118. Equivalent Exchange
“If the Dark Elf Queen is willing to provide this information.”
The Dark Elf Queen touched the black inverted cross pendant on her pointed ear.
“To activate [Prophecy Magic], I need to consume my lifespan and life force.”
“Therefore, each [Prophecy] must demonstrate its value.”
“The more [causality] involved, the more difficult it is to achieve. Forbidden magic isn’t a bad thing, is it? Although the Dragon King opposes forbidden magic, the contracts we use are a form of forbidden magic, just not banned because they’re too common.”
The Dark Elf Queen said mournfully:
“Miss Dragon Queen, the future I saw is in the near future, just around the corner.”
“I saw the [Goddess of Light].”
Reina pondered. This isn’t my future, is it?
And isn’t the Goddess of Light dead?
She didn’t dwell on it and continued to listen.
“The Goddess of Light will bring a devastating disaster. Instantly, the light will shine brightly, and the dark continent will once again be bathed in sunlight.”
“The reason I support the dragon race isn’t because we dark elves want to fight the beastmen.”
“It’s because I know that the beastmen cannot withstand the [Light].”
The Dark Elf Queen’s voice became tired, as if she had just performed a prophecy and had once again seen a despairing future.
The descent of the Goddess of Light might be a good thing for humanity.
But for the Four Kings of the Realms, it would definitely be a devastating blow.
Even the current Calysia would be at a disadvantage against the Goddess of Light. On the surface, there was only a 20-level difference, but the higher the level, the more significant the attribute increase.
Reina was skeptical:
“So you want us to deal with the Goddess of Light?”
The Dark Elf Queen also returned a polite smile:
“We must stop the Goddess of Light.”
Reina frowned slightly:
“Miss Dark Elf Queen, please tell me, what exactly happened in the [Gate of the Celestial Realm] 58 years ago?”
The Dark Elf Queen crossed her legs, her calm and all-seeing demeanor making Reina a little uncomfortable.
“You’re a smart dragon, just as they said.”
“But are you willing to hide this from the Dragon King and ask me about it?”
“Willing to bear it alone, rather than reopening her old wounds.”
“It’s gratifying that the Dragon King has such a wife.”
Saying that, the Dark Elf Queen’s smile became gentle.
“As expected, when it comes to procreation and family, these older women on their thrones will soften a little.”
“You… already have children, don’t you?”
“Mm…”
Reina nodded shyly.
The Dark Elf Queen touched her face: “Hehe, your kindness is a little blinding.”
“But even if you ask the Dragon King about the [Gate of the Celestial Realm], she won’t be able to answer. Because that event took too much, so much that the entire world couldn’t accept it.”
Reina asked, “What does that mean?”
“The people who participated in the [Gate of the Celestial Realm] were the strongest demons of that era, and afterwards, they vanished from the stage of history forever.”
“And what about you, Dark Elf Queen?”
Reina asked suspiciously.
“It seems you know more than I imagined.”
The Dark Elf Queen nodded helplessly:
“Yes, both the Dragon King and I participated in the [Gate of the Celestial Realm].”
“But I lost my memory.”
Reina frowned slightly.
“That memory was completely erased, and even all the related texts in the records turned into twisted, meaningless runes. All the evidence was wiped out by that invisible force.”
“It took me a great deal to successfully [prophesy the past].”
“But what I got was only the tip of the iceberg of the Gate of the Celestial Realm.”
Just then, the Dark Elf Queen gave Reina a meaningful look.
“This is top-level intelligence, yet your reaction is so bland.”
“I was originally going to make a deal with you, but for the sake of your talent, I’ll tell you this information for free.”
The Dark Elf Queen’s voice became heavy:
“The only information I obtained about the [Gate of the Celestial Realm] was its [purpose].”
“Our forbidden magic has three purposes.”
“First, to find a way to connect the Four Realms and the human world.”
“Second, to break through the strength limit of high-rank tier three and find a way to become stronger.”
“Third, to summon the [Goddess of Light].”
Reina’s eyes widened.
She could understand the first two.
Connecting the Four Realms and the human world, integrating resources, destroying humanity, and reclaiming the homeland they had lost in the Primordial Era—this was the main reason for the Four Realms’ invasion of the human world.
Breaking through high-rank tier three, which meant breaking the level 100 cap, was what most demons at the peak dreamed of.
But the last point surprised Reina immensely.
Summon the Goddess of Light?
Are you tired of living?
Reina pondered, looked up, and smiled at the Dark Elf Queen:
“Miss Queen, I’d like to make a deal with you now.”
“You need some information~”
“Two pieces.”
“That’s a big request. The price won’t be cheap.”
“I’ll exchange it for other information.”
Reina said with a confident look, taking a sip of tea.
“Lately, the humans’ activity and rampancy are evident. The beastmen have been retreating repeatedly. This isn’t a coincidence, but because of an anonymous [Hero].”
“Oh?”
The Dark Elf Queen shook her head:
“Can’t I just prophesy that myself?”
“You can’t prophesy that hero, just like you can’t prophesy me,” Reina said with a smile, and at the same time, she finally saw a hint of surprise on the Dark Elf Queen’s face.
The essence of forbidden magic was [equivalent exchange].
In forbidden magic, the measure of a soul’s “value” was [causality].
Contract magic was [forbidden magic], and it was also determined by causality.
Not long ago, Crimson Scale couldn’t successfully form a contract with her.
That was because she carried an excessive amount of [causality].
…This causality probably came from the sleeping Goddess of Light within her.
And prophecy magic, naturally, would have a hard time predicting an existence so rich in [causality].
This was the reason she had sought Reina out.
The Dark Elf Queen picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said softly:
“You are indeed special.”
“Just as you said, I’m sorry, I lied, Miss Azure Scale.”
“Actually, I came here for another reason.”
Suddenly, the Dark Elf Queen’s gaze became as sharp as a falcon’s, like an invisible blade. Her previous gentleness vanished.
“I want to ask you a question, Miss Dragon Queen. If you can answer me, I will [prophesy] for you for free.”
Reina put down her teacup.
“Dragon Queen… no, Reina…”
“I want to know…”
“Are you the Goddess of Light?”
Reina froze.
I see.
So that’s what “prophesying my future” meant?
