I Possessed a Game Where I Die If I Don’t Clear the Tower - Chapter 72

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 72. The Reason for the Visit
After finishing my preparations, I headed straight to the Audience Chamber.
It was thanks to Zehar Al Rashid’s foresight—he had anticipated that I would want to see the elf as soon as I woke and had arranged for the two visitors who arrived last night to stay at the Castle.
Even as he worried that I worked too hard, Zehar Al Rashid always did his best to accommodate my workaholic tendencies, which was very much like him.
Thanks to his consideration, I was able to come face-to-face with the elf the moment I stepped through the Audience Chamber doors.
“Lord Camilia.”
Malorik, who had been waiting with the elf, quickly bowed.
I acknowledged his greeting with a nod and took my seat in the Audience Chamber chair.
Then I turned my gaze toward the elf standing beside Malorik.
The elf was remarkably tall, with pale golden hair and eyes the color of fresh spring shoots—a soft teal.
While his head was smaller than a human’s, his arms and legs were exceptionally long.
His skin had a translucent quality reminiscent of marble.
Unlike Netanel Fragma, who showed no trace of his mixed heritage unless you looked at his ears, this elf before me was unmistakably of another race.
Perhaps because of that, I couldn’t get a sense of who he was even after examining his face.
To my eyes, all elves looked the same.
‘Which S-rank adventurer had blonde hair again…?’
While I rifled through my mental list of NPCs and companions, the elf introduced himself in an indifferent tone.
“I am Solandir Rendil.”
I stiffened.
‘This isn’t just any elf.’
Solandir Rendil was the High Elf NPC who guarded the World Tree. Why was he appearing here?
Though bewildered, I couldn’t let it show.
“I am Camilia, Lord of this land.”
As I answered coolly, Solandir’s thin lips curved into a smile—one that was unmistakably tinged with hostility.
“I am aware. What elf would not know of you?”
Zehar Al Rashid’s reaction was immediately sharp.
“Mind your courtesy, Guardian.”
Normally, he would not intervene without my permission, even when someone was being disrespectful.
This was partly out of respect for the Lord’s authority, but mostly because in most cases, such people posed no threat to me whatsoever.
‘But this elf is different, isn’t he?’
It was only natural that Zehar Al Rashid would show such open vigilance. The Guardian of the Forest must harbor a deep grudge against me—or more precisely, against the Lord.
“Why should I show courtesy to a thief? There is only one reason I have come to this cursed land. I have come to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me.”
Solandir Rendil made no attempt to hide his hostility. His gaze, fixed upon both Zehar Al Rashid and me, was glacial.
The Adventurer Guild Master looked on with a pale face, his eyes darting between Solandir Rendil and me.
Unfortunately, I had no time to concern myself with his confusion.
Resolving the immediate crisis before me took priority.
To feign composure, I crossed my legs and spoke.
“It seems you’re searching for something. In that case, let us postpone this audience. Both Malorik and I have pressing matters that demand our attention.”
“No. This cannot be postponed.”
“Is that so? It cannot be postponed, you say?”
I smiled like Solandir, pulling up only one corner of my mouth.
I didn’t know how the Forest Guardian had come all this way, but it was obvious what he was searching for.
He must be talking about the World Tree branch that the Previous Lord had stolen.
‘I’ve already exposed all your weaknesses to me, haven’t I?’
I didn’t play poker carelessly—not when I already knew my opponent’s entire hand.
And I certainly didn’t have the temperament to be dragged around by someone in a situation like this.
“If you wish to leave empty-handed, then Zehar Al Rashid, burn it——”
Before I could finish my threat, Solandir urgently cut me off.
“Wait.”
I rested my chin in my hand and stared at him intently, signaling that I was willing to listen.
The elves of the Dark Tower lacked luck, but they were rational beings. They never did anything that would result in a loss.
They wouldn’t stubbornly cling to pride over a sacred object they absolutely had to recover, no matter what.
“…I have heard of the calamity that has befallen your Territory. If I were to help, would you speak with me?”
Just as I expected, Solandir took a step back.
Instead of answering, I turned my gaze toward Zehar Al Rashid.
Is the World Tree branch still here?
When I asked with my eyes, Zehar Al Rashid hesitated before nodding slightly.
I didn’t need to ask where it was. It was likely in the Previous Lord’s Secret Laboratory.
Opening that place would require effort, but it wasn’t a loss.
‘If I’m lucky, I might even be able to reverse the very hostile reputation I’ve built with the World Tree Kingdom.’
Having finished my calculations, I answered in a cheerful tone.
“Very well. There’s nothing I can’t discuss.”
“We must speak.”
“I am not one who breaks promises. You can rest assured.”
I turned to look at the restless Malorik and spoke.
“You’ve done well, Malorik. You’ve brought quite a remarkable individual. Now let us discuss the Plague Lord in earnest.”
The discussion didn’t take long.
I already had every plan mapped out in my mind.
I explained how many people I needed to requisition from the Adventurer Guild, and what roles Malorik and Solandir would need to play.
Then I asked if they had any better ideas.
Malorik pondered for a moment before nodding.
“You’re right, my lord. The Plague Lord should be faced with a small, elite force. If you provide my people with preventative medicine and cover the cost of disease resistance scrolls, then…”
Perhaps because I had promised generous support, he readily accepted the plan to requisition adventurers.
“Let’s finish this quickly and talk.”
Solandir seemed to find even offering his opinion tedious.
I decided to probe further, just in case.
“While we resolve the Plague Lord matter, you must serve under my command. Will you accept?”
“You mean to make me your subordinate?”
“The chain of command requires a clear hierarchy.”
“….”
Solandir, who had been contemplating, answered.
“That is correct. I accept. Until the calamity is resolved, I shall heed your commands.”
I wondered how this would unfold.
My heart racing with anticipation, an alert suddenly appeared.
[Solandir Rendil has submitted to your command!]
Duration: 2 days
Loyalty: 0/100
Affection: -100/100
‘Oh, it worked!’
I clenched my fist slightly so he wouldn’t notice my excitement.
I also discreetly checked my character window. His level was 7. His class was Spirit Archer. It matched what I already knew.
Even if it was only for two days, being able to add a level 7 spirit mage and archer to my party was worth any amount of negative affection.
The start was excellent.
‘No, wait. I shouldn’t think like this is going too smoothly.’
The last time I thought the Plague Quest would resolve without issues, everything exploded.
I consciously suppressed my rising excitement and commanded Zehar Al Rashid.
“Now that everyone we need has gathered, we must form the party. Go and inform them.”
Mina poured the final herb into the cauldron where the preventative medicine was simmering and cried out joyfully.
“It’s done! Just keep stirring it in this state, and once it cools, we’re finished!”
Since it had been so long since she’d made this, she’d been anxious about failure, but she was relieved it succeeded without incident.
She stirred the medicine with a long wooden spoon and thought.
‘Should I make some other medicines too? Then I might be able to bring up the source of the plague to the Lord.’
The source that the Plague Lord plants to spread disease was one of the most coveted materials for any alchemist.
It could be used to create powerful poisons and to enhance the effects of high-grade alchemical potions.
The problem was that harvesting the source was extremely delicate work. She, as an alchemist, would have to go herself.
‘Would it be okay to ask her to escort a weak alchemist to the source’s center? She’s already doing nothing but consuming food anyway…’
Since she’d done nothing but make a few bottles of potions used when catching the Gold Slime, she felt too awkward to even bring it up.
“Sister Mina, are you lost in thought again?”
“Oh!”
Thanks to Vlad, Mina snapped back to attention and quickly stirred the cauldron with her spoon.
She was grateful, but why was he here?
Mina asked, puzzled.
“Weren’t you training with the knights to counter the Plague Lord? Why are you here?”
“The Lord said to bring you.”
“Huh? Me? Does she want to check on the medicine?”
“No. She said she’s taking you into the Sewers. You need to harvest the plague source.”
“Really?!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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