The Rise of the Black Plain

The three cultivators in front of Minos became even more tense, staring at him and scanning their surroundings, afraid of what this strange alien might really have in mind.

Suspicious, they wouldn't easily believe Minos just because of the fine words of this level 105 Sovereign.

The fact someone so 'weak' would risk himself so close to them and the Firestone Mines portal was a mystery, a warning sign that could not be ignored.

But after a few seconds of silence, looking around and watching Minos' movements, they realized there was no one else around and he was too peaceful.

They couldn't feel the Hydra Amulet around Minos' neck, and while his spiritual foundation was impressive, it wasn't to the point where it would frighten them as long as he didn't use his innate ability.

'He's hiding something. He's too calm,' the level 112 man told his companions.

Minos stood silently, waiting for their decision, still holding his hands up, signaling he didn't intend to act against them. Seeing they were unsure whether to consider him an enemy or an ally, Minos said, 'I am a seer. If we act together, we can form the team I told you about and deal with the enemies. But if we stand against each other, or even attack the portal separately, we will end badly.'

'A seer?' One of the two women understood why he was risking himself so close to them.

Not every seer could see the future in real time like Minos could. But most of those who had reached his cultivation level could at least guess where their next steps would take them.

If Minos were there before them, he must be confident this union would work.

'Destroying the portal won't be difficult. I believe we've all been given devices that will serve the purpose of destroying it. But dealing with the dozens of enemies here, well, I don't know if you can.'

'But you can?' the man asked with a sarcastic tone.

'Yes, because I can see things you can't. That's how I found you when you were hiding here. It's how I know about the other seven and how to reach our goals with the least risk to our lives.'

Minos smiled confidently as he looked into the man's uncertain eyes.

One of the two women stepped forward, surprising her companions. 'So what do you propose?'

Her two companions looked at her wide-eyed, the man signaling for her to step back and leave the situation to him.

'We have no choice. He's found us and his analysis is correct. Even if his goals aren't as transparent as he sounds, everything he said is too disturbing not to at least try.' She insisted.

Minos replied as he saw the three of them looking at each other, clearly discussing the situation. 'The first step is to form a group of 11. Once we all agree, we'll make a plan that involves infiltrating and sabotaging the portal. I can facilitate the group's journey to infiltrate and confront the forces of Firestone Mines. In return, everyone in the group will have to swear not to attack each other while in the Lost Soul region. We will go our separate ways as soon as the situation proves favorable for a separation.'

'Can you really do that? Why should I trust a level 105 Sovereign?' The same woman who had questioned him asked, her gaze deep. Although she was inclined to ally herself with Minos, that didn't mean she would blindly risk it.

The other two looked at Minos in anticipation of his answer, accepting the position of this green-skinned, red-haired woman.

'If you agree to join me, you'll understand better. For now, I can only guarantee in our agreement that I will give you the conditions I promised. I'm willing to make a deal with you before you pledge your alliance to me.' In other words, he would pledge to keep his words with an oath that could trigger a punishment if he failed to fulfill it!

The three understood the proposal well and looked at each other, seeing that Minos had his plan and they wouldn't have to ally themselves without a commitment from him first.

As unsure as they were, it was enough for them to know he wouldn't become an immediate threat.

'All right. If you really do what you say, we agree to work together temporarily.' The man from level 112 sighed as he agreed.

Minos then did what he had to do to make that commitment, assuring them he would make it possible for them to infiltrate the terrain above and fight their enemies on better terms.

At the end of their agreement, after the three had promised they would fight with the same goal in return and not act against him while in the Lost Soul region, they moved on to the other trio nearby.

This second trio was a little stronger than them, with three level 112 Sovereigns.

The next group they approached was stronger, with four members, one at level 111, one at level 112, and two at level 113.

After a few minutes of trying to convince the other trio to join them, Minos and his new allies were successful, and soon set out to find the remaining group of possible allies out there.

This time, however, they were more cautious in their approach to avoid any misunderstandings that might spoil their plans.

Minos communicated with them first before approaching, revealing his location, the composition of the group, and his aim before even coming face to face with the four aliens.

In such a sensitive location and preparing to carry out a dangerous mission, the last four aliens he tried to ally with obviously didn't accept his approach easily and quickly.

But with the problems that could prevent the formation of his temporary team in this place in mind, Minos skillfully avoided a future in which the two large groups of enemies of Firestone Mines there would turn against each other.

Two hours after arriving in the area, he had his team of 10 high-level Sovereigns ready for action!