The Rise of the Black Plain

Upon arriving at the location of Julian's faction, Minos immediately encountered half of the faction's elders who were present, including the level 96 woman, Charlotte Barnes, who had questioned him years ago.

Arriving at the courtyard with his group, Minos was confronted with faces he already knew but could not hide their astonished expressions as they looked at him.

That was especially true for Charlotte, who years ago had asked Minos how strong he would be during the Continental Tournament. At that time, he had said he would probably be at level 88 during such a competition, while he only had five Demigods in his organization.

But the Continental Tournament was scheduled to take place in just over 20 years, and Minos was already at the middle level 84!

At this rate, it was very likely that he would surpass his previous promises, which were already very good when they were made!

Feeling Minos' dragon-like aura and seeing Emperor Stuart's group, Charlotte couldn't help but be shocked by this young man's growing power and influence.

"You're right before me, but I can't believe what I see and feel." She muttered as she saw that Julian was right in every way about bringing this young man into her faction.

The other Demigods there, people between levels 91 and 94, also admired Emperor Stuart, seeing how much he had grown in the little over a decade since they had last seen him.

"Young Minos, it looks like your journey has been quite good, hasn't it?" A level 94 man asked in a humorous tone. "But I have the feeling that you've deliberately lowered your previous analysis of how strong you would be in the Continental Tournament." 

Minos didn't deny it. "It would be nice to exceed the seniors' expectations." 

Aarav ran a hand over his face, pleased with Minos' manners.

"So you're here to ask for our help?" A level 93 man asked. "What do you need help with, even though you have such a strong team?"

"Well, in a nutshell..." Minos quickly explained his situation to the elders of Julian's faction, making them even more surprised that his group had survived opponents as terrifying as the Gorgons.

"So that was it..."

By the time Minos had finished speaking, everyone in the group was sitting around a large stone table in the courtyard outside their faction's estate.

Charlotte closed her eyes and sighed, understanding the young prodigy's situation.

"Nothing can be done. Geniuses grow up quickly, but they will always cause problems because of that growth."

"Hmm." Aarav agreed. "To reach great positions or achievements, one always has to do things that go against the wishes of others."

There was no way they could blame Minos for getting into trouble. He was growing so fast. It was only natural that he would get into trouble all the time!

One didn't climb the ladders of success with their hands in their pockets!

One had to challenge the prevailing norms and established experts to reach the top. Without that, it would be impossible to beat the system imposed by others.

But there was a big difference between understanding the problem Minos was involved in and actively helping him to solve it.

"Minos, I can't promise you what you asked for," Charlotte said. "Exterminating the Gorgons would be too costly for our group, and it could create problems that would possibly haunt us for a long time."

The others nodded their heads in agreement. 

The white-haired woman continued. "But I can assure you that no Gorgon on this continent will threaten you or your group."

"Hmm, I can talk to some of our contacts on the Central Continent and also transfer some of our men to the Black Plain Empire." A level 94 Demigod commented while looking into Minos' eyes. "I think we can even move some level 93 Demigods to their capital in a few weeks.

In case the Gorgons try something in your territory, we can have some extra defensive barriers for your people."

Upon hearing this, Minos' wives and Minos himself were naturally pleased, knowing that this would help a great deal.

The Gorgons were unlikely to come to the Black Plain Empire with their main forces. Even if they decided to attack their family estate, the level 93 Demigods would probably be strong enough to protect the core government of the empire.

"I appreciate the decision of the elder." He said sincerely.

But considering that even the elders of Julian's faction, the group most friendly to him, refused to help him exterminate the Gorgons, Minos could already imagine that the rest of the Pantheon of Honor wouldn't help him either.

'Sigh... I'll deal with you on my own, you bastards.' Minos closed his eyes and sighed inwardly. 'As soon as I'm done with the North Sea, I'll take care of your tribe.' He had made up his mind.

After this decision, the people of Julian's faction quickly listened to the presentation of those of Minos' group who were with him at that moment and soon understood why there were so many experts of different races with him.

Upon meeting Minos' wives, the members of the Pantheon of Honor were naturally pleased, for although they were only Spiritual Sages at the time, they were relatively close in age.

In particular, Abby and Ruth were almost the same age as Minos, which meant that they were almost as far along in their cultivation as he was.

At level 83, the two of them would probably become Demigods in a few decades, which would greatly increase the power of the Stuart family.

While they were talking, Minos asked. "By the way, do you think I could join elder Julian at the meeting of world leaders hosted by the elves? Would there be time for that?"

The people of the Pantheon of Honor looked at each other, wondering if this was appropriate.

"Well, the meeting should take place in the next few days. Then there will still be time." A level 92 Demigod commented.

"But this is a meeting of high-level Demigods. I don't know if it would be appropriate." Charlotte commented. "What would you do at this meeting if you were allowed in with Julian, Minos?"

Minos looked at Charlotte and said. "I would sound out potential allies while acting as Elder Julian's advisor. If there were other 9th-stage helpers, I could use the opportunity to talk about some future interests and facilitate some of my goals."

It would also be a chance for me to find out what the strongest forces in the Spiritual World are like. Minos thought inwardly, knowing the importance of knowing the current configuration of the world's greatest powers.

If there were any Gods in this world today, or if any peak Demigods were trying to ascend, he could find out at this meeting!

...