If Locke had only been an ordinary Demigod, Oakes admitted to himself that he might have risked being hunted by the Fiend Castle and killed Locke to escape the debt.
But he had learned from Gaspar and Korst that Locke was a Three-Star Fiend…
Better to think about how to repay the 150,000 inkstones.
If the tribe could save a few hundred inkstones every century, then in ten million years… they could manage it.
The thought made Oakes feel as if his future had turned pitch black.
"Lord Locke, please rest assured. I will compensate you for the difference in the amethyst crystals."
"It's just that… given my limited ability, it may take ten million years to repay everything."
Even as he spoke, Oakes felt embarrassed.
"Oh?"
Locke looked up at him.
From those words alone, Locke knew that Oakes hadn't yet realized the changes within himself.
"You intend to repay my loss?"
"Yes, my lord."
Oakes lowered his posture completely.
Not only because of Locke's strength—but because Locke had saved his life.
"The repayment may take a long time… but I promise that within ten million years, I will return at least 150,000 inkstones."
"I see."
Locke stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Oakes had already completed his soul mutation. From the respect shown by the two Demigods and the beautiful woman earlier, it was clear he was someone who valued loyalty and relationships.
And wasn't Locke planning to build a new force once he eventually abandoned the Fiend Castle?
After soul mutation, Oakes' affinity for Laws would rise significantly. His natural talent had already improved.
Even if he never mastered Law fusion and merely refined godheads to reach Highgod level, his fused divine power alone would grant him at least Four-Star Fiend strength.
Such potential was worth cultivating.
"Oakes."
Locke met his gaze.
"Rather than carrying a debt that would burden you for ten million years… have you considered another option?"
"Ah?"
Oakes startled, fearing that Locke had sensed his earlier fleeting murderous thought.
But what Locke said next felt unreal.
"You could pledge allegiance to me."
Seeing that Oakes remained silent, Locke continued calmly.
"Let me clarify the terms."
"If you swear loyalty, the amethyst crystal cost will no longer be your burden. Not only that—I will do everything in my power to cultivate you."
"If you reach Midgod level, I will grant your two brothers a Midgod godhead each, matching their attributes."
"If you reach Highgod level, I will grant them Highgod godheads."
"Well?"
"…This…"
Oakes was stunned.
Not because the offer was bad.
Because it was too good.
So good that he felt unworthy.
"Haha… Lord Locke, surely you're joking. How could I deserve such investment?"
"Perhaps in others' eyes, you are not worth it," Locke replied calmly. "But in mine, you are."
"Why else would I spend ten amethyst crystals to save you?"
"Of course, if you refuse, you may still repay over ten million years. I require true loyalty—not forced servitude."
"Lord Locke—I am willing."
The moment Oakes confirmed that Locke was sincere, he pledged without hesitation.
He had wandered Hell for over a hundred thousand years as a Demigod.
His path had been bitter.
He had arrived in Hell at the peak Saint level and been assigned to the Blackstone Tribe.
Within ten years, aided by Hell's environment, he comprehended the final fragment of Law and ascended.
Because he also possessed fire affinity, he chose external godhood.
That decision marked the beginning of hardship.
Though he became one of the tribe's guardians, the payment was one inkstone per thousand years.
Nowhere near enough to purchase soul-recovery treasures.
His weakened soul had stalled his cultivation.
Later, when the tribe's former leader and two Demigods were ambushed and killed during a city trip, Oakes alone remained.
The tribe had saved 300 inkstones at the time.
He could have kept them—but instead, he secretly purchased two Demigodheads, allowing two compatible Saints to refine them.
That act stabilized the tribe.
Ever since, the tribe had revered him.
When he was gravely injured, they had spent ten thousand years' savings to post a Fiend mission.
He had once considered joining a greater force.
But to them, a Demigod who had stagnated for over a hundred thousand years was talentless.
And they would not shoulder the burden of thousands of Saints for him.
But now—
Lord Locke offered cultivation, opportunity, and protection.
Only a fool would refuse.
With his soul now restored, Oakes felt confident he could comprehend another Profound Mystery within ten thousand years and break through to Midgod.
And when that happened—
Gaspar and Korst would become Midgods too.
The Blackstone Tribe would rise as the strongest in the region.
"Excellent."
Locke smiled faintly.
He flipped his hand. Three black godheads appeared.
"Since you are now my subordinate…"
"I noticed your wife has Wind affinity. Consider these a gift."
"If she refines these three sequentially, she will become a Highgod."
"Of course—you understand the drawbacks of refining godheads. The decision is yours."
He tossed them casually.
Oakes scrambled to catch them.
"Lord Locke…"
The Law aura radiating from the three Wind godheads nearly overwhelmed him.
He hadn't expected this—an additional gift beyond the promise.
And chosen specifically for Yagonia.
Yagonia—the former chief's daughter, and his wife of many years.
Overcome, Oakes knelt and kowtowed three times.
With these godheads, Yagonia would become a Highgod.
Even if he risked his life for Locke, her safety would be assured.
"From this day forward, my life is yours."
"Enough," Locke waved dismissively. "Spare me the dramatics."
"Settle your tribe's affairs. You'll be spending most of your time training under me."
"Yes, my lord."
In the castle hall, Gaspar and Korst were ecstatic.
"No debt? And godheads in the future too?"
But Yagonia looked worried.
"Oakes… the reward is generous. But trading your freedom…"
Oakes laughed heartily.
"Don't worry. A powerhouse like Lord Locke doesn't value my current strength."
"He wants me to train by his side."
"And you three must manage the tribe well."
They eventually accepted it.
Gaspar and Korst hoped for advancement.
Yagonia hoped her husband would grow strong enough to stand safely beside such a figure.
And as for Locke—
He had taken the first step in assembling a new foundation for the future.
⭐ Enjoying the story?
You can read ahead and support the translations by joining my Patreon! Your support helps me update faster and take on more projects. Thank you for reading!
Read up to 50 chapters ahead!
patreon.com/AminaSims
Next Bonus Chapter at 250 powerstones.