Chapter 371
Watering the garden was a truly joyful activity. Watching the strawberries grow wider and lusher each day brought a strange sense of peace to body and mind. When Baal picked one of the ripest strawberries and popped it into his mouth, the sweet juice burst across his tongue like fireworks.
He had just delivered a report to Solomon about the demon assembly. Solomon asked no further questions about it and merely made a brief remark.
—I see. So my demons have been preserving their forces all this time.
Though he had hoped his faction would expand while he was recovering, he knew well enough that such a desire was a stretch.
—By the way, Baal, what are you doing right now? I’ve been meaning to ask.
“I am growing a fruit called ‘strawberry,’ my lord. Consuming it greatly enhances stamina and increases one’s strength. I’ve been preparing myself in my own way for the day when you completely take over this body. After all, one must be in peak condition to wage war...” Baal spouted blatant lies with fluent ease, without so much as twitching an eyebrow.
Solomon seemed to take him at his word. Perhaps even moved by Baal’s flattery, he let out a quiet murmur of admiration.
—You’ve gone through a lot for my sake. I should start taking action soon, as well.
“What do you intend to do...?”
—To seize victory in the Great War, I must strengthen my subordinates. And there’s nothing like high-quality artifacts to boost combat power in a short amount of time.
“Then... you’re planning to explore the uncharted zones?” Baal asked.
The uncharted zones were full of deadly trials, and a single misstep could cost one’s life. However, despite the danger, the rewards for conquering them were more than worth the risk. But Solomon had not yet recovered his full strength, so it seemed too dangerous.