— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7294. SEASON: CENTRAL.

"The magi have magic," a voice suddenly spoke, "would such rules not push us into a corner where certain actions could not be used?"

"The magi have magic, yes," Lawruthian responded. "But so do Orc Shamans and the many elven subsidiaries. Does your state lack the confidence to face them?"

Hasty, his words were a bit hasty, but ultimately necessary. The (King's Indifference) silently chided him, but Lawruthian couldn't help it. Anyone with a discerning eye would begin to suspect and target Lawruthian's goal if he weren't careful.

Ninjaro frowned and cast a sharp glance in the direction of the Chosen of Madris. At the same time, the original proposer of the question remained silent.

Lawruthian detected it immediately. He was very interested in Ninjaro. The man's first question targeted key points and entirely shifted the conversation. Although he hadn't said much, Lawruthian had a sense that Ninjaro was actively trying to guide the discussion using seemingly mild questions that were, in actuality, tricks if not handled appropriately.

Lawruthian's hastiness in part was from him. And, it was the reason for the second half of his answer.

Does your state lack the confidence to face them?

By stating this, Lawruthian immediately removed the individual and targeted the state itself. An individual may say they lack the confidence to face someone with magic, but a state could not. It was under the Veiled War for the Three Acts of War. Lawruthian had to navigate his next actions and words carefully. If he could navigate this conversation to its desired location, then even when Lawruthian struck, the world wouldn't rush to take sides and attack Great Edryan together. That was one of his ultimate goals: for Great Edryan to be underestimated and not seen as a continental threat.

Pride, reputation, nationalism…

So much was involved with any large institution, and those on the level of a state simply couldn't say they feared the magi or feared facing a certain entity outside of their God, perhaps. Doing so would already lose them the battle. It was saying: why try, we're just going to lose anyway.

That sort of mentality would never allow them to develop past subservience to the first force that came and conquered their lands. Any race on the Elrunian Continent that couldn't defend itself had long since gone extinct. Carno Edryani would have ensured it.

The young man opened and closed his mouth several times, having been one of the parties who went under the Theocracy and the Machan sudo group banners. Naturally, one of the two came to his rescue.

"None here fears those who use magic. Yet, it is undeniable that the magi naturally have an edge as they produce a large quantity of low-quality magical goods and people— the former roam throughout the Warring Beastman Plains," Ìmólè Jhan responded.

Lawruthian didn't bother with the insult in Ìmólè's words. He was satisfied that Ìmólè was his verbal opponent, and no one he feared could truly put all the pieces together. Her insults were a provocation that would only work on lesser men, and she hadn't crossed his bottom line. Lawruthian's main focus was on Ninjaro Ibadan. He was certain he would speak, not immediately, as it may seem like he was coming to the defense of an opposing party. That period would give Lawruthian plenty of room to maneuver his point and veil his true objectives.

"True, it is undeniable that Great Edryan has nearly all its citizens using magic. So what? We also produce a large ton of the lower-quality items that spread through the Warring Beastman Plains. So… what? These things aren't inaccessible even if the magi were to halt sales. Each nation has its strengths and weaknesses—should there be a ban on those from the Warring Beastman Plains on the number of troops they can support because of their higher birth rates?"

Zeor bristled at the mention of the Warring Beastman Plains. The Daughter of Zion was the strongest representative from the plains available; thus, a lot of the responsibilities fell on her, regardless of how much territory the feline tribes controlled.

"The tribes of the plains may produce in greater quantities, but they also lose from the constant clashes and disputes," Zeor waved her hand. "Besides, who would truly give face to any nation or nations imposing a limit to the size of an army. If a greater population is our strength, then it is our strength."

Zeor's counter wasn't surprisingly directed at Lawruthian. Instead, it cast a broad protective screen around her kinsmen and the several tribes of the plains. Most tribes were able to produce a litter of several individuals per pregnancy period. They could easily outnumber opponents ten to one, even if they were only low-level warriors.

Zeor's words seemed to put an end to the subject, but just as the table was becoming silent and no further words seemed to be exchanged on the subject, Ninjaro Ibadan spoke up.

"Magic is inherently an essential part of a nation's power. Although [Mages] and those possessing magic may seem physically weaker, their ability for wide range destruction is second to none," Ninjaro began. His words were simple but struck deeply—targeting a crucial point and bringing attention to certain aspects over others. When he continued, his words dug deep like a dagger implanted in the back. "It is the hidden blade, not the soldier's sword, that strikes to decide the fate of nations. This is a game of the Gods, ordained by the Twelve Thrones. This is a matter of life and death for mortals—and we are mortals."

Lawruthian's eyes grew colder, indifferent . He calmed down completely. This here wasn't a game, and his country could not afford to have the world face them from the immediate start of the Game.

His gaze cooly slid over Ninjaro, seemingly remembering his face and features. Lawruthian turned away, and a simple understanding came to his mind. Ninjaro Ibadan was a figure to be taken out immediately once Great Edryan began her battles.

"This is a Game of Gods, and we mortals have come together to establish our own rules to mitigate the damage we do to our realm. What sanctions would be imposed on the magi for possessing magic? What sanctions would be imposed on the tribes of the Warring Plains for possessing greater populations? What sanctions would be imposed on the Asigbonle for their ability to swim through the earth as naturally as fish in the sea?"

Lawruthian's question targeted the crux of the matter. What exactly was the back and forth going for? His questions brought together many obvious but hidden benefits of those present. The tribes of the Warring Plains could produce quickly. The magi had magic. This and that…

Everyone held their advantages and disadvantages. Should they be sanctioned for such things? By directly mentioning the Warring Beastman Plains and the Asigbonle's bloodline ability, Lawruthian directly called all groups into play.

Wilarax frowned. "I don't think the natural abilities of a race or people should have them sanctioned or strict rules imposed upon them."

Several choruses of agreement came from the surroundings. As the clique that formed around the young True Elf immediately agreed. Many present could immediately tell that such a group would be immensely strong in deciding any factors. Several glances from opposing parties were exchanged.

Lawruthian looked over at the Chosen of El in surprise, breaking away from his indifference. She was the last person he expected to speak up, and that completely surprised him. They were on opposite sides of the game board. Lawruthian expected all her actions to be just as great a blow as Ninjaro's, if not greater. What he did was pull out his nuclear option, and calmly, Wilarax walked up and unplugged it with just a few words.

"Inherent gifts should not be banned," Wilarax continued. "Yes, they are a strength, but a strength based on who, compared to who? Who is the template for what is fair and unfair? If you were to put me against any warrior of the same level, most would believe in my win because of my background. Unfair, yes, but it is my fortune that allowed me to be in this position. Our focus should move toward greater actions, such as establishing rules of conflict. I firmly believe no party should attack without warning. A minimum of six months should be given as a fair warning before actions are taken."

Lawruthian's indifferent look returned just as quickly. A few at the round table scoffed at Wilarax's words, but hostile looks from her clique quickly helped them hold their reactions. A six-month notice was as good as confirming a hard offensive push was incoming. Any nation that couldn't muster a modicum of defense and offensive structures in such a time wouldn't exist. This time, not even Lawruthian needed to be the first to speak in opposition.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Impossible," Kan stated. "At most a day's warning would be appropriate—six months would force any nation to cancel their mustering and would kill all momentum."

"Six months is far too disagreeable," Fatima Az'Dawn spoke. The princess had said little in this discussion, choosing to observe with input occasionally. "The very notion itself is…," Fatima paused mid-speech, then she strangely turned toward Lawruthian.

"Six months is disagreeable," Fatima restated, completely ignoring her previous words. "But, a month is something more promising."

"A month is an agreeable timeframe for both parties, regardless of their stance," Ninjaro reinforced. "It gives barely adequate time for a proper response— members of this treaty should be afforded at least such measurements."

Fuck.

Lawruthian mentally cursed; he almost scoffed aloud, but the King's Indifference suppressed that.

Fuck.

Cursing internally was the next best thing. The skill attempted to suppress such actions, too, but Lawruthian's overall power and mentality were shifting ever since he accepted atavism. The legendary skill was a bit inadequate in its current state. Its primary function, however, remained pristine as it guided his next actions and words, but not before one final mental explicit escaped.

FUCK.

The words of both Fatima and the reinforcement by Ninjaro were well played. Lawruthian wasn't certain if they were communicating, but the pause in Fatima's words before her gaze turned to him was a very obvious and deliberate action. It was a reminder to everyone present that he was the Chosen of Madris. He was the young man with the honor of setting off the first firework. Forcing him to announce exactly when he would do so was the best gift one could give the world.

The Empire and Federation partnered in cornering Lawruthian and in cornering Great Edryan. Likely, no, it was certain that one of these nations would be the first to be attacked by Great Edryan due to geological positioning. The time when the Path of Apotheosis would open grew nearer and nearer each day. Thus, the time the Chosen of Madris would act grew closer and closer each day.

Lawruthian slightly frowned. The King's Indifference mentally guided him in all actions going forward. The frown itself was a purposeful cover, one meant to show distress and give those targeting a sense of victory. Now, it was time to mitigate as much damage as possible. It was certain such a clause would go through, regardless of what opposition he put up.

"A month is invaluable to any nation," Lawruthian looked around as he spoke. "But such actions favor far too heavily in the defending party's direction. A fairer action would be a week's announcement. It gives the defending party time to muster defenses and more, while still respecting the attacking party's intentions."

Lawruthian caught the small nod of agreement Zeor gave, but the felion didn't speak out in agreement. Instead, it was another party that did so.

"Anything over a week is disagreeable. It favors far too heavily in the defending party's direction. A week is courtesy enough," Ìmólè Jhan stated, meeting the eyes of those present. "This courtesy is only extended to founding members of…" Ìmólè frowned. This event hadn't given a name to anything yet. She waved her hand in dismissal. "This treaty, all subsequent members should only receive a day warning."

Some frowned, others nodded in agreement. Wilarax was among those who frowned. She felt a slight irritation being built, and it only grew as the slight frown of the Chosen of Madris dispersed. These people didn't see him as a threat entirely. They were completely focused on their own goals and those of their nations, not realizing that the group that once conquered the world, twice , was attempting their third attempt.

A wounded lion was still a lion.

That was a firm belief of Wilarax as she learned the history of the world and the wars with Edryan. Many, although they held disdain for the magi and humans in general, grew complacent from the hiatus of the continent's biggest threat. Today, seeing the Chosen of Madris in person, Wilarax confirmed that what was brewing in Edryan held the potential to march up to the gates of the Temple of the Sun once again.

Did they not see the six-month warning period was to give them more than ample preparation time to face the magi? Did they not know this warning suggestion, Wilarax spoke up was for their benefit and not detriment?

The Chosen of El looked around, truly , for the first time at the gathering. She looked at the eyes of those present. Wilarax watched their expression, even those who gathered underneath her banner.

Oh, so that's it.

She felt a disgust within her rising. It wasn't just the Chosen of Madris who wished for war. If anything, those present all showed signs of aggression and a desire for greatness. Wilarax knew that many had unaired grievances to get out, but she hadn't expected to see the desire in every single leader sitting at the round table. Even Zeor, next to her, nodded nearly imperceptibly at the Chosen of Madris's words.

"Such unfair treatment would lead to discontent from anyone who joins late. Although I do agree certain amenities should be on trial for those members, that is far too harsh a condition," Wilarax spoke. "Any late member to this… treaty should be afforded a set of general benefits."

"I concur," Lawruthian stated. "Although late, a general set of amenities should be included for members who sign the treaty late."

Lawruthian quite liked the current direction of the conversation. The night was still young. The time was just past midnight, but the bright lights and continuous exchanges held no hints of tiredness from the room's participants. The energy within the room grew solid as more voices spoke, opinions were given, and a measure of understanding was being built between the next generation of leaders.

The Gods watched above, those of the Twelve Thrones and the mortals that belonged to them were nearly all present. They watched in silence, not even using hidden communication methods among one another. It was curious, a curious thing this final generation was doing.

It was surprising, but it held traces of a similar conference once held. Days when the Union stood strong and her leaders bickered back and forth for benefits not yet acquired. Some of the thrones smiled at the thought, others gazed indifferently. Once, they were mortals worried about such things.

Once .

Another two hours passed in discussion. Paper was commandeered, clauses were written, and a rough draft began to find its way into the light. Not once did any of the Path Walkers interrupt. Their minds were already on the future and the new frontiers that would open to them. They could rise to the Astral Above or descend into the Underneath Below.

The scent of an inter-realm battle had long permeated the air. The mortal realm was crowded with little promise of advancement. Spaces were already set, and latecomers found it difficult to establish themselves. Just as the next generation began their thoughts of conquest and more, long did the previous generations have such thoughts.

Lawruthian glanced at the time; it was an hour before sunrise. Documents were drafted before him, an initial draft of what was to come.

TREATY OF EDRYA.

Several clauses were listed; he roughly scanned them once again, partly satisfied with today's outcome. Notification Principles: once the territory was fully occupied and under control, members of the treaty had to alert one another. This could only come about under effective occupation in which their militaries were defeated and leaders killed or captured. Trade Clause: members of the Treaty could trade with one another without many hitches in the prices of goods. It was Zeor who advocated for this the most.

It was the War Clauses that listed the most. Medical Safety - designated medical stations were to be marked and clearly shown in a bright red color. Any party found attacking these facilities was subject to condemnation by all members of the treaty. The valuable goods and services exchange between them was effectively cut. Divinity Limitation: any use of divine weapons that could cause significant damage had to be 200 kilometers or more from a city with a population of a million or more. Right of Declaration: a week's advance was given to any members of the treaty who fell at odds.

Many more were listed: Civilian Protection, Treatment of Prisoners, Cultural Safeguards, Duration of Sieges, and more.

The second week of the SAFE conference came to an end. More discussions would be held during the week, with a close coming at the end. The next meeting wasn't scheduled for another two days. This gave the participants the opportunity to discuss among themselves or with members of their country before anything binding was signed. Lawruthian returned to his room. He wasn't tired but felt like staying somewhere familiar.

He looked to the east, watching the sun rise. His expression was unreadable, and one couldn't tell whether he was satisfied with today's outcome or disappointed from a glance alone. For a long time, he stood there, not doing anything besides watching the sun rise.

"Well then, no better time like the present to update my status. Status Sheet."

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.