The Theocracy's system was highly unconventional.
Within the Theocracy, once someone rose above a certain rank, the higher their status, the less salary they received.
It was said this rule existed as a form of self-purification, a warning to those in power not to become people driven by greed.
Because of that, those who reached the highest rank, the Cleric Council, were almost always individuals willing to sacrifice themselves completely to protect the nation and its people.
On the other hand, if a low-ranking warrior managed to survive the battlefield and live until retirement, they could obtain enormous wealth and enjoy a life of luxury.
Naohara found it hard to say whether such a system was advanced or outdated.
But judging from the current situation, the advantages likely outweighed the disadvantages.
After all, the former Kingdom was the clearest example.
So Naohara was not surprised by the demands from the priests.
If they had agreed immediately, that would have been the truly strange outcome.
"Let's hear it."
Naohara's expression didn't change. His tone remained lazy and indifferent.
Seeing this, the assembled priests quietly let out a breath of relief.
Negotiating with someone on the same level as the Six Great Gods was undoubtedly dangerous.
Without understanding his personality, a single misstep could easily trigger serious trouble.
The priests had even considered the possibility that he might lose his temper and attack them.
But as mentioned earlier, those who became priests were almost always people prepared to sacrifice themselves to protect the nation and its citizens.
They would never accept someone's demands unconditionally out of fear.
Fortunately, the situation had not turned out so badly.
The Player before them was far easier to deal with than they had expected.
And this would determine the Theocracy's future stance toward the Sorcerer Kingdom.
Peaceful coexistence would be the best outcome.
After all, the war against the Eight Greed Kings had already exhausted most of the Theocracy's foundations.
The Six Great Gods had also left behind a warning.
Unless absolutely unavoidable, the Theocracy must do everything possible to avoid conflict with Players.
"Well… we hope the Theocracy and the Sorcerer Kingdom can maintain an alliance, deepening diplomatic ties and trade exchanges across various areas."
"And if the Theocracy falls into crisis, we hope your nation can extend a helping hand."
"Of course, we will provide sufficient compensation."
After organizing his thoughts, the Cardinal of Wind spoke.
This was the conclusion the priests had reached after careful deliberation.
The conditions sounded simple, but behind them lay many hidden considerations.
"Is that so?"
Under the tense gaze of the priests, Naohara stopped turning the Rubik's Cube in his hand. He rested his cheek against his palm and sank into thought.
The glass orb in his other hand was held between two fingers.
It looked as though it might shatter at any moment, releasing the "Catastrophe Dragon Lord" from its seal.
The sound of his fingers tapping against the table echoed repeatedly.
The air felt thick, almost like a viscous liquid, making it difficult for the priests to breathe as the pressure in their hearts continued to mount.
Just as cold sweat began forming on their foreheads, a voice finally broke the silence.
"Alright. I accept the conditions."
Naohara narrowed his eyes as he spoke slowly.
He had not figured out all of their intentions, but he had guessed part of them.
Experience truly made a difference.
The people before him might not be particularly strong, but their minds were certainly sharp. It was no surprise they had reached their current positions.
In just a few short sentences, they had hidden a whole series of traps.
If it had been Momonga, he probably would have agreed without even realizing it.
But Naohara did not mind.
The conditions proposed by the Theocracy were indeed beneficial to the Sorcerer Kingdom. Some of them even aligned with his own plans.
Zesshi Zetsumei and the True Dragon Lords?
Heh. If they really showed themselves, that would save him quite a bit of trouble.
"In that case, I'll be taking my leave."
"I'm still a bit curious about the Theocracy. You don't mind if I take a look around, do you?"
Naohara stood up and spoke.
"You must be joking. As an ally, the Theocracy welcomes your visit at any time."
The Head Priest of the Theocracy replied at once with a smile. It sounded polite, but it did not seem insincere.
For the Theocracy, earning the goodwill of a Player was certainly not a bad thing.
"Hmm. That said..."
"You... don't have anything you want to ask?"
Naohara stopped at the doorway and turned back, speaking in a strangely suggestive tone.
From his expression, it was clear there was something behind his words.
"...No."
At those words, the priests glanced briefly at the glass sphere in Naohara's hand, the one sealing the Catastrophe Dragon Lord.
Their expressions did not change at all. They simply smiled and shook their heads.
Seeing this, Naohara said nothing further.
Since the priests had no intention of bringing it up, there was no reason for him to push the issue.
After watching Naohara's figure disappear from sight, the priests turned to look at each other.
"The Black Scripture... Downfall of Castle and Country..."
After a moment of silence, the priests sighed. Then they forcibly suppressed a certain suspicion that had surfaced in their minds.
In midair, a scroll silently ignited, eventually burning into ash that slowly drifted away.
...
In the corridor, Naohara walked forward at an unhurried pace.
At the same time, a shadow quietly emerged beside him, appearing out of nowhere.
"How did it go, Pandora?"
Naohara asked.
"My apologies, Naohara-sama. I found nothing."
Pandora's apologetic voice sounded beside his ear.
Even before they entered the Theocracy, Pandora had already transformed into one of the Supreme Beings, [Nishikienrai].
Using the special abilities of the Ninja class, he had secretly infiltrated the Theocracy.
Naohara had not forgotten the true purpose of coming here.
To confirm whether the Six Great Gods were truly dead.
To find out why the Captain of the Black Scripture had lost contact.
And to locate the World-Class Item hidden within the Theocracy.
If the opportunity presented itself, Naohara would not hesitate to seize the Theocracy's World-Class Item.
He had never considered himself a truly good person.
"In that case, start Plan B. Notify Clem and have her begin the operation."
Naohara gave the order immediately, his gaze lifting toward the ceiling.
For some reason, strengthened by the perception of a World Boss, he kept feeling as if something was secretly watching him from somewhere above.