Chapter 172: Consultation

"Moreover, we discovered this—【Brittley's Ceramic Plate】, a magical disc composed of spells, used to store magical items; smashing it releases its contents. I checked it—the inside likely contains the pathogens of a plague mage."

Luo De: "I'd heard the Ruins Brotherhood recruited a plague mage. It seems they brought him in too."

The witch Dimia gripped her head in frustration: "Worse still, I found this in Sharon's recovery cottage. The magical doll at the door was destroyed—meaning the plague mage has targeted her."

That place is also close to the forest.

Luo De frowned slightly.

There are many injured in the forest now.

Especially Zombie Selina and the orc Amy.

The former suffered severe injuries and complete mana depletion; she's still alive solely thanks to the zombie's 【Undying Body】.

After Carlist's treatment, she regained consciousness in the evening, but lay listless as a corpse.

She couldn't even speak.

The latter used 【Rage】 three times in succession—immense strain on her body. Once her guard dropped during the day, she collapsed into total unconsciousness.

Fortunately, the ghoul Pan Ni, serving as the forest's first line of defense, hasn't had major issues.

Luo De: "Has Sharon been alright?"

Dimia: "Fortunately, yes. She told me a free mage named Sivell passed by and drove off the intruding plague mage."

"There are free mages in Shiying Town?"

"As far as I know, none. But now the situation in Dusk Hill and Coral Bay has grown complicated. Many bards have come sniffing out major events—perhaps one or two of them are skilled free mages. In any case, most of Sharon's plague has been cured. I plan to bring her back to town."

As a friend, Luo De had to warn: "Are you sure you can handle it? Sharon's been targeted, and recent events haven't let up. If you lose control again like during the Maze Insertion Ritual, no one will save you."

Last time, the elf Carlist had suggested giving this witch, who struggles with emotional regulation, an outlet.

Where's the outlet for writing porn novels? Luo De truly didn't know.

Dimia's baby-fat cheeks flushed slightly.

"That was an accident."

"Carlist gave you advice—find your own outlet."

"My outlet is writing... writing novels. I've gathered plenty of material and outlined everything. I'm not anxious at all anymore!"

Luo De shrugged: "Hope so. As one of the few who know you're a porn author, if you need advice or references, feel free to ask me."

Dimia opened her mouth but fell silent: "Hmm..."

Luo De chuckled: "You really do have something?"

"A small question—I wanted to ask before, but never got the chance."

"Go ahead."

The witch cleared her throat, covering her blushing face with her hand.

"It's just... just that the Hero Ophir will soon face a succubus and plans to keep her by his side. I want to ask... what's it like... with a succubus?"

Luo De frowned: "Isn't Ophir's partner always human?"

"As the hero's adventures deepen, Ophir must confront all kinds of enemies."

Luo De nodded.

He began describing the many advantages of succubi—including, but not limited to, techniques for using various orifices, how their fickle, cunning nature enhances pleasure, and the uses of innate spiritual arts: 【Shadow Magic】 for contraception, 【Shapechanging】 for applying all human-developed positions, 【Charming Fluids】 forcing erection, 【Essence Drain】 creating overwhelming suction, and so on.

Dimia's face turned bright pink.

She listened, taking notes furiously.

When finished, she asked:

"How do you maintain your physical strength while keeping a succubus? Physical strength does help restore essence, but beyond a certain point, it's limited. Under endless 【Essence Drain】, even a high-rank mage risks collapse."

Luo De obviously couldn't tell her about his enslavement allowing skill sharing.

So he said: "Maybe it's talent. I've never experienced exhaustion."

"Never?!"

Dimia stared, dumbfounded.

She instinctively looked at him.

Dimia was an inexperienced girl; all her knowledge came from books and newspapers.

But she knew the value of enduring without faltering.

I wouldn't even dare write this in my novels—you're exaggerating in real life?

Luo De noticed her gaze staring openly.

He, in turn, felt slightly embarrassed.

Don't misjudge me—I may be promiscuous, but I rarely think of friends that way.

He subtly clenched his thighs.

Dimia snapped back to reality.

Her face flushed crimson with embarrassment; she looked wildly around the ceiling.

A knock at the office door broke the awkwardness.

With Dimia's trembling voice calling, "Come in,"

the old turtle-man Hen'er

the gentlemanly Humbert entered gracefully, leaning on his cane.

After the banquet, his grave illness vanished instantly; even after the chaos with the seventh-rank demon and the fey, he remained unharmed.

After the other two committee members fell ill, he took over entirely, directing rescue operations.

"Mr. Luo De!"

He stepped forward, gripping Luo De's hand tightly, eyes glistening: "Thank you again, and your companions, for everything you've done for Shiying Town. We'll never forget it."

Luo De waved him off, dismissing the formalities.

He smiled instead: "How's it going with you and your stepdaughter?"

After the banquet, he'd returned his stepdaughter Tobeca to the gentleman.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Luo De. Tobeca is doing well."

"She clearly suffered in Coral Bay. Just bring her back."

Coral Bay's port nature meant high costs; her husband was merely a dockworker—he couldn't support them, which led to her having sold herself.

Humbert: "I spoke with her, but she refuses to leave that man—even though he forced her into brothels."

Then there's nothing to be done.

Love-struck fools always end up waiting for death.

Luo De shook his head.

The gentleman sighed: "So I suggested she come with him—I'll support them both."

Well then.

Though improper, watching your beloved stepdaughter return with her man clinging to her—you're a damn love-struck fool too.

Luo De didn't want to discuss this miserable matter further.

He changed subject: "What's the situation in Stormwind City? Arger's descendants turning into demonkind isn't trivial—and the transformation seems to have taken a long time. What's their response?"

"I came precisely for this. A magic pigeon from Stormwind brought a letter—they claim they'll send representatives soon to negotiate with Shiying Town regarding Coral Bay."

(End of Chapter)