Lord of the Truth

Chapter 2065 Two steps forward

”Hmmm, your approach with Lord Zaryon is completely different from how you handled Lord Damir,” Timari remarked, letting out a soft, deliberate whistle that lingered in the air, almost like a gentle echo of curiosity. ”Why is that?”

Robin leaned back slightly, fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair as he considered his words carefully. ”Damir is a straightforward enemy-he and his father. Ever since I plotted to swallow Sectors 99 and 100, I was destined to oppose both the Sorcerer and the Pure. And since the Cursed Darvion has maintained constant control over the Pure Kaylis, naturally he became my enemy as well... He is someone I must subdue with force, a person whose mere presence beside me is uncomfortable, and who would equally feel threatened witnessing my growing strength and influence. There is no room for negotiation-only containment and careful strategy.”

He gestured twice toward Zaryonʼs message on the screen, his fingers lingering in the air as if drawing invisible lines of emphasis. ”As for the Savage Behemothʼs empire, they are located far from me. Thereʼs no personal grudge or vendetta; we could coexist under the same sky without conflict... at least for the time being, while conditions are favorable!” His eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating. ”Furthermore, he has no reason to personally eliminate Hedrick, nor is there anything compelling him to remain in Sector 101 to suffer those catastrophic losses. His attention is fragmented, his objectives scattered.” ”He only desires to assist Darvion and destroy the sector before handing it over, viewing the Verillion Seed as a potentially valuable addition even though I am certain he lacks the means to relocate it from its current position. And this is precisely where opportunity lies.” Robin clapped his hands sharply, the sound echoing like a signal of intent. ”I can remove the Savage Behemothʼs empire entirely from the equation by offering them real, tangible benefits. This maneuver will not only relieve pressure on Hedrick and the Pure Kaylis, but it will also trap Darvion in an incredibly precarious position, forcing him to confront challenges from all sides.”

He let out a low, amused chuckle that seemed to vibrate through the room. ”The Cursed Darvion will remain fearful of the next moves from the Savage Behemoth. Heʼll worry that they will strike during their return, and he will attempt to intervene. But if he succeeds, he will fear a counterattack from the opposite side... he will be caught in a dangerous dilemma with no easy solution. Of course, that is if we manage to finalize an agreement~”

”Then why didnʼt you take this step earlier?” Timari asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and disbelief. ”This war has stretched across centuries, and yet you waited.”

Robinʼs gaze sharpened, a slight frown forming as he considered the weight of her question. ”...I do not like being the first to initiate negotiations. It places me in a position of weakness, where the other party can dictate terms and try to bend me to their will immediately. That is unacceptable.” He leaned forward slightly, emphasizing the point with his voice. ”They must approach me first, even subtly indicating that they do not wish for further conflict. Only then can I impose MY conditions, and those conditions will be so favorable, so overwhelmingly advantageous, that they could never have imagined them in their wildest dreams.”

He shrugged lightly, as if dismissing any doubts. ”Currently, thereʼs roughly a forty percent chance they will accept. If I had reached out to them first, that probability would be zero. They would have imposed impossible terms, speaking with the arrogance of a victor, or they might just laugh into my face. That is a posture I cannot, and will not, accept... Do you understand this?”

Timari exhaled softly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of awe, respect, and realization.

”What?” Robin asked, letting out a low chuckle.

”I... I donʼt know how to express it,” Timari murmured, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. ”But I have learned a great deal from observing you, particularly in matters of politics and strategy, both military and diplomatic. Your decisions, your timing... it is remarkable.”

”Ha! Iʼll accept that compliment,” Robin said, shaking his head with a faint grin, though the shadow of modesty lingered. ”Though I know it isnʼt entirely sincere. What we do here is childʼs play compared to what the Dreamer can accomplish.”

”Because it is childʼs play,” Timari replied, tilting her head thoughtfully, ”we do not concern ourselves with studying it in detail. Our power is immense- beyond the scale of conventional politics or standard military reasoning. There is no real threat here, no immediate danger. We are simply too strong to worry over such trifles. Hmm, I believe Lord Morval studied these things, at least.”

Robin raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ”Well... I can no longer determine if that was genuine praise or a subtle jab, so I will remain silent for now.” He gave a sheepish smile, softening the sharp edge of his voice. ”Now then... are there any unusual messages?”

”Many... far too many” Timari spread her hands wide, emphasizing the sheer volume in a theatrical motion. ”But they are all directed at Lord Human, the Promising Truth Chosen. Specific requests, carefully crafted appeals-nothing I think youʼd find relevant at the moment.” She laughed softly, the sound light but tinged with excitement. ”And believe me, if word spreads that you are the force behind the Sacred Covenant Academy, these messages will multiply several times over. They will come from every corner of the Soul Society, each more urgent than the last.”

”Oh?” Robin raised an eyebrow, a sly grin forming across his face. ”Why exactly would that happen?”

”The academy... is more interesting than some might expect.” Temari smiled, ”and the number of those wanting to enroll is very large, so much that even heirs of the Centennial Empires are currently being rejected.”

”It will become even more interesting by the end of today.” Robin chuckled.

”Oh, how?” Temari clapped her hands twice.

”Letʼs finish the first matter first, you might have to go when you hear the second one.” Robin waved, ”You heard me a moment ago, and now I will request it officially. I want to announce that I am ready to purchase planetary displacement equipment of grade two or higher at the price the owner asks. No need for auctions or bargaining. Anyone with equipment can send an offer and discuss the sale directly.”

He continued, ”I want you to direct these offers to Theo. He will see the price and grade and decide. If he accepts, you can deduct the payment directly from my account. I also want you to emphasize that the purchase and transfer of money will be completely secret to protect the sellerʼs secrets. He paused for a moment, then added, ”Can something like this be arranged?”

”Hmm,” Temari tapped her chin, ”I will need to speak with a few companions, and we will need to deduct some administrative costs from you for this to work. Honestly, setting up the announcement, transfer, and all of this can be called a special dedicated net, could cost you billions of Pearls to execute. But

it is possible, yes.”

”Thatʼs fine, deduct what you need, I just want that announcement public as soon as possible.” Robin waved casually.

”Will this really be useful?” Temari tilted her head. ”The offer is attractive and everything, but the number of people who will send sale requests will be very few. After all, planetary displacement equipment is among the most common planetary equipment but also among the hardest to purchase.”

”It doesnʼt really matter.” Robin gave a wide smile.

Robin only wants the world to know that he will buy a large quantity of displacement equipment at various levels. This is to eliminate the element of surprise when everyone sees the Nihari galaxy emerge from nothing.

Especially the Syndicate, who knows that this protected area was nearly empty less than a thousand years ago. They will be the most surprised by the sudden appearance of such a massive galaxy and will begin investigations.

The same goes for Intiras. Their galaxy continuously monitors the number of planets in that region through the gate built there. There must be an explanation when asked how thousands of additional planets appeared

suddenly.

Once Robin announces himself as the ruler of Nihari after its emergence, everyone will remember that he considered a massive amount of displacement equipment, and the surprise will be nullified. Any questions will be stopped before they even form.

Of course, he does not need to actually buy a single piece of planetary displacement equipment from this announcement. It does not matter whether

offers come in or not. All he has to do is make everyone think that he did. ”Hmm,” Temari thought for a moment. ”Since I will be publishing the announcement and preparing a special network anyway, I have a suggestion for

you.”