The Rise of the Black Plain

Accompanying the previous elder, Minos saw the inside of the building that not even Henricus Longus had entered in his time.

This particular building didn't exist then. But the Sea Folk's faith already existed, and other places similar to this one were scattered throughout the underwater area controlled by this race.

But Henricus Longus hadn't done this and many other things in his time because of lack of interest, not because he didn't have the power.

After reaching level 100, he spent most of his time preparing to leave a good legacy not only for his heir but for his family.

He had been one of the few Gods in the entire history of this world to leave behind two Spatial Kingdoms!

So everything Minos saw in this place was new to him, and he couldn't help but look at the inside of this building with interest, seeing this place full of mirrors everywhere he went.

The arrangement of the mirrors created an illusion in the area, making it seem much larger than it was. Not only that, it would be extremely easy for someone entering this sanctuary for the first time to get lost.

As he surveyed the area, trying to understand his surroundings, the Demigod in front of him commented. "What you see is a combination of mirrored arrays. It has defensive purposes, but also to hide what's here."

"And you don't mind talking to me about it?"

"Not at all." The Sea Folk elder replied quietly. "Our sanctuary is for those with compatibility. After elder Boyle's new resolution 50 years ago, we changed how we look at the people who come to our doors.

While some of us still prefer people of our own race, we have no problem presenting the world's truth to those who are compatible and interested.

We obviously hate those who only want to use us and have no interest in protecting the world as it is.

Besides, these are not meant to hinder people like you, young Minos. They're meant to stop powerful and evil cultivators."

Minos frowned and asked. "But would someone like that get here?"

"A God could easily come here. That test you passed can't stop a God, and even if they weren't compatible with us, someone like that could get to us..." Even though he was talking about something serious, the old man smiled, showing his pointed green teeth. "But even someone like that would have a hard time beating our high-level grade-4 arrays!"

"That's impressive," Minos said with a smile.

"Anyway, this hides one of the many bodies of the creators... You'll understand when you know the truth of the world." He said.

The Sea Folk were very sensitive to intentions. Different from the elves, who could easily see into the future, these beings could easily empathize with others. This made it very easy for them to understand the feelings of those close to them and to tell them their true feelings and intentions.

Even if the men in Minos' group outside this place had advised him to feign interest in this faith, it wouldn't be necessary. Emperor Stuart had a real interest in this group, in acting for the continuity of this world, with real concerns.

Those who didn't know him might have thought that he was only interested in the growth of his own state and power. And indeed, his actions were in that direction. But they had an additional purpose that only those aware of the world's problems could understand.

Knowing that this young man really had an affinity with them that went beyond special talents and characteristics, the elder didn't bother to tell the newcomer the truth.

Without realizing it, Minos arrived at one of the top floors of the building, where a high-ranking elder was already waiting for him.

"Young man from the Central Continent, what is your purpose?" An old member of the Sea Folk asked Minos while looking at what looked like a glowing sphere, slightly larger than an adult human head.

Minos saw this level 97 individual, the strongest of the Sea Folk he had ever seen.

As important as it was, the faith of these people did not attract the most powerful and talented. There were certainly Demigods as powerful as this elder and even stronger in some shrines like the one in this city. But they were few and far between since becoming an elder of this faith was as difficult as becoming a spiritual judge among the human professions.

Therefore, the strength that Minos would see in this post did not reflect the power of one of the strongest races in the Spiritual World.

Minos replied. "My goal is the freedom and continuity of the Spiritual World. I don't want to get involved in other people's problems or stop third-party confrontations and wars. But I do seek a world where people can choose to live in peace or not."

"Hmm, free will is important. Without it, we wouldn't have half the wealth of our world." The weakest elder there commented, seeing that Minos understood what it meant to be an agent of this world.

Those chosen by the heavens were not necessarily good people who preached peace and the common good. On the contrary, to maintain the world's stability, their true purpose, many of them would sometimes bring chaos into the lives of those in their path.

They weren't neutral. They didn't fight for the good side. They simply did what they felt was necessary to prevent disaster!

To some, they would be terrible demons, but to others, they were the saviors of existence.

Minos didn't want to do anything that would put him in a saintly position, but his purpose was the noblest of all, even if it seemed ordinary.

The older man said. "And what brings you here, young man?"

"I seek those who think as I do about the truth and what should be done. Specifically, I'm looking for witnesses to come with me and witness the horror I intend to show the world.

Something terrible is about to happen, elders. But our world as a whole doesn't see what's right in front of it. However, I believe terrible things will happen very soon, and I want to gather as much strength as possible while there is still time.

I know the purpose of the Sea Folk, but I also know that you won't join my cause without proof. So my goal is to convince you of my cause and win you over to my side in the coming war."

The two elders heard this from Minos as they looked at him earnestly, feeling the sincerity of his words but also hearing a concern that only the most important people in their shrine had ever spoken of.

The shrine was looking to the future, and some of its elders had already noticed that dark 'clouds' were beginning to cover their world.

Minos wasn't part of their group, but he still had something on his mind that few in this world had!

...