Along the spacious corridor.
The obsidian stone pillars cast shallow reflections on the bright, neatly arranged stone slabs of the floor.
Minori and Chief Justice Gurid walked across the marble tiles, occasionally receiving brief bows from passing attendants.
Chief Justice Gurid's voice was soft, his wrinkled face causing his eyelids to droop: "Leader Minori, there are a total of 7 countries on this land where Human reside."
"Located in the central area are the Re Estize Kingdom, where Leader Minori is from, and the opposing Bahas Empire."
"To the northwest is the Aggrand Council State, and to the northeast is the Cassanas City Alliance."
"To the south are the Holy Kingdom of Roble, our Theocracy, and the Dragon Kingdom, forming a continuous line."
Minori nodded, smiling slightly: "Your Excellency Chief Justice, you are very knowledgeable about the various countries."
Such broad information, ordinary commoners probably only knew their own country, but how could an adventurer of Minori's level not know it?
The other party was clearly not simply trying to introduce the seven countries.
"Haha."
Chief Justice Gurid let out an old, soft chuckle, not directly answering, but instead sighed with emotion: "That we weak Human can survive on this land is a blessing from the gods."
"Leader Minori, you should know about the Council State bordering the Re Estize Kingdom, right?"
"It is said that it is a country built primarily by Demi-humans, with not many Human living there, and the ruling class consists of terrifyingly powerful creatures like Dragons."
Minori responded, noticing the flicker in Chief Justice Gurid's eyes and the furrow in his brow when the 'Council State' was mentioned.
As a Council State primarily composed of Demi-humans, it could be described as an enemy country to the Slane Theocracy, which advocates Human supremacy.
Furthermore.
Did the other party's sudden mention of the Council State indicate that the Theocracy had already investigated his identity?
The false identity Imina had secretly created for him originated from a village on the border between the Kingdom and the Council State.
Minori had arranged this identity there precisely because of the adversarial relationship between the two countries, making it impossible for the Slane Theocracy to conduct a detailed investigation.
Of course, this had certain drawbacks.
But Minori didn't need it to be perfect; when the Great Tomb Of Nazarick descended a few years later, the truth or falsity of his identity would become meaningless.
"That's right."
A flicker of worry crossed Chief Justice Gurid's eyes: "That is a country established 200 years ago, after the war between the 13 Heroes and the Demon Gods."
"It implements a management and coordination council system, where in addition to councilors elected by various Demi-human races, 5 Dragon Kings serve as lifelong supreme councilors."
"Hmph, it sounds good, but it's nothing more than a confederation of Demi-human tribes with a different name."
Chief Justice Gurid let out a light snort at this point, seemingly disdainful and disgusted by the Council State's system.
A strange expression flashed across Minori's face.
Truth be told, the 'council system' was more advanced than the feudal systems or even the theocratic systems of other countries.
"The Council State is merely an experimental outpost; this system clearly originated from Players."
"Did the Platinum Dragon Lord obtain information to experiment with such a system from one of those 13 Player Heroes?"
Minori couldn't help but think of more.
How much information the Platinum Dragon Lord had obtained from Players was completely unknown, and he was also quite cautious...
No system could be rigidly copied.
The appearance of 'lifelong councilors' completely negated the advancement of the council system, but this was normal; in the Otherworld, strength ultimately reigned supreme.
"Dragon King! That is an existence far beyond Human imagination, an anomalous level of power."
Chief Justice Gurid sighed faintly:
"No matter how much effort and wisdom Human put in, they cannot bridge the gap in power."
"Leader Minori, do you know that 200 years ago, in addition to the establishment of the Council State, the Dragon Kingdom was also established?"
Minori's gaze slightly narrowed as he turned his head to look at Chief Justice Gurid beside him, meeting his somewhat profound blue eyes.
"We've arrived at the room."
Chief Justice Gurid stopped, pointing to the white wooden door beside them, his aged voice chuckling softly: "May the gods guide us."
As the Chief Justice, second only to the High Cleric in the God-Kingdom and in charge of law, Gried's displayed attitude, if seen by outsiders, would be enough to shock the faithful.
However.
In Chief Justice Gurid's eyes, Minori was not only a strong person who had entered the 'Hero Domain' level but also a top Alchemist Genius among Human.
Such a talent was extremely rare even within the Theocracy.
After speaking.
Chief Justice Gurid turned, his aged body slightly stooped, and gradually walked away down the long corridor.
The entire room, built with a large amount of wooden furniture, exuded a simple yet solemn feeling, with bookshelves lining the walls.
Minori immediately noticed various ancient texts; without even looking, he knew what these books primarily recorded.
"Still adopting the strategy of 'righteousness'?"
A faint smile appeared on Minori's lips, and he felt a slight relief internally.
Chief Justice Gurid's repeated mentions of the 'Council State' and the 'Dragon Kingdom' were merely to inform him of the Human predicament.
This was similar to his earlier rhetoric about 'changing Human destiny,' both subtly flattering him.
However.
The phrase 'changing Human destiny' was a bit alarming.
The moment he heard the other party say it!
Minori's heart tensed up. If the 'Fusion Potion' he had accidentally created truly had such an effect, he would have to worry about encountering a World Item like 'Nation-Slaying Beauty'!
"Comparing it to Dragon King... so the actual effect it can produce should fall within that range."
Minori silently analyzed the hidden information conveyed by Chief Justice Gurid during their conversation.
"Come out."
Walking towards the sofa in the living room, Minori spoke indifferently.
Click!
The window of the guest room was suddenly pushed open.
Clementine's agile figure turned and flipped in from outside the window, like a nimble wildcat.
"The room is quite nice~"
Clementine glanced around the room, her eyes curving as she smiled and walked to the sofa opposite the center of the hall, sitting down: "The Theocracy values you greatly; there's even surveillance from the Flower Wind Scripture outside."
Minori looked at her calmly: "The Flower Wind Scripture?"
"You don't know?"
Clementine feigned innocence, licking her lips and shaking a finger: "The Theocracy has six colored Scripture units. Besides the Sunlight Scripture you know, there's also the Fire Extinction Scripture, Water Clear Scripture, Flower Wind Scripture, Earth Dust Scripture, and the most mysterious and terrifying — The Black Scripture!"
"The Flower Wind Scripture is mainly responsible for intelligence and infiltration."
Clementine paused, her fair neck leaning forward, head tilted in a smile: "I am a member of The Black Scripture. Although there are only 13 members, the weakest among us are strong people who have entered the 'Hero Domain'~"
After saying this.
Clementine stared intently at Minori, finding no trace of surprise, unexpectedness, or any other anticipated emotions.
"How boring."
Clementine pouted, retracting her leaning body and sinking into the sofa, a look of disappointment flashing across her wild face: "I almost forgot, you're also a monster; the Hero Domain is nothing in your eyes."
This information was clearly at a national level, yet Clementine had spilled it all at once.
"A team composed of 13 Hero Domain level individuals, that's truly a luxurious lineup." Although Minori had known this information for a long time, he still felt a sense of awe towards The Black Scripture.
This could be considered the strongest team among Human!
"A hateful guy died before, so there were 12 members, but another one was added recently. He's a guy with the title 'God-Leading Chains', who uses chains."
Clementine spoke with annoyance, seemingly displeased with this person.
"Oh, really."
Minori was a little surprised, and said calmly: "From the name, he sounds like a troublesome type."
Quaiesse was killed by him, so a member of The Black Scripture should have been missing. This 'God-Leading Chains' was originally meant to replace the renegade Clementine.
Unexpectedly, he now replaced Clementine's brother.
"How are the messages you were asked to inquire about?" Minori asked.
"Currently, it's at a classified level."
"Even Thousand Leagues Astrologer doesn't know, which means the potion you made is very important, and only those at the High Cleric level are aware."
Clementine looked at Minori with great curiosity, her eyes showing both awe and disbelief.
She knew how arrogant those High Clerics were!
"In that case, there's no need to investigate further."
Minori waved his hand, signaling Clementine that she could leave.
"You use me and then tell me to leave, what a heartless man~"
Clementine spoke playfully, her round, slender legs extending from beneath her black robe as she stood up, looking like someone abandoned.
Minori ignored Clementine's resentment and suddenly asked: "What do you think is the probability of controlling The Black Scripture?"
"Impossible!"
Clementine's voice suddenly became sharp, her feigned innocent expression vanishing as she looked at Minori in disbelief.
She had already revealed information about The Black Scripture, and even knowing that, Minori could still ask such a question.
Clementine suddenly realized that the man before her seemed even crazier than she was!
—Could it be!
That he came to the Slane Theocracy not just because of the potion.
Various thoughts flashed through Clementine's mind; she didn't even notice the excited madness on her wild face as her fingers unconsciously played with her weapon.
Evidently.
She was also contemplating this possibility, which was far more interesting and insane than destroying the Theocracy!
"Impossible."
Clementine added again, her voice trembling: "The power of the divine beings is beyond mortal imagination; it's an unattainable power!"
"If The Black Scripture could truly be controlled, it would indirectly mean controlling or influencing the entire Slane Theocracy!"
Minori said nothing, merely shrugging with a smile, as if to say he was just joking.
Clementine's purple pupils slightly widened as she considered a possibility—could this man before her also be a 'divine being'?
Thinking of his monstrous strength!
Aside from 'Abnormals' with terrifying talent, this was the other possibility.
The next day.
May 11th.
Chief Justice Gurid's student appeared before Minori again, leading him out of the guesthouse and into a carriage, heading towards the central temple.
In the carriage.
Minori looked at the blond young man sitting opposite him. He asked, puzzled: "Why aren't the Holy Kingdom people here?"
"Mr. Minori, the esteemed guests from the Holy Kingdom are already being personally hosted by my teacher."
The blond young man quickly replied respectfully.
"Is that so."
Minori nodded, his gaze shifting to the scenery outside the carriage.
It seemed the Theocracy didn't want the Holy Kingdom people to participate in the upcoming matters with him. However, what would the Holy Kingdom people do?
Minori suddenly sensed something, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
Next moment!
—"Neigh!"
The horse pulling the carriage suddenly let out a sharp whinny, as if startled, forcefully halting its forward movement, its hooves scraping loudly on the ground.
The sudden stop.
Caused the carriage to shake violently. The blond young man inside the carriage couldn't react in time and, due to inertia, slammed into the doorframe of the carriage, letting out a muffled thud and a cry of pain.
"What's going on?"
The blond young man, clutching his head, scrambled to his feet, somewhat startled and angry as he spoke to the outside of the carriage.
This was the divine capital, and the carriage had the church's emblem hanging outside. Who would dare to stop a carriage in such a situation!
Thinking of this!
The blond young man reached out, bracing himself against the doorframe, and turned to Minori with an apologetic look. The other party was a distinguished guest personally arranged by his teacher.
If he were affected, it might hinder the upcoming talks!
As a result.
The young man found that Minori was still sitting steadily inside the carriage, completely unaffected by the sudden stop. He then realized that the other party was a strong person at the 'Hero Domain' level.
"Are you not hurt?" Minori asked with concern.
"You make light of it, Mr. Minori."
The young man's face flushed slightly as he quickly waved his hand, then stood up and walked towards the outside of the carriage. He wanted to see who dared to stop the carriage.
He lifted the carriage curtain!
The young man immediately noticed a conspicuous Black figure blocking the front of the carriage.
The person wore a short Black cape, a Black bowler hat, and even a Black mask covering their mouth and nose.
This attire, completely different from that of the Slane Theocracy, immediately made the blond young man realize that the person was one of the Holy Kingdom's people.
"You..."
Just as the blond young man was about to say something, he was met with a pair of cold, sharp eyes like a hawk's.
An invisible killing intent surged forth!
Freezing the blond young man in place instantly, cold sweat broke out on his forehead, as if any movement or word would result in him being shot dead instantly.
"Pabel? Why are you here? Come on in."
A gentle chuckle came from inside the carriage, making the faint killing intent that enveloped the blond young man vanish immediately.