In the Name of Empress

Chapter 661 376: Between Two Slices of Bread

Cyrus was somewhat annoyed that a secret he had hidden for years was suddenly coaxed out by Roland.

His right hand slowly clenched into a fist beneath the table, and his nails instantly turned into pitch-black crow claws. However, it was only for a moment before he released his grip, returning to slender and elegant, white palms.

His hands were smooth as jade, not at all like those of a middle-aged man, but rather like a work of art.

Throughout the entire process of him secretly gathering power and then releasing it, Roland merely sipped his fruit wine lightly, as if he had no reaction whatsoever.

But Cyrus knew very well that Roland couldn't have been completely unaffected.

Cyrus felt a bit unsatisfied. Was there really such a large gap in power between him and Roland? The other party dared not to take any precautions at all.

Seeing Cyrus's slightly furrowed brows, Roland smiled and explained, "Mr. Cyrus, I may not be confident in defeating you on your home ground, but I have a good patron."

He raised his right hand, smiling teasingly, "If I encounter danger, I can summon Empress Sofia for a full-force strike."

Cyrus's face changed drastically, and he sighed deeply, shaking his head helplessly.

"Sorry, the pressure on Nubia and the Divine Court of Nature has been too great recently. You appeared out of nowhere without prior notice, and I had to take some precautions."

His reasoning was indeed quite frank, and Roland could understand.

After the Battle of White Mountain, the world's structure underwent tremendous changes.

On the surface, it was still the same countries, but the future leaders were no longer armies composed of ordinary people; they were the Transcendents.

The combat power of a Tier Five Transcendent could at least reach the level of Sofia before the Battle of White Mountain, and a Tier Six Transcendent could also cause significant damage to cities.

If Transcendents were not restrained, they would become mobile human destroyers.

So after the Battle of White Mountain, the Transcendents of various major forces met at the foot of the mountain and forged the White Mountain Agreement.

One of the covenants is that Transcendents shall not massacre ordinary people without reason. A small amount of killing is not restricted, but large-scale or gratuitous malevolent killing for entertainment will be subject to punishment by all Transcendents.

Covenant two, battles between Transcendents should be chosen to occur in the wilderness, away from residential areas. If it must take place in a residential area, the scale of battle must be controlled, and harm to ordinary people applies to covenant one.

Covenant three, in the face of crises targeting all humanity, the Transcendents should unite against it.

These three covenants constrained the behavioral boundaries of Transcendents and were acknowledged by all Transcendents.

In theory, Transcendents are unruly individuals, unlikely to accept such restraints, but they must accept them.

Because these three were summarized by Roland, supported by Sif and others, and fully endorsed by Empress Sofia.

Opposing it would mean thoroughly offending these top powerhouses, rendering one's path shut.

After the Battle of White Mountain, most Transcendents remained on the Rodinia Continent, believing it to be the main battlefield of the future, the most dangerous but also full of opportunities.

Multiple Transcendents also chose to return to their homeland.

They did not want to remain constrained on the Rodinia Continent.

Leaving Rodinia, one could be a small tyrant back in their homeland, better than being shackled on Rodinia.

The former takes risks, is constrained, but gains more opportunities; the latter gives up on rapid advancement, not even considering returning to the final stage someday.

Not everyone qualifies for the final act on the main stage.

If one cannot stand at the center of the stage, continuing the struggle has no meaning.

Sofia's awe-inspiring sword during the Battle of White Mountain cut not only through the White Mountain but also through the spirits of many Transcendents.

Their confidence shattered with a single slash, as they could never wield such a blade.

Without the prospect of scaling the peak, they might as well return home to enjoy life.

This self-destructive type of Transcendent accounted for more than a third of the total.

The Crow Sage, Cyrus, also chose to return to his homeland, but Roland knew he would not resort to despair. Instead, he opted to hold sway over his section, planning ahead, hoping for a decent showing on the eventual stage.

His earlier words were both an explanation and a kind of veiled apology.

After all, he had intent to kill Roland just a moment ago, even though it dissipated almost immediately.

Roland gave a slight smile, nodding to express understanding, "Mr. Cyrus, this matter is indeed my fault. Although I was traveling with Lisa, I should have informed you before passing through your territory."

Cyrus exhaled a long breath. Since Roland gave him a way out, he naturally accepted it with grace.

"Mr. Roland, you're too kind."

"Since it's a trip, may I offer you any assistance?"

As Roland wasn't here to stir up trouble, everything was easy to discuss, and a few more smiles appeared on Cyrus's face.

It wasn't false politeness; he genuinely wanted to entertain Roland well.

This was surely a distinguished guest.

Since Cyrus was willing, Roland naturally wouldn't refuse. He nodded and seriously said, "Mr. Cyrus, I enjoy being in the limelight, and I intend to give public speeches wherever I go. Would you be willing to provide this opportunity?"

Cyrus was stunned.

He had considered that Roland might ask for lodging, travel escorts, guides, or even travel expenses, but he hadn't expected Roland to request a platform for a speech.

He wouldn't reject such a request from someone else, but Roland's request left him feeling a bit uneasy.

"Mr. Roland, I really shouldn't refuse, but you should know, I am a Guardian of the Divine Court of Nature, and you are an Honorary Knight of the Divine Court of Light. Our identities are quite sensitive."

"If I wanted to give a speech in the Holy City or Holy Spring Square, would Christine agree?"

Cyrus's concerns were quite reasonable.

Religious followers are fanatical, and Roland's public speech could potentially lead to serious consequences. Even if no one caused trouble, Cyrus wouldn't want a heretic brazenly delivering a speech in the sacred land of the Divine Court of Nature.