Money was not the issue—the real question was whether they could actually secure a Golden Apple.

Before the outbreak of the Clash of Civilizations, the market price of a Golden Apple within the Magus Alliance had been one hundred million magicoins.

That was only the listed price. In reality, Golden Apples were almost impossible to obtain.

The moment one appeared on the market, it was snapped up instantly.

One hundred million magicoins sounded astronomical, but only to beings below Rank Six.

For overlord-level entities, no one ever complained about possessing too many treasures of this caliber.

Since the Clash of Civilizations began, the price of Golden Apples had only risen.

Thor was not being unreasonable with his offer of three hundred million magicoins. He clearly regarded Sein, someone he had cooperated with more than once, as a trusted ally from Magus World.

Thor did not even require a deposit. Payment would be made upon delivery.

Sein believed the price could likely be negotiated down further, and Thor might even accept two hundred million magicoins.

Of course, such a staggering sum would not fall solely on his shoulders.

Once he relayed the news, members of the Verdant Flame Faction would contribute.

Alternatively, he could offer Thor some of the blank technological artifact fragments in his possession that he had no use for.

Those should cover the cost.

After concluding his discussion with Thor via the crystal ball, Sein headed to report to the high-ranking authorities of Magus World.

Given his outstanding record in recent years and the substantial rewards he was due, it was possible that this audience would not be limited to a Rank Six or even peak Rank Six mage. It might be with an overlord-level being.

Who would it be?

With a mix of tension and quiet anticipation, Sein stepped into Magus World’s command center on Portman World.

There, he encountered an overlord, and a familiar one at that.

“Greetings, Sir Klopp,” Sein said with a smile as he addressed the black-armored knight in the command center.

“Ah, Sein. I’ve heard of your accomplishments over the years. You’ve done well,” Klopp replied warmly, offering his praise.

***

Recently, Klopp was not the only Magus Civilization overlord to appear near Portman World.

After eliminating the Eighth Pharaoh of the Amenkha Empire, Baxia traveled to Aquaria, while the Aeberton returned directly to the Grand Cosmic World’s border. The Fire Phoenix went to visit her sister.

As for the other Magus Civilization overlords, most of them passed through Portman World at one point or another, making brief stops.

Lady Bev, for example, had only recently departed and returned to the frontlines to oversee operations. Her main focus was the theater that had already pushed deep into the Gallant Federation’s star domain.

Although overlords such as Bev, Zenasus, and Kassedar had left, several others remained temporarily stationed in and around Portman World.

Hela, Titan World’s Rank Seven overlord, had just fought on an overlord-level battlefield and was still feeling the strain.

Like Sein, Hela had barely rested in recent years. In fact, she had been far busier than he.

She first participated in the Netherworld Star Domain War, then moved to the federation’s star domain.

Over a century ago, she was transferred to the Grand Eye Demon World battlefield, where she recently completed a siege against two overlords.

If one were to compare the two, Hela was way more exhausted than Sein. As a result, she received permission from her aunt, Bev, to withdraw temporarily and recuperate.

Hela had always admired her aunt.

Bev bore far greater pressure, yet she still commanded the frontlines of the civilizational battlefield without complaint. How could Hela justify complaining?

She had already decided that after a short rest, she would lead her elite Titan World legions back to the frontlines to support her father, Odin, and the others.

Extended rest was not in her nature, nor did she have any interest in locking herself away in a laboratory like Magus World mages.

Slaughter and combat were her true strengths. Otherwise, she would not be called the “Goddess of Death”.

That day, after returning to the Titan Fortress, Hela had just taken a bite of a Golden Apple when she received a message from her brother, Thor.

“What does that brat want now?” she muttered, raising an eyebrow. After a brief pause, she set the Golden Apple down and went to see him.

Thor and Loki had performed well in recent years.

During the Grand Eye Demon World War, Thor had successfully advanced to Rank Six.

Loki had recently reached Rank Five as well.

When Hela left Titan World, her mother, Andaelle, repeatedly reminded her to look after her two younger brothers.

Fortunately, Thor and Loki had not caused her any trouble.

Thor remained as fearless and valiant as ever on the battlefield. Many sycophantic deities within the Magus Alliance praised him, claiming he carried a trace of Odin’s regal might.

Loki, on the other hand, had grown far more sensible over the years. His divine title had also changed from the “God of Mischief” to the “God of Lies and Trickery”.

Perhaps that showed his maturity?

Not long after Hela left, a shadow began to gather within the now-quiet chamber.

The dark outline gradually sharpened, revealing Loki’s figure.

Could someone really enter an overlord’s quarters without permission?

Well, Hela had departed in a hurry and had not set up any barriers. Besides, there was nothing particularly valuable in the room... save for the Golden Apple with a clear bite taken out of it.

Loki stared at it, his heart aching at the sight.

A Golden Apple that had already been bitten?

That would significantly reduce its value!

More importantly, it belonged to his own sister. If he sold it, would she not come after him?

The mere thought of Hela’s wrath sent a chill down his spine.

Before he could deliberate any longer, Thor sent a special signal urging him to hurry—he could not stall Hela much longer.

Loki clenched his teeth and grabbed the Golden Apple from the round tray.

With Hela’s abilities, she would likely notice its disappearance soon enough. When that happened, it would be that Magus World mage who bore the consequences.

Loki had already made up his mind—once the transaction was complete, he would leave Portman World immediately.

That Magus World mage and his foolish older brother could deal with Hela’s wrath.

With a soft whoosh, Loki vanished from the chamber.

Golden Apple in hand, he sped toward the meeting location he had agreed upon with Sein.