Overlord: Start from the Goblin Lair.

Chapter 398 The Devil's Contract

Gracia snapped her fingers, and the world in Ron's eyes suddenly became colorful. Everything in the darkness was so clear that even if he stood on the castle, he could still notice the situation in the village in the distance.

Under the moonlight, in the darkness, layer after layer of red fungal blankets stretched out their bodies like some indescribable monsters. One after another, creatures covered with spores all over their bodies were busy, as if they were building their own homes.

"Building homes? You're overestimating them. Look carefully."

These creatures were very primitive, and they didn't use any sophisticated tools. The so-called home building was actually just a replica of those dilapidated houses. Ron noticed that a log covered with red fungi was placed on top of the "house" in a proper manner, but the next second, those creatures with spore clusters cut off a section of the log without hesitation, making it exactly the same as the wooden house next to it with eight leaks!
"Spore people rarely carry out construction and manufacturing work. Any tools they have are obtained from other creatures, or are built by copying simple structures they have witnessed." Gracia snorted lightly, "You should have found a way to solve the source of those red molds after you brought them back, instead of dragging it on until now."

"But Gillianis said that their space for movement is quite limited. Anastasia also mentioned this..." Ron frowned. "Why did they suddenly come here? Aren't they afraid of the sun?"

Spore people are not afraid of sunlight, but fusarium cannot survive under sunlight, and fusarium is one of the necessary conditions for the production of spore people. So normally, spore people will hardly leave the area where fusarium grows, and will not appear in such an open place.

"Most of the fusariums are still afraid of sunlight, but for some reason, some of them have mutated," Gracia said. "They have mutated into hard shells that allow them to withstand sunlight and protect other fusariums underneath them."

"These mutants have lost their toxins and parasitic abilities, and are no longer afraid of sunlight, alcohol, and salt. Under their protection, the living space of the fusarium has been further expanded. If you don't curb them, I'm afraid the entire Delusion Land will become their world."

"Of course, it could be worse."

Ron choked his teeth at Gracia's explanation. These fungi, which were supposed to be very fragile, were now becoming difficult to deal with. "This doesn't sound like a strategy that fungi should use."

"The creations of the gods are undoubtedly an incomparable power, but the evolution of nature is equally shocking. You should understand this better than I do," the Devil Duke glanced at Ron, "but I know what you mean: this really shouldn't be a normal evolution or mutation. The process is too fast."

"There is probably something behind the scenes that is driving all of this."

"Could it be that dealer?" Ron thought of the black fog in the sky again.

"It's not it," Gracia shook her head, "This kind of thing is useless to it, but maybe it has something to do with it."

"For various reasons, I cannot personally confirm the relationship, but you are not subject to this restriction, so I will reveal this to you and you can decide for yourself."

"Don't worry, I won't sit idly by," Ron said in a deep voice, "This is not in my interest."

"Also, thank you for coming here in person to let me know."

The Devil Duke showed a sly smile on his face: "Just thank you? That's not enough."

"You've also seen that the former losers are showing signs of rising again. Do you really intend to compete with them on your own? The people behind them can't be small."

"what do you mean……"

"You also need a strong helper," Gracia stared into Ron's eyes, "She must have common interests with you, be strong enough to fight against your opponent's backers, and abide by the rules of the game..." Ron narrowed his eyes and took a cautious step back: "An old friend?"

"Or rather, the new owner."

Gracia raised her hand, and the flame drew a parchment of contract full of terms out of thin air in the air, and flew it in front of Ron. When Ron wanted to get closer to take a closer look, a feather pen also appeared out of thin air and fell into his hand.

"Come and serve me," Gracia's voice was full of persuasion. "You are a smart person, with brains and strength. My gold coin army needs fresh blood like you to become stronger, and you will get everything you want in the secular world."

"Unlike Zariel, who treats his contractors as disposable, I prefer long-term cooperation. After all, the father who sits under the eighth-level conspiracy is definitely not someone who can be fought overnight. So you can rest assured that I am much more tolerant and gentle to my subordinates than other archdukes."

"Like you did to Queen Faramar?" Ron sighed. "You could have saved her, but you let her be a hero fragment for so many years?"

"Of course I have my considerations. Look, didn't she gain her freedom in the end?"

"I try not to entrust my life and freedom to others," Ron threw away the quill in his hand, although it was quickly put back into Ron's hand. "Although you have helped us a lot, we are not just asking for things."

"Didn't we save your property from other devils not long ago?"

"Are you talking about that little guy who's not even a high-level devil?" Gracia laughed so hard that her body shook. "Don't be ridiculous! You don't think I can't even deal with him without you!"

"But that will also require you to expend extra energy, won't it?" Ron was not going to give in. "Your attention will not be limited to this world."

"But you didn't do this simply to ruin his plan," Gracia snorted, "Don't forget, Yelena is my person. I know the whole story of your action."

"You are just protecting your own interests."

"Then, isn't it the case that you came here tonight?" Ron asked back, "Allowing these spore people and their masters to integrate the delusion land is certainly not what you want to see!"

"If that's the case, then why should I sign this contract?"

"You!" Gracia's face suddenly darkened, "Ron, you have to think it over!"

"At present, we do have the same interests, but if I find another agent and really re-enter the game, will you still be as tough as you were tonight without anyone to back you up?"

"By that time, I won't have any 'cooperation' with you anymore!"

(End of this chapter)