Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1827 The Dark Messenger - Part 2 ”...It is precisely the truth.” ”....” The two Guardians exchanged a subtle, almost imperceptible glance, as if measuring each otherʼs thoughts, before turning back to the dark-skinned guest. Their smiles widened, revealing rows of polished, gleaming teeth that caught the dim light of the hall, a faint glint that made them seem both charming and dangerously composed. ”Ranther, tell me exactly which side are you on? Have you come here to provoke us even further against the Grave Centennial Empire?”

Ranther remained calm, yet there was a weight to his words. ”I am not foolish enough to try hiding something so obvious-not from masters of your experience and power, at least,” he said, his voice measured, deliberate. ”It is only natural for anyone to assume that the Grave Double Centennial Empire is backed by immense resources, expanding at a pace that could intimidate whoever. Your caution is justified; fear is a reasonable response to what you sce.” ”...” The two Guardians showed only a slight flicker of irritation, subtle but noticeable to the trained eye. Yet they said nothing. Were they afraid? Perhaps, but they masked it perfectly.

Any external force attempting to meddle in Mid Sector 99 without their consent would inevitably be forced awake from the illusions in which they lived. No one, under any circumstances, could act in Mid Sector 99 without their knowledge and explicit permission. No one.

Unfazed by the weight of their scrutiny, Ranther pressed on, his posture formal but his tone steady. ”The real question, gentlemen, is this: who is the hidden supporter behind all this, and what exactly are their intentions, correct?” ”Oh? Have you come here to reveal their identity, Ranther? That would indeed simplify matters,” said the winged, dark-skinned Guardian, tilting his head with faint amusement. ”Not entirely,” Ranther replied. ”It remains a secret, unfortunately. All I can say is that this entity-this individual-does not harbor any malice toward you, nor toward the sector itself. Quite the opposite. If you observe carefully, everything under their influence flourishes, grows stronger. Civilizations prosper, and the peopleʼs lives improve. There is order, growth, and stability.”

He gestured to himself briefly. ”Although it pains me to admit it, even my own empire, which we spent countless millions of years dismantling, has developed and strengthened within just a few decades. Despite being embroiled in several direct conflicts, my people now revere me for taking the necessary step to guide them toward progress.”

The two Guardians, however, seemed only mildly interested, their expressions calm, almost bored. Their focus was absolute-they were not easily swayed by emotion or argument. ”Let me be clear, gentlemen,” Ranther continued, leaning slightly forward, his voice carrying the gravity of his message. ”We do not cause disturbances that threaten the security of this sector, nor do we endanger you personally. Yes, our empire expands, but it brings prosperity and stability with it. Trade flourishes. Knowledge spreads. Advancement follows. So tell me, why would you seek to halt this progress?” ”...Furthermore,” Ranther continued, undeterred by their silence, ”our hidden supporter is not only incredibly wealthy, but also profoundly influential and widely respected. Their intention is to invest their accumulated power and resources into nurturing a loyal force-a force that grows, strengthens, and ultimately benefits all within its reach. Should you attempt to oppose them without cause, you would gain their enmity for no reason. Why invite unnecessary conflict?” ”.... ”...?!” A flicker of impatience crossed Rantherʼs face. ”Can either of you respond? Surely some words are due!” ”Get to the point, Ranther. Spare us the rhetoric,” one of the Guardians said, his voice calm but edged with authority. ”Why are you here? We granted you the time for your insights and knowledge- use it wisely.”

Ranther clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to curse. These two elders never truly paid attention to what anyone said. Their confidence in their own supremacy within the sector, combined with their faith in the might of the Millennium Eternal Chaos Empire, made meaningful discussion nearly impossible. Their minds were like iron, rigid and unyielding, and the very concept of a threat existing in Mid Sector 99 was inconceivable to them. For them, everything was reduced to honor, respect, and appearances. Nothing else mattered.

This, precisely, was why they refused to meet with Aro, despite his repeated requests. Yet they agreed to see Ranther. In their eyes, Aro was a newcomer, inexperienced and unworthy of their attention. Ranther, by contrast, was a seasoned presence in the sector, someone with history and weight-they deemed him worthy of an audience, even though Aro held a higher rank. ”Very well, then. I will speak plainly,” Ranther said, nodding. ”The Grave Double Centennial Empire requests the avoidance of any conflict with you. In exchange, we will strengthen our commercial relations and trade agreements, ensuring mutual benefit and stability.” ”Hmmm? Trade relations?” one of them asked, his tone flat, laced with boredom, as if the concept of commerce itself was mundane to him.

The other Guardian, seated slightly higher on the throne, gave a small nod. ”Our trade has been stable lately. Thereʼs no need to reinforce or change anything. Everything is in balance as it should be.”

Ranther allowed a faint, measured smile to appear on his face, though it carried the weight of confidence and subtle authority. ”Your Majesties, perhaps you do not fully realize the current dynamics,” he began, pacing slightly to maintain a commanding presence. ”Due to the recent waves of war across the sectors, all empires have shifted their focus almost entirely to military acquisitions and forging new alliances. The usual products of the Millennium Eternal Chaos Empire-items that cultivate familiarity, awaken latent talents, and develop skills-are no longer in high demand in the markets. Everyone is distracted by arms and battles, leaving little room for innovation or cultural development.”

He paused briefly to gauge their reaction, then continued, his tone rising slightly in urgency, yet carefully respectful. ”However, in the Grave Double Centennial Empire, we refused to follow that pattern. Instead, we deliberately sought out and acquired your empireʼs products both directly and indirectly. Even without formal contracts, we are now the largest consumers of your works, accounting for over 90% of the sales. Every shipment, every market, every corner where your creations circulate-we are there, ensuring they reach the people who can utilize them to their fullest potential.” ”.....” The Guardians exchanged a subtle glance, their brows knitting together ever so slightly. ”Some might call this economic pressure... manipulation. Dangerous behavior...”

Ranther raised both hands in a measured gesture of calm, as though physically holding back the weight of the accusation. ”I call it support, assistance in times of need, and the fostering of mutual benefit. The Grave Double Centennial Empire seeks not merely to consume for quantityʼs sake but to amplify the value of what we acquire, we seek Triple the normal amount. Our youth, our future generations, will employ your remarkable creations to awaken their latent abilities, refine their skills, and integrate the lessons embedded within your works. What is this if not a method to strengthen ties and promote growth?” ”.....Triple the amount?” The first Guardian turned to his counterpart with a questioning glance. ”Can such a figure truly be sustained?” ”Absolutely,” Ranther replied firmly. ”for now, it is merely 180 million pearls annually. We could increase it fivefold if your Majesties possess the capacity. Through this, we all benefit-your empire gains a steady and reliable demand, and we awaken our peopleʼs potential, creating a prosperous cycle for all parties. Not only that, we will provide the Millennium Eternal Chaos Empire with a full, comprehensive catalog of our very special products. You may select freely from what we offer-no restrictions, no limitations. Every item, every innovation, fully at your disposal.” ”Hmmm?” The Guardian on the left hummed thoughtfully, his voice low as he considered the proposition for a moment. ”So this is how you entice more wings to join your cause, to expand your influence?” ”Precisely,” Ranther said, opening his hands in an earnest, almost pleading gesture, though a tightness lingered in his posture. ”The Grave Double Centennial Empire does not seek war. Our intentions are purely peace and commerce. Shall we reach an accord, sirs? Together, we can set aside the weapons and march forward into a new era of trade and prosperity. A future where coffers overflow without bloodshed, where markets thrive without ruin, and where relations flourish without conflict.” ”.....” The two Guardians exchanged a long, silent gaze, each reading the other for signs of compromise, weighing the proposal with the patience of ages. Finally, the Guardian on the right leaned forward slightly, fixing Ranther with a gaze sharp as steel. ”Ranther, we will not permit that individual in Mid Sector 98 to enter our domain. Dealing with him is... exceptionally unpleasant. That is our non-negotiable red line.” ”We are in agreement, then,” Ranther responded firmly, waving his hand with decisive authority. ”The Behemoth in Mid Sector 98 will not concern us. Do we have an agreement?” ”...We have an agreement.” Both Guardians nodded simultaneously, their movements synchronized as if rehearsed over centuries. ”But remember- fivefold. Do you understand? Hehe.” ”Hooh-” Ranther placed a hand dramatically over his heart, feeling a surge of relief and accomplishment. For the first time, his smile was pure, unburdened, and triumphant.

Marshal Aro had sent him with an enormous bundle of funds and incentives, carefully designed to convince the Guardians to reconsider their initial position. He had not anticipated that they would agree on the first attempt- but here they were.

Fivefold? Even tenfold would not matter. The power of Chaos, wielded wisely, was an unmatched tool for awakening hidden talents across his empire. And Marshal Aro, pragmatic as always, would never object to acquiring large quantities of these invaluable products.

Hmm~

At that exact moment, a faint glow flickered across the bracelet on the wrist of the first Guardian, subtle yet unmistakable. It drew the attention of the second Guardian immediately. ”A direct message?” the second Guardian asked, curious, leaning forward slightly. ”That rarely occurs.”

The first Guardian remained silent, his eyebrows furrowed, eyes narrowing sharply as they bore into Ranther. His gaze radiated barely concealed anger. ”You... were negotiating with us here, while the Grave Centennial Empire launched a full-scale assault on the Millennium Holva Empire?!”