Li De took a deep breath, his thoughts slowly returning to the right track.

The biggest issue now was to confirm the authenticity and reliability of the mithril vein, and to verify the strength of the Beastmen.

It could be said that all the information in this report was vague and unclear. If one were to mobilize troops and start a war based solely on this news, it would undoubtedly be a foolish act.

If what Laurent had spoken of was something else, like a dragon's treasure, for instance, Li De might not have even bothered to pay much attention.

But it was mithril. Mithril!

And a whole vein of it at that.

If this information was real, then no matter the price, it would be worth it.

The temptation was simply too great.

There were many rare and precious metals in Glory, but mithril always ranked among the top three.

Mages could use mithril to create magic scrolls, draw magic arrays, and even concoct magic potions.

Warriors could use mithril to forge armor, craft weapons, and build shields.

Mithril possessed powerful and mysterious properties. Any weapon or equipment infused with mithril would see a massive boost in sharpness and durability, and would also carry strong magic resistance.

As long as there was enough mithril ore, Li De could more than double the combat strength of Dawn City’s army.

That’s how dominant it was.

Just how much can a good sword improve a warrior’s power? What about a good shield? Or a fine set of armor? Or a mage’s robe that could accelerate magic recovery or even enhance mana?

The abilities this magical metal offered were simply too outstanding. No amount of praise would be excessive.

So although the news Li De heard from Laurent was vague and uncertain, it was enough to stir his heart.

It was like someone telling him that in a cave by the edge of a cliff was an unhatched dragon egg, and if you went in and incubated it, the dragon that hatched would be yours.

No matter how vague or uncertain the message, as long as there was even a sliver of a chance, 99% of people would go into that cave for a look.

Even if it was likely false, what if…what if it was real?

Who could resist such temptation?

In the western district of Green City, within a spacious and luxurious noble estate, over a hundred spirited professionals patrolled the grounds with high alertness written all over their faces.

With the Dark Pact reestablishing its foothold in the western district, many gang members who had been hunted down like stray dogs once again found protection.

The power of the Dark Pact was once again expanding.

While it hadn’t yet reached the heyday under Viscount Bernard, it was enough to crush most ordinary underground organizations.

When Li De, exuding a chilling aura, entered the estate with Betty, who wore a black mask, they immediately drew the attention of the Dark Pact’s members.

A few newcomers had initially wanted to step forward and stop them, but several older members who had seen Li De before quickly stopped them, their expressions deeply respectful as they watched the two stride directly into the backyard.

Hun Yuan, Thunderhands, and Cheng Kun, three smug players who had risen to squad leader status, just happened to witness this scene and couldn’t help but grow curious.

With that kind of presence, he totally looked like a big boss.

“Lord Draco, who is that?” one asked.

A look of reverence appeared on Draco’s face, his tone filled with pride. “Hun Yuan, that is the true master of the Dark Pact, Majestic Iro, also the Vice President of Demon Heart. He is our protector.”

The three were stunned by the title and turned to look again, but unfortunately, Li De’s figure had already disappeared from view.

In the most luxurious room of the estate’s backyard. 

“Majestic Iro.”

“Majestic Iro.”

Upon seeing Li De, Grote and Stanley bowed with hands on their chests in unison, faithfully following Li De’s instructions. In the Dark Pact, there was only Iro.

Li De, baring his fangs and cloaked in a dark aura, was completely different from the Li De of the Crimson Mage Tower.

His appearance as a vampire was far more mysterious. Though the two shared some similarities, their auras were vastly different, making it impossible for anyone to connect them as the same person.

Li De was even confident that not even Vina would necessarily be able to link the two identities.

“Hm. I’m here today for something very important. We’ve heard news of a mithril vein.”

Hiss~ 

Stanley and Grote exchanged glances, their faces filled with shock.

Mithril? And a vein of it??

“Your Majesty, is this true? That’s astonishing news,” Stanley couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

Li De nodded and recounted Laurent’s report to the two, then immediately began issuing orders.

“Stanley, take some men and go here. Bring back the dwarf staying in the inn, remember, don’t alert anyone.”

Li De handed Stanley the address written by Laurent, a cold sharpness in his eyes.

“I can’t confirm whether this dwarf who contacted Laurent is the only one.

Or perhaps he’s just a decoy put out in the open, while other dwarves operate from the shadows.

So you must mobilize our forces to secretly seal off this entire area and thoroughly investigate if any other dwarves are present.

If you find any dwarves, no matter who they are, bring them all back.”

Then he glanced at Betty, who stood behind him wearing her mask. “Betty, assist Stanley. That dwarf is very likely a decoy pushed forward by the dwarves. There may be more dwarves lurking in the shadows.

Bring them all back, don’t let a single one slip through.”

“As you wish, my master.” Hearing that a battle was likely ahead, Betty instantly grew excited, and for once responded aloud to Li De.

A contemplative look flashed in Li De’s eyes. The truth was, he had very little information. He didn’t even fully trust the details passed to him by Laurent.

Not because Laurent was disloyal, but because there was no way to know if the dwarves had deceived Laurent.

So he had to use the most straightforward method, simply bring back all the dwarves in that area.

As one of the three giants of Green City’s  underworld, even though they had taken a heavy blow before, the foundation was still there, this kind of task was child’s play.

“Stanley, act carefully. This matter is of great importance. I need you to mobilize all the forces at your disposal and make sure this is done silently.”

Li De’s serious expression made Stanley fully understand the gravity of the situation. He nodded resolutely.

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

He then turned and left. Betty followed close behind, carrying her greatsword.