บท 217: Returning to The Sacred Lands Again

His words were somehow a promise of help rather than a threat, but I wasn't sure if I could let go of this artifact with only a shade of promise.

"If you want that artifact, then you must give me a better offer."

I needed more than a promise, however I didn't know what true potential this place held, so I vaguely asked for another price, without naming it.

"Hmm, you don't want my help?" the voice asked after some time.

"I want, but it alone isn't enough," I said, "you see, to give you the artifact with clear conscience, you need to give me something higher than the other rival of yours would offer."

"Are you trying to blackmail me?" the voice calmly, yet stressfully asked.

"No, I'm just bargaining with you," I didn't flinch as I replied in a calmer way than him. I wasn't the one in need for the artifact, and I wasn't the one who had a strong rival to that.