if we attract those spirits."
Saliba frowned at being ordered around but said nothing, meticulously drawing the ritual circle for the Spiritual Wall. Once the barrier rose, Eros took a seed from his pocket and made a small cut on his middle finger. He squeezed out two drops of blood and stopped. Under the influence of Spirit, the blood solidified into crystals, which he tossed to Saliba.
As Saliba tucked them away, Eros added nonchalantly: "A word of advice: don't research my blood, and don't try to divinate it. I won't be held responsible for the consequences. Also, before you break the spiritual seal on those crystals, make sure you're prepared to isolate contamination."
Saliba nodded dismissively. "I know." To him, it was just the blood of a Sequence 7 Warlock; no matter how "exotic" the bloodline, how dangerous could it be?
Eros gave a faint chuckle at Saliba’s arrogance but didn't push it. Instead, he asked: "How did you find out Undine had a 'Spirit-Blessed Body' in the first place?" He was genuinely curious—even Barbara hadn't noticed without a deep scan.
Saliba replied proudly, "The Imperial Family possesses a Sealed Artifact specifically designed to locate Spirit-Blessed Bodies."
"Is it accurate?" Eros raised an eyebrow.
"It is never wrong," Saliba said categorically.
No wonder he’s so convinced she’s an Evil Spirit... wait.
The business was concluded, and the two stopped talking, moving to opposite sides to resume the watch. As for whether cooperating with the Imperial Family would affect his own family...
Wait, did I cooperate with them? I’m just selling some blood. I have no idea the Imperial Family has 'issues.' If even the Church hadn't noticed, how could he? Besides, the reason they gave was perfectly legitimate: brewing Life Potions for longevity. As a kind-hearted Elf, he simply couldn't stand to see the pain of mortality. Selling blood to extend a life was perfectly reasonable. Even if the Imperial Family was eventually exposed, he was just a "victim of deception."
And if they tried to report him for worshipping an Evil God? Go ahead and check! My lovely Undine is 100% human. If the Imperial Family says otherwise, it's clearly a malicious slander. He was a Child of God personally watched over by the Lord—who would the Church believe?
Furthermore, he wasn't worried about his blood being used for anything strange. He was certain they couldn't analyze it. A bloodline bestowed by a being transcending godhood... if the Imperial Family could crack that, he’d actually be impressed.
As for curses? There were two types. One based on bloodline—but that would point not just to him, but to the source of that bloodline: the Great One of the Elves. Since he was effectively Her direct descendant, cursing him meant cursing something above the Gods. He could only respect the courage of anyone who tried.
The other way was using "Eerie" powers to kill or contaminate. But... Tentacle: "Brat! Look at me!" The Eerie: "..."
Most importantly, he was immune to contamination. To play it safe, he had even used the Soul Ring to drain 90% of the excessive life force from those two drops.
This was a risk-free partnership. If the trade volume was large enough, the family could awaken a few more Temple Guards. Any excess could be fed to Sylveena, allowing her to suppress the high-sequence items and artifacts in the family vault with even greater ease.