Diary of a Dead Wizard

After hearing Sander’s description of the Soul-Fixing Needle, Saul’s first reaction before surprise could surge up was disbelief.

“You… could possess such a powerful magical artifact?”

Saul had never heard of a Soul-Fixing Needle. But this didn’t prevent him from understanding how powerful this magical artifact was.

In the wizard world, the leading cause of death was war, and the second highest was pollution!

Various forms of pollution affected wizards’ bodies and soul bodies.

Some wizards might suffer torment from pollution, dying through painful mutation.

Others showed no reaction at all, then suddenly underwent mutation, directly transforming into monsters, killing others or being killed by others.

And sometimes pollution mutation was more dangerous than death.

Because for high-rank wizards, death could still be reversed, but mutation… was truly mutation.

But how could such a thing end up in the hands of Sander, an ordinary person?

It was different from the Chaos Realm Compass. Without key components, the Chaos Realm Compass showed almost no abnormalities and would only be considered an antique pocket watch with collectible value.

But Sander knew the Soul-Fixing Needle’s function precisely.

Seeing Saul’s suspicious gaze, Sander swallowed nervously. “Actually, this artifact isn’t currently in my possession.”

Ah, empty promises!

Saul believed Sander wouldn’t dare deceive him. He crossed his arms and waited for Sander’s explanation.

“Actually, I’ve known about the Soul-Fixing Needle since childhood. But back then I didn’t know its abilities or name. Father only told me that if the family reached a critical moment where it couldn’t continue, this Soul-Fixing Needle could be used to fight for a chance at survival.”

“This secret could only be known by the direct eldest son of the royal family. Now, I’m the only one who knows.”

“But currently the Soul-Fixing Needle isn’t in your hands, right?” Saul asked.

“Correct. Many powerful magical artifacts from ancient times share a common trait—until you know the correct method of use, even if the magical artifact is right in front of you, you might only treat it as an ordinary object.”

“Skip these explanations and tell me directly where the item is. I need to first confirm the Soul-Fixing Needle exists before I can consider any subsequent trade.”

Sander froze, clenching his hands together until his knuckles turned white.

Seeing Sander like this, Saul knew he was struggling, afraid that Saul would abandon their trade after obtaining the Soul-Fixing Needle, or even directly betray him.

But at the same time, Sander understood he had no one else to turn to for help.

He didn’t trust a single wizard from the Tribunal.

And apart from the Tribunal, he couldn’t meet any other wizards.

Saul was the first “outsider” Sander had met since being brought back to the Evernight Royal Palace.

A butterfly flew from Sander’s left eye to his right eye, then disappeared behind his eye socket.

Sander suddenly looked up. “Fine! I’ll tell you the Soul-Fixing Needle’s location, and at the same time, I’m also entrusting both mine and Mido’s lives to you!”

Sander stepped forward, leaned close to Saul’s ear, and spoke several sentences in an extremely low voice.

Saul was startled, looking at Sander. “How could it be there?”

Sander smiled bitterly. “Who made him the only person on Nephret Continent who can contend with the Tribunal Chief? Moreover, he doesn’t know that thing is the Soul-Fixing Needle—he only thinks it’s money and treasure we prepared as a backup plan. Someone of his level naturally looks down on our treasures and isn’t afraid of him embezzling them.”

Saul pondered for a moment, then chuckled softly. “Placing it there is indeed safe, but I still need to confirm that what you placed with him is the Soul-Fixing Needle.”

“No problem.” Sander nodded. “I have a way to make him come here soon and retrieve the Soul-Fixing Needle. You can help Mido resurrect after obtaining the Soul-Fixing Needle.”

Sander’s sincerity was already very sufficient—he was basically telling Saul he could take payment first and work later.

Of course, he had no other choice but to trust Saul.

Saul was satisfied.

But to ensure the trade wouldn’t have subjective problems, he still needed to add a layer of protection.

“Good, I’ll help your sister Mido resurrect. In exchange, you must do everything possible to help me obtain the Soul-Fixing Needle. If you agree, our deal is concluded.”

Sander finally relaxed slightly, showing a genuine smile. “Thank you, Lord Saul.”

“I’ll take the chest first. Mido’s soul is still helpful to you, so she can continue staying in your body. When I need her, I’ll take her away.”

Sander nodded readily.

Since he’d chosen to trust Saul and already reached an agreement, he didn’t want to appear hesitant and indecisive, lest it displease the other party.

“I also need your blood.”

“No problem.”

“And mermaid royal bloodline—can you obtain it?”

Mermaid royal bloodline stocks were very limited. Alfonso might not hand it over to Saul for experimental operations.

Moreover, Saul didn’t want the Tribunal’s people to know about the experiments he was doing to resurrect Mido.

Sander frowned, smiling bitterly. “I can’t access that either… It’s important material for creating new royalty. They’re also afraid I’ll sabotage it.”

If he couldn’t obtain mermaid royal bloodline, some of Saul’s ideas couldn’t be tested.

Saul stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Should I steal it? Stealing is easy, but how do I clear myself of suspicion afterward? I still need to conduct experiments later.”

Sander didn’t know what Saul wanted the mermaid royal bloodline for, thinking it was useful for resurrecting Mido, and was also racking his brains.

Finally, he thought of a plan that might or might not work.

“Lord Saul, have you seen atavistic mermaids?”

“I’ve seen one.”

“Atavistic mermaids are actually mermaids whose weak mermaid royal bloodline has awakened. Though the bloodline in their bodies is thin, if we could find several more, we might be able to extract sufficient amounts of mermaid royal bloodline.”

Saying this, Sander steeled his heart and said through gritted teeth, “I know of one atavistic mermaid with the richest bloodline—she’s right in this palace, in the deepest room!”

Sander needed a surface heir to ensure he wouldn’t become the next emperor’s celebratory wine.

For this, even sacrificing the mermaid princess he had some fondness for was acceptable.

He didn’t want to die, and couldn’t die.

As long as Mido became his heir and the royal bloodline had someone to inherit it, he could remove the shackles on himself and escape his puppet emperor identity.

If operated properly, he might even return to Evernight’s political center!

In Sander’s respectfully expressed face, Saul saw eyes that secretly harbored ambition.

But he said nothing.

Wanting to live, wanting to live well—this was human nature.

Saul used his storage device to collect the chest containing Mido’s remains, then said, “You stay here and rest well. I’ll go see that atavistic mermaid you mentioned.”

After speaking, he turned and left this small but life-filled room.

Returning to the dim palace outside, passing through three ornate gates and crossing two spacious palace halls, Saul finally reached the last room.

He pushed open the final door and immediately saw the wall opposite.

It wasn’t a wall, but a huge glass house filled with water.

A mermaid with a cyan tail was pressed against the glass, making eye contact with Saul.

Her pearl-colored hair and pearl-colored eyes were like the most beautiful pearls in a shell.

Even more beautiful than that mermaid called Coral, Saul thought.

Suddenly, a voice sounded behind him. “Lord Saul, why are you here?”

Saul turned around and saw Alfonso, who had just teleported over.

(End of Chapter)