Chapter 173 - Terraforming the Abyss (2/2)
Baal smiled. He knew what Zero was going after now.
”These new mana generating flowers will change everything in the abyss. Think about the possibilities. The Abyss was once on the same plane as Heaven. You should know what Heaven is sorely lacking in. however, the same cannot be said about the Abyss. While Heaven exchanges their holy magic for mana from the material plane, it is undeniable that there is a severe shortage of raw materials. The material plane is unable to produce magical plants as easily as the enlightened plane.”
Uriel's eyes sparkled with something akin to respect. ”I understand now. We will not challenge with the Abyss for the mana generating flowers. However, in exchange, please give us a favourable price for the raw materials that the Abyss exports.”
Michael was stunned. ”Uriel!” he roared, furious at the betrayal. Why did Uriel give their advantage away?
”Stop, Michael,” Gabriel commanded. The moment Uriel made his decision, the messenger knew what was going to happen. As the spokesperson of Heaven, the final decision lied with him as so did the responsibilities.
”Let's hear them out first,” he told the hot-headed archangel. Reluctantly, the warrior backed down.
”They have us where they want us to be,” Uriel admitted. ”I couldn't see it coming before because there was some interference with the vision. However, I don't need to see the future to know which is more beneficial for us. At the moment, Heaven faces two major crisis. The first is the lack of faith in Gods. The second is the weakening plane ever since the split from the Abyss.”
Coux smiled. Finally, they were beginning to see some progress.
”Ever since the split, Heaven has been weakening. The only natural resources we have left are our people. The Gods have almost sucked all the mana in the plane dry, trying to support their domain. Many Sage Gods are depending on the mana reserves in the central bank. Every century, our ledgers become thinner and thinner. Raphael has to replenish his miracles using the mana gathered at the Spring of Vitality because of the shortage. heaven doesn't have any way to generate mana, unlike the Abyss. If we were to fight with the Abyss over this, it would only be a short term solution. There will come a time when the Spring of Vitality will run dry from our overwhelming demand.”
At this point, Coux decided to steer the conversation.
”I can promise in the name of Van Doux that with the cooperation of Heaven, the Abyss can be terraformed in a century. being near the void means two things. Firstly, we can access all kinds of magic from the broken gates linking to different planes and dimensions. Secondly, while it is still merely a possibility, chaos energy can be converted into regular mana energy after terraforming.”
”How does that work? Nobody has successfully converted chaos energy into pure mana. These lotuses only counter them, not convert.”
”That's when you old fogies are wrong,” Baal yawned. ”It's not impossible if you think about it... Buddha is one of our partners and as administrators about the events going on up there, you should know better than anyone else what he does.”
The three archangels fell silent. Buddha was known to be the only person who could counter the negative effects of chaos energy apart from the Great Gods. His domain of enlightenment allowed him to gain his powers from understanding the void.
”Buddha's domain allows him to convert chaos energy into power. The same cannot be said about normal people,” Gabriel pointed out tactfully.
”Would you believe it if I told you we have a person working with us on this project to invent something capable of doing so? He could rival Steve Jobs in terms of magic-infused technology.” Baal smirked.
Michael scoffed but Uriel looked hopeful. ”Is it really true? Do you have such a genius working with you?”
Coux smiled. ”Would it shock you more if I told you he is human? His blood is not diluted by any other race.”
Michael fell deep in thoughts. Humans were interesting creatures. While they were known to be weak, they were also the only race known to slay Gods and attain unimaginable power despite the odds stacked against their favour. They fought and won against fate, defied time and created miracles without the blessings of those who ruled the world. they were truly fascinating creatures.
”I'll believe in this. One century, that's all the time you have to transform Hell into something thriving for agriculture and living creatures.” Michael wasn't too happy about it when he said that but as an archangel, he was bound by duty.
”Thank you. We shall inform you about the second meeting to discuss the profit-sharing and investment. Please take care on your journey back,” Coux smiled and escorted them out of the room.
Once the door was shut, mammon didn't know what to think.
”Can we really do it? Have you seen how bad it is out there?” His voice was very quiet as if hope would shatter if he was even the slightest bit louder.
Coux nodded. ”I have faith in Zero. If there is anyone capable of making the impossible come true, that would be Zero. besides, we haven't stipulated whose measure of time that century would be in.”
Baal grinned cheekily at Coux's innocent input. Mammon felt as if someone had physically slapped him after pulling the rug from beneath his feet. How dare this wench look down on him!
”Don't you dare underestimate the skills of the greatest businessman in Hell! The contract will be drafted by the end of the week so sit tight and be prepared. We're going to rip those angels off and milk them for everything their worth!”
The Demon lord left angrily so and Coux looked at Baal hopefully.
”What?”
”Aren't you going to thank me for being such a great actress?”
Baal made a disgusted face. ”If there was anyone I was going to thank, it would be Buddha. Who would have suspected that he was an accomplice? To fool one's enemy, you had to fool your allies first. Poor Hua Tuo... I wonder when he will realise the fact that his student has made a complete scapegoat out of him.”
Coux chuckled. ”Some things are best left unknown. Besides, if it wasn't for Hua Tuo, Mammon wouldn't have taken the bait. Michael wouldn't have agreed and Uriel wouldn't be convinced.”
Baal yawned. ”Let's head back. I need a nap. Too much excitement is bad for me.”
”Are you really going to take a nap while Zero is working hard outside?”
Baal froze and cursed the Van Doux ancestors for being such cunning folks. ”I get it. I'll do some work before sla- I mean sleeping.”
Coux didn't say anything but followed after her master with a sly smile on her lips. Zero was right. Baal was weak to emotional blackmail more than anything else.