Chapter 130 Deception
"Stand up straight, don't lie down, these people are not kind." Zhao Mai whispered to Butcher in Golarion common language. "There's an 80% chance that we'll have to fight our way out."
"What's the remaining 20%?" Butcher closed his eyes and listened to the approaching footsteps, trying to gather every ounce of strength he could.
"I don't know either. I hope I can tell you a way." Zhao Mai took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. With the force of nature around him and the Megalodon in his hand, this is his last resort.
The group of people gathered around and blocked Zhao Mai in a semicircle. They all covered their faces with turbans, revealing only a pair of fierce and greedy eyes, like wolves hunting in the dark. Their bodies were tightly wrapped in white robes, and it was unclear whether they were wearing armor or hiding any weapons. Zhao Mai slowly took the Megalodon musket from behind. The all-metal weapon made everyone gasp.
The planet Athas is extremely metal-poor - although this was not the case in the past. Due to the consumption of resources and the abuse of magic, coupled with the impact of multiple genocidal wars, there are currently only a handful of mines in Atas that can still produce copper and iron, so metal products are in short supply. Scarcity meant expense, with a dagger costing about the same as a fine slave. And a weapon made entirely of metal like the Megalodon was worth tens of thousands.
Several men in white robes took a step forward, but when one of them suddenly raised his hand, they stopped. The grandpa felt a little tormented in his heart. The lava of greed and the iceberg of fear collided together, and the rising steam pushed his mind around. Full-metal weapons mean great wealth, but they also mean great power. Only the Witch King can bestow the steel sword, and high-level templars can equip it. Such an exquisite metal spear could only have been made and bestowed by the Witch King himself.
The Witch King's magic power is incredible. As long as he wants to investigate, he will definitely find the truth. Killing the person in front of you to seize weapons is not easy to get rid of, and you may encounter endless wanted and pursuit, which may not be worth the gain. But "Grandpa" knows very well that the greatest danger comes from within. Internal strife and rebellion will be the greatest possibilities brought by this wealth, so...
"Listen, these are distinguished guests and we must treat them well." He immediately restrained his men.
"It seems that you are in charge." As long as someone speaks, Zhao Mai can use the language function opened with the destiny gold coin to immediately understand the other person's meaning and speak the other person's language. "How far is it from Tire City?"
His words were very standard, and he sounded absolutely well-educated, and must have very close connections with the Holy Church and the Witch King. "Grandpa's" judgment became more and more biased, but he thought he had discovered the truth. "Are you asking about the city of Tire, the Witch King of Karak?"
Damn it, what era is it now? Zhao Mai guessed the location, but couldn't grasp the time. Moreover, one of the biggest events in the history of the planet Athas was the death of the Witch King Karak, who was killed by a group of rebellious slaves during the dragon transformation process, and then Tyr became the only one to free all the slaves. city-state. Other important events either happened a long time ago before the desert was formed, or Zhao Mai can't remember them clearly. After all, as a fan of fantasy novels and a convener of role-playing games, no matter how good Zhao Mai's memory is, it can't compare to the Internet.
The death of the Witch-King opened a new page in the history of Athas, just like Genesis to Christianity, before and after were completely different things. But Zhao Mai didn't know whether he was in front of this page or behind this page.
The wrong answer will bring clear consequences, that is, it will slide from a "20%" peace to an "80%" war. There is only one solution to the current predicament. Zhao Mai snorted and said with a dissatisfied tone: "This is not my problem just now."
"This is Mount Megilot, on the side of the Great Tusk Plain, quite far away from the city of Tire. The nearest city is the city of Nibenai, ruled by the Witch King Nibenai."
Zhao Mai didn't know whether he was right or not, so he could neither object nor agree. After being silent for a while, pretending to be thinking, Zhao Mai said, "Take me to your place, I want to enjoy the shade."
"Grandpa" put his hand on the handle of the stone hammer and rubbed it thoughtfully. He was thinking about a possibility: kill these two people, steal other relatively worthless things, and leave the hot metal spear here. How about this method? Maybe we can spread some rumors in Yancheng Town and let the stupid scavengers and inexperienced novices take the blame.
"This is a reward for you." Zhao Mai groaned from his chest, and then threw a silver coin over.
The texture of metal is as cold as a desert night. Unlike steel, although gold and silver are valuable, they cannot be made into qualified weapons, so their value is limited. But it is metal after all, and it is at least more valuable than bone coins and teeth. "Grandpa" still feels that he has been insulted, but dignity is not valuable, and his efforts now may be rewarded in the future. He comforted himself in this way while getting out of the way.
"You go first." Zhao Mai insisted.
Silent messages spread among the white-robed thieves, through a few glances and a few small movements. Although the uncle's current request is to observe, receive and be vigilant, it may turn into a "take action" signal at any time. Their movements are hidden, and only they know the meaning of the gestures, but Zhao Mai can feel the atmosphere around him. The natural force in these people didn't want him to get close, like poisonous snakes standing up, threatening to stick out their tongues and expose their fangs. If just a few words don't seem to scare them, then you have to add more fuel to the fire.
Zhao Mai used his mobile phone, selected "BGM", picked a rock song that could wake people up from their sleep, and then used ambient sound effects to slowly increase the volume.
The sonorous accent suddenly roared in the ears, and all the people in white robes were startled, and they all ducked down and looked around. Drums, horns, maracas, and completely incomprehensible, mantra-like words filled my head.
Butcher was also startled and swayed. But he remembered that he must not show any timidity, so he puffed up his chest and stood up straight.
The grandfather drew out the stone hammer and was about to launch an attack, but unexpectedly saw Zhao Mai's back turned to him. He raised his arms flat, with his palms facing the sea of sand, making a "forbidden" gesture.
The sound of the speakers is getting louder and louder, and the strong rhythm makes people want to twist their bodies along with it. Could this be some kind of powerful psychic ability? Why didn't it touch the mental protection in the brain? Athas has been desolated, leaving only blood and sand. Music and art have long since disappeared from the lives of civilians and have become luxuries that can only be enjoyed by rulers. How can boring tunes and simple rhythms be a match for modern rock that strives for excellence?
Everyone became excited and nervous, but with a hint of anticipation. A strong wind blew in the desert, and a small sandstorm was approaching. Zhao Mai shouted loudly and ordered the "unspeakable things" in the desert to go back to their lair immediately, otherwise he will bring death with him!
Then, the deafening sound became weaker and weaker, disappearing into the sky amidst everyone's regret. Zhao Mai also pretended to put down his hands and swayed, as if he was a little out of strength.
"Then...what is that?" Someone asked bravely.
"Dragon." Zhao Mai said deceptively, "She wants to get her treasure back. Do you want to help her? Try to see if she will give you a reward?"
"No, no need..."