The Rise of the Black Plain

The next day...

Following up on what he had discussed with Willow the day before, Minos spoke with envoys from the continent's powers, using a softer, more peaceful tone than when he had taken over Veora.

Meanwhile, Queen Sista was working to soften the blow to Minos' image, having already begun to change the story of what had happened in Veora so that the truly important people would understand Emperor Stuart's mentality.

Amid this, the nobles of Veora were already meeting to create the local assembly, appoint representatives, and begin to follow the new local laws.

The state would continue to function as it had until recently for now. But sooner or later, changes would transform this society, and the laws of the Black Plain Empire would apply locally.

Those most interested in adapting to the changes that would take place began to study the Black Plain Empire's legal code. That was the first step toward avoiding future problems with the Dry City government!

Meanwhile, the entire Royal Guard was now under Minos' control, with everyone above level 80 having received seals from him.

There were a few million men in this force, so he didn't want to waste his time on all of them. Only those who had the power to influence something had to receive the seals that would dictate their relationship.

So, in a matter of hours, the state was practically under Minos' control, and he was already beginning to think about leaving Veora's capital sooner than he had planned.

But before that, he still had a few appointments to make.

...

In the royal palace of Veora, a level 95 man, supposedly a foreign merchant, had just entered the royal throne hall where Minos was sitting.

This level 95 man had no hair. He was a bald man with a large, completely gray beard. His brown eyes were like honey, but there was nothing sweet about his aura. He looked like a sharp dagger, although he kindly smiled as he formally greeted Minos.

"Your Majesty..." He said, smiling and showing his white teeth as he stood so close to this person for the first time in his life.

'He really is a monster.' The man thought to himself as he saw the uninterested look on Minos' face.

At the same time, he couldn't help but probe Emperor Stuart's body, feeling the powerful spiritual fluctuations in him, who looked more like a level 92 dragon than a level 90 human, which was the case.

"Mister Blake, what do you want from me? I wasn't told what power you came from. You wouldn't be a rogue cultivator, would you?" Minos directed his words at the bald man, looking at the man's well-made armor.

"Your Majesty, I am indeed a rogue cultivator. I've been a part of powerful groups in the past, so I've developed much of my potential with their help. But after seeing the fall of the fourth family I was a part of, I decided to live as a hermit without joining any new forces." He said this, looking mainly at Minos but glancing at the people around him occasionally, always smiling and speaking kindly.

"Is that so?" Minos asked, looking at the sword at the man's waist. 'How did a rogue cultivator get a set of high-level grade-4 body armor and weapon?'

"Yes, and I would spend the rest of my days like this if it weren't for the war that is about to reach our world and the ice age. But reality is not what we want it to be. So, I realize that I can no longer live in isolation. I need to be part of a force to which I can contribute and have some rights.' Blake got right to the point. 

Minos understood what he wanted. "Were you planning to come here to talk to King Veora, or did you decide to move after I changed this kingdom?"

Blake said. "I came here before Your Majesty acted. But it makes no difference to me. I'm just looking for a new home where I can fight alongside comrades and receive support."

"I see. Why Veora? And why should I take you into my forces?"

"Excellent questions, Your Majesty." He continued in a good mood. "I chose Veora because of my level and the strength of this state. Here, I could help the local forces protect the population, and the competition for resources wouldn't be too high. I also know that other states on the continent are already accepting many people like me, something that hasn't happened here at the same intensity yet. But I think that will change soon.

As for what I offer, I offer all that I have. First, my strength and my commitment to act in defense of the kingdom to fight the aliens. Second, all my wealth. Although I have lived alone for a long time, I have built up a good position that can help any companion.

I don't have access to some relevant resources because of my situation. Still, I can contribute my resources to a state with access to these things."

Minos understood Blake wanted new items or technologies based on the Spiritual World's discoveries concerning the aliens' methods.

But he found the situation of this man, who had resources and strength but seemed to be desperate to join an organization, very strange.

Specialists like him didn't have to offer so much to be accepted into prominent forces.

Even innocent people could do what this man was doing, as the current situation in the world was bizarre. But something about this man bothered Minos.

Minos then said. "It is possible for you to join my group..."

Blake opened his eyes and smiled even more.

"But you are a stranger and have an uncertain past. If you want to join my group, you must earn my trust. But there is a way for you to assure me of that quickly if you're interested."

"I'm ready for anything." He said confidently, imagining that Minos would accept him.

Minos thought for a moment in silence. 

"Let's make a deal. I'll put a seal on you that guarantees you will never turn against me or hide anything from me. In exchange, I'll accept you into the Black Plain Army." 

Blake lost the smile on his face when he heard this and immediately felt he couldn't go through with it.

Then he said in a disappointed tone. "So that's the case... Unfortunately, Your Majesty doesn't trust the words of this old man. So we're not destined. I can't serve as a slave. I haven't done anything wrong to deserve this."

He turned to leave while Minos narrowed his eyes. 

'Follow this man and keep an eye on him.' He ordered one of the level 95 Demigods now under his command. 'Find out who he is and why he won't accept something so simple. Don't come back until you're sure.'

'Okay!'