The words hung in the air, thick with absurdity. "I could make you its king." Thorian struggled to stifle a laugh. This girl is utterly mad, he thought.

Thorian's voice dripped with scorn as he tilted his head slightly to the right. "Join forces with you? After your relentless assaults on my village? Your hands are still stained with the blood of my people, your prison filled with those loyal to me."

Nalia shrugged nonchalantly. "They're nothing but monsters," she said dismissively. "Surely, you, having been human your entire life, haven't grown fond of them in these mere days."

Thorian's response was silent, but his gaze was a piercing blade, slicing through her facade. His expression was a mask of icy resolve, a predator ready to pounce.

Nalia's smile didn't waver. "How intimidating," she quipped, her eyes dancing with amusement. "It's unfortunate that we're at odds. I do believe, in time, you'll come to understand my perspective."

Thorian's eyes rolled in exasperation. "If this is all you have to say, I'm leaving." He rose from his seat, but Nalia's words halted him.

"Wait, Monster King. Don't be so hasty. We might not align entirely, but there's a proposition I'd like to make," she said, her tone shifting to one of business.

With an exasperated sigh, Thorian gestured for her to continue. "What is it you want?"

Settling back into her chair, Nalia took a leisurely sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving his. "I want access to the dungeons hidden within the forest—for myself and all my men."

At this proposal, Thorian’s expression froze before he looked down in thought. If she wants access to the dungeons, I can let her have it. With Elder Oom’s ability, I can keep track of her power and progress.

"Very well, I can grant you safe passage," Thorian said, his voice even. "But in return, I demand the release of my men and unimpeded access to the abyss in Locksley's heart."

Nalia's chuckle was light, yet carried an edge. "I can agree to the second term, but your men remain with me. Without them as leverage, you might seize any opportunity to ambush my forces in your forests."

Thorian's response was a quiet one. He casually crossed his legs, taking a leisurely gulp of his wine. "No agreement, then. Our war endures."

"Do you truly hold such regard for those creatures?" Nalia probed, her eyes locked onto Thorian's, a mischievous glint playing across her face. "You must realize that a war against me would be protracted and bloody. The toll would be immense. You're not ignorant of that fact."

"I'm well suited for war," Thorian replied with a nonchalant shrug, his gaze wandering across the room. The ceiling, a simple fusion of earth, metal, and timber, didn't escape his notice. "In fact, I've just considered an alternative. What if I were to demolish this entire place? I'd likely survive, possibly you as well. But your men? Their fate would be less certain."

Nalia laughed, seemingly amused by the idea. "Unlike you, I'm not particularly attached to my men. Their loss wouldn't affect me deeply."

"But you value them enough not to squander them in such a frivolous way," Thorian countered sharply. "Consider the time and effort required to recruit and train new followers. That certainly would be inconvenient.”

"That would indeed be bothersome," Nalia mused, resting her chin on her hand in contemplation. "So, you wish for the freedom of your beasts? I can comply with that request, under one condition."

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"Speak," Thorian motioned for her to elaborate.

Nalia's expression turned serious, a stark contrast to her earlier demeanor. "I propose we synchronize our movements. When my men and I venture into your forest to clear the dungeons, you will be here in Locksley, challenging the abyss. By keeping each other in sight, we eliminate the possibility of ambushes."

Thorian applauded softly, a wry smile on his lips. "Clever. It's remarkable how quickly solutions are found when one truly seeks them."

As he refilled his cup from the decanter, Thorian's tone grew colder. "We'll reconvene at noon. That's when I'll enter the abyss, and also when I expect my men to be returned." He downed the wine in one swift gulp. "And a word of caution: if I find so much as a scratch on them, I'll exact an immediate and equal retribution."

Nalia's laughter rang out. "Terrifying, Monster King. But fear not; I have ways to handle elusive foes without resorting to violence."

"I have no doubt," Thorian said, tapping the table sharply as he stood. "Our agreement is sealed, then. I'll take my leave." He finished the last of the wine, setting the goblet down beside Nalia with a finality. "And the wine was appreciated."

Without another word, Thorian exited Nalia's chamber. His comrades, seated at a nearby table, all turned their gazes toward him, awaiting his command. With a simple nod, he signaled it was time to depart.

Forlune, with a dismissive shove, sent the serving girl away and stood. "About time. The stench of humans was becoming unbearable."

"I would not go that far, but sitting amongst foes has certainly not been most comfortable," Elder Oom chimed softly, joining Thorian with Zogarth.

The group left the room without acknowledging the human audience. In the corridor, Zogarth queried Thorian, "My lord, what transpired in your discussion with the human?"

"I have secured the release of Alacritas and his men, as well as a safe path for us to the abyss," Thorian disclosed, his fire manipulation casting a warm glow along their path.

"The abyss, my lord?" Zogarth's brow creased in bewilderment. "What exactly is that?"

Thorian's voice carried a hint of intrigue as he explained. "Beneath Locksley lies a portal to this structure. Think of it akin to a dungeon, yet distinct in a significant aspect: it comprises a staggering hundred Layers."

"A hundred?" Forlune's initial shock gave way to amusement. "That indeed makes it an abyss in the truest sense."

Zogarth's curiosity was piqued. "Does it offer rewards like the dungeons, my lord?"

"The rewards differ in notable ways," Thorian clarified. "The abyss doesn't yield items, skills, or recipes. Its treasures are Arcane Coins and, most importantly, experience points. For beings of our caliber, it's an expedited route to level advancement."

Zogarth's admiration for Thorian was evident. "Your knowledge truly impresse me, my lord. Accumulating experience points is precisely what we need for our evolution and to attain our second advancement."

Thorian's expression hardened with resolve. "And with our newfound strength, we will confront the Sanctuary and reclaim Amelia's tear," he said, a vision of Nox flashing through his mind.

"But my lord," Elder Oom interjected, a note of caution in his voice, "every negotiation has its cost. What did she demand in return?"

Thorian's answer was succinct. "She requested access to our two dungeons."

Elder Oom's eyebrow arched in skepticism. "Is that the full extent of her demands, my lord?"

"She likely believes that by accessing our forests, she can better assess our capabilities," Thorian surmised, locking eyes with Elder Oom. "However, this also provides us an opportunity to monitor her movements, especially with your unique abilities."

"You've anticipated every eventuality, my lord," Elder Oom said with a chuckle of admiration.

Zogarth's brow furrowed in confusion. "Forgive my lack of understanding, my lord, but I do not follow."

“I gave up on that long ago,” Forlune shrugged, indicating his own perplexity.

Thorian exhaled softly. "Now is not the time for lengthy explanations, we are still in the middle of enemy territory. All will be made clear once we return to the village."

The group continued in silence, navigating the corridors. Emerging from the trapdoor, Thorian activated his Predator Gaze and Elemental Sight, scrutinizing their surroundings for any hint of magical presence. Satisfied with the absence of any mana traces, he turned to Elder Oom. "Now, tell me truthfully, how does her strength compare to mine?"

Elder Oom paused, collecting his thoughts before responding. "My lord, your power is unparalleled, a force to be reckoned with." He met Thorian's gaze, a hint of concern in his expression. "However, the sheer magnitude of her dark powers is overwhelming. In certain conditions, her abilities might even surpass yours."