Chapter 87

Augustus said, "First, regarding the battle just now, I merely launched the least efficient attack within the permissions allowed by the System and according to the rules, so strictly speaking, it does not count as holding back."

"Of course, I was indeed seeking death."

Hearing this, Jiang Li couldn't help but ask, "You are the first high-intelligence being I have encountered. Do all high-intelligence monsters... seek death with a single heart?"

"Of course not."

Augustus shook his head:

"Most monsters are directly generated by the System, with low strength and no intelligence to speak of. They are like puppets and robots, acting only according to original and pre-set rules, and even after death, countless more can be generated."

"But a small portion of monsters are different."

"Before becoming monsters, these creatures were free beings with real lives. They might possess immense strength or extremely high intelligence, and all possess a unique trait, thus they are also called Special or Unique Monsters."

"Like you, for instance?" Jiang Li asked.

"Hmm..." Augustus nodded lightly.

"Once a Unique Monster is defeated, it vanishes completely. Therefore, most Unique Monsters fight with all their might, after all... for them, even scraping by is living."

Jiang Li fell silent for a moment.

This was the first time he had heard or encountered such information.

So... monsters are not all generated by the System; some are forced into it.

"As for the origin of such monsters."

"Without exception, they are all creatures that previously committed unforgivable sins."

"I myself have done many wrong things."

"That is why I was captured by the System and imprisoned in the Bone Castle to exist as a boss."

Augustus continued.

"I have been imprisoned for hundreds of years."

"I have long desired release."

"But all this time, no adventurer with sufficient strength has ever arrived."

"Even though I disregarded the System's warnings multiple times and suppressed my power to the absolute minimum, no one could still defeat me. The Bone Dragon... was beyond their specifications, until... your appearance."

After Augustus finished speaking.

Jiang Li then said, "Then what is the true reason you desire death? As a Lich, you originally pursued immortality. Now suddenly seeking death, what caused this change?"

"You are indeed very wise."

Augustus's eyes showed appreciation. "The true reason is... I wish to entrust you with a matter."

Seeing the sincerity in Augustus's eyes.

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment.

He still said, "Tell me what the request is first, because I may not be able to fulfill it..."

"It doesn't matter whether you can do it or not... because you are my last hope," Augustus shook his head. A trace of carefree ease was on his face, but faintly, bitterness could also be seen.

He extended a hand and pushed.

A necklace shimmering with starlight immediately materialized and floated toward Jiang Li.

"This is..."

Jiang Li instinctively cast the Detection Spell.

He instantly obtained the necklace's detailed information, which made him widen his eyes slightly...

【Equipment: Augustus's Life-Return Pendant】

【Level: Lv. 1 Equipable!】

【Quality: Special!】

【Description: A pendant possessing life force, crafted by a Lich proficient in the Dao of Death. It holds incredible power, capable of lifting the Curse of Death. It is a product of miracles, containing Augustus's final hope.】

"Life-Return Pendant..."

"A Lich... life force?!"

Jiang Li was utterly astonished.

A Lich who mastered necromancy and the Dao of Death... actually crafted a pendant of life force?

This is simply absurd!

Life force and death force are inherently two powers that are as incompatible as water and fire.

Not to mention that the current Augustus is a Lich... For a Lich, life force is absolutely one of the most deadly poisons; even touching a tiny bit carries the risk of falling.

"This pendant... is the reason I fell into becoming a Lich."

As if sensing the curiosity in Jiang Li's heart, Augustus spoke up voluntarily.

"For certain reasons, I needed to save an Elf, and the method to save her was to gather all of my own life force... When I was young, I had some opportunities that caused my life force to contain certain effects of suppressing curses and purification."

"Thus, I thought of this method... to become an undead creature myself, and then entrust the life force within the pendant."

Hearing this, Jiang Li silently clicked his tongue in amazement.

Just who exactly did this Augustus want to save?

Sacrificing himself was one thing, but he even fell into becoming an undead creature.

This is the race that Elves despise the most...